With winter starting and cooler months looming, it means extra strain on the cable and various components. Cold temperatures unfortunately that come with winter weather can impact the effectiveness of some cables. It’s important to prepare for cold temperatures and atmosphere changes to ensure reliable operations.

Read below to learn more about how winter weather can impact an installation and how to prepare for any seasonal change.

Avoid Static Electricity

The lack of moisture in the air during winter tends to create more static electricity. Electricity and Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage computer components and blow fuses. Static electricity can create problems with electrical equipment due to the build-up of plastic surfaces. Facilities that contain lots of wire and cabling such as data centers, should abide by suitable humidity ranges to protect from static.

Proper Installations

Chilly temperatures can greatly impact a wire and cable installation. Before installation, cables should be kept indoors in a temperature-controlled facility one day before installing into a cold location. After taking a cable out of the controlled environment, make sure not to overwork or drop during an installation. By taking the necessary precautions you can avoid issues and your cable will be to effectively withstand harsher temperatures.

Choose the Correct Products

Lower temperatures can affect metal by causing them to become brittle. Colder weather, therefore, makes it difficult for cables to withstand excessive bending and impact. Severe expansion, contraction or vibration could calls materials to fracture. Plastics can also reach the same way to colder temperatures. When choosing cables it’s important to make sure the cabling components are made from materials that will withstand temperature and weather changes.

Having an understanding of your Local Climate

It’s best to research your territory's climate to learn what temperature changes in your areas you can expect during the winter months. There are certain properties in materials used in various electrical equipment that can be affected by low temperatures. Also, those cables or components that are damaged could become unsafe or even unusable. Reviewing the manufacturer’s instructions and learning electrical code requirements can ensure that any installation remains compliant.

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