Our Voltimum Experts answer your questions on a daily basis in our Technical Expertise area. This first Question of the Day, on MV and LV cables & accessories - how long is the lifespan of twin and earth cable, is answered by BASEC:
Question: Can you please advise on the expected lifespan for twin and earth cable?
Answer: The lifespan of any cable depends on the conditions it is situated in and the loading it suffers.
Most manufacturers will state figures of around 25 years on average, but it is known that some well-installed and lightly loaded systems may last 50 years.
The risk factors for reducing cable life span include the following:
- Damp conditions.
- UV light, such as sunlight.
- Hot conditions.
- Running the cable hot - fully loaded - for long periods.
- Frequent changes of accessories (this practise degrades the cable ends).
And, of course, if any counterfeit or sub-standard cable has been used, apart from being potentially dangerous, it's life will usually be far shorter than for the correct proper quality cable.
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www.voltimum.co.uk/consult.php?universe=consult.index.questions