Elevator Cable Complete Buying Guide
Other factors to Consider When Buying Elevator Cable
What is the price of elevator cable
1 What is Elevator Cable?-Definition
Simply defined, an elevator cable is a type of cable that is designed for supplying power and controlling the elevator. The cable is also used for the transmission of mechanical power which is used to control the operation of the elevators and even cranes.
In terms of the physique, an elevator cable comprises of several strands of metal wires which are twisted to form a rope-like structure. The large diameter of the cable is made of several strands of metal wires.
Although elevator cable seems like an innovative product or idea, there is a rich history behind it. These cables were developed to replace the wrought iron chains which were known for their catastrophic failures.
Initially, elevator cables were used for mining applications. They then diversified into other applications such as elevators and even cranes.
Elevator cables have undergone a series of improvements to make them more effective in their respective areas of applications whether it is for power supply or control. They are not only stronger but are also reliable.
2. Structure and Construction of Elevator Cable
To have a proper understanding of the elevator cable, let’s look at the structure and components of the elevator cable and how it is constructed.
The key components that make up an elevator cable are:
-Steel wires: The cable comprises of steel wires that are laced with a small percentage of carbon. Steel wire is chosen because of is strength and high tensile resistance.
-Strands: The strands are different layers of wires that cross each other in a particular pattern. There are different layers of strands and they enhance the flexibility of the cable.
-The core: A typical cable has a metal core that is normally surrounded by the stranded It plays a supporting role whereby it holds all the other components.
-The coating: An elevator cable should have a coating that plays a protective role. It protects from chemicals, water and other elements that can cause physical damage to the cable.
3. Characteristics of Elevator Cable
Now that you know what elevator cable is and where it is used, let’s look at its key features. It is the characteristics that define the performance and functionality of the elevator cable.
(i) High tensile strength
These cables have a high resistance to breaking even when undergoing high tension. The cables cannot deform or even snap when subjected to extreme force.
Since elevator cables are subjected to extreme mechanical forces while at the same time haul different loads, they need to have high tensile strength.
(ii) High crushing strength
Any elevator cable needs to have high crushing strength. This is the ability of the cable to resist squeezing and compressive forces which are exerted on the cross-section area of the cable.
This feature comes in handy when the load runs over the rollers, sheaves and hoist drums hence distorting their surfaces. Different elevator cables lays have different levels of crushing strength.
(iii) Abrasion resistance
Elevator cables are known for having high abrasion resistance. This is the ability of the cable to resist gradual wear and tear. Most cables tend to wear away when subjected to intense mechanical force as the cable runs across the hoist drums and sheaves. The rate of the abrasion may vary depending on the running speed and the load.
The abrasion resistance of the elevator cable will vary depending on the grade of the cable. Those made of high-quality metals tend to be less affected by abrasion than those made of low-quality metals.
In general, elevator cables have large wires on their strands and this helps to minimize the level of abrasion on them.
(iv) Corrosion resistance
For a cable to be used for the elevator, it must be resistant to corrosion. This is the ability of the cable to resist dissolution which can be caused by various factors such as chemicals and water.
Since elevators are used in different places, you cannot be very sure about the presence of water or chemicals. Some are even used in chemical processing industries hence are likely to be affected by the presence of chemicals.
Corrosion resistance feature of the elevator cable is enabled by various factors such as being galvanized, lubricating dressing and application of special dressings.
(v) High fatigue resistance
An elevator cable should have high fatigue resistance. This is the ability of the cable to bed repeatedly when subjected to immense pressure or force. For the case of the elevator, this happens when the cable passes through a sheave.
Elevator cables tend to have high fatigue resistance because they comprise of many small wires that are joined to form one cable. This improves their ability to bend as the cable passes through sheaves
(vi) High flexibility
Elevator cables tend to be easily flexible and most people say they are bendable. This is the ability of the cable to bend easily in case there is an arc. The structure of the elevator ropes is responsible for their flexibility character.
The flexibility of the cable starts with its copper conductors. The conductor forms several strands hence minimizing the strain that could have been applied on a single copper wire.
(vii) High stability
The stability of the elevator cable refers to the ability of the tabletop to remain intact regardless of the constant movement of the elevator.
4. Elevator Cable Configurations: Flat vs Round
Image of round elevator cable
There are two main configurations of elevator cables. These are the round configuration and the flat configuration.
The round configuration of elevator cable comprises several strands of an insulated conductor that surround the central core conductor.
The number of conductors in the round configuration can be as many as 120. The good thing about round cable is the high level of flexibility that it provides.
The flat configuration is another type of elevator cable that you may consider buying. This configuration is further divided into parallel flat and unitized flat.
Parallel flat cable is constructed by laying components of the cable side by side.
On the other hand, the unitized configuration is formed by laying components in parallel but covered by a single sheath.
When it comes to choosing round vs flat elevator cable, your choice will be determined by the specific area of application.
5. How to Order for the Best Elevator Cable
Let’s say you have already found a reliable elevator cable manufacturer in China. The next step is placing an order.
As simple as it may sound, making a mistake at this stage can ruin everything. Do you want everything to go on your way? Follow the following steps for ordering the best elevator cable:
Step 1: The conductor of the cable. Whether you are planning to replace the elevator cables or you are buying for a new elevator, you must find out the type of conductor that has been used on the cable. In most cases, it is the copper conductor. Copper is preferred due to its excellent physical and electrical properties.
Step 2: Find the power capacity of the cable: Elevator cables for sale are rated depending on the power capacities. Some are rated 600V while others 1000V. So the power capacity of the cable that you choose will depend on your specific application.
Step 3: Measure the diameter of the elevator cable: The size of the elevator cable that you are buying should fit into the elevator. You can use a measuring tool such as the vernier calipers to determine the diameter of the cable.
Step 4: Find out the stranding and construction of the elevator cable: Stranding is the number of strands that are in the elevator cable. You should also find out the number of wires that are in each strand.
For instance, an 8-strand cable that has 19 wires per strand is denoted by 8×19 stranding. You can check the shackles to ascertain the stranding.
When it comes to the elevator cable construction, you have to choose one from the three different options. These are Seale, Warrington and Fillwire wire constructions
Step 6: Find out the tensile strength and grade of the cable: Elevator cables have different tensile strength and are of different grades.
The main grades of the elevator cable are Iron, Traction and Extra High Strength Traction (EHST) cables. Your choice of cable grade will depend on the application of the elevator cable.
For instance, iron elevator cable is mainly used on hoists, compensating and governor applications.
On the other hand, Extra High Strength Traction ( EHST) is mainly used for high-speed and high rise hoisting conditions.
6. Other Factors to Consider When Buying Elevator Cable
-The coating on the cable: Elevator cables come in different coatings. However, some are uncoated. The main purpose of the coating is to protect the cable against elements of weather. The galvanized coating can be used to guard the cable against corrosion.
-Preforming: You should check whether the cables have undergone a preforming process. This is whereby the strands of the cable are designed into spirals to increase their service life. Preforming also makes the elevator cables easy to handle.
-Cable Stretch: When buying an elevator cable, there are two main types of stretches that you should look at. These are the elastic stretches and constructional stretch.
Elastic stretch is whereby there is an increase in cable length because of the load. This means that the heavier the load, the more the stretch.
Constructional stretch is an increase in the length of the rope due to the compression of the core and even the strand when a load is connected to the cable.
In general, different cables have different stretch characteristics.
-Compact feature: You should also look at the compacting characteristics of the elevator cable. By being compact, it means that the strands of the cable will have a higher resistance to bend. They will not bend easily regardless of the load. Compact strands also tend to have a longer service life.
7. What is the Torsional Balance of the Elevator Cable?
Torsional balance is a unique feature of the elevator cable that enables it to untwist or turn when it is under a load so as to resume its original position when the elevators are unloaded.
Elevator cables that have high torsional balance tend to generate vibrations when the elevator is in motion. Too much vibration can interfere with the transfer of the electric current.
Torsion force in elevator cable is usually minimized by the use of strands. Also, how you handle the cable will end up affecting its strand wire.
7. What is the Price of the Elevator Cable?
As a buyer, your ultimate goal is to buy affordable elevator cables in China. So, you need to find out the price of these cables.
There is no universal or fixed price of the elevator cable. Instead, the prices vary depending on several factors.
One of the factors that determine the cost of elevator wire rope is the specifications. Since these cables have different specifications, you will pay for what you get. If the cable has superior specifications, you will end up paying a high price tag for it. The reverse is true for cables that have inferior specifications.
Your choice of the elevator cable manufacturer in China will also determine the price that you will pay for the cable. Some manufacturers sell at reasonable prices while others exaggerate the prices of the cables. For instance, we at the SSG Cable group are known for manufacturing and supplying affordable elevator cables.
SSG Cable Group
Are you looking for affordable and quality elevator cable for sale? Look no more. Just contact the SSG Cable group. We are a reliable and reputable elevator cable manufacturer in China.
We manufacture and supply quality elevator cables both for power and for control. Our team of technicians uses high-tech equipment to get the job done. We are driven by a strong desire to satisfy the needs of our customers
Importing elevator cable in China shouldn’t be a hard task. Just contact us and we will help you to get them.
North XLPE cable manufacturing base covers 7,000.00sqm, owns over 20 most advanced XLPE cable production lines. Mainly supply low voltage power cable and building cables. SSG is the No.1 wire and cable manufacturer in China.