Step Four: Storing and Handling High-Temperature Wire and Cable

Following proper storage and handling techniques for high-temperature wire and cable can save you from costly mistakes.

Storage tips:

• Protect the cable from moisture and dampness.Once the factory wrapping has been removed, place unused or surplus cable in plastic bags if you have smaller reels, or seal the cable ends with electrical tape and cover the partial reels with shrink-wrap or plastic. Even if a cable has a built-in moisture barrier, water may be pulled into a conduit or enclosure along with the cable, causing problems later. This is especially true when using conduit seals for hazardous areas in accordance with NEC Article 501. If the cable contains moisture when it is pulled into the conduit and sealed, the moisture will evaporate when heated by the sun or a rise in ambient temperature. But when the conduit cools and the moisture condenses, the amount of moisture may be substantial enough to cause cable failure and require subsequent replacement costs.

• Isolate the cable from physical damage.Cable should be stored off the ground in an area where contact with vehicles, falling debris, or other hazards are eliminated. Care should be taken to prevent the flanges of adjacent reels from rolling against the unprotected face of the cable on each reel. The cardboard wrap provided from the factory or similar protection is an effective solution to this hazard.

• Store cable reels standing upright on their flanges.This will prevent settling of adjacent wraps of cable upon the reel and will prevent tangling when the cable is unwound from the reel.

  Handling tips:

• Do not drop a full reel of cable from any substantial height.A significant drop, such as off the tailgate of a truck, will probably break or crush the reel hub, making it very difficult to remove the cable from the reel without damaging the cable.

• Examine the reel for nails, weathering, or damage before placing it on a pulling stand.If you do not check the reel, you might snag or puncture the cable insulation. It's possible to detect any hidden damage to the reel hub by rolling the reel a couple of revolutions.

• Wear protective clothing.Remember to wear gloves, long sleeves, goggles, and a dust mask when handling high-temperature wire and cable since some insulation materials may cause skin irritation.