Building Resilient Networks: The Importance of Weatherproof Cables in the UK

When it comes to building resilient networks, weatherproof cables are a crucial part of this. Especially in a country like the UK, where the weather conditions can be unpredictable, it’s important to know that you can rely on the cables that are in place. The only way to ensure this is to use cables that are designed to withstand a range of different weather conditions and remain effective.

Why are weatherproof cables important in the UK?

The UK is known for its rainfall, which can be heavy almost all year round. Water damage can be catastrophic for cables, so it’s vital to ensure that cables in place for outdoor use can survive these conditions. However, it’s not just rain that can be problematic for resilient networks in the UK. Rising summer temperatures are also dangerous for cabling and high winds and stormy conditions too can incur serious damage on cabled networks.

What are weatherproof cables?

They are cables that have been designed to survive the kinds of conditions that can arise in an outdoor environment. This makes them very different to cables for use in more sheltered or protected conditions. Weatherproof cables are resistant to a whole range of weather conditions, including water and extreme temperatures and exposure to UV light and ozone in the atmosphere. They must also be able to withstand coming into contact with anything else in an external environment, whether that is animals and insects or machinery and equipment.

Do weatherproof cables require protection?

There are lots of different types of weatherproof cables and not all of them are suitable for outdoor use without some degree of protection. Those cables that need protection can be placed in a metal conduit, plastic ducting or steel wire armouring where they are directly buried. There are always ways to make cables work in any environment but it’s essential to ensure you know what the demands of that environment are likely to be – and what the options are when it comes to cables.

What about unprotected outdoor cables?

Weatherproof cables will need to meet certain standards to achieve this label. So they will need to be able to exist within the usual ambient temperature range and for this not to disrupt the way the cable functions. They must also be able to resist the effects of UV light, ozone and water. Many outdoor weatherproof cables are made from materials that are designed to achieve exactly this effect, including Ethylene propylene rubber, Polychloroprene and Fluorocarbon. Materials such as PVC and Polyethylene can also be made more weather resistant by adding certain stabilisers or additives.

Cables are a key component in building resilient networks across the UK. Working with weatherproof cables is vital in this kind of environment, where stress on a cable can range from rising heat to excessive water. Choosing the right cabling can make all the difference to how these networks perform, and, as a leading UK manufacturer, GEM Cable Solutions provides total cable solutions. To enquire about our flexible package of bespoke services and products, you can call us on 01727 617700 or head to our contact page at https://www.gemcable.co.uk/contact/