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Causes of Winter Damage to Wires and Cables and Preventive Measures

2022-09-29

During the harsh winter cold, many construction workers installing wires and cables often notice that even high-quality cable products frequently exhibit issues such as stiffened wire strands or damaged, peeling insulation. Believing these problems stem from defects in the cables themselves, construction teams sometimes blame the product quality—yet cable manufacturers insist their items have already passed rigorous factory inspections and are fully compliant. This discrepancy often leads to misunderstandings between the two parties.

During the harsh winter months, many construction workers installing and laying electrical wires and cables often notice that even high-quality cable products frequently exhibit issues such as stiffened wire strands or damaged, peeling insulation. Believing these problems indicate inherent quality defects in the cables themselves, construction teams may raise concerns. Meanwhile, cable manufacturers insist that their products have already passed rigorous factory inspections and are fully compliant—leading to frequent misunderstandings between the two parties.

Actually, the issue isn’t with the product’s quality itself—it’s caused by the extreme cold of winter. Most wire and cable products have outer jackets made from common plastics (like PVC) or rubber, which become rigid when exposed to temperatures below zero. As a result, the entire cable line stiffens and loses its flexibility, making the jacket brittle and prone to peeling or damage even under minimal external pressure. In winter, especially in northern regions where outdoor temperatures often plummet below freezing—and sometimes even lower near the ground—exposing wire and cable products directly to the elements or placing them on the ground surface can easily lead to jacket deterioration and detachment. So, how can we prevent this problem during the colder months?

Take the following measures at each stage:

1. Factory-to-Transportation: When loading products onto transport vehicles at the factory, it’s essential to implement warming and protective measures. For instance, use enclosed transport vehicles to prevent the products from being directly exposed; place a soft cushion—such as bedding or other flexible foam—between the items and the vehicle surface; handle products with care during loading, avoiding rough handling, and ensuring they are not bent excessively.

2. Upon arriving at the destination or construction site, it is advisable for the product supplier to assign personnel to oversee operations and prevent any rough handling during unloading.

3. Storage: It’s best to store the product indoors, and before placing it directly on the storage surface, lay down a protective layer—such as wooden boards, blankets, foam, or similar materials—to prevent the product from freezing or getting damp. Also, ensure the product doesn’t come into direct contact with the ground, which could scratch the insulation of wires and cables. Handle with care during storage.

4. When laying and installing the product: It’s best to work during the warmer afternoon hours. If possible, use a heater or similar device to "warm up" the product beforehand, ensuring it reaches its optimal performance level. For underground installations, consider laying down a protective layer—such as fabric or foam—inside the cable trench in advance. In cases where cables are run through conduits, make sure both the inside and outside of the conduit are smooth to prevent scratching the wires.

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