Understanding Cable Bridges: Best Practices and Our Options
Cable bridges are essential for managing and protecting cables and pipes in various industrial settings, including mining. They help prevent damage to cables, cords and pipes from vehicles that may drive over them, maintaining operational efficiency and safety.
At Venture Plastics Distributors, we offer a range of cable bridges tailored to different needs, ensuring you have the right solution for your specific applications. In this post we’ll explore the differences in our cable bridges, how to use them correctly, as well as the best practices for their application.
Types of Cable Bridges
We have three different types of cable bridges designed specifically for mining operations and construction sites. All of our heavy-duty cable bridges can accommodate large cables, such as the 110 OD core cable.
Single Cable Bridges: These are commonly found at open cast mines and ideal for lighter, smaller-scale applications where only one cable or pipe needs protection.
They provide a lightweight permanent solution for routing cables across walkways or minor obstacles, ensuring cables remain undamaged and reducing trip hazards. Our single cable bridges provide protection from vehicles that weigh up to 100 tons.
Bakkie Cable Bridges: Perfect for mobile and temporary solutions, our bakkie cable bridges are compact and easy to deploy. They are designed to be carried in vehicles, providing quick and efficient cable protection as they can easily be placed and removed as you travel.
These bridges are particularly useful for field operations where cable management needs can change rapidly, ensuring you are always prepared to protect your cables. They have the capacity to be used for bakkies and 10 ton trucks.
Double Cable Bridges: Designed for more extensive cable management needs, double cable bridges can also be found in several mining and construction environments. As the name suggests, these cable bridges can accommodate two cables or pipes.
While these cable bridges are portable and lightweight, because of their size they do offer a more permanent solution. Moreover, thanks to their increased strength and capacity, our double cable bridges are suitable for use in more demanding environments such as industrial sites or construction zones where robust cable protection is required, as they can be used for 350+ton trucks.
Getting The Most Out of Your Cable Bridges
To maximise the effectiveness and longevity of your cable bridges, it’s essential to follow the best practices for their use to get the most out of the product:
- Proper Installation: Ensure your cable bridges are installed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. This includes securing them firmly in place and not exceeding the intended capacity of the cable bridge. Moreover, it is important to ensure that the cables fit comfortably into the grooves of the chosen cable bridge. If not, opt for a cable bridge that is more appropriately sized.
- Regular Maintenance: Inspect cable bridges regularly for signs of wear and tear. Replace any damaged bridges promptly to maintain safety and functionality.
- Appropriate Sizing: Use cable bridges that are appropriately sized for the cables they are protecting. Exceeding a cable bridge’s maximum capacity can cause damage and reduce its lifespan.
Best Practices in Mining Applications
Open-cast mining environments present unique challenges that require specific considerations when it comes to cable management. Here are some best practices tailored to mining:
- Colour Coding: In mining operations, cable bridges can be colour-coded to match specific sections of the mine. Venture Plastics Distributors is able to provide cable bridges in the colours required by your mine. This will assist in enhancing organisational and operational efficiency and highlight which cable bridges are assigned to which work zone and team
- Flame-Retardant Materials: It is critical to use flame-retardant cable bridges in underground mines. These cable bridges help prevent the spread of fire, providing an additional layer of safety in high-risk environments. This is especially important for older mines that still have electric cables running through them.
- Flexibility and Mobility: Cable bridges can serve as either permanent or temporary solutions. In mining operations, temporary cable bridges can be conveniently kept in vehicles for quick deployment when needed. This degree of flexibility ensures that cable management issues can be addressed promptly, thereby maintaining operational continuity.
At Venture Plastics Distributors, we understand the important role cable bridges play in various industrial settings, including open-cast mines. By offering the sector a range of cable bridge options, we ensure that you have the right solution for your needs. Furthermore, following best practices for installation, maintenance, and application can significantly enhance the performance and safety of your cable management systems. Choose the right cable bridge for your needs and ensure your operations run smoothly and safely.
