When wiring, you often have to deal with soft wiring. It can be made of durable wear-resistant material, but flexible fibers will not allow you to easily draw a line in difficult conditions with obstacles. The way out can be a broach for wires and cables, which acts as a kind of rigid rod and makes it possible to mount in parallel with pushing the circuit.
Broach Overview
In fact, this is a tool used in the process of electrical operations. By itself, it does not act as an element of the communication infrastructure, therefore, even during operation, it does not in any way affect the quality of the laid line. The task of broaching is only in the direction of the target cable to the destination - as a rule, experts of Internet providers who deal with flexible twisted pair cable use this technique. In practice, broaching for wires and cables can be implemented using improvised means. Again, the main goal is to provide rigidity in the conduct of the power line. True, improvised devices are rarely useful when it comes to long channels of several tens of meters. Accordingly, it is necessary to correctly approach the choice of a broaching tool from the existing assortment.
Main characteristics
In the market, the material is represented by bays with different characteristics. The main parameter when choosing should be the mentioned length, since its lack will make the device useless. The bays can have a range in this value from 5 to 70 m. This is an average corridor, as there are also non-standard sizes. As for the diameter, it averages 3-6 mm. The optimal combination of characteristics that a standard broach for wires and cables possesses is 50 meters with a diameter of 3.5 mm. This format is suitable for most professional work operations, and for domestic wiring. True, at home, they often cost 10–20 m in length, and in factories and in industry, the use of a high-strength thick broach with a thickness of at least 5 mm is often required. But it already depends on the specific conditions of the work.
Features of steel broaches
An important characteristic is the material of the manufacture of broaches, which in many respects determines its working properties. In this case, the steel fixture is considered as a universal option for different purposes. Such broaches are usually a wire or tape product with optimal stiffness. Often the rod is packed in a nylon shell, which gives the surface sufficient glide. In this case, the base retains its elasticity necessary to overcome the barriers. It is important to note the property of longitudinal flexibility, which has such a broach for wires and cables. The steel tape base just provides this effect, thanks to which the master can easily overcome bends on the way to the place of fixation, but at the same time maintain steadiness in other directions. This, for example, cannot be achieved when working with fiberglass or fully nylon broaches. However, products from other materials also deserve attention.
Broaches from other materials
Fiberglass models are also attractive in their special qualities. For example, modern plastic provides a high degree of rigidity. This allows not only to draw a line to the desired point, but also, if necessary, to push mud accumulations in problem areas. At the same time, the original structure of the plastic is preserved. Elasticity of the same level, for example, lacks a metal broach for wires and cables. Thanks to this quality, fiberglass is not deformed and confidently adheres to the prescribed course when laying. But there is a significant minus for such broaches - with large loads on the bend, they break.
It is also worth noting the use of auxiliary materials that optimize the quality of the broach. Nylon has already been mentioned, but in some cases it may be necessary to include tear-resistant components in the structure, thanks to which the broach itself for wires and cables is also strengthened. Kevlar and its fibers can be the optimal solution of this type. For this reason, it is often used as part of the braid sheath and protective corrugation for wiring.
Broaching Aids
In addition to the materials included in the broach structure, it is worth noting the importance of additional accessories, which also increase the efficiency of the workflow. For example, among them, tips, probes, notches, loops, etc. can be distinguished. A rather interesting device is a special roller, with the help of which a broach for wires and cables is conveniently carried out. Wiring in this case is realized due to translational movements using winch efforts. There are hydraulic, mechanical and electrical devices that can even pull over long distances automatically. An even more technological solution may be to use a receiver that detects the presence of objects in the path of the roller. Based on the analysis, the device gives the appropriate command to bypass the winch equipment.
Manufacturers
Almost all manufacturers involved in the production of electrical equipment offer cable broaches. Among domestic manufacturers, one can distinguish Elix-Cable products, which are distinguished by an attractive price tag and good technical characteristics. But if you need a broach for wires and cables in the professional sphere, then it is better to turn to eminent world brands of the Estiare and Rexant level. Products from these manufacturers are renowned for their balanced performance and wide range of accessory accessories.
Conclusion
Using a broach gives the electrician a ton of advantages. With such equipment, it is possible to realize a gasket in a minimum time without damaging the same twisted pair. In addition, the broach for wires and cables can organically be included in the corrugated shell. In this case, her responsibility in overcoming obstacles increases, so you should stock up on suitable size tips in advance and calculate the parameters of the base itself. After completion of work activities, it is worth excluding the broach from the line, especially if it is made of metal.