Kabelmängd

Kabelmängd, literally "cable quantity" in Swedish, is a planning concept used to estimate the total length of cables required for an electrical or data installation. It covers all conductors that will be installed along routes, including power, data, control, and communication cables, as well as slack lengths, pull-through allowances, and contingencies. The measurement is typically expressed in meters or kilometers.

Calculation starts from the design drawings or route plans. The length is the sum of each cable run between equipment enclosures, switchgear, distribution boards, and outlets, including lengths that traverse conduits, trays, and cable ducts. Additional allowances are added for slack, future expansion, splices, and maintenance access. For fiber and Ethernet cables, bend radii and number of transitions between routes are considered, as excessive bending can increase the required length or risk damage.

Factors affecting kabelmängd include route complexity (stairs, corners, vertical runs), the chosen installation method (in-wall, conduit, tray), environmental conditions, permissible slack, and safety or code requirements. Temperature, voltage drop, and current-carrying capacity can influence cable size and quantity indirectly, since longer runs or higher loads may necessitate parallel cables or larger cross-sections.

In project management, kabelmängd informs procurement, budgeting, and logistics. Accurate estimates reduce waste and ensure that spare length is available for maintenance or future changes. See also cable routing, conductor sizing, and wiring standards.