Kabelslitage

Kabelslitage, or cable wear, refers to the progressive deterioration of electrical cables and their insulation over time. It results from a combination of mechanical stress, thermal aging, moisture and chemical exposure, electrical loading, and environmental conditions. Cables in continuous flexing, subject to vibration, or installed with excessive bending are particularly prone to wear.

Common forms of damage include insulation cracking, conductor insulation breakdown, moisture ingress, corrosion of conductors or shielding, damaged terminations, and degraded shielding. Mechanical wear often presents as surface abrasion or shear at supports and entry points, while thermal aging can make insulation brittle or soft and reduce its dielectric strength. Outdoor or exposed cables may suffer from UV degradation and weathering; chemicals and oils can swell or weaken insulation.

The consequences of kabelslitage range from increased insulation resistance loss and leakage currents to hotspots, arcing, short circuits, and a higher fire risk. Equipment downtime and safety hazards are common outcomes of advanced wear, especially in high-stress environments such as industrial plants or in exposed outdoor installations.

Detection and assessment typically involve visual inspections, insulation resistance testing (megger tests), partial discharge measurements, and infrared thermography to locate hotspots. Regular continuity checks and moisture measurements support maintenance decisions.

Prevention and maintenance focus on proper cable selection, correct voltage rating and insulation type, and ensuring adequate bend radii and strain relief. Protective enclosures, conduits, and weatherproofing reduce environmental stress. Managing operating temperatures, avoiding chemical exposure, and implementing routine inspections and diagnostic monitoring extend cable life and reduce the risk of failure. Lifecycle planning often uses insulation resistance trends, number of flex cycles, and visible deterioration to determine replacement timing.