Tips on selecting the right cables for your oil & gas projects
Selecting cables for oil and gas projects can be even more difficult than buying cables for industrial applications in general because the oil and gas industry has even more vigorous conditions than most industries. This guide is a quick checklist of things you should keep in mind when planning cabling for oil and gas projects.
Make Sure That The Insulation is Appropriate For Your Application
You can read more about selecting the industrial cable with the proper insulation for oil and gas applications right here. In short, when selecting the appropriate insulation, you should mind what type of exposure the cable will sustain. This varies in oil and gas cables greatly, from regular harsh industrial conditions to the harshest conditions with the exposure to extreme temperatures and water.
Make Sure Your Cables Comply With the Standards
The oil and gas industry is subjected to rigorous standards because of the demanding work environment and potential safety risks. For this reason, cables are also subjected to strict standards. Some of these are more well-known and obvious, such as different levels of oil resistance described in the UL (Oil Resistant 2 for consistent harsh exposure, and Oil Resistant 1 for less frequent exposure) or hazardous zones as per NEC. These two conditions apply to all oil and gas facilities.
However, there are many other standards for more particular industrial settings. For example, there is an IEEE Guide for Selection and Installation of Electrical Cables and Cable Systems in Hazardous (Classified) Locations on Oil and Gas Land Drilling Rigs. This guide directly discusses the types of cables for drilling rigs. There are guidelines for many particular applications, and the best strategy is to check them before planning the cabling.
Build a Maintenance Plan
Choosing the right cables is not enough for them to serve you effectively for a long time. To make the most of your cables, develop a plan of cable maintenance together with qualified professionals and stick to it. Ensure that everyone in your team is well-trained to deal with cables according to the rules and standards.
Buy High-Quality Cables From A Reputable Seller
With Nassau National Cable, you can choose from an extensive curated collection of oil and gas industrial cables at the best prices on the market, including VFD cables, power cables, control cables, marine wire, Type P cables, THW submersible pump cables, and many others.
