Main risks

• Risk of electric shock due to damaged insulation, exposed conductors or incorrect connections.
• Possible short circuits, sparks and fire ignition due to faulty joints or loose terminals.
• Cable overheating due to overloading, inadequate cross-sectional area, or prolonged use while coiled.
• Damage to electronic equipment due to wiring errors, polarity mistakes or incorrect conductor/pin assignment in signal and data cables.
• Trips and falls caused by runs laid across walkways or tangled cables.
• Mechanical damage from being stepped on, chafing against sharp edges, doors, wheels or crushing.
• Moisture or water that can cause failures, connector corrosion and electrical risk.
• Loss of performance or interference if data cables are routed adjacent to power cables.

Safe use

• Disconnect the power before stripping, jointing or connecting any cable.
• Choose a cable suitable for the voltage, the expected current and the operating environment (indoors, outdoors, humidity, temperature).
• Make joints using appropriate connectors, terminal blocks or junction boxes; avoid makeshift joints held only with tape.
• Avoid tight bends, tugs and pinch points; route the cable with cable ties or trunking without crushing it, and protect where it passes over edges.
• Keep cables away from heat sources, open flames, moisture and corrosive substances.
• Where possible, separate power cables from signal or data cables to reduce interference and risks.
• Correctly identify colours and ends before connecting and, where applicable, maintain continuity of the protective conductor (earth).
• Before energising, check that there are no bare conductors, loose strands or loose screws.

Storage and maintenance

• Store cables in a dry, clean and ventilated place, protected from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Coil without twisting or forcing sharp bends; use reels or large loops and do not hang the weight of the roll from the cable itself.
• Keep cables away from oils, solvents and chemicals that can damage the insulation.
• Periodically check for cuts, cracks, discolouration, stiffening of the insulation, exposed strands and loose or corroded connectors.
• Clean with a dry cloth; avoid water and harsh cleaners, especially on connectors.
• Remove any damaged cable from service; do not make a permanent repair using adhesive tape alone.
• For long power cables, avoid using them coiled under load to reduce heating; uncoil them for prolonged use.

Restrictions of use

• Do not use signal or low-voltage cables in mains circuits.
• Do not exceed the rated load of the cable or that of the circuit it is connected to.
• Do not use cables outdoors, buried or in damp environments unless the product is designed for it.
• Do not carry out fixed recessed installations or runs through walls/ceilings using cables not designed for that purpose.
• Do not drill, staple or fasten the cable with items that could damage the insulation; use suitable accessories and avoid excessive pressure.
• Do not hang loads, use the cable to pull equipment, or use it as a means of traction.
• Keep cables out of the reach of children and pets and prevent biting or entanglement.
• Do not modify the insulation or alter the construction of the cable (e.g., excessive stripping or removal of braid/screen) unless it is essential for the connection.