Electricity is the lifeline of modern civilisation. And only quality electric cables can ensure smooth and safe transmission and distribution of electricity. The quality of a cable can be guaranteed by using quality raw materials and following proper manufacturing process.

Unfortunately in Bangladesh, many cable manufacturers are indiscriminately using contaminated scrap copper as basic raw material for cable production. Scrap copper generally comes from shipbreaking yards and is contaminated by solder, iron, aluminium, etc. It is hardly possible to purify this copper by using traditional technologies. The so-called CCR (Continuous Casting & Rolling) Plant cannot fully purify the scrap copper by separating foreign materials. CCR Plants are also responsible for environmental pollution. As a result the copper rods made from scrap coppers for manufacturing cables have varying purity far below 99.99 percent and substantially reduced conductivity. When these rods are converted into conductors, their resistance property fails to meet the relevant international standards. The cables manufactured with these conductors get overheated above a certain load, and damage the insulation and cause short circuits often resulting in loss of lives and property.

Some corrupt manufacturers also compromise the quality of insulating materials of cables. These insulation materials cannot withstand the conductor's continuous temperature resulting in melting of insulation and short circuits. 

Ahmed Shawon

To ensure safety, customers can use the following cables which are available countrywide.

Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) Cables

LSZH cables prevent emission of halogen gases (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine and astatine) during a short circuit or fire. These halogen gases cause suffocation which can lead to loss of human lives. Moreover, these cables generate low smoke. As a result, during a fire the main source of fire can be easily identified and necessary measures can be taken to douse the fire. LSZH is also internationally known as environment-friendly.

Heat-resistant Cables

This special type of cable is designed for safe operation at high temperatures (up to 550°C). These cables are made of glass fibre (each conductor is tapped by glass fibre) which absorbs the heat and prevents short circuits and fire. Heat-resistant cables are also known as 'industrial super safety cable'.

Flame Retardant Low Smoke (FRLS) Cables

FRLS cables emit very little smoke and toxic gases. They also retard the spread of fire. As a result, during a fire, if people are trapped they can be evacuated safely. Furthermore, sensitive electrical and electronic equipment remains safe. FRLS is also an eco-friendly cable.

To address budget constraints, customers should use high-quality aluminium cables instead of cheaper faulty scrap copper cables to meet industrial requirements. It will be both cost-effective and safe. Safety should be given the utmost priority in manufacturing as well as buying any cable product.

Ahmed Shawon is Head of Brand & Media, Paradise Cables Limited.