Cables

Steel cables used for wire-rope winches (whether electric, manual or pneumatic) and power supply cables for winches differ in function, materials, technical characteristics and manufacturing standards. Here are the main differences:

1. Steel cables for cable winches

These cables are used to transmit mechanical force and are designed to support loads during lifting or pulling operations.

Features :

• Material :
  • Manufactured from galvanized or stainless steel for better resistance to corrosion and outdoor conditions.
  • Multiple strands (twisted strands) wrapped around a central steel or fiber core to provide flexibility and strength.
• Function :
  • Allows the lifting or lowering of loads (materials or people).
  • Designed to withstand mechanical stresses such as traction, abrasion and repeated bending.
• Cable diameter :
  • Generally ranging between 6 mm and 12 mm for wire-rope winches.
  • The choice of diameter depends on the load to be lifted, the lifting height and the capacity of the hoist.
• Normative requirements :
  • Steel cables for winches must meet standards such as: EN 12385 (steel cables for lifting) and EN 13414 (steel cable sling assemblies).
• Special feature for wire-rope winches :
  • These cables are not wound onto a drum, but pass directly into the winch, which requires great flexibility and manufacturing precision.

2. Power cables for electric winches

Power cables are electric cables designed to provide power to motorized winches.

Features :

• Material :
  • Copper or aluminum conductors for good electrical conductivity.
  • PVC, rubber or polyurethane insulation to resist abrasion, weather and chemicals.
• Function :
  • Supplies the winch's electric motor with electric current (single-phase or three-phase depending on the model).
  • Also provides transmission of control signals if integrated into a hybrid system.
• Cable diameter :
  • Depends on the power of the winch motor and the electrical voltage (220 V or 380 V).
  • Common conductor cross-sections vary from 1.5 mm² to 16 mm², or even more for high-power winches.
• Normative requirements :
  • Power cables must meet standards such as IEC 60245 (cables for portable equipment) or H07RN-F (heavy duty rubber cables).