Cable Cleats & Clamps

Short Circuit Behaviour of Single Core Power Cables and the Role of Single Cable Cleats

In power transmission and distribution networks, single core power cables are often installed individually rather than as part of a multicore assembly. When mounted in parallel formations on trays, ladders, or support structures, each conductor generates its own electromagnetic field proportional to the current it carries. Under normal operating conditions, these fields remain steady and well balanced.

However, during a three-phase short-circuit event, the fault current rises sharply, producing extremely high electrodynamic forces between the single core cables. These forces can cause violent cable movement if not mechanically restrained, potentially leading to severe damage or safety hazards.

To control this movement, single cable cleats are installed at engineered intervals along the cable route. These cleats securely hold each cable in position and ensure that the conductor remains fixed relative to adjacent cables and the supporting structure — both during normal operation and under extreme fault conditions.

Electromechanical Forces Acting on Single Core Cables During Faults

When fault current flows through the cables, large electromagnetic forces develop due to interaction between the cable conductors. The behaviour of the cables under short-circuit conditions typically includes:

• Lateral forces attempting to push adjacent cables apart or pull them together
• Axial vibration resulting from alternating current peaks
• Mechanical shock loading during the first half-cycle of the fault
• Thermal expansion generated by rapid heating of the conductor

These forces can reach several kilonewtons per metre, depending on cable size, spacing, and system fault level. Without proper restraint, uncontrolled cable movement may result in:

• Damage to cable insulation or armour
• Deformation or collapse of support structures
• Mechanical failure of tray or ladder systems
• Risk of electrical flashover or injury to personnel

Need for Accurate Mechanical Restraint

Correct selection and installation of single cable cleats is essential to ensure that the cable system can withstand both peak (dynamic) and RMS (thermal) short-circuit forces. The cleats must provide enough mechanical strength to prevent displacement during the fault while avoiding damage to the cable sheath under high compression loads.

As every system uses different combinations of:

• Cable diameter and conductor material
• Short-circuit level and duration
• Support structure stiffness
• Cleat material strength and spacing

The mechanical response during a fault varies significantly. In theory, an unlimited number of test conditions would be required to characterise every possible installation scenario.

Short Circuit Performance

The Peace Power Single Omega Aluminium Cable Cleats are independently tested for Short Circuit Withstand capability in accordance with IEC 61914:2021.

The cleats have been successfully tested for a short-circuit current level of 50 kA for 1 second, ensuring reliable mechanical restraint and secure cable retention under extreme fault conditions.

This high-performance short-circuit rating confirms that Peace Power Omega Cleats provide enhanced safety and protection for power distribution systems, substations, industrial plants, renewable energy installations, and utility networks.

Peace Power – Aluminium Cable Cleats for Fire-Exposed Environments

In emergency situations such as building or industrial fires, electrical circuits that power life-safety systems must remain secure and operational for as long as possible. Even when cables are fire-resistant by design, their performance can be compromised if the mechanical restraint system fails under heat, load or structural stress.

Peace Power Aluminium Cable Cleats are engineered to provide reliable mechanical support in installations where cables may be exposed to high temperatures and emergency operating conditions. Their rigid metallic construction ensures cable stability and alignment, reducing the risk of cable collapse, short-circuit contact, or uncontrolled movement caused by thermal expansion.

The properties of aluminium alloy provide natural thermal endurance, enabling the cleats to retain structural performance in elevated-temperature environments typically associated with fire scenarios.

Role of Cable Cleats in Fire-Exposed Installations

During fire conditions, electrical systems supporting emergency and evacuation operations depend on two critical capabilities:

1. The cable must survive long enough to transmit power or control signals.
2. The cable must remain physically secured in position to prevent mechanical failure.

When cable insulation softens or internal conductors expand, the cleat prevents movement, sagging, or collision with adjacent circuits or metalwork. This is essential for maintaining circuit integrity and functional continuity.

Peace Power aluminium cleats contribute to supporting critical monitoring and automation infrastructure.

Fire-Oriented Performance Strengths

• High temperature tolerance – retains structural strength under extreme heat
• Mechanical restraint during short-circuit faults & thermal expansion events
• Non-combustible construction — no flame spread or toxic smoke
• Ideal for fire-risk sites: tunnels, substations, plant rooms, transport networks

Engineering Advantages

• High-strength aluminium alloy for long-term cable retention
• Supports single-core, trefoil & multicore formations
• Maintains cable alignment under thermal, mechanical & vibration stress
• Corrosion-resistant & deformation-resistant structure
• Compatible with LV, MV & HV installations

Peace Power – Reliability When It Matters

Peace Power cleats are designed not simply for normal operating environments, but for critical situations where failure cannot be tolerated. Their engineered aluminium structure enhances the performance of fire-rated cables, helping safeguard people, infrastructure and continuous operation during real-world emergency conditions.