Knowledge

Drums, lengths and cutting loss

How length choice drives the project price.

In short

Cable is usually made and sold on drums of 100, 250, 500 or 1,000 metres; heavy types in shorter lengths. Cutting loss is what stays on the drum when a route does not fit the standard length. Short routes we cut from stock; for long routes in one piece the cable is produced to route length, and on projects we fix the length breakdown before production.

Cable is usually made and sold on drums. Common lengths are 100, 250, 500 or 1,000 metres, depending on cross-section and construction. Heavy armoured cable comes in shorter lengths, because the drum would otherwise be unmanageable.

Cutting loss is what stays on the drum when your length does not fit the standard length. For short routes we cut from stock and absorb the remnant ourselves. For long routes in one piece the cable is produced to route length: no remnant, but a lead time.

Then there is the logistics. Drum diameter and weight decide whether a drum reaches the site at all and whether the drum jacks can carry it. A 1,000-metre drum of 4×240 mm² has to be handled by crane.

For project deliveries we agree the length breakdown before production starts, with phased call-off delivery. That way drums do not sit on site for weeks.

Are the route lengths settled? Send the length of each cable run and let us know how the site can be reached. We will tell you whether it is cut from stock or produced to route length.

Send your enquiry