Cable harnesses are designed to be used in all kinds of harsh environments – chilling colds, scorching heat, drenching rains, high pressures, or anything else. But, one environment that can prove to be challenging for cable harnesses is rodent damage. Whether an outdoor application or indoor installation; whether residential or industrial, any area can be a hiding place for rodents. And, these rodents can definitely damage your cables and harnesses.
We always see rodents gnawing and chewing on something; and the covering of your harnesses seem just perfect for them to chew upon due to the plasticizers and aromas they give away. The most common things we see them chewing upon are wood, hard-shell nuts, rubber, and plastic. Whatever the material may be, rodents just have to fulfill their urge to nibble, and so, they will chew upon whatever chewable material they can find. And, your cable harness covering is one such appropriate material for them.
However, there are ways in which you can prevent rodents in your space to nibble upon your cable harnesses. If your space is prone to rodents, make sure to purchase these specialized cable harnesses to repel rodents away.
Fenced cable harnesses
You can fence your cable harnesses with a physical barrier like conduits and tapes. Such barriers can prevent rodents from gnawing on a cable by being stronger than what a rodent can chew, thus not allowing penetration of the rodent’s teeth into the core of the cable; or by thickening the diameter of the cable to a point where the rodent cannot get its jaws around. However, such barriers can increase the stiffness and size of the cable harness, this making it difficult and costlier to install.
Chemically covered cable harnesses
You can have cable harnesses with added chemicals to the outer sheath, which repels the rodents effectively. The chemicals could be fatal or non-fatal, depending upon your choice. If fatal chemicals are used, it can cause death of the rodents after they try to chew on the harness. However, this is not recommended because it can bring hazardous results to any children or pets ingesting the poison too. Therefore, it is best to use non-fatal chemicals. One such chemical commonly used is capsaicin, which brings to the harness a hot, spicy, or bitter taste, thus discouraging the rodent from chewing on it. Also, the chemicals used may have an unappealing odour that will repel the rodents away.
So, if your space is likely to have any kind of rodents, it is always preferable to opt for fenced or chemically layered cable harnesses. The best option from those mentioned above is covering the cable harness with a non-poisonous chemical, which will keep your harness safe and keep the rodents away, without any damage to their lives too.
Whatever kind of cable harness you require – flat or ribbon, EMI shielded or discrete, for any kind of airborne, automotive, or military application, you can get in touch with Miracle Electronics, one of the most renowned cable harness manufacturers in India today, who can also serve you with specially customized products.
