CA
How to Estimate the Materials?
You have to estimate the quantities of materials before placing the order. Lacking materials will slow down the progress of a big project.
1. Firstly you will need a sketch of your project.
If you don't have any just draw a simple draft with a pencil. Trust me, this sketch will save you a lot of time even materials in the following steps.
2. Then we can divide the whole into several sections.
The rule of section division should be according to the use of terminals. That means the part you plan to use a pair of terminals, you should set it as a section. Mark on the sketch with the basic dimensions of each section, the height, length, cable space, post space.
3. Calculate the runs of each section.
That means the cable line number.
4. Calculate the terminal kits and wire rope.
Let's assume we have 2 sections and10 runs for each section, the length of the section is 5 feet and 6 feet. Then we will need : 10 x 2 = 20 pairs of terminals (5+6)x10 = 110 feet of wire rope.
5. You will also need tools for installation.
Generally, you will need a cable cutter for cutting wire rope and a hydraulic crimper to swage the terminal end with cable, so the cable won't get loose under tension. If you are using ferrule type kits, a hand crimper is enough for ferrule crimping. Of course, if you are using swageless terminals, the crimper is unnecessary.
