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Safety wire PVC sleeve vs no PVC sleeve


peter_j2

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<p>What galvanized steel safety wire is better to tie an AlienBees B1600 + Mola Demi Beauty Dish to an Avenger D600 chrome plated boom arm? A PVC sleeved wire or a bare wire and why? There are more bare wires sold on photo retailer sites and the cost difference between the two choices are minimal.</p>
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<p>Howard M: Thanks. Good point. I was wondering if the sleeve would minimize the scratching that it can cause to the equipment it was serpentined around? Thinking aloud, my other concern would be the aging and inevitable cracking of the sleeve. Perhaps I may have answered my own posted question.</p>
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<p>I can see three possible advantages to a PVC cover. There's less chance of scratching your gear, less chance of a broken strand of steel cutting into whoever has to handle the cable (I've done this to myself, it's not fun), and less chance of some oddball electrical loop causing problems. </p>
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<p>Now that I think of it, is steel mandated by law in your area? If not, and you're not working at high temps, I'd go with two nylon webbing utility straps from an outdoor store. Not expensive, easy to handle, lots of weight capability, no intrinsic hazards, and redundancy. </p>
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<p>The purpose of the PVC is primarily to avoid scratch whatever the safety cable is attached to. Most safety cables I've seen (which are used more in theatrical lighting and maybe TV/film studios) than in a still photography studio, are plain steel. I wouldn't necessarily object to the PVC but see no real need for it.</p>
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<p>Will Perlis: I am unsure if there is a local government statute regulating the type of cable used to secure photographic lighting to it's support. But, steel is the number one safety cable sold in my neighbourhood. I cannot see an issue using a high strength and flame retardant cable constructed of a hybrid cloth material like fire hoses.</p>

<p>Craig Shearman: I would agree and choose a PVC sleeved steel cable to protect my investment.</p>

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<p>Lowe's has a posted warning label for each of their PVC sleeved steel safety cables. Where the cable is subject to clipping, clamping or crimping forces, the contact area being compressed by the clip, clamp or crimp needs to have the PVC sleeve removed. Makes sense. I will wrap my bare steel cable (including the crimps) with electrical tape or equivalent. The cable ends will be fastened with a stainless steel carabiner. Therefore, no clipping or clamping to the Avenger D600 would be required.</p>
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