Section VIII. Cable Storage and Handling

TM 38-400/NAVSUP PUB 572/AFMAN 23-210 MCO 4450.14/DLAM 4145.12

continuous effectiveness of the preservative. Metal

that materials, which have been treated with a

preservative are not unduly handled, especially during

products stored in open areas for long periods of time

may require repeated application of preservative.

the setting of the coating. Scheduled surveillance

inspections are required to evaluate the

Section VIII. Cable Storage and Handling

5-63. General.

stored in close proximity to oils, acids, or chemicals.

Cable and wire products are wound on spools and reels

b. Because most heavy or large diameter cable is

to facilitate storage and handling. Spools containing

wound on the reel with few layers (normally five to

wire range in diameter up to 12 inches and the weight

eight), but with the number of turns three to four times

usually does not exceed 25 pounds. Reels will range in

the number of layers, it is best to store a loaded reel in

diameter from 12 inches up to 108 inches and in weight

the vertical position so the inner layer on the top of the

from about 50 pounds up to approximately 5 tons. This

barrel will have the weight of only four to seven layers

wide range of weight and cube necessitates the use of

on top of it. If the same reel was stored on the side

careful storage and handling practices.

(horizontal) position, the cable turn next to the bottom

flange would be subjected to the weight of all turns

5-64. Storage.

above it and be more susceptible to damage.

a. Cable should be stored indoors in a cool dry

c. Quantities of cable with the same stock number

location. When indoor storage is not possible, lead

may be pyramided as shown in figure 5-70. The storage

covered, jute-protected, and tape armored cables may

area should have crane service available to facilitate the

be stored in an open shed or in the open, provided the

storage and issue of reels. Storage with low ceilings

cable and cable reel are protected against moisture

should be utilized to the greatest extent possible for

absorption from the ground. This can be accomplished

vertical storage of single lot items to reduce the loss of

by placing the reels on a raised platform or on planks

cube space.

which will provide air circulation under the reels. Cable

will not be

5-111