Why PUR-HF Lift Trailing Cables Matter More Than Ever in South Africa

South Africa’s mining and heavy-industry landscape is changing fast. Mines are going deeper, construction is going taller, and lifting systems are moving heavier loads at higher speeds than ever before. Whether it’s a high-rise project in Sandton, a platinum shaft in Rustenburg, or a conveyor lift in Mpumalanga’s coalfields, one thing is constant:

Vertical movement demands cables that can survive brutal mechanical stress.

This is where the PUR-HF Lift Trailing Cable has become the preferred choice across South Africa.

The Rise of Vertical Lifting Systems in SA Mining and Industry

South Africa is home to some of the world’s most demanding lifting environments:

• Gold and platinum mines using deep vertical platforms and material cages

• Manganese and iron ore mines relying on lift reeling systems in rugged, abrasive terrain

• Ports such as Durban and Richards Bay, where container lifts operate 24/7

• Urban construction using tower lifts and hoists

• Quarrying operations requiring mobile lift cables that resist stone impact and UV exposure

With equipment moving faster and carrying heavier loads, operators cannot afford weak or outdated trailing cables.

Why PUR-HF Cables Are Becoming So Popular in South Africa

South African engineers increasingly prefer PUR-HF trailing cables because:

• Halogen-free polyurethane = safer for confined spaces & tunnels

• Superior resistance to abrasion, tearing, oils, chemicals, vibration, and UV

• Engineered for torsion, torque, and high tensile stress

• Performs reliably in dusty, hot, humid, or sandy conditions

• Aligns with IEC/SANS safety expectations

In short, PUR-HF is not “just another trailing cable”—it is the heavy-duty lifeline that keeps South Africa’s vertical systems moving safely.

What Exactly Is a PUR-HF Lift Trailing Cable?

Definition and Purpose

A Lift Trailing Cable is a flexible power cable designed to trail behind a moving platform, usually in a vertical direction. In the South African context, “trailing cable” commonly refers to cables used on:

• Vertical platform lifts

• Reeling drums in mining

• Construction hoists

• Festoon systems in industrial environments

These cables must withstand:

• High tensile loads

• Continuous bending

• Torsion and twisting

• Sudden acceleration/braking

• Vibration and cable slap

PUR-HF vs. Ordinary Rubber Mining Cables

This is why PUR-HF cables are considered a premium solution for vertical and high-stress SA operations.

Detailed Construction of PUR-HF Lift Trailing Cable

Let’s break down the cable structure using clear, South-African-friendly technical language.

Flexible Copper Conductor (Class 5 or 6)

These ultra-fine copper strands increase flexibility, which is essential for:

• Fast reeling speeds

• High vibration environments

• Tight bending cycles

• Reduced conductor fatigue

Class 6 conductors offer even finer stranding than Class 5, improving flexibility for high-speed lift movement.

XLPE or Halogen-Free Insulation

Benefits include:

• Higher dielectric strength (better electrical performance)

• Better heat resistance than rubber insulation

• No toxic halogen gases in case of fire

• Longer lifespan in underground or confined spaces

This insulation layer is designed to handle 0.6/1kV systems common in South African mines and construction hoists.

Central Aramid (Kevlar) Strength Member

This is one of the signature features of PUR-HF cables.

Why it matters:

• The central strength member absorbs tensile load, preventing the copper from pulling apart.

• It improves acceleration and braking stability in vertical lifts.

• It protects against elongation during high-speed movement.

• It allows the cable to operate under up to 30 N/mm² tensile load.

In mining lifts where sudden stops or surges happen, this is a critical safety component.

Anti-Twisting Aramid Braiding

This braided layer works like the “spine” of the cable.

• Prevents twisting and corkscrewing

• Keeps the cores aligned

• Reduces risk of conductor breakage

• Essential for fast lift speeds and long travel distances

For mines with uneven shaft airflow or construction sites with swinging lift cages, this makes a major difference in cable stability.

PUR-HF Inner and Outer Sheath

Polyurethane is the “armour” of this cable.

Advantages of PUR-HF:

• Extremely high abrasion resistance

• Superior tear strength

• Oil, grease, diesel, and chemical resistance

• UV and weather resistance (crucial in SA)

• Halogen-free flame retardant

Safety Colours:

Available in black, yellow, or orange to improve visibility in dark shafts and high-traffic areas.

Core Identification Options

• 4 Core: Green/Yellow, Brown, Black, Grey

• 5 Core: Green/Yellow, Blue, Brown, Black, Grey

• 6+ Cores: White cores with black numbering

Follows DIN VDE 0293-308 and IEC standards—important for South African technicians working with mixed-standard equipment.

Technical Specifications Explained for Non-Engineers

This section is intentionally written for SA technicians, supervisors, and buyers.

Voltage Rating: 0.6/1kV

Explanation of Uo/U:

• Uo = Voltage from conductor to earth

• U = Voltage between conductors

This rating covers most lift motors, auxiliary systems, and industrial hoists in SA.

Temperature Ratings

• Fixed installation: –50°C to +90°C

• Mobile operation: –40°C to +90°C

Why it matters in SA:

• Surface mines can exceed 45°C at midday

• Deep mines can reach 60°C under natural geothermal heat

• Night-day cycles in open-cast mines can swing 30°C

PUR-HF cables maintain elasticity and performance despite these harsh changes.

Mechanical Performance

Engineers must follow these limits to avoid internal conductor breakage.

Travel Speeds

• Festoon: Up to 200 m/min

• Horizontal reeling: Up to 200 m/min

• Vertical reeling: Up to 150 m/min

South African mines increasingly use high-speed hoists—so correct cable selection is essential.

Available Sizes

• 3-core, 4-core, and 5-core

• Core sizes: 10 mm² → 35 mm²

Typical SA usage:

• 4×10 mm² – small construction hoists

• 4×16 mm² – medium lift motors

• 4×25 mm² – mining cage lifts and heavy vertical systems

• 4×35 mm² – long-distance reeling in platinum and chrome mines

Compliance and Standards

PUR-HF Lift Trailing Cables comply with major international standards:

• IEC 60228 – conductor classification

• IEC 60502 – power cable requirements

• DIN VDE 0293–308 – core colours

• DIN VDE 0472 – mechanical, oil, and fire testing

• IEC 60332-1 – flame retardancy

• HD/EN/IEC 60811 – insulation and sheath material testing

Relation to South African SANS Expectations

While PUR-HF cables follow IEC/DIN standards, South African mines impose strict performance expectations equivalent to SANS 1507 and SANS 1520 durability levels.

NRCS import controls also require:

• Proper documentation

• Traceable test reports

• Safety compliance evidence

Applications of PUR-HF Lift Trailing Cable in South Africa

PUR-HF cables are widely used in industries that rely on vertical movement and heavy-duty equipment.

Mining Sector

Gauteng’s Gold Mines

Deep lift cages require tension-resistant cables with anti-twist properties.

Platinum Mines in Limpopo & North West

High-speed vertical movement demands PUR-HF to prevent conductor fatigue.

Mpumalanga Coal Mines

Reeling systems exposed to dust and moisture rely on PUR-HF’s abrasion resistance.

Quarry Operations

Quarries feature:

• Harsh stone impact

• Abrasive dust

• Sharp edges

PUR-HF cables last significantly longer than PVC or basic rubber here.

Construction Industry

Used in:

• Tower lifts

• Temporary hoists

• Material elevators

Especially important in high-rise projects in Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Cape Town.

Ports and Logistics

Durban and Richards Bay ports use reeling cables on:

• Container spreaders

• Vertical cargo lifts

• Gantry systems

PUR-HF handles constant salt, humidity, and motion.

Real South African Case Studies

Case Study 1: Platinum Mine (Rustenburg, North West)

Problem:
Older EPR rubber trailing cables experienced:

• Frequent corkscrewing

• Sheath tearing

• Intermittent conductor breaks

Solution:
Upgraded to PUR-HF cable with Kevlar strength member.

Results:

• 40% reduction in downtime

• Stable reeling at 150 m/min vertical

• Longer inspection intervals

The mine reported that “the cable paid for itself within six months.”

Case Study 2: Hard-Rock Quarry (Northern Cape)

Problem:
PVC sheaths damaged by stone impact and drag friction.

Solution:
Installed PUR-HF trailing cable with anti-twist aramid braiding.

Results:

• Lifespan tripled

• Maintenance shutdowns dropped significantly

• Safer lift operations even in dusty environments

Case Study 3: Sandton High-Rise Construction

Problem:
A 150 m/min high-speed hoist needed a flexible cable with tight bending radius.

Solution:
4-core 16 mm² PUR-HF trailing cable.

Results:

• Smooth lift motion

• Fewer reeling-related faults

• Full compliance with project safety requirements

Installation & Maintenance Guidelines (For SA Technicians)

Maintain Correct Bending Radius

Avoid bending cable tighter than 6×OD (fixed) or 8×OD (moving).

Manage Torsion

Never twist the cable during installation—allow it to hang freely before termination.

Avoid Over-Tension

Use correct tension-relief clamps; never pull the cable using conductors.

Weekly Inspection Checklist

• Look for abrasion on outer sheath

• Check for corkscrew twist marks

• Inspect for conductor heating points

• Verify that the reeling drum is aligned

• Ensure no sharp edges on lift frame

Common Failure Signs

• White stretch marks on sheath

• Exposed aramid yarns

• Stiffened cable sections

• Unexpected motor overload trips

Benefits of PUR-HF Lift Trailing Cables for SA Operators

✔ Engineered for South Africa’s toughest conditions

✔ High mechanical durability

✔ Superior fire performance in underground mines

✔ Lower long-term maintenance cost

✔ Stable performance at high speeds

✔ Improved uptime and operational safety

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What makes PUR-HF better than normal rubber trailing cable?

Stronger mechanical resistance, halogen-free flame performance, and better torsion control.

Can PUR-HF cables handle South Africa’s heat and dust?

Yes—PUR sheaths are resistant to UV, heat, dust, and abrasion.

What cable size should I use for a 1kV lift motor?

Most SA lifts use 4×10 mm² to 4×25 mm², depending on current.

Can I use this cable in festoon systems?

Yes—rated up to 200 m/min.

Is PUR-HF halogen-free and flame-retardant?

Yes, fully halogen-free and compliant with IEC 60332-1.

How often should the cable be inspected?

Weekly for mines, bi-weekly for construction.

Can PUR-HF replace standard rubber mining trailing cables?

Yes—in most cases it outperforms them.

Do these cables comply with SANS standards?

They follow IEC/DIN standards that meet or exceed SANS expectations.

What is the expected lifespan?

2–4× longer than PVC or rubber cables under similar conditions.

Where can I buy PUR-HF trailing cables in South Africa?

From local distributors specialising in mining and industrial reeling systems.

Conclusion

South Africa’s mining, construction, and industrial sectors need cables that can survive extreme stress. PUR-HF Lift Trailing Cables have proven themselves to be:

• Safer

• More durable

• More cost-effective

• Better suited for high-speed lift systems

With superior mechanical and electrical performance, PUR-HF cables are not just a purchase—they are an investment in reliability, uptime, and long-term operational safety.