Research on mechanical tests applied to mining electric cables for certification in the voluntary field

The underground and surface mining industry are a complex sector of activity in which the workers involved face difficult working conditions, manifested by high temperatures, high humidity, risks of collapses, explosions and toxic gases, which requires ensuring a high level of occupational safety. In the case of the use of cable networks in underground and surface mining operations, in order to reduce the risk of explosion and increase the level of occupational safety, they must include electrical cables manufactured in accordance with the requirements of specific standards and which must be checked and certified for this purpose. In order to be certified in the voluntary field, power cables intended for use in the underground and surface mining industry must have a robust construction to withstand the mechanical stresses of exploitation, be able to provide appropriate electrical and thermal protection, and be made of materials that prevent the spread of fire.The danger represented by the use in areas endangered by the presence of gray dust of electrical power cables made of poor-quality materials and with an inappropriate construction for the respective environment, is materialized by the possibility of short circuits that generate heat, electric arcs and metal splashes, resulting in the initiation of fires and/or explosions. This paper presents the safety requirements, test methods and test stand for mining electrical cables for their certification in the voluntary field.