Flexicon provides Cockatoo proof conduit solutions in Australia
Flexicon has supplied telephone company Telstra with Cockatoo proof flexible conduit to protect power cables supplying telephones in the Australian outback from attack.
Telstra is the largest provider of local and long distance telephone services, mobile services, dialup, wireless, DSL and cable internet access in Australia. The company found that Cockatoos in the South East Australian outback were chewing through the existing conduit between their phone booths and the solar panels that supply power to them.
This damage to the conduit and the power cables installed in them could lead to a loss of service in areas where a secure and reliable telephone line could be needed in an emergency. With some of these phones located in extremely remote areas there is also the issue of maintenance time and costs.
In testing, Flexicon exposed 15 different industrial conduits to cockatoos. At the end of the test two conduits remained undamaged the company’s FPAS and FPAH.
Says Chris Poulton, Flexicon UK’s export manager: “Contrary to what we might have expected the product specification had little to do with strength or robustness. Both FPAS and FPAH conduit are slippery so the birds can’t get enough grip on them to cause damage.”
Flexicon also had to consider Australia’s climate. Both FPAS and FPAH are flame retardant nylon conduits that withstand temperatures of up to 120oC – providing protection against the Australian heat. In addition, because they are low fire hazard products, they reduce the risk of bush fires starting from electrical faults. Other properties include abrasion resistance, high impact strength and UV resistance.
Chris Poulton continues: “Export is playing a significant role in our ongoing success. We are always looking for opportunities to expand our product lines by providing solutions to issues experienced in different global environments. This often benefits the UK market in that it extends our experience and our product range.”
Flexicon has a range of 52 different conduit systems available as standard to meet a wide range of hazards likely to be faced by cabling. The company has also launched an app called flexiapp, available on its website www.flexicon.uk.com, to help specifiers select the correct system for a project. Technical help is also available over the telephone on 01675 466900.
