• Use of incorrect size or construction
  
• Inadequate or improper corrosion protection
  
• Sheaves and drums of inadequate size
  
• Crosswinding or piling up on sides of drums
  
• Sheaves and drums out of alignment
  
• Sheaves and drums with worn grooves or worn flanges
  
• Permitting lines to jump sheaves
  
• Improperly attached fittings

• Permitting lines to untwist
  
•  Kinked lines
  
• Severe overloads
  
• Hammering and peening wear resulting from cables being improperly installed or handled
  

• Excessive running speeds
  

• Overrunning or sudden release of tension
  
• Improperly adjusted packing glands

The Starting Loop

Do not allow the cable to form a loop. If a loop should form, removing it at this stage will prevent kinking.

The Kink

Here the looped cable has been put under tension and the kink has formed. The cable is permanently damaged.

The Result

The damaged armor wires will wear very quickly at the kind and cause premature failure of the insulated conductor.