If you’ve ever been on a worksite where a pressurized air hose suddenly becomes disconnected or a hose failure occurs, it’s not something you want to experience again. The quick exhaust of air causes the hose assembly to whip around violently, creating a potentially dangerous situation for all those around, not to mention the possibility of damaging equipment.
Safety check valves installed between a compressor and the hose can shut off the flow of air in case of equipment failure, but in certain applications—like pile driving or sandblasting, where a surge of air is needed immediately—a safety check valve cannot be used. That’s where King safety cables come in. King safety cables prevent hose whip in the event of the accidental separation of a coupling or clamp device. The steel cables span the hose fittings to provide standby safety for the hose.
King safety cables feature spring-loaded loops in the cable ends that are easily opened to pass over the couplings, providing a firm grip on the hose. The cables can be used in hose-to-hose installations, as well as a hose-to-rigid outlet, or hose-to-tool configurations.
On hose-to-hose applications, the King safety cable should be installed on the hose portion of the assembly in a fully extended position. When used on a hose-to-rigid outlet or tool, the spring-loaded end should go over the hose, while the choker end is installed on the outlet or tool.
How to Determine Which Style of Cable to Use
Hose-to-tool cables should be used for applications in which the safety cable is used to secure the hose to a stationary object, such as a compressor, air tool, or valve. Hose-to-hose cables should be used in applications in which you need to secure two hoses together.
To select which model of King safety cable to use, first determine the hose’s inside diameter, which can frequently be found on the hose layline. Next, determine the application pressure and use the chart on the King safety cable page in the current Dixon catalog or on Dixon’s website.
For example, if you need to secure the hose to the ball valve of a compressor, you’d need a hose-to-tool style cable. Let’s say the hose inside diameter is 1½ inches and the pressure is 125 PSI. Using the chart, you’ll find the cable that meets those requirements is the WSR3.
Remember to use King safety cables on your worksite whenever the situation demands it. They’re the most effective way to avoid “hose whip” and help you meet OSHA standard 1926.302(b) (1). Visit osha.gov to view the standard in full. As always, if you have any questions about King safety cables, please call a Dixon representative at 877.963.4966.
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