Let us talk about how to position a drum with a cable and, most importantly, why it is possible to do one way or another. The most familiar options are when the drum with the power cable is positioned vertically, as shown in the photos 1️⃣, 2️⃣, 3️⃣. This position allows to have the axis of the drum horizontal, and it is convenient to ensure the free rotation of the drum which is important:
✅ When producing the cable, since the cable is wound onto the drum;
✅ When laying the cable, since the cable is unwound from the drum.

The issues of winding (cable production) and unwinding (cable laying) are clear, and it is more convenient to have a drum with a horizontal axis of rotation there. However, what about cable storing and transporting? When storing and transporting the cable, on the contrary to producing or laying, we do not need the drum to rotate, and, moreover, it would be better to exclude any possible rolling of the drum. Therefore, the question arises – is it possible to store and transport a cable drum on its side wall?

One of these cases is shown in the photo 4️⃣. Storing the drum horizontally (on its side wall), for example, would make it possible to put cable drums one on top of the other, which would help to safe a space in the warehouse. Horizontal transportation would make it easier for some types of drums to pass under bridges and wires of overhead lines. So, the question is, is it possible to store and transport drums in a horizontal position?

The experience of submarine cables 5️⃣ shows that a “drum” with a cable can be in a horizontal position, and for a long time, and there are no problems when dozens of upper coils put their weight on the lower coils (note: the weight of a subsea cable can be up to 50-100 kg/m). However, the case 5️⃣ concerns power cables with very strong armour. Does this mean that if there is an armoured cable on the drum, then it can be safely placed the way shown on 4️⃣ or 5️⃣, and without such armour – only horizontally 1️⃣, 2️⃣, 3️⃣?

It seems that the answer to the question “horizontally or vertically” depends on the following factors:
✅ the presence of armour, its type and mechanical properties;
✅ drum material (a wooden drum with heavy cable on it may not be able to withstand a change of position, while a metal one will likely withstand it);
✅ the shape of the sidewall of the drum (if the sidewall contacting with the cable in not smooth enough or has “places for fixing the end of the cable”, then putting such a drum with a cable on its side may be dangerous for the cable outer sheath);
✅ the weight of the cable on the drum (the force with which the upper coils will press on the lower ones);
✅ storage/transportation time in a horizontal position (conditionally: for a day it is possible, for a year it is dangerous).

The question – Under what specific conditions we can hold the cable (1-500 kV) on a drum placed horizontally (on its side wall)?

You can discuss this issue on LinkedIn public group “High Voltage Cable Lines” using the link to the post. Thank you!