Shipping precious cargo? Transporting hazardous materials? Handling high-value inventory? Then properly securing your containers is a top priority. And that’s where wire rope seal come in handy. But what exactly are wire rope seals, and why are they so important for securing loads? In this post, we’ll unwrap the ins and outs of these handy devices. Read on to learn how wire rope seals brought from authentic sellers like Viper WRL, work and the critical protection they provide.
What is a Wire Rope Seal?
First, what are these things? A wire rope seal is a tamper-evident security device used to securely close shipping containers, trucks, railcars, vaults, and other spaces that need protecting. Wire rope seals consist of a vinyl-coated braided steel cable with metal locking bodies on each end. One end has an adjustable crimping ferrule that allows the cable to be threaded through door handles or other openings and pulled tight. The other end permanently crimps when inserted in a special tool to attach the seal.
Once threaded and crimped into place, these seals cannot be removed or opened without evidence left behind. The durable steel cable prevents the sealed contents from being accessed until the seal is cut at the destination.
Key Benefits of Wire Rope Seals
There are several key reasons wire rope seals are the go-to for securing sensitive loads:
Tamper-Evident
Any tampering or attempted removal of the seal will leave obvious signs. The unique crimp pattern created during application cannot be replicated. And the steel cable cannot be cut then reattached without notice. This tamper-evidence deters unauthorized access.
Sturdy Materials
The vinyl-coated braided steel cable is extremely cut-resistant. And the metal crimped ends are impossible to break off by hand. This durable construction prevents forceful entry.
Customizable
Wire rope seals can be customized with unique serial numbers, company names, logo branding and more printed right on the vinyl seal. This facilitates tracking specific seals and users.
Cost-Effective
Given the exceptional security they provide, wire rope seals are very affordably priced, especially compared to electronic sealing options. Their simple but secure mechanical design makes them a budget-friendly solution.
Wire Rope Seal Applications
Wire rope seals have many applications where verifying integrity is crucial:
- Securing cargo containers and semi-trucks
- Protecting railcars and cargo holds
- Preserving forensic evidence and crime scenes
- Safeguarding ballot boxes and voting materials
- Validating utility meters and equipment
- Ensuring calibration of inspection tools
- Verifying hazardous material containment
Essentially anywhere that tampering prevention is critical, wire rope seals offer reliable protection.
Proper Installation
To achieve full security, proper wire rope seal installation is key. Here are best practices to follow:
- Only use authorized and numbered seals from a trusted source.
- Note seal numbers before applying for cross-reference.
- Thread cable through door handles/openings with at least 12 inches of overlap.
- Tighten cable so there is no slack when crimped.
- Use authorized tooling to crimp the seal ends together.
- Double check crimped ends are properly set together.
- Note any distinguishing application marks for inspection later.
- Document seal numbers and any noteworthy application details.
Following this protocol ensures maximum tamper-resistance for the crimped seal.
Inspecting Wire Rope Seals
Upon reaching the destination, wire rope seals should undergo careful inspection before removing:
- Match seal numbers to installation documents.
- Check for any signs of alteration like scratches, cuts, or unusual crimp marks.
- Verify cable has not been severed then reconnected.
- Watch for any evidence of the cable being too loose or pulled apart.
- Remove using authorized cutters while noting any issues.
Diligent inspection verifies whether the seal’s integrity was maintained in transit. If all checks out, contents can be considered secure against tampering.
Conclusion
So next time you need to lock down a shipment, cargo load, storage unit or crime scene, reach for the simple but effective protection of a wire rope seal. These unsung heroes act as silent guardians, providing peace of mind that your valuables and evidence remain untouched. Add their must-have security to your protocol today.
