What should I do if solar cables are exposed or the conduit is cracked?

What you will see

• Conduit has split, come loose or separated at a joint.
• Cables hang against roof edges or metalwork.
• Outer cable covering appears cut, brittle or discoloured.
• A problem becomes visible after weather, renovation or animal activity.

Why it happens

PV cable-management problems can involve sunlight exposure, failed supports, mechanical strain and animal access. NREL’s operations and maintenance guidance identifies these conditions as reasons for inspection and repair.

An exposed cable is not automatically an unsuitable cable: some products are designed for particular outdoor conditions. However, appearance alone cannot establish its rating, insulation condition or suitability for the way it is installed. The installer should verify the actual cable and route.

Likewise, fitting a new outer cover may not resolve damage already present underneath. The assessment should establish whether the issue concerns the conduit, supports, cable insulation, connections or several of these together.

If the damage followed roof work, preserve the timeline and any earlier photographs. They can help locate the affected section without anyone moving the cable to demonstrate the problem.

Diagram

Common causes of cable-route damage

Sun and weather

Brittle, split or discoloured protection.

Strain and supports

Loose clips, cables against edges.

Animals and roof work

Cuts, chewing, disturbed routes.

A new outer cover may not fix damage underneath. An installer should inspect the route.

What you can check yourself

• Observe from ground level or a location that is already safely accessible.
• Note the approximate position and how much of the route appears affected.
• Take a photograph only if no approach to wiring or a roof edge is required.
• Record any warning, loss of generation or recent building work.
• Keep children, visitors and contractors away from accessible damaged wiring.
• Do not climb onto a roof or reach behind panels to see whether copper is exposed. Tell us when the condition cannot be inspected safely from your position.

What not to do

• Do not tape, move, bend or reconnect damaged cables. Do not wash the affected area or assume wiring is dead because the inverter is off. Do not use an unverified piece of pipe as a permanent repair.

When to call us

• Arrange prompt inspection of damaged cable protection. Exposed conductors, arcing, smoke or evidence of severe burning require people to keep clear and seek urgent assistance.

Cable damage in Faisalabad and Lahore

Sun, storms and roof work damage cable routes across Punjab. Send our Faisalabad or Lahore team safe photos and the timeline.

Send us

Safely obtained photos, cable-route location, recent work or weather events, inverter warnings, and your city and area.