Have you ever noticed that various cables and wires have a unique pattern at the ends? People often ignore it, thinking it’s just a design. However, this pattern isn’t related to the design, but rather to the cable’s strength. Similar patterns are also seen on the backs of many cable plugs. This pattern is meant to provide flexibility to cables or wires. Cables that don’t have this design often break easily. Furthermore, you can also purchase this support system separately for cables that don’t come with this design.
These distinctive cuts on the ends of cables or wires actually act as a support system. Cables that don’t have these cuts tend to break at the ends over time. This is due to repeated bending.
In fact, the greatest stress on any cable or wire occurs where the connector connects to the wire. In such a situation, the special groove pattern prevents the pressure from concentrating on one point, thereby increasing the life of the wire or cable.
If the cable does not have this special pattern, your cable can easily break right behind the connector. Many inexpensive cables come without this design, and one reason for their rapid failure is that they lack a support system to withstand the pressure exerted by the wire repeatedly bending behind the connector.
By not including this extra plastic part on the cable, companies reduce their costs, but the user has to bear the brunt of repeatedly purchasing a new cable. Therefore, if you purchase a cable, always buy one that has this special design or cut on the back of the connector.
If your cable does not have this groove design on the back of the connector, you can extend the life of your cable with a protector. Such protectors are available in the market for 30 to 50 rupees. These are known as cable protectors or spiral cord savers.
These are small spiral sleeves made of silicone or hard plastic that you can easily wrap around both ends of the cable. Heat-shrink tube is also a great and inexpensive solution. Applying a light flame from a lighter to the wire gives it factory-like strength.