Cable Tubing
Cable tubing, whether in the form of heat shrink or split loom, not only physically protects the wire it covers but also enhances the electrical reliability of the system. In the case of heat shrink, the tubing wraps the electric wire inside with a tight fit. The heat shrinks the tube to seal the setup and make it waterproof. With either a heat-shrink or split-loom setup, one can separate a group of wires from another or set pairings up for visual recognition, and with different cable sheaths inside/around them, reduce the likelihood of one cable rubbing/chafing against another to the point of failure.
Cable tubing is widely used in many industries for a variety of applications. Industries like the automotive, aerospace, and telecommunications sectors, and even industrial automation, employ this technology in countless ways. It is implemented to safeguard and strengthen the wiring that is tucked inside machinery and behind control panels, among other areas. By covering and protecting the cables, tubing helps to extend their lifespan. Tubing also makes it possible for various kinds of electrical systems to coexist in tight quarters without causing heat buildup and other kinds of interference.
More Information about Cable Tubing
Used in many ways, wire loom tubing helps keep all the electrical wires in vehicles and machinery neat and safe. It's made from various materials, the most common being polyethylene. This versatile product has many benefits, including its high flexibility, low weight, easy installation, and, most important, the fact that it provides the wires with very good protection. Examples of wire loom tubing include corrugated loom tubing, split wire loom and flexible convoluted tubing.
FAQs
Can split loom tubing or corrugated tubing be used for fiber optic cables?
Yes, split loom tubing or corrugated tubing can be used for fiber optic cables to provide protection and organization, ensuring they are shielded from physical damage and environmental factors.
Can wire harnesses and wire looms be used to route wires in automotive applications?
Yes, wire harnesses and wire looms can be used to route wires in automotive applications, providing organized and protected pathways for electrical connections within the vehicle.
Tips for Exceptional Wire Management
Be consistent.
This is one of the most overlooked aspects of great wire management. Consistency should apply to everything including the length of wire that is being used, the bend radius of the wire, the wire placement within the bundles and the label positions.
Don't always take the shortest path.
When routing wires and trying to achieve a clean and organized look, it is important to not always take the shortest route to land the wires. For example, when wiring hardware on the door of an electrical enclosure it is important to consider all of the wires that are going to be at that location and bundle these wires whenever possible. Instead of just running the wires directly to the place that they need to be connected, route the wires in a way that will pass other devices or connection points near the wire and pick up any other wires along the way that are related to those other connection points.
Wire tie everything that is not concealed.
When wiring in a control panel, the wires are often concealed by the wire ducting. However, there are times when wires are not concealed and are difficult to control in such a way that will result in a clean and organized look. To assist with this problem, it is important to use wire ties and wire tie anchors. Make sure that the same size wire tie and the same color is used throughout the install process.