The Ultimate Buyer's Guide for Purchasing Cable Cleats

Understanding Cable Cleats

Cable cleats, often referred to as cable clamps, play a critical role in electrical installations by securing cables effectively. This guide answers common inquiries related to cable cleats and their usage, including types, specifications, spacing requirements, installation techniques, and more.

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According to IEC standards, cable cleats are described as "devices designed to provide secure retention of cables installed at intervals along their length." Essentially, they support and stabilize cables, preventing movement and resisting mechanical forces that could arise during faults.

Importance of Cable Cleats

The primary function of a cable cleat is to ensure that cables remain secure and properly supported, which is vital in situations like short circuits or emergencies. This function helps avoid damage to cables and allows for quick restoration of circuits post-fault.

If cables aren’t secured properly, it could disrupt electrical flow, leading to potentially severe consequences. Cable cleats serve several crucial purposes, including:

• Support for cables and conductors and prevention of excessive movements for safer reworking.
• Restraint against electro-dynamic forces that could occur during faults.
• Reduction of mechanical loads from the cables’ own weight and terminations.
• Facilitation of orderly installations which maximize available space while maintaining optimum cable ratings.
• Attachment of cables to structural elements without relying solely on those elements for retention.

For years, there were no UK or international standards concerning cable cleats. However, leading manufacturers like Prysmian Components played a pivotal role in developing European and international standards (BS EN : ' IEC ) to underline the importance of proper installation and spacing of cleats that ensure cable management systems' protection and the safety of individuals.

Types of Cable Cleats

Cable cleats are primarily classified into two categories: metal and plastic, each with distinct advantages tailored to specific applications.

Metal cleats, such as the Prysmian Single Way Claw Cleat (370BA), crafted from aluminum alloy, are excellent for securing single cables. They can be made from various materials including non-conductive aluminum and stainless steel, with unique designs like the Prysmian Sirius Trefoil Cleat (379TC) featuring an LSOH lining for added safety.

On the other hand, plastic cable cleats, such as the Prysmian Single Way Telcleat (385AA), are designed to accommodate different cable diameters. Their UV resistance and ability to double stack cables on a single fixing make them versatile. With wide operating temperature ranges and remarkable durability, these cleats provide a cost-effective solution for diverse environments.

Choosing the Right Cleat

The essential question many clients ask is, "Which cable cleats should I prefer?" The ultimate answer is "it depends."

E-Tech Components offers an extensive selection of single, trefoil, and quad cleats, including customized solutions, manufactured according to specific application requirements.

Cable Cleat Specifications

To determine the ideal cleat for your needs, consider a multitude of factors:

• Cable Formation: The arrangement of cables—be it parallel, flat, or trefoil—dictates the type of cleat necessary.
• Cable Type: Whether the cable is single or multi-core directly affects specification choices, as does its voltage level.
• Cable Diameter: Proper measurement of the cable's diameter is crucial in selecting the right cleat size and calculating potential forces.
• Performance: Depending on the application, cleats might need specific attributes like fire resistance or corrosion resistance.
• Short Circuit Rating: Consideration of the maximum fault current during short circuit conditions is vital.
• Expansion & Contraction: Anticipate variations in size due to temperature changes when selecting cable cleats.

Installation of Cable Cleats

Selecting appropriate cable cleats is only part of the installation process. It's also crucial to consider how to effectively secure cables to the cleats to prevent any movement that might occur due to electrical faults. Cleats should be firmly anchored, capable of withstanding forces associated with peak short-circuit currents.

Typically, cable cleats are secured around cables with a threaded bolt and nut. Adequate tightening enhances grip but over-tensioning can damage cables.

Recommendation: Tighten cleat fixings until they firmly grip the cable without any visible damage or bulging of the outer jacket.

Optimal Cleat Spacing Guidelines

Single Cables

Proper cleat spacing, especially in accessible areas, is essential:

1. Use fire-resistant fixings for fire-resistant cables.
2. For flat cables, the major axis dimension should be considered.
3. Spacing recommendations apply to multi-core cables.
4. When dealing with single core cables in AC installations, consider generated forces under fault conditions.
5. Spacing for horizontal runs can be applied to angles exceeding 30 degrees.
6. The suggestions are valid for runs angled at 30 degrees or less.

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Trefoil Cable Considerations

Short circuit events in three-phase systems lead to substantial asymmetric responses followed by a more stable state. The timing and nature of the fault heavily influence this response.

During such events, peak currents create maximum forces on cable conductors, and standards like BS EN: (IEC) provide formulas to calculate these forces effectively.

Trefoil Cleat Spacing Requirements

Trefoil cleats must be spaced uniformly to withstand forces from significant short circuit currents, usually matching the spacing of common cable ladder setups (e.g., 300 mm / 225 mm).

The maximum current values for each design are provided alongside their testing data, allowing for optimal spacing adjustments based on specific project requirements.

Exploring E-Tech Components for Your Cable Management Needs

E-Tech Components boasts an extensive portfolio of cable cleats and clamps, including single way, trefoil, quad cleats, and more, tailored to diverse applications.

Partnering with the Prysmian Group, we ensure delivery of top-tier products that comply with international standards, enriched by a massive selection from trusted partners like Slagboom Electric.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to our technical sales team to identify the perfect cleat for your needs.

Explore our full range of cable management solutions now.