Cable Spiral Wrapping

Cable spiral wrap is an essential tool for cable management across a wide range of industries. This expandable tubing offers a convenient and straightforward method to protect and organise cables. Its design allows for greater accessibility compared to other cable organisation solutions.

What is a Cable Wrap?

A spiral cable wrap, also known as a spiral cord wrap or spiral cable sleeve, is an expandable, flex tubing designed primarily for bundling and protecting cables and wires. Its spiral design allows users to easily tidy up multiple cables, safeguarding them from abrasion, crushing, and general wear and tear.

At RS, you'll find a wide variety of wrap cable solutions available in different materials, including durable plastics like polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, and flame-retardant options, as well as a comprehensive range of sizes.

Key Benefits of Using Cable Spiral Wraps

Cable spiral wrap offers a quick and easy solution for simplifying cable management tasks. Its flexible and expandable design allows for the creation of branching points without the need for cutting holes. This adaptability also makes spiral wraps easily reusable and transferable to new applications as needed.

Beyond organisation, spiral wraps significantly improve safety by bundling loose cables together, effectively reducing potential tripping hazards in walkways and work areas. By encasing cables within a protective layer, spiral wrapping also minimises cable wear and tear ultimately extending the lifespan of the enclosed cables.

Here are some key B2B applications of cable spiral wrap across various industries:

• Industrial Automation: Managing cables for robots and automated machinery
• Electrical Panels: Protecting and routing wiring within control cabinets
• Telecommunications: Tidying cables in data centres and communication towers
• Audio/Visual Setups: Managing cables in studios and event venues

Types and Materials of Spiral Cable Wraps

Spiral wrap is available in many different materials, each of which is more suitable for different applications.

Material Options

Spiral wrap comes in various materials suited for different needs:

• Polyethylene (PE) – lightweight and durable, polyethylene is a cost effective material, with flame retardant versions also available.
• Polypropylene (PP) – lightweight and flexible, polypropylene is also halogen free and self-extinguishing.
• Metal detectable PE – contains detectable metal additives to make particulates easily identifiable, which is why it is commonly used in food and beverage production to prevent contamination.
• Nylon – Nylon benefits from high chemical, impact, and thermal resistance, abrasion resistance and self-extinguishing properties.
• PTFE – commonly used in high-temperature applications due to having the widest operating temperature range.

Size Variations

Spiral wraps are available in a range of sizes to fit different cable bundles. For size selection, choose a wrap with an inner diameter slightly larger than your bundled cables for easy wrapping and flexibility. Larger diameters suit complex, branching bundles. Consider the run length for pre-cut vs. roll selection.

Selecting the Right Spiral Cable Wrap

To make an informed purchase decision for your business needs, consider these key factors when selecting a cable wrap protector:

• Environment: For outdoor applications or areas with exposure to chemicals or high temperatures, choose a material like UV-resistant polyethylene, nylon, or PTFE that can withstand these conditions. Indoor use may allow for more cost-effective options like standard polyethylene or polypropylene.
• Cable Type: Delicate cables might require a softer, more flexible wrap. Measure the total diameter of your cable bundle, including any connectors or variations in thickness. Select a spiral wrap with an inner diameter that is approximately 20-25% larger than your bundle's diameter to ensure easy wrapping and allow for future cable additions or movement.
• Regulatory Compliance: Identify any industry-specific standards or safety requirements that apply to your application.

Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Spiral Wrap for Cables

Choosing the Wrong Spiral Cable Wrap Size

A common mistake is confusing the inner and outer diameter of the spiral wrap or underestimating the final thickness of the cable bundle. This can result in a wrap that is too tight, making installation difficult and potentially damaging the cables, or too loose, defeating the purpose of organisation and protection.

Overlooking Material Compatibility

Selecting a spiral wrap made from an incompatible material for the intended environment can lead to premature degradation and failure. For example, using standard polyethylene in high-heat applications or areas with chemical exposure will likely result in the wrap becoming brittle or corroded.

Ignoring Reusability and Flexibility Needs

Purchasing rigid wire wraps for cable setups that require frequent changes, additions, or movement can be inefficient and frustrating. Rigid wraps are difficult to unwind and may crack or break with repeated flexing. If your application involves dynamic cables or frequent modifications, opt for more flexible and reusable spiral wrap materials like polyethylene or polypropylene.

Skipping Cable Management Planning

Failing to plan out cable runs and how cables will be grouped before purchasing wire wraps for cords can lead to inadequate lengths, insufficient diameters, or the wrong types of wraps for different sections. Proper planning ensures that you buy the right quantities and sizes of spiral wrap to achieve effective cable management.

Prioritising Price Over Performance

Choosing the cheapest spiral wrap without considering its quality and suitability for the application can be a costly mistake in the long run. Low-cost wraps may lack the necessary durability, insulation properties, or resistance to environmental factors, leading to premature failure and the need for replacement, as well as potentially compromising the safety and reliability of your cable systems.

Industry Applications

Office and IT Environments

In office and IT environments, cable spiral wrap is widely used for organising computer cables, power cords, and peripheral connections. This simple yet effective solution helps to neatly bundle cables together, reducing visual clutter and creating a more professional appearance.

Industrial and Manufacturing Settings

Within industrial and manufacturing settings, spiral wrap plays a crucial role in complex cable management systems found in various types of machinery and equipment. By encasing cables in a protective coil, the wrap helps to shield them from abrasion caused by movement or contact with machinery, as well as protecting them from exposure to harsh environmental factors such as dust, dirt, moisture, and even some chemicals.

Your Trusted Cable Wrap Supplier & Manufacturer

RS Australia is your trusted supplier and distributor of a wide selection of cable spiral wraps from leading brands like HellermanTyton, Alpha Wire, and Thomas & Betts. Our collection prioritises product quality and adherence to industry compliance standards. Explore our extensive online catalogue to find the perfect spiral cord wrap, cable glands, and electrical trunking for your next project.

To place an order, simply browse our selection, add the desired cable spiral wraps to your cart, and proceed through our secure checkout. We offer various payment options for your convenience across Australia. For detailed information on delivery timelines and costs within Australia, please visit our dedicated Delivery Information page.