Everything to Know About Electrical Cable Ties
When doing electrical work, there’s nothing worse than encountering cables or wires that are tangled or disorganized. With electrical cable ties, you can keep those cables and wires securely fastened to create order from chaos. Electrical ties can also extend the life of your wiring work, protecting it from frays and damage.
When looking for electrical zip ties, electrical tie wraps or electrical seams and connectors, there are few standards and types to look for. Here are a few tips to help you find the right cable tie for your electrical application.
Electrical Ties Come in All Colors
Your standard electrical cable tie is going to come in black. However, you can order them in a variety of different colors if you want to keep track of which zip ties go to which electrical devices. For example, you may want to use black zip ties on commercial products such as a boiler or furnace while using red zip ties on wires that lead to your computer or television. This helps you stay organized if you have several devices that use the same power source.
Use the Appropriate Tensile Strength
When choosing electrical ties, one of the most important factors to consider is the tensile strength. There is a wide variety of tensile strengths available, ranging from incredibly lightweight to extreme heavy duty. Depending on your project, you’ll choose from one of the five standards of tensile strength:
- Miniature: 18 lbs.
- Intermediate: 40 lbs.
- Standard: 50 lbs.
- Light Heavy Duty: 120 lbs.
- Heavy Duty: 175 lbs.
- Extra Heavy Duty: 250 lbs.
Those looking to do a DIY project at home can use a screwdriver or a wrench to clamp down the zip tie at whatever tensile strength is necessary to secure an object in place. In general, you can ask our customer service representative before buying a particular zip tie how strong it is and what it can tie down.
Electrical Cable Ties Are Affordable To All
Electrical ties are the preferred tool to lock down a wiring or electrical equipment because of their affordability. You can expect to spend no more than $20 for a package of ties that you can use on essentially any part of an electrical application. The best part is that they are resistant to moisture and heat, meaning your ties will hold up in the harshest environments.
Electrical zip ties can be used to keep any sort of electric wires properly bundled and out of the way. Whether you need to keep your computer wires tied, an entire server tied down or any other large items keep neat and tidy, cable zip ties are the easy and economical way to get the job done quickly and easily.
Types of Electrical Ties/Accessories to Look For
While all cable ties are designed and intended for electrical applications, there are certain zip ties and accessories that are frequently used by those in the industry. These tools will help you get the job done right and done well.
UV Stabilized/Heat Stabilized Heat Stabilized Nylon 6/6 is used in environments that will see continuous or extended exposure to high temperatures (up to 250°F). Nylon cable ties containing specially formulated heat stabilizers are engineered for continuous exposure to high temperatures. They also meet UL standards for electrical applications.
2. Nylon Insulated Butted Seam With Insulation Grip
Terminal consists of butted seam part with flared, seamless brass sleeve securely attached and covered with flared, molded nylon sleeve. Crimping barrel and flared portion of sleeve provide excellent electrical contact plus mechanical stress relief at junction of insulation and barrel. Positioning crimp tool is nearly mistake-proof due to a “step” in nylon insulation. Industry standard color coding indicates wire range.
3. Vinyl Insulated Brazed and Butted Seams
Used where insulated barrel is necessary and desirable. Terminal consists of brazed or butted part with flared, rigid molded polyvinyl chloride sleeve securely attached and funneled for easy wire entry. Wire insulation positions itself against funnel portion of vinyl sleeve thus eliminating strand hang-up. Industry standard color coding indicates wire range.
4. Insulation Displacement Connectors (IDCs)
This easy to use tool saves you lots of time. To install, just squeeze—no stripping or twisting. The unique “U” contact provides dependable electrical connections. A wide variety of styles and sizes are available to meet all your applications. Fluorescent ballast installation and replacement, fixture and appliance wiring, automotive and marine wiring and control circuit wiring are easily accomplished.
If you have any questions about our electrical cable ties and accessories, please reach out to our customer support team. They can help you find the right part or electrical zip tie and answer any questions you might have about using them.
