How to consider wiring protection materials

When it comes to selecting wiring protection materials, there are many options to choose from, so you may be confused.

Conclusion: Once you have clarified your objectives and requirements, you can make the right choice.

We have compiled a list of items based on the perspectives and designs we hear from our customers when making proposals. There are multiple options based on the purpose and requirements of wiring protection, so we hope you will use this as a reference depending on your situation.

Purpose and requirements for protecting wiring

・About the purpose

Naturally, the wires will need to be protected from the outside, but the specifications of the protective material selected will depend on "what" they are being protected from.

The purpose of wiring protection is listed below for each item.

・Binding/storage

The purpose is to improve storage by simply bundling several wires together. Bundling them together with cable ties is the cheapest option, but it can be difficult to use in cases such as those described below.

- Wear/impact

The purpose is to prevent intermittent wear caused by the operation and vibration of the equipment itself, as well as any impact on the wiring. It is necessary to select a strong protective material depending on the frequency of wear and the load applied. As flexibility can be lost as a trade-off with strength, there is an increasing demand for protective materials that combine strength and flexibility. In recent years, "workability" has also been added to this, and it is important to strike a balance between flexibility, strength, and workability.

Example: Post-insertion braided tube

https://www.denka-e.co.jp/products/detail/7

·heat

If the wiring is used in a non-room temperature environment, the purpose is to respond to the surrounding environmental temperature. It is necessary to clarify the range and temperature that will be affected, and to clarify the necessity and conditions for heat shielding and insulation.

·noise

The purpose is to protect the wiring from noise generated by the equipment. Noise countermeasures will be covered in a separate article, so we will not go into details here.

・Moisture/dust

The purpose is to protect the wiring from moisture and dust particles that may adhere to it, preventing them from affecting the wiring's coating. There are dustproof and waterproof ratings based on IP ratings, so if it is clear which rating is required for protection, verification can be carried out according to that rating.

・Chemicals/oil

The purpose is to protect the wiring from chemicals or oils that may come into contact with it, preventing them from affecting the wiring's insulation. The type of protective material you choose will vary depending on the type of chemicals.

・Weather resistance (ultraviolet rays, humidity

When used outdoors, the purpose is to protect the wiring from the effects of ultraviolet rays, etc. Weather resistance is based on experiments with ultraviolet light exposure, and the key point is whether the protective material itself will deteriorate.

Example: Weatherproof cable ties

https://www.denka-e.co.jp/products/detail/198

・Pests/vermin

The purpose is to protect wiring from pests and vermin. In recent years, there have been many accidents of wiring being broken by vermin, and countermeasures are being called for. There are tubes that contain ingredients that vermin dislike, but there have been cases where the tubes have been eaten through, so the reality is that they are not a 100% effective solution.

・Selection table by purpose (which one should I choose)

In the table below, wiring protection materials are classified according to their intended use as 〇 (usable), △ (usable depending on the circumstances), or × (difficult to use).