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How to Find the Right Cable Sleeve Size

 

Finding the correct cable sleeve size is crucial for optimal protection and organization of your cables. The right sleeve guards against environmental hazards and enhances the overall functionality and life span of your cable system.

Atkins & Pearce offers a wide variety of high-quality braided sleeving solutions to protect your wires, cables, hoses, and wire assemblies from twisting, bending, heat, abrasion, and other environmental stressors. With so many choices, deciding what cable sleeving size you need for your project can seem daunting. This guide will help you determine the perfect fit.

How to Determine the Right Cable Sleeve Size

Cable sleeve size often refers to the inner diameter of the sleeve, which should be slightly larger or smaller than the diameter of your cable or bundle of cables, depending on your desired fit.

How to Measure Cable Sleeve Size

  1. Measure cable diameter: Use calipers to accurately measure your cable or cable bundle diameter.
  2. Consider the desired fit: Decide if you prefer a snug or loose fit.
  3. Select sleeve diameter: For a snug fit, choose a sleeve diameter slightly smaller than your cable diameter. For a loose fit, choose a diameter slightly larger.
  4. Adjust for length: Braided cable sleeves can contract in length when expanded in diameter. Add a few centimeters to the cable’s length to account for this contraction.

Cable Sleeve Material Options 

Here’s a brief overview of some popular sleeving material options at Atkins & Pearce:

  • Polyethylene terephthalate (PET): PET is abrasion-resistant, ideal for environments up to 125 degrees Celsius (257 degrees Fahrenheit).
  • Ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE): UL VW-1 Rated for flame resistance, this also provides low smoke generation and is suitable for applications with stringent flammability requirements.
  • Nylon: This material is lightweight, flexible, and abrasion-resistant, suitable for automotive and cable assemblies.
  • Polyether ether ketone (PEEK): This is ideal for high-temperature environments and biomedical applications due to its flame resistance and ability to endure thousands of sterilization cycles.
  • Perfluoroalkoxy alkane (PFA): PFA has excellent chemical resistance and low moisture absorption. It is suitable for high-temperature applications, withstanding up to 260 degrees Celsius (500 degrees Fahrenheit).
  • Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS): Lightweight and highly resistant to chemicals and temperatures up to 150 degrees Celsius (302 degrees Fahrenheit), this material is ideal for aerospace and telecommunications industries.

Why Trust Atkins & Pearce for Cable Sleeves?

We have been in business for over two centuries, and during that time, we have delivered thousands of unique solutions to our customers. With our 13,000+ braiding machines, we create high-performance fiber products for the most demanding environments.

Contact Us for More Information on How to Choose a Cable Sleeve

Contact Atkins & Pearce for more information on choosing a cable sleeve size and to explore our wide range of cable protection solutions. Our experts are ready to help you find the appropriate cable sleeving and achieve optimal cable protection.