Aluminium cable clip (P-clip)

01

Size the clip to the bundle, cushion and temperature

HellermannTyton's aluminium P-clip datasheet (issued April 2011, hosted by the distributor Misumi) lists plain clips ALU4 to ALU13 for maximum bundle diameters of 6.4 to 20.6 mm, all 12.7 mm wide with a 5.2 mm fixing hole and a 0.8 mm or 1.3 mm wall. Clips with a chloroprene insert, ALU4C to ALU34C, take bundles of 3.2 to 50.8 mm. [1]

The datasheet rates the plain aluminium clip from −40 °C to +180 °C, and the clip with chloroprene insert from −20 °C to +80 °C. It says the insert protects the bundle against vibration, reduces noise and gives electrical isolation, and that plain aluminium clips suit high temperatures or applications needing a metal component's strength. [1]

Editorial calculation: in the datasheet table, each insert size takes a bundle 3.2 mm smaller than the plain clip of the same number, for example ALU4 6.4 mm and ALU4C 3.2 mm, or ALU10 15.9 mm and ALU10C 12.7 mm, so order by the size code for the clip type you will fit. [1]

BS EN 4114:2009 (withdrawn in January 2024), an aerospace standard for P-type aluminium clamps with rubber cushioning, stated in its scope that the clamps were used up to 80 °C maximum and referred to the cushion material standards for temperature range. [3] Editorial note: as in the datasheet, check the cushion's rating, not just the aluminium's, against the hottest point on your run.

Give the supplier the bundle or pipe diameter at each point, plain or cushioned, cushion material, fixing screw size, ambient and maximum surface temperature, exposure to oil, UV or washdown, vibration, and quantity per size.

02

Space the clips, keep them snug and fix them firmly

The FAA's Advisory Circular 43.13-1B, written for aircraft wiring, says clamps should be spaced at intervals not exceeding 24 inches and selected for a snug fit without pinching wires, so that the bundle does not move through the clamp under a slight axial pull. It cautions that metal clamps on coaxial RF cables may cause problems if the fit distorts the cable's cross-section. [2]

The same paragraph says clamps lined with nonmetallic material should support the bundle along the run, that ties between clamps do not replace adequate clamping, and that adhesive tapes are not acceptable as a clamping means. Clamps should be installed with their attachment hardware above them where practicable so they are unlikely to rotate, with the back of the clamp against a structural member where practical, and with enough slack between the last clamp and the equipment to prevent strain at the terminal. [2]

Editorial calculation: 24 inches is about 610 mm, so a 3 m run needs at least five spans, or six clips including both ends (3,000 ÷ 610 ≈ 4.9). Editorial note: this is aviation maintenance guidance; for a machine, follow the machine's own standard and use it as a reference for spacing and fit. [2]

03

Space ties between clips and keep the first tie off the connector

NASA-STD-8739.4A (Change 4, approved 30 June 2016), NASA's workmanship standard for crimping, interconnecting cables, harnesses and wiring, requires that wiring and harnesses be supported to minimise shock and vibration-induced stress, that excessive flexing or pressure over sharp or rough edges be prevented, and that protection be added where abrasion could occur. Its Table 9-1 sets the maximum distance between spot ties, plastic straps or lacing stitches by harness diameter: 19.1 mm (0.75 in) for harnesses of 6.4 mm or less, 38.1 mm (1.50 in) up to 12.7 mm, 50.8 mm (2.00 in) up to 25.4 mm, and 76.2 mm (3.00 in) above 25.4 mm. Table 9-2 places the first tie 25.4–50.8 mm from a connector or its accessory on bundles under 12.7 mm, 50.8–76.2 mm on 12.7–25.4 mm bundles and 76.2–101.6 mm on larger ones, and a tie or stitch must sit immediately before and after any breakout. [4]

Editorial calculation: on a 20 mm bundle, ties at no more than 50.8 mm apart put about 11 ties between two clips spaced at the FAA's 24 in (610 mm) maximum; the FAA notes that ties between clamps do not replace adequate clamping, so the clip spacing and the tie spacing are separate checks. Ask the clip supplier for the cushion's bundle range at each size, and plan the first clip and first tie clear of connectors. [4] [2] [1]

04

Stainless cushion, saddle and solar-array clips from the listed makers

Listings include stainless steel cushion and saddle clamps among cable clips, and stainless steel cable clips for solar panel arrays.

05

Loop strap, cushion insert, fixing tab and snug fit on the bundle

06

Bundle diameter range, alloy, fixing hole and temperature rating for a clip order

The temperature row depends on the cushion: HellermannTyton rates the plain aluminium clip to +180 °C but the chloroprene-lined one only to +80 °C. Strength and hardness of the strap are not published and must come from the supplier. [1]

07

Send the bundle, environment and quantity data together

Paste it into your enquiry below or into an email to a maker, then replace every bracket.

Bundles: [diameter at each clip; cable or pipe]
Clip: [plain or cushioned; cushion material; size code]
Fixing: [screw size; surface; orientation]
Environment: [temperature; oil; UV; washdown; vibration]
Routing: [run length; spacing]
Supply: [quantity per size; finish]

See manufacturer records Send an enquiry through CNFX