When it comes to the protection of your wiring, you can never be too safe. There are many different types of surfaces wires may need to pass through to perform their function. The holes they pass through need to be insulated so the wires aren’t damaged. You could go with bushings – they are very effective. However, rubber grommets have some strong advantages. Consider them before making a decision.
The Elimination of Sharp Edges
Rubber grommets actually share this advantage with bushings. It is the main function of both rubber grommets and bushings. The biggest danger that wires face is getting damaged while passing through a hole with sharp edges. Rubber grommets fit holes of various sizes and insulate the wires from those sharp edges.
Aesthetic Appeal
This is an advantage that rubber grommets have over bushings. If the surface where the rubber grommets will be installed will be visible to others, it’s something you should consider. Imagine shiny tires on your car – it doesn’t matter if your car is an old dust bucket or straight off the production line, those shiny tires give it some flare. Rubber grommets are the shiny tires for your wires.
Varied Sizes
Another big benefit of rubber grommets is the availability of varied sizes – there are over 100 sizes. You’ll have options for several different hole sizes as well as different panel thicknesses. You can find rubber grommets that will fit holes ranging from as small as 6.4 millimeters in diameter to 60.3 millimeters in diameter. As for panel thicknesses, rubber grommets can fit panel thicknesses from 1.6 millimeters to 4.8 millimeters.
Water Resistance
Rubber grommets have strong water resistant properties. In addition to water resistance, they can withstand most modern chemicals as well as organic acids. This is added protection for your wiring, tubing, and anything else you’ll have passing through the rubber grommets.
Vibration Damping
Some types of bushings also have this property – preventing wires from being affected by vibrations. Those bushings have flexible “shutters” in their interior for wires to pass through, keeping them from the outer rim of the bushings. Rubber grommets on the other hand are thick and sturdy enough on their own to shield the wires from vibration.
So there you have it. Those are the most important things to consider when deciding what protection to use for your wiring. Do you need a very particular size? If so, you’ll likely find a rubber grommet that will work. Could your wires be affected by vibration? If so, either choose a bushing that will protect your wires or go with rubber grommets. Is it possible that any water or chemicals could leak onto your wires? Do you need your surface to be aesthetically pleasing? These are all questions that you should ask yourself. Use the information above as a guide to make the best decision for your particular situation – and do it with confidence.