Much as you’d like to do without them, cables and wires are still necessary in today’s life. Wireless technology may be stepping up and improving some aspects of your life but there are still key items in your home or office that require the use of cables and wires. And these things can get pretty hairy to untangle and really dangerous when left in their disorganized state. Also, knotted cables and wires can make any space look bad.
And these are the exact reasons why you need braided sleeving. This fiber woven sleeve insulates and protects electrical components, not just organize them. Sleeving comes in different materials for different applications: fiberglass for welding and manufacturing, nylon for automotive and mining applications, Teflon for aerospace and military applications, and Kevlar for applications that require advanced engineering and something stronger than steel.
For simple cable and wire management, you’ll want the not-so heavy duty braided sleeves, something suitable for general purpose. Now if you need something that will help you identify wires easily, the braided monofilament sleeving offers the widest array of colors, so you can basically color-code the number of wires or cables you have. The braided monofilament also features the greatest expandability and flexibility from among the various types of sleeves.
If you’re looking for visual appeal, not just utility, the braided multifilament may be a good choice because it features a soft, fabric-like look. But beauty isn’t the only thing to consider about the braided multifilament; it is also tightly constructed, which minimizes internal abrasion of more delicate wires.
When it comes to versatility, the braided wraparound sleeving is the ideal choice. It is designed for components that cannot be taken apart. With a wraparound sleeve, you simply open up along its length and easily wrap over the bundle of cables or wires. The braided wraparound sleeve is best for applications in workstation cabling, automotive and marine engine retrofits, and network bundles, to name a few.
Aside from getting sleeves that are designed for your specific application, make sure you read about its features thoroughly. Is it tough enough that the sleeving will be resistant to cuts? How well can it protect your cables and wires from mechanical damage? Can it be bent or flexed numerous times without incurring any damage? Is it ideal for irregular shapes and contours? Is it flame retardant? And can you easily fit it onto your cables and wires?
Organizing your cables and wires is easy and doable. Just remember to pick the right sleeve for your specific application. And look for features that correspond to your wire management needs.