Guide to Cable Tie Mounts

Cables and wiring are essential components across various industries, from automotive wiring harnesses and HVAC systems to electric cable enclosures and rack cabinets.

What are Cable Tie Mounts?

A hallmark of a professionally designed and assembled project is the careful installation of cables and conductors. Cable management can be achieved through several methods.

Cable ties are often used to bundle wiring neatly and cleanly, allowing engineers and designers to:

- Keep high and low voltages separate

- Identify and isolate voltage conductors from datacom and signal wiring

- Enable easier circuit tracing in an outdoor cable enclosure

While push-mount cable ties are often attached directly to the mounting surface, a cable tie mounting base is another option.

The proper cable tie mount helps prevent damage to cables and conductors by routing them away from moving parts. For example, they can isolate conductor bundles from pinch points created by weatherproof outdoor cabinet doors and hinges. Using a cable tie wall mount in strategic locations keeps cables neatly in place.

Selecting the correct cable tie mounting pad for your project is just as important as choosing the cable ties themselves.

Factors to consider when specifying cable mounts include:

- Mounting surface

- Environment

- Cable tie wrap sizes

- The need for flexibility or stability in the cable bundle

Cable Tie Mounting Options

The most common mounting surfaces for cable tie mounts are smooth steel or plastics. However, in outdoor cable installations, you might encounter rough, non-steel surfaces. Consider the surface as you decide on a mount.

1. For smooth surfaces, consider using an adhesive cable tie mount. These mounts feature slots on all four edges to accommodate cable ties from multiple angles. Some variants include a mounting hole for screwing the mount directly onto the panel.

2. Another adhesive mount option can swivel to adjust to any angle, rotating a full 360 degrees. Adhesive-backed cable tie mounts install quickly and are ideal for securing lightweight wire or cable bundles. However, keep in mind that removing these mounts from the panel will destroy the adhesive backing.

3. Alternatively, you can use mounted cable ties that push into a panel hole, either pre-drilled or drilled during installation. The fir tree mount derives its name from its resemblance to an upside-down tree and is commonly used in the automotive industry. Featuring multiple ribs, it securely installs in mounting holes of various depths.

4. Similar in design to the fir tree mount, the masonry cable tie mount is specifically crafted for mounting in block or concrete walls. It accommodates both standard and heavy-duty zip ties effectively.

When using wire tie mounts, it's essential to match the cable tie mounting base to the size of the cable ties you're using. While it's possible to remove fir tree style mounts, you risk damaging the barbs, though they can be easily replaced with another mount.

Cable tie mounts for panels come in various types to suit different installation needs:

1. Arrowhead Cable Tie Mounts: These mounts press into pre-drilled or pre-punched square holes on data cabinet back panels. They are often removable and some feature wings to limit lateral movement, while others have a cupped base design for maximum stability.

2. Reverse Cable Tie Mounts: Installed from behind the panel board, these mounts provide a clean, snag-free installation, which is ideal for panels exposed to foot traffic.

3. Low-Profile Mounts: Options like two-way or four-way cable tie mounts can be screwed or riveted onto the panel without needing pre-drilled holes. They offer a streamlined solution.

4. Screw-Mount Cable Tie Harness: For maximum stability, these mounts can accommodate wider cable ties or multiple ties. They are secured to the panel with screws.

5. Harness Cable Tie Mounts: Designed to support multiple bundles of cables, these mounts are ideal for organizing extensive wiring setups.

6. Hook and Loop Cable Tie Mounts: Increasingly popular in data cabinets and rack mount cabinets, these mounts are compatible with hook and loop cable ties. They allow for infinite adjustability and are suitable for scenarios where future cabling changes may be necessary. Specialized mounts are available specifically for hook and loop ties, ensuring secure attachment.

Considerations for Cable Tie Mounts

In certain cabling configurations, it's essential to securely fasten cables around and off panel boards within electric cable enclosures. While adhesive mounts or screw/rivet mounts are common choices, they may not always be the most suitable options for various reasons.

For instance, using self-adhesive tie mounts or screw/rivet mounts can pose challenges when panels need to be removed from the enclosure. Cutting cable ties to release cables can result in loose cables flopping around. Moreover, drilling holes for screw or rivet mounts can compromise the enclosure's rating.

To address these issues, edge mount cable tie mounts provide a practical solution. Designed to be attached to the edge of the panel, they are compatible with both metal and plastic panels. These mounts allow cables to be fully secured before installing the panel into the enclosure, ensuring efficient and tidy cable management.

Reasons to Choose Cable Tie Mounts

Integrating cable tie mounts into your enclosure or rack design enhances its appearance, providing a clean and professional look. Beyond aesthetics, strategic placement facilitates easier troubleshooting when needed.

In outdoor settings, such as outdoor telecom equipment cabinets, cable tie mounts prevent wires from getting snagged or damaged during activities in the vicinity.

While basic wire ties suffice for bundling cables and conductors, cable tie mounts ensure a more stable and secure arrangement, promoting both a professional appearance and optimal performance.