The Evolving Role of Cable Cleats in Modern Installations
In electrical and industrial installations, the importance of a secure and reliable cable management system cannot be overstated. Cable cleats, though small, play a critical role in ensuring the stability and safety of cable routes. With the growing demand for infrastructure across various sectors, choosing the right type of cable cleat has become more crucial than ever.
Today, both polymer cable cleats and metallic cable cleats are widely used in installations across indoor and outdoor environments. Each has its unique strengths, material advantages, and suitability depending on the installation requirement. In this blog, we’ll explore the innovations in cable cleats, compare stainless steel cleats vs polymer cleats, and provide a practical cable cleat installation guide to help users choose the ideal solution.
Atlas Metal, a leader in engineered metal components, presents this informative piece to help you make the right decision based on functionality, safety, and cost-efficiency.
What Are Cable Cleats?
Cable cleats are mechanical devices used to secure cables and prevent them from moving due to electromagnetic forces, vibrations, or accidental pulls. They play a vital safety role, especially in systems dealing with high voltage or mechanical stress.
Cable cleats are typically installed at regular intervals along the length of cables to provide grip and maintain alignment. Whether it’s power distribution in a residential building or large-scale industrial setups, cleats ensure that cables stay in place and reduce strain on terminals and joints.
The design of cleats has evolved significantly over the years. Modern versions are now made with a variety of materials including metal alloys and polymers. This innovation has led to the widespread use of both polymer cable cleats and metallic cable cleats, each addressing specific operational and environmental needs.
For instance, cable cleats for high fault currents are mostly metallic due to their superior mechanical strength, while UV-resistant polymer cleats are ideal for indoor applications with minimal exposure to external elements. To better understand the options available, we must explore each type in detail.
Polymer Cable Cleats: Lightweight & Non-Conductive
Polymer cable cleats are made using high-grade thermoplastics or composite materials. These cleats have gained popularity due to their lightweight nature, electrical insulation, and resistance to corrosion.
Benefits of Polymer Cable Cleats:
- Non-corrosive and weather-resistant: Ideal for installations where exposure to moisture or chemicals is a concern.
- Electrical insulation properties: Since polymers are non-conductive, they provide an additional layer of safety in sensitive environments.
- Easy to handle and install: Their lightweight structure reduces labor intensity and speeds up installation.
- Lower cost for non-extreme environments: Perfect for standard applications where extreme mechanical forces are not a factor.
UV-resistant polymer cleats are specially designed to withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight, making them suitable for controlled indoor and semi-outdoor environments. Moreover, flame-retardant cable cleats made of polymer can prevent fire propagation, an essential requirement in data centers and commercial buildings.
Ideal For:
- Residential buildings
- Indoor commercial spaces
- Data centers
- Telecommunication cabinets
While polymer cleats are not ideal for high-stress applications, their versatility and low-cost maintenance make them a smart choice for many modern installations. Always refer to a cable cleat installation guide to ensure compatibility with cable type and layout.
Metallic Cable Cleats: Strong & Durable Solutions
Metallic cable cleats are often constructed from materials such as stainless steel, aluminium, or galvanized steel. These cleats are preferred for environments that demand high strength and resilience.
Benefits of Metallic Cable Cleats:
- High mechanical strength: Suitable for areas with high vibration or mechanical impact.
- Heat resistance: Better suited for high-temperature zones or systems with thermal variations.
- Long life cycle: Especially when made of stainless steel or treated aluminium, they offer extended durability.
- Fire safety: Metallic cleats are inherently fire-resistant, adding an extra layer of protection.
The aluminium cable cleats benefits include their balance between strength and weight, making them easier to install than heavier metals but still strong enough for critical setups.
A common consideration in the market is the debate around stainless steel cleats vs polymer cleats. Stainless steel cleats are the clear choice for cable cleats for high fault currents, where the system must withstand extreme electromagnetic forces without displacement or breakage. However, they are more expensive and heavier, requiring more labor for installation.
Ideal For:
- Industrial setups
- Power distribution stations
- Outdoor installations with high environmental stress
- High-voltage cable routes
As always, refer to the correct cable cleat installation guide for spacing, torque values, and compatibility with specific cable diameters.
Flame-Retardant and UV-Resistant Cleats: Safety & Longevity
Whether you choose polymer or metallic cleats, safety is paramount. Flame-retardant cable cleats are essential in areas with high fire risks. In the event of a short circuit or fire, these cleats help prevent flames from spreading along the cable path.
UV-resistant polymer cleats offer additional protection in sunlit or outdoor environments. Extended UV exposure can degrade many plastics, but specially engineered polymers maintain their strength and integrity over time.
Aluminium cable cleats benefits extend here as well—they do not degrade under UV light and provide robust fire resistance. However, in indoor environments where fire safety and budget control are both important, flame-retardant cable cleats made from engineered polymers may be more appropriate.
Whether you’re installing for safety compliance or longevity, understanding the specific needs of your application will guide you toward the right product type. If you’re dealing with frequent sunlight exposure or flammable surroundings, always opt for cleats with certified UV or flame-retardant ratings.
Cable Cleat Installation Guide: Best Practices
Proper installation is just as important as choosing the right material. This cable cleat installation guide includes essential practices for a secure and effective setup:
- Spacing: Cable cleats should be installed at recommended intervals—typically every 300–600 mm, depending on the cable size and weight.
- Torque Specifications: Avoid over-tightening. Use a torque wrench to match the cleat’s recommended pressure.
- Surface Preparation: The installation surface should be clean, flat, and strong enough to hold the cleats and cables.
- Compatibility: Ensure that the cleat size matches the cable diameter.
- Material Matching: Avoid placing metallic cleats on conductive surfaces without insulation, and vice versa.
- Environmental Check: Use UV-resistant polymer cleats or aluminium cable cleats depending on the installation zone.
Following a reliable cable cleat installation guide not only ensures longevity but also enhances system safety and compliance with electrical codes.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Cable Cleat with Atlas Metal
Understanding the difference between polymer cable cleats and metallic cable cleats is essential for making the right installation decision. Both options have their place in electrical systems, depending on the application and environmental needs.
Where weight, cost, and insulation are critical—polymer cable cleats provide a practical solution. In contrast, when strength, heat resistance, and fault current management are priorities, metallic cable cleats become the better fit. The comparison of stainless steel cleats vs polymer cleats helps clarify these trade-offs.
Whether it’s for flame-retardant cable cleats, cable cleats for high fault currents, or UV-resistant polymer cleats, Atlas Metal ensures top-quality components tailored for diverse requirements. Use our in-depth cable cleat installation guide and consult our experts to secure your cable systems with confidence.
Trust Atlas Metal—a name known for strength, quality, and innovation.
FAQs
The key difference lies in their material and performance characteristics. Polymer cable cleats are lightweight, non-conductive, and corrosion-resistant—ideal for indoor or low-stress environments. Metallic cable cleats, on the other hand, are stronger, heat-resistant, and suitable for high-fault-current or industrial applications.
Yes, but only if they are UV-resistant polymer cleats. These are designed to withstand sunlight exposure without degradation. However, for harsh or high-stress outdoor conditions, aluminium or stainless steel cleats are generally preferred for added durability.
Choose stainless steel cleats when your installation involves high mechanical stress, high fault currents, or exposure to heat and vibration. They are particularly suited for industrial sites, substations, and power plants where reliability under extreme conditions is crucial.
Follow a cable cleat installation guide that specifies spacing, torque settings, and compatibility with cable diameter. Always ensure the mounting surface is strong and clean. Over-tightening or improper alignment can compromise cable integrity and safety performance.
Not always—but they are strongly recommended for environments with fire risk or sun exposure. Flame-retardant cleats prevent fire propagation along cables, while UV-resistant cleats maintain their strength and shape under sunlight. Choosing the right variant ensures long-term safety and compliance with standards.