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Wire harness protection corrugated tubes are highly flexible and lightweight. These tubes shield applications operating in rigorous or demanding settings. These smooth-bore tubes are designed for easy cable or wire routing. They are widely used across industries due to their versatility and durability.
Some common types include:
PVC corrugated tubes
PVC corrugated pipe for wire is highly resistant to abrasion, chemicals, and moisture. This makes it an ideal option for diverse applications. In addition, they are lightweight and flexible, enabling easy installation in hard or tight spaces. Also, their smooth interior minimizes friction. Hence, it prevents wear on cables or wires. Further, they are often used in automotive, electrical, and industrial settings because they offer reliable cable management and routing. Here, the PVC corrugated tube saves costs and provides long-lasting durability.
HDPE corrugated tubes
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) corrugated tubes are well appreciated for their toughness and chemical resistance. This makes them suitable for outdoor use or areas exposed to UV rays. Their rigidity compared to PVC provides extra protection in areas with high impact risk. Also, they feature excellent resistance to moisture. Thus, making them ideal in settings where exposure to water is likely. Moreover, these tubes are common in construction and telecommunications sectors. This is due to their resilience and capacity for secure wire protection in outdoor settings.
Steel wire reinforced corrugated tubes
Steel wire reinforced corrugated tubes feature long service life and lots of flexibility even under harsh conditions. The inclusion of steel wire gives extra strength and flexibility. This prevents crushing or deformation under heavy loads. Usually, these tubes are utilized in extremely demanding conditions like heavy machinery or commercial vehicles. In those cases where superior protection is required. In addition, due to their durability and ability to provide structural support, they suit pressure cables or wires that need extra protection.
Spiral corrugated tubes
Spiral corrugated tubes feature excellent flexibility and can be easily bent into different shapes. This makes them ideal for applications with limited space. They provide variable flexibility and are adjustable in lengths. Thus, suiting diverse industries such as automotive, electronics, and construction which need custom cable management solutions. In addition, their adaptable design makes them suitable for protection and routing of wires or cables in considerably tight spaces.
The corrugated tube's specification, application, and requirements largely determine the materials for these corrugated tubes' wire harnesses.
PVC corrugated tubes
Usually, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is commonly used to make corrugated plastic tubing due to its flexibility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Beyond that, PVC has good chemical and abrasion resistance. This makes it well-suited for automotive, electrical, and industrial environments. Also, PVC tubes are lightweight and easy to install in spaces that are difficult to access. Moreover, these tubes commonly come in varied diameters and are extensively used for cable management and wire protection in diverse applications.
HDPE corrugated tubes
Often, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is used to reinforce corrugated tubing due to its rigidity, chemical resistance, and outdoor applicability. It is tougher and has better UV and moisture resistance than PVC. This makes it ideal for outdoor and construction applications. Further, HDPE tubes have a thicker wall that offers superior protection for wires or cables under heavy loads. Also, they are popular in telecommunications and electrical industries, where dependable wiring routing is paramount.
Steel wire reinforced corrugated tubes
Typically, steel wire reinforced corrugated tubes have exceptional durability and flexibility. They stand up well to the most demanding conditions. Adding steel wire gives them extra strength. This prevents crushing or deformation under heavy loads. These tubes are used in heavy machinery, commercial vehicles, and industries where superior wire or cable protection is required. Further, the reinforced design also allows them to handle pressure applications while prolonging the life of the enclosed cables.
PP corrugated tubes
Polypropylene (PP) is used to manufacture corrugated tubes due to its lightweight, flexibility, and robustness. They are more heat and chemical resistant than PVC. Thus, making them suitable for automotive and industrial applications. Further, these tubes are flexible and able to easily accommodate complex routing while offering protection against abrasion in the exposed environment. Moreover, their balance of resilience and adaptability makes PP tubes a suitable option for diverse industries.
Wire harness protection corrugated tubes come in several applications as they protect cables and wires from abrasion, moisture, and chemicals.
Automotive industry
Mostly, the tubes are used to protect wiring harnesses from engine heat, vibration, and exposure to harsh elements. They ensure the long life of the automotive electrical system. Usually, these corrugated tubes keep the wires organized. Therefore, it prevents tangling or damage in tight engine compartments or within the vehicle.
Electronics and electrical systems
Commonly, these tubes protect wires and cables in consumer electronics, household appliances, and industrial electrical systems. Apart from shielding cables from physical damage, they aid in cable management. Hence, making it easy to install and improving safety by preventing electrical hazards. Also, they are used in commercial and residential buildings to manage wiring in lighting, HVAC, and other electrical systems.
Industrial machinery
Frequently, these corrugated tubes are needed to protect cables in industrial equipment and machinery from the environment's abrasion, chemicals, and moisture. This allows abnormal functioning and prevents electrical failure. Therefore, protecting machine components ensures seamless operation in manufacturing, heavy industries, and other industrial facilities.
Marine applications
Often, these tubes shield marine wiring from water, salt air, and other corrosive elements. This is vital for wiring systems on boats, ships, and other marine vessels. It ensures reliability as space is limited and exposure to harsh environments is high.
Construction and heavy equipment
Regularly, these tubes are fitted to protect the wiring harnesses in construction machinery, including excavators, bulldozers, and other heavy equipment. Usually, these tubes withstand the extreme conditions of construction sites, including dust, debris, and mechanical impact. This allows the hardware to function well.
The wire harness protection corrugated tube's durability is a critical concern for its efficacy.
Material composition
The material of the corrugated tube is directly linked to its durability. Usually, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), PVC, or polypropylene (PP) are commonly used due to their robust chemical and environmental resistance. These materials endure UV exposure, moisture, and chemical substances commonly found in outdoor or industrial spaces. Further, some varieties of tubes are reinforced with steel wires. These not only protect against environmental elements but also provide additional strength under pressure or heavy loads.
Tube thickness and rigidity
The corrugated tubing's thickness and rigidity define the degree of mechanical protection it offers. In practice, thicker walls provide better protection against impacts, crushing, and other physical stresses. Which is especially crucial in heavy industrial settings or vehicles with extreme environmental conditions. Moreover, rigidity helps the tube retain its shape and prevent kinks or bends that may hinder wiring in high-heat or confined spaces. Conversely, excessive rigidity can make installation difficult in spaces with limited maneuverability.
Chemical resistance
Often, in industrial or outdoor settings, these tubes encounter various chemicals, including oils, solvents, and detergents. Commonly, a durable corrugated tube material must be resistant to these chemicals. This prevents degradation or weakening of the tube structure. In addition, users should select tubing materials that resist specific chemicals encountered in their intended application. This ensures sustained protection over time.
Temperature resistance
Durability is mainly related to the ability of the corrugated tube to resist extreme temperatures. This includes both high and low temperature ranges. Normally, high temperatures can cause certain materials to become brittle or soften. Whereas low temperatures may lead them to shatter or become inflexible. Therefore, selecting a tube designed to operate within the expected temperature range helps maintain its structural integrity. This ensures ongoing protection for the wiring harness.
Flexibility and bend radius
Usually, in many applications, especially within machinery or vehicles with confined spaces, flexibility is paramount. Moreover, the corrugated tube has to accommodate tight bends without cracking or losing its protective properties. Flexibility is essential for maintaining cable management systems for heavy equipment operating in such tight spaces.
A1: In most applications, flexibility is a vital trait. This enables the corrugated tubing to bend and accommodate tight spaces without cracking or kinking. Usually, a highly flexible tube tends to be more durable in these confined areas. Thus, reducing the risk of mechanical failure. Conversely, excessive flexibility may lead to lower rigidity. Hence, making the tube prone to bending under heavy loads. Therefore, manufacturers require a balance between flexibility and rigidity. This ensures durability in various applications.
A2: Several tests measure the hose's endurance. Commonly, they perform the abrasion test, which evaluates the hose's resistance to surface wear under dynamic conditions. Often, this involves subjecting the hose to a controlled scrubbing motion against a rough surface. This simulates the long-term exposure of external elements. Further, the ISO 6944 standard specifies the test method. Usually, hose failure is determined when a specific number of cycles is reached.
A3: Normally, these tubes frequently fail under such conditions as prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures, and mechanical stress beyond their design specifications. In addition, insufficient flexibility causes kinking. This impedes routing in tight spaces. Also, tube deformation occurs under heavy loads. Thus, compromising cable spacing. Moreover, abrasion directly affects wires when the inner surface of the tube lacks sufficient smoothness, aiding as a wear barrier. Further, external environmental factors such as UV radiation contribute to the chemical leaching process. Ultimately, poor installation practices further degrade their service life.
A4: Apart from increasing the material thickness, one can also improve the corrugated tubing's temperature resistance by using a thermoplastic elastomeric blend. This comprises styrenic block copolymers with filling agents like talc or chlorinated polyethylene. Adding acorn and other thermally stable fillers significantly raises the glass transition and melting temperatures to over 100 °C. Further, incorporating flame-retardant additives like expanded graphite also improves thermal insulation properties.
A5: The primary purpose of a corrugated tube is to safeguard wiring systems from potential mechanical threats. Normally, it comprises plastic polymers such as polyethylene. The long-chain molecules forming a flexible structure provide abrasion resistance. The welded seams creating a smooth internal surface reduce friction incidence. Moreover, these lightweight structures have high tensile strength due to the spacing of successive peaks and valleys. This provides effective shielding against external shocks, impacts, and environmental elements.