Cable lacing

Cable tie (English cable lacing ) is an ancient method for fixing electrical lines. It is also spoken by cable tie, not to be confused with the better known and more modern cable ties. The goal is to safely and efficiently perform a conductor strand to the proper terminals. The technique was widely used since the beginning of the electrical installation until it was almost ousted in 1960 by the new method.

The binding is a demanding manual work and requires much practice. The cables are wrapped with a stable yarn and held in position. Previously also waxed linen or wire was used. Through a complex node technique, similar to sailor's knots, the cable at crucial points are fixed. While the installer the tape continuously around and threaded through the conductor strand, creates a series of interlinked loops, similar to the double stitches produced on a sewing machine. This way you can easily stable and yet delicate harnesses arise. It is almost impossible that ladder slipping in the tight corset.

Nowadays, flat strips of nylon, polyester or Teflon can be used instead of thread. They are coated, thereby the connection is even more stable. Binding of lines for decades plays only a minor role, however. Simple assembly techniques such as canals, laying pipes or cable ties are currently shaping the electrical installation. In industries with high safety standards, however, remains set to the classical method. In certain places, it is even required.

Areas of application

This method is traditionally strongly represented in the aviation and shipping, because here very durable joints are required. Earlier it was particularly worked in telecommunications with bound lines. Today there are only a few areas of application in which the extra effort worthwhile. However, a strong demand experienced the process in space. Here the clean and thorough way of working is required. NASA trains its astronauts so that they can apply the technique in an emergency.

Pros and Cons

If single cable from a bundle must be clearly tracked, for example, to correct faults of a device then provides the careful binding technology added value. Due to the number of nodes and loops slipping of the lines is prevented. Even sensitive jacket insulation and close components are not so badly damaged by the cords, as happens in cable ties.

Nevertheless, the binding remains a slow and complicated installation method requires the technical details a lot of training and skill. Due to the lack of economic viability, the technique disappeared almost completely from the field of industrial electrical installation.

Examples

Webeleinenstek and cross nodes form a Nomex - binding

Marl blow - binding

Mars Exploration Rover NASA with clean bound harnesses

Occupational safety

Impeccable tools and protective clothing are a basic requirement for all work, especially on lines. Never work under tension. For binding and tightening up slim electric screwdriver offer. The yarn can cut into your hands, so gloves are recommended. A basic understanding of nodes is beneficial when binding of cables.