Chloe Zhang
Securing cables in a plastic box is a straightforward process that can be done in several ways. It is important to note that non-metallic (NM) cables require special clamps when used with metal boxes. Plastic boxes, on the other hand, often feature built-in spring tabs or flaps that act as clamps to secure the cable. These flaps are designed to be pushed inwards, allowing the cable to pass through, and then spring back to grab and hold the cable securely. If the flaps are removed or broken, alternative methods such as zip ties, cable fasteners, or rubber-and-steel-compatible adhesives can be used to secure the cable within the box.
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What You'll Learn
Use plastic cable ties
Plastic cable ties, also known as zip ties, are a great option for securing cables in a plastic box. They are readily available at hardware stores or online, often costing less than $10 for a pack of several hundred. They are also available in a variety of colours and lengths to suit your specific needs.
To use plastic cable ties effectively, follow these steps:
- Gather your cables and bundle them together neatly, ensuring there are no loose ends that could get caught or tangled.
- Wrap the zip tie around the bundle of cables, ensuring that the zip tie is snug but not too tight as to damage the cables.
- Secure the zip tie by inserting the end through the locking mechanism and pulling it tight. You can use a pair of pliers or cable tie installation tools for a tighter grip.
- Cut off any excess length of the zip tie with scissors or cable cutters, being careful not to damage the cables or your fingers.
It is important to note that plastic cable ties are typically designed for temporary use and may not be as durable as metal cable ties. If you require a more permanent solution, consider using metal cable ties or another method of cable management.
Additionally, when using plastic cable ties, be cautious not to create kinks in your cords, as this can damage the wiring inside. If you need to adjust the length of the tie, loop the cable over itself once or twice before cinching it with the zip tie.
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Apply rubber-and-steel-compatible adhesive
When securing a cable in a plastic box, one method you can use is applying rubber-and-steel-compatible adhesive. This method can be used to place two bolts around the cable, one just inside and one just outside the wall of the enclosure.
The challenge with this method is finding an adhesive that bonds well with both rubber and steel. A strong PVC adhesive, for example, can be ideal for securing cables to walls and ceilings. It has excellent adhesion to a wide variety of materials, including rubber, glass, metal, and some plastics such as PVC. However, it may not be suitable for certain plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene.
Before applying any adhesive, ensure that all surfaces are clean, dry, and free from dust, grease, or any other contamination. A flexible rubber and leather adhesive can also be used, which is ideal for DIY shoe repairs and items made from leather, felt, and other materials.
Another option is to use a special adhesive for plastic cables, which provides extra durable adhesion. The type of adhesive you choose will depend on the length of the cable. For longer cables, a glue gun with a high glue flow and exchangeable nozzles is recommended. This allows you to adjust the glue flow as needed and reach corners and other hard-to-reach places.
Additionally, consider using adhesive cable clips, which are easy to mount and have no impact on the statics of low-energy surfaces. They also offer the advantage of reduced corrosion risk compared to other mounting methods.
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Use heat shrink tubing
Heat-shrink tubing is a plastic sleeve that is applied over the electrical cable's sensitive components, such as cable terminations, cable splicing, and places where the wires connect. The tubing shrinks when exposed to heat, providing insulation and protection to the cables. Here are some steps to effectively use heat-shrink tubing to secure cables in a plastic box:
Selecting the Appropriate Tubing:
Firstly, it is important to select the right heat-shrink tubing for your project. Consider the recovered diameter (the diameter after shrinking) and the expanded diameter (pre-shrinkage diameter). Ensure the tubing's recovered diameter is smaller than the diameter of the area being insulated, and the expanded diameter is large enough to fit comfortably over the area. The tubing should be 20-30% larger than the broadest part of the cable.
Preparing the Tubing:
Before applying the tubing, ensure that it is cut and measured accurately. If you are splicing two cables together, slide the tubing over the center of the splice for equal overlap on both sides. If you are working with a long length of cable, start applying heat at one end and gradually move to the other end.
Applying Heat:
Now, use a heat source to shrink the tubing. A heat gun or a heat shrink oven is typically used for this purpose. You can also use a hair dryer, but it may be time-consuming and less effective due to its lower temperature. When using a heat gun, ensure even heating by rotating the project to avoid uneven shrinkage, physical damage, and insulation failure. Avoid overheating, as it can char and damage the tubing.
Finishing Touches:
Once the tubing has shrunk to conform to the shape of the cable, remove the heat source and allow it to cool slowly. You can use a silicone lubricant spray to guide the heat-shrink tubing over the wires smoothly.
Heat-shrink tubing provides insulation, abrasion protection, and strain relief to cables. It is a flexible, cost-effective, and colour-coding-convenient method to secure cables in a plastic box.
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Utilise built-in spring tabs
Plastic boxes are commonly used to house nonmetallic, or NM, cables, also known by the brand name Romex. These cables must be secured to electrical boxes at the point where the cable enters the box, as this protects the wiring connections inside the box in case the cable is pulled. It also prevents the cable from rubbing against the box and causing damage.
Most plastic boxes have built-in spring tabs that secure the cable as it's pushed into the box. These tabs are designed to spring back and grab the cable. The cable is pushed past the tabs, and the tabs then spring back and hold the cable in place. This is a simple and effective method of securing a cable in a plastic box.
Some plastic boxes have rectangular tabs that you punch open, and these will spring back to hold the wire. Other boxes have a round opening with a plastic pop-in piece that acts as a one-way valve for the wire. In some cases, you may need to coerce the connector to open enough to get the wire into the box.
It is important to note that the cable should be pushed far enough into the box, with about 1 inch of the sheath remaining inside the box. This ensures that the cable is secure and cannot be pulled out by hand.
Overall, utilising the built-in spring tabs of a plastic box is a straightforward way to secure a cable, providing a simple and effective solution for cable management.
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Cable fasteners or holders
One method of securing cables in a plastic box is to use the built-in spring tabs in the box. These are present in most plastic boxes and are used to secure the cable by pushing it into the box.
Another method is to use cable ties. These can be used on the inside and outside of the box to prevent the cable from sliding. Standard plastic cable ties can be used, or self-adhesive cable ties, which are backed with extra-strong 3M™ acrylic foam tape for reliable adhesion.
Additionally, cable clamps can be used to secure cables. For non-metallic (NM) electrical cables, special clamps are required for use with metal electrical boxes. When installing the cable, the clamp should be oriented so that the saddle screws are facing you, making it easy to tighten the screws. The cable can also be secured with a clamp first and then installed into the box.
Other ways to secure cables include using rubber-compatible adhesive in a circle around the cable or heat shrink tubing.
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Frequently asked questions
Most plastic boxes have built-in spring tabs that secure the cable as it's pushed into the box. The flaps that cover the holes in the box are clamps that prevent the cable from sliding back out.
If your plastic box doesn't have clamps, you can use zip ties, cable fasteners, or holders to secure the cable.
Wrap the zip tie around the wire and use a screw to fasten it to the stud. Ensure that the wire is on the inside wall side of the screw.
You can use rubber-and-steel-compatible adhesive to place two bolts around the cable, one just inside and one just outside the wall of the enclosure. You can also use heat shrink tubing, which has a layer of hot-melt glue inside it. When you shrink it onto the cable, the glue melts and attaches to the cable.
Yes, it's important to follow safety guidelines. Nonmetallic (NM) cable must be secured to electrical boxes where the cable enters the box. This prevents the cable from being pulled out and avoids damage to the wiring connections inside the box.
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