What Is an Aircraft Cable Carrier?

As aircraft have evolved over the decades since their original debut, they have become increasingly electrified with the addition of electronic flight instruments, lighting fixtures, inflight entertainment systems, and more. As a result of such equipment being present, aircraft are now designed with a plethora of cables, wires, and hoses that traverse the length of the fuselage and other structures. To protect all of these components from physical force, stressors, and interference, guarding components known as cable carriers are commonly used. As solutions for both organization and protection, it can be very beneficial to have a general understanding of what cable carriers are and how they are used.

When an aircraft cable is present in an assembly and is left unprotected, it will often be faced with abrasion and interference over time, eventually leading to electrical issues, performance losses, and outright failure. Abrasion and failure are easily deterred with the use of cable carriers, and they are generally armored tunnels for wires to pass through that also provide the flexibility needed for routing. A majority of cable carriers are produced from metal or nonmetallic composite materials, and some may have optional features such as removable sections that make maintenance and replacement much easier. Although most cable carriers are made with robust materials, they still often deteriorate over time as a result of being in constant motion.

Depending on one’s needs, there are two primary variations of a cable carrier. The first type is the open cable carrier, and it is a non-fully enclosed variant that utilizes crossbars to protect and organize conduits. Enclosed cable carriers are true to their name, fully encapsulating the conduit assembly for increased protection. Tube-style carriers are a more specialized type, featuring solid lids that ensure protection against environmental contaminants.

As cable management system options widely vary based on the needs and requirements of a particular application, it is important to consider various factors before making a purchasing decision. For instance, some may be more geared towards combating mechanical stress, while others may prioritize protection against weather exposure. Additionally, there are various forms of cable enclosures, options including hinged crossbars, feed-through elements, and zipper-style carriers. Additionally, there are also various elements that may be present for separating conduits or maintaining their positioning, and options include vertical partitions, horizontal dividers, removable links, strain reliefs, and armor-plated carriers.

Alongside the various environmental and component needs, one should also determine the necessary measurements and specifications that are required for the cable management system. For instance, the inside width and inside height are important for cross-section values, and the mounting height is the minimum height from the bottom of the cable carrier to the curved section’s top. Bend radii are also important to know, as they are the radius of the curved section. Generally, a majority of manufacturers state that the radius value should always be around 8-10 times the diameter of the thickest cable that is passed through.

If you are in need of top-quality cable and hose products, cable management system solutions, or cable carriers, look no further than ASAP Domain 360. ASAP Domain 360 is a website owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, and we are a leading distributor of aircraft parts that are of the highest quality. Whether what you are in need of is new, used, obsolete, or just hard-to-find, we can fulfill any requirement while providing the most competitive pricing and lead-times. To request a quote on items of interest, simply fill out and submit an RFQ form as provided on our website, and a dedicated representative will contact you within 15 minutes to provide a customized solution. Get started today and see how ASAP Domain 360 can serve as your strategic sourcing partner for all your operational needs. 

1. gary anderson
2. Posted on March 28, 2022
aviation

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