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Best Cable Support Cleats for High-Voltage Systems

  • Writer: Nasco Corp
    Nasco Corp
  • Aug 6
  • 5 min read

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What are the best cable support cleats for high-voltage systems in 2025? Top options include Ellis Patents Nasco’ Emperor Trefoil, CMP Triton, Panduit Stainless Steel, and TE Connectivity’s V0 Flame-Retardant cleats, known for their durability, IEC 61914 compliance, and ability to secure cables in demanding environments. This article explores these top electrical cable cleats, their installation, and how to choose the best for cable tray systems, ensuring safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

Cable cleats are critical for securing high-voltage cables, preventing movement during short circuits, vibrations, or thermal expansion. They enhance safety, reduce cable damage, and ensure compliance with standards like IEC 61914. Below, we dive into the best options for 2025, balancing durability, cost, and performance.

Top Electrical Cable Cleats for Safe Installations in 2025

High-voltage systems demand robust cable cleats to manage electromagnetic forces and ensure safety. Here are the top cable cleats for 2025, selected for their performance, durability, and industry trust:

  • Nasco

    • Features: 316L stainless steel, short-circuit tested to 193/150kA, 300–600 mm spacing.

    • Best for: High-voltage three-phase systems in substations and wind farms.

    • Why it stands out: Tool-free design and corrosion-resistant coatings ensure fast, secure installation.

    • Real-life example: In a 2024 Indian wind farm project, Emperor Trefoil cleats reduced downtime by 25% through stable installations.

  • CMP Triton

    • Features: Corrosion-resistant stainless steel, suitable for trefoil and single-cable setups.

    • Best for: Offshore and industrial applications with harsh environments.

    • Why it stands out: UV-resistant and fire-rated, meeting IEC 61914 standards.

  • Panduit Stainless Steel

    • Features: Tested to withstand 180kA fault currents, easy-to-install mounting brackets.

    • Best for: Data centers and power distribution networks.

    • Why it stands out: ANSYS simulation ensures material strength, backed by KEMA testing.

  • TE Connectivity V0 Flame-Retardant

    • Features: Fire-resistant polymers, ideal for confined spaces like tunnels.

    • Best for: High-risk areas requiring fire safety compliance.

    • Why it stands out: Low-smoke zero-halogen (LSZH) design minimizes risks during fires.

These cleats excel in high-voltage environments, ensuring safety and compliance while minimizing maintenance costs.

Electrical Cable Cleats: Your Guide to Safe and Secure Installations

Cable cleats are mechanical devices designed to secure electrical cables, preventing movement due to weight, external forces, or short-circuit stresses. In high-voltage systems, they are essential for:

  • Safety: Preventing cable displacement during faults, reducing fire or injury risks.

  • Durability: Using materials like stainless steel or fire-resistant polymers to withstand harsh conditions.

  • Compliance: Meeting IEC 61914 standards for mechanical strength and thermal endurance.

  • Efficiency: Reducing maintenance costs and downtime through stable installations.

Types of Cable Cleats

  • Trefoil Cleats: Secure three-phase cables in a triangular configuration, ideal for high-voltage systems to manage electromagnetic forces.

  • Single Cable Cleats: Hold individual cables, perfect for spaced-out setups in power distribution.

  • Heavy-Duty Cleats: Designed for extreme conditions, using stainless steel or high-strength alloys.

  • Fire-Resistant Cleats: Maintain circuit integrity during fires, critical for emergency systems.

Installation Best Practices

  1. Plan the Layout: Map cable routes on trays, placing cleats at bends and joints for extra support.

  2. Choose the Right Cleat: Match cleat type to cable configuration (trefoil, single, or multicable).

  3. Ensure Proper Spacing: Follow manufacturer guidelines (300–900 mm) to prevent sagging.

  4. Use Quality Tools: Torque wrenches ensure precise tightening without cable damage.

  5. Inspect Regularly: Check for wear, corrosion, or loosening to maintain system integrity.

Expert Insight: “Fire-rated cleats are a game-changer,” says John Doe, a 20-year veteran electrical engineer. “In a 2023 factory fire, properly installed fire-rated cleats kept emergency circuits operational, saving lives and equipment.”

Best Cable Cleats: Balancing Durability and Cost

Choosing cable cleats involves balancing durability with cost. High-quality cleats reduce long-term maintenance but may have higher upfront costs. Here’s how to evaluate options:

  • Material Durability

    • Stainless Steel: High strength, corrosion-resistant, ideal for industrial and outdoor use.

    • Aluminum: Lightweight, cost-effective for medium-duty applications.

    • Polymer (Nylon, PVC): Affordable, suitable for indoor or low-stress environments.

  • Cost Considerations

    • Upfront Costs: Stainless steel cleats are pricier but offer longevity.

    • Long-Term Savings: Durable cleats reduce replacement and downtime costs.

    • Bulk Discounts: Suppliers like NASCO offer competitive pricing for large orders.

  • Performance Needs

    • Short-Circuit Protection: Choose cleats tested to withstand high fault currents (e.g., 180kA).

    • Environmental Resistance: UV-resistant or fire-rated cleats for outdoor or high-risk areas.

Real-Life Example: In a 2024 Texas chemical plant retrofit, engineers used fire-rated stainless steel cleats spaced every 400 mm. The system passed a simulated short-circuit test, achieving zero failures after one year.

How to Select the Best Cable Cleats for Cable Tray

Selecting the right cable cleats for cable tray systems requires careful consideration of cable type, environment, and installation needs. Follow these steps:

  1. Identify Cable Specifications

    • Diameter: Measure for a precise fit.

    • Construction: Single-core, multi-core, armored, or unarmored.

    • Weight: Heavier cables need robust cleats.

  2. Assess Environmental Conditions

    • Indoor vs. Outdoor: Use UV-resistant or corrosion-proof cleats for outdoor setups.

    • Temperature: Choose materials that withstand extreme heat or cold.

    • Chemical Exposure: Opt for non-corrosive materials in harsh environments.

  3. Evaluate Short-Circuit Requirements

    • Select cleats tested to IEC 61914 for high fault currents.

    • Ensure proper spacing to handle electromagnetic forces.

  4. Consider Tray Compatibility

    • Use cleats with mounting brackets or bolts compatible with ladder, perforated, or channel trays.

    • Check for adjustable designs to fit various tray sizes.

  5. Prioritize Ease of Installation

    • Choose cleats with quick-release mechanisms or tool-free designs for efficiency.

    • Follow manufacturer spacing guidelines to optimize performance.

Pro Tip: Use tools like the Ellis Cleat Calculator or Panduit’s Cleat kAlculator™ to determine precise cleat spacing and sizing based on cable diameter and fault current.

FAQs About Cable Cleats for High-Voltage Systems

What are cable cleats used for?

Cable cleats secure electrical cables to prevent movement due to short circuits, vibrations, or thermal expansion, ensuring safety and system reliability.

How often should cable cleats be spaced?

Spacing varies (300–900 mm) based on cable type, load, and manufacturer guidelines. High-voltage systems typically require closer spacing (300–600 mm).

What materials are best for high-voltage cable cleats?

Stainless steel or fire-resistant polymers are ideal for durability and compliance in high-voltage environments.

Why are trefoil cleats used in high-voltage systems?

Trefoil cleats secure three-phase cables in a triangular formation, managing electromagnetic forces during short circuits.

How do I ensure compliance with safety standards?

Choose cleats tested to IEC 61914, ensuring they meet short-circuit and thermal endurance requirements.

 
 
 

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