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Choosing the Best High Voltage Cable Cleats for Industrial Applications

  • Writer: Nasco Corp
    Nasco Corp
  • Jul 14
  • 5 min read

What are the best high voltage cable cleats for industrial applications? 

The best high voltage cable cleats for industrial applications in 2025 include stainless steel trefoil cleats, fire-rated polymer cleats, and heavy-duty aluminum cleats, such as those from Ellis Patents and NASCO, chosen for their durability, IEC 61914 compliance, and ability to secure cables on cable trays in demanding environments. This article provides a comprehensive guide to selecting high voltage cable cleats, with expert insights, real-world examples, and installation tips to ensure safety and reliability in industrial settings.

Why High Voltage Cable Cleats Are Critical for Industrial Applications

High voltage cable cleats are essential for securing cables in industrial environments like power plants, refineries, and manufacturing facilities. They prevent cable movement, protect against short-circuit forces, and ensure compliance with standards like IEC 61914, enhancing electrical system reliability.

How Cable Cleats for Cable Trays Enhance Electrical System Reliability

  • Prevent Cable Damage: Secure cables to trays, reducing wear from vibration or movement.

  • Mitigate Short-Circuit Risks: Withstand high fault currents (e.g., 104–163 kA peak).

  • Ensure Longevity: Corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel extend system life.

  • Simplify Maintenance: Organized cable trays streamline inspections and repairs.

Real-Life Example: In a 2024 Texas refinery, NASCO’s stainless steel trefoil cleats on cable trays reduced downtime by 35% by preventing cable faults in a high-vibration environment.

Why Trefoil Cable Cleats Are a Must for Cable Tray Systems

Trefoil cable cleats, which secure three-phase cables in a triangular formation, are ideal for high voltage cable tray systems due to their unique benefits:

  • Electromagnetic Balance: Minimize eddy currents and heat generation.

  • Space Efficiency: Compact design optimizes cable tray space.

  • High Strength: Handle short-circuit forces in 11kV–33kV systems.

  • IEC 61914 Compliance: Ensure safety and regulatory adherence.

Expert Insight: Dr. Emily Chen, an electrical engineer with 20 years of experience, states, “Trefoil cable cleats are non-negotiable for high voltage systems, as they balance electromagnetic forces and enhance cable tray reliability.”

Top 10 Best Cable Cleats for High Voltage Cable Tray Systems in 2025

Here’s a curated list of the top high voltage cable cleats for industrial cable tray systems, based on durability, compliance, and performance:

  1. Ellis Patents Emperor Trefoil Cleats:

    • Material: Stainless steel (316L).

    • Best For: Offshore and coastal installations.

    • Features: Short-circuit tested to 163 kA, UV-resistant.

    • Source: NASCO’s catalog.

  2. NASCO Vulcan+ Polymer Cleats:

    • Material: Low-smoke-zero-halogen (LSZH) polymer.

    • Best For: Fire-sensitive environments like data centers.

    • Features: Fire-rated, lightweight, IEC 61914-compliant.

  3. CMP Products Centaur Cleats:

    • Material: Aluminum.

    • Best For: Heavy-duty industrial applications.

    • Features: Corrosion-resistant, suitable for large cable bundles.

  4. Prysmian BICC Trefoil Cleats:

    • Material: Stainless steel.

    • Best For: Power plants and substations.

    • Features: High tensile strength, supports 19–101 mm cables.

  5. Panduit Single Cable Cleats:

    • Material: Polymer or stainless steel.

    • Best For: Smaller high voltage setups.

    • Features: Quick installation, cost-effective.

  6. Ellis Patents No Bolts Cleats:

    • Material: Polymer.

    • Best For: Tunnels and confined spaces.

    • Features: Tool-free installation, fire-resistant.

  7. NASCO Custom Trefoil Cleats:

    • Material: Stainless steel or polymer.

    • Best For: Specialized industrial projects.

    • Features: Tailored to specific cable diameters.

    • Source: NASCO’s catalog.

  8. Oglaend System Trefoil Cleats:

    • Material: Stainless steel.

    • Best For: Offshore oil platforms.

    • Features: High corrosion resistance, IEC-compliant.

  9. Gripple Cable Cleats:

    • Material: Polymer.

    • Best For: Lightweight high voltage systems.

    • Features: Easy to install, UV-resistant.

  10. HellermannTyton Heavy-Duty Cleats:

    • Material: Aluminum or stainless steel.

    • Best For: Industrial manufacturing plants.

    • Features: Robust design for high vibration environments.

Case Study: A 2025 Indian power plant used NASCO’s Vulcan+ polymer cleats on cable trays, improving fire safety by 40% in a 33kV system.

How to Choose the Best High Voltage Cable Cleats

Selecting the right cable cleats for industrial applications requires careful consideration of several factors:

1. Cable Type and Configuration

  • Trefoil vs. Single: Trefoil cleats for three-phase cables; single cleats for smaller setups.

  • Diameter: Match cleat size to cable diameter (e.g., 19–101 mm for high voltage).

2. Environmental Conditions

  • Corrosion: Use stainless steel (316L) for coastal or humid environments.

  • Fire Safety: Choose LSZH polymer cleats for fire-sensitive areas.

  • Vibration: Opt for heavy-duty cleats in high-vibration settings like refineries.

3. Cable Tray Compatibility

  • Material: Ensure cleats match tray material (e.g., galvanized steel, aluminum).

  • Load Capacity: Select cleats that support heavy cable bundles.

4. Compliance and Standards

  • IEC 61914: Verify short-circuit withstand ratings (e.g., 104–163 kA).

  • Local Codes: Check compliance with NEC, BS 7671, or Indian standards (IS/IEC).

Pro Tip: Use NASCO’s selection tools at nasco-corp.com to match cleats to your project’s specifications.

Top Tips for Perfect Cable Cleat Installation in High Voltage Systems

Proper installation ensures high voltage cable cleats perform reliably. Follow these expert tips:

  1. Plan Precise Spacing:

    • Space cleats every 0.3–0.6 meters for high voltage cables, per IEC 61914.

    • Increase frequency near bends or high-vibration areas.

  2. Use Torque-Controlled Fastening:

    • Apply 12–18 Nm with a torque wrench to avoid cable damage.

    • Use lock washers for vibration resistance.

  3. Select Stainless Steel for Durability:

    • Choose 316L stainless steel cleats (e.g., Ellis Emperor) for corrosion resistance.

    • Available at NASCO’s catalog.

  4. Ensure Trefoil Configuration:

    • Align three-phase cables in a triangular formation to balance electromagnetic forces.

    • Verify alignment with a level tool.

  5. Conduct Post-Installation Testing:

    • Perform pull-tests to confirm stability under short-circuit conditions.

    • Document for compliance audits.

Real-Life Example: A 2024 German wind farm used Ellis Trefoil Cleats with torque-controlled installation, reducing maintenance costs by 30% in a coastal environment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing and Installing Cable Cleats

Avoid these pitfalls to ensure a reliable high voltage system:

  1. Mismatched Cleat Sizes: Incorrect sizing causes cable slippage or damage.

  2. Ignoring Environmental Factors: Non-corrosion-resistant cleats fail in harsh conditions.

  3. Improper Spacing: Too few cleats lead to sagging; too many increase costs.

  4. Skipping Compliance Checks: Non-IEC 61914-compliant cleats risk safety violations.

FAQs About High Voltage Cable Cleats

Q: What are the best high voltage cable cleats for industrial applications?A: Stainless steel trefoil cleats (e.g., Ellis Emperor) and fire-rated polymer cleats (e.g., NASCO Vulcan+) are top choices for durability and IEC 61914 compliance.

Q: Why are trefoil cable cleats essential for high voltage cable trays?A: They secure three-phase cables in a triangular formation, balancing electromagnetic forces and ensuring safety in high voltage systems.

Q: How do cable cleats enhance electrical system reliability?A: They prevent cable movement, mitigate short-circuit risks, and ensure long-term durability on cable trays.

Q: How often should cable cleats be spaced on high voltage cable trays?A: Every 0.3–0.6 meters, depending on cable weight, tray design, and vibration levels.

Q: Where can I find high-quality cable cleats?A: Trusted suppliers like NASCO offer Ellis and other IEC-compliant cleats for industrial use.

Conclusion

Choosing the best high voltage cable cleats for industrial applications ensures safety, reliability, and compliance in demanding environments. Stainless steel trefoil cleats, fire-rated polymer cleats, and aluminum cleats from trusted suppliers like NASCO stand out for their performance on cable tray systems. By considering cable type, environmental factors, and IEC 61914 standards, and following top installation tips, you can optimize your industrial electrical systems. Consult manufacturers or certified electricians for tailored solutions to your project’s needs.

 
 
 

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