How to choose the right protective hose
and cable protection
Protective hoses and cable covers protect cables against mechanical stress, dust, moisture and chemicals.
In this guide, we explain the difference between plastic hose, metal hose and spiral hoses – and how to choose the right solution for your installation.
Explore the right protective tubing and cable protection for your application
Plastic Conduit – Flexible and Easy to Install
Plastic protective conduit is a flexible and easy-to-install solution for cable protection in industrial installations and building automation. Its low weight and cost-effective construction make it particularly suitable for indoor environments and standard installations.
For different applications, the protective hose is available with multiple sheath materials that provide increased UV resistance or improved protection against chemicals and external influences.
- Area of usepanel builder seeking easy and inexpensive solution in enclosures
Stainless Steel Conduit – Robust and Durable
Spiral Wrap and Cable Sleeves
Spiral wraps and cable sleeves are flexible solutions for cable protection and bundling in tight or moving installations. They are easy to apply even on existing cables and are well-suited for service, retrofitting, and cable routing in confined spaces.
The series is also available as Expandable cable socks for flexible installation and adaptation to varying cable sizes.
- Area of use: robot applications where cables often need to be retrofitted or replaced.
Comparison
| Type | Standard | Advantages | Limitations | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic (Polyamide) | EN 61386 | Flexible, lightweight, and cost-effective | Limited strength and lower temperature resistance | Building automation, indoor installations |
| Stainless steel | EN 61386 | Very robust, corrosion-resistant, and high-temperature resistant | Heavier and more expensive construction | Offshore, food industry, process industry |
| Spiral Wraps | EN 61386 | Flexible and easy to retrofit | Lower density (IP54) and limited mechanical protection | Robotics, service panels |
Common Questions About Choosing Conduits & Cable Protection
When is plastic conduit best?
For indoor installations with moderate mechanical load.
When should I choose metal conduit?
In outdoor or industrial environments where the cables are exposed to severe stress.
Are spiral wraps as protective as metal conduits?
No, they are primarily for flexibility and cable collection rather than heavy protection.
Are EMC-protected conduits available?
Yes, special metal or shielded hoses combine mechanical protection with shielding.
