GUIDE · CONDUIT
How to Choose the Right Conduit
and cable protection
Conduit systems and cable protection products 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.
What Determines the Choice of Conduit
Start from these four factors to find the right conduit
Environment
- Indoors, outdoors, laundry area or chemically aggressive environment?
- Moisture and water
- Chemicals
- Temperature
- UV light
Mechanical Stress
- Vibrations and movements
- Blows and impacts
- Abrasion and tensile load
- Bend radius and flexibility
Material
- Plastic (Polyamide)
- Metal (galvanized steel)
- Stainless Steel (AISI 304/316)
- Special materials
Installation
- Fixed installation or mobile application
- Visible or hidden installation
- Retrofitting or new installation?
- Cabling and space
Choose the Right Type of Conduit
Here are the most common types and their typical uses
Plastic Conduit
Flexible and lightweight conduit for general installations.
- Low weight
- Good flexibility
- Corrosion-free
- Cost effective
Explore assortment →
Stainless steel Conduit
Highest corrosion protection and chemical resistance
- Stainless steel AISI 304/316
- Excellent corrosion protection
- Withstands extreme environments
- Long service life
Explore assortment →
Spiral Wraps
Flexible protection
- Easy to apply
- Expandable
- Good flexibility
- For cable bundles
Explore assortment →
Expandable Sleeve
Expandable guard
- Flexible and light
- Customizable diameter
- Good wear resistance
- Breathable
Explore assortment →
Comparison of Materials and Properties
Overview to quickly compare the most common options.
| Type | Mechanical protection | Corrosion | Temperature Range | Flexibility | UV resistance | Typical environment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic (Polyamide) | Medel | God | -40 °C to +120 °C | High | Medel | Indoor, machinery, electrical enclosures |
| Metal (galvanized steel) | High | Medel | -100 °C to +300 °C | Medel | High | Industry, machines, outdoors |
| Stainless steel (AISI 304/316) | Very high | Very good | -100 °C to +400 °C | Medel | Very high | Offshore, food, chemical |
| Spiral hose (plastic) | Low | God | -40 °C to +80 °C | High | Medel | Cable ties, indoor |
| Braided sleeving (PET) | Low | God | -50°C to +150°C | High | Medel | Cable bundles, electronics |
Common Applications
Choose the right protective hose for your industry and environment.
Automation &
Machine Construction
Moving machinery, control cabinets and production lines.
Food &
Hygiene Environments
Corrosion-free materials like soap washing and disinfection.
Offshore &
Marin
High corrosion resistance and UV protection.
Robotics
Flexible hoses that withstand movement and abrasion.
Infrastructure &
Outdoors
UV-resistant and robust solutions for harsh environments.
FAQ – How to Choose the Right Protective Conduit
When is plastic conduit best?
Plastic protective conduit works well in machines, control cabinets, and other industrial installations where cables need flexible and lightweight cable protection. Polyamide provides low weight, easy installation, and good resistance to many chemicals.
When should I choose metal conduit?
Choose metal conduit when the installation requires higher mechanical protection or better resistance to temperature and external influences. It is suitable, for example, in machines, production equipment, and demanding industrial environments.
When is stainless steel conduit the right choice?
Stainless steel protective conduit is suitable for environments with high demands on corrosion resistance, hygiene, or temperature tolerance. It is often used in the food industry, process industry, chemical industry, and in marine and offshore environments.
Is the spiral wrap as protective as the metal conduit?
No. Spiral wrap is mainly used to gather, organize, and provide basic mechanical protection for cables. For installations subject to high mechanical stress, you should instead choose a robust protective conduit made of plastic or metal.
Are there EMC-shielded conduits?
Yes. Metallic protective conduits can be part of an EMC-compliant installation and help protect cabling against electromagnetic interference. For functioning EMC protection, conduit fittings, connections, and grounding must also be correctly chosen.
What is the difference between a spiral wrap and a expandable sleeve?
Spiral wrap is wound around the cabling, making it easy to add or remove cables afterwards. Cable sleeves enclose the cable bundle and provide compact and flexible cable routing, especially in moving installations.
Which conduit is suitable for outdoor use?
For outdoor use, you should choose a protective conduit that withstands UV radiation, moisture, and the applicable temperature range. In the event of a high risk of corrosion or severe mechanical stress, a stainless steel conduit may be a better option.
How do I choose the right dimension for the conduit?
Base it on the total diameter of the cables and leave enough space for easy cable routing. Also consider the minimum bending radius, the size of the conduit fitting, and whether more cables may need to be installed later.
Do you need help choosing the right conduit & cable protection?
Are you unsure about which protective conduit your installation requires? We will help you choose the right material, dimension, and design based on mechanical stress, movement, temperature, chemicals, and installation environment.
