Tying and Lacing Wires and Cables
When implementing wire or cable assemblies within an aircraft or general space, it is important that they are well organized for the ease of installation, inspections, and maintenance. One of the most simplistic, yet reliable, methods of wire and cable management is to use lacing and tying. Cotton or nylon cord serves as the most common materials for such procedures, each providing their own resistances for protection. As wires and cables may be tied or laced in various ways, it is best to have an understanding of each method and how they may be implemented.
When tying together wire or lectrical Tap, such components can be secured together with individual cord pieces. Tying often relies on regular intervals of cord tying, each of which are placed around the group or bundle. With lacing, on the other hand, a continuous piece of cord may be used to create loops around the bundle. Similar to tying, lacing requires regular intervals to maintain optimal organization.
Single cord lacing is typically used for wires, only requiring a single cord. To form such assemblies, a clove hitch knot with an extra loop is placed at the thick end of the wire bundle. From there, half hitch knots can be created at regular intervals and at points where groups of wires split off. To end the lacing, a knot with a clove hitch and extra loop is created and the free ends may be trimmed.
Double cord lacing is quite similar in its general setup to single cord lacing, requiring a start at the thick end of the bundle. The starting knot is a bowline-on-a-bight knot, followed by half hitches at regular intervals and where groups split off. The end of the lacing is created with a half hitch knot so that each cord may then go clockwise and counterclockwise respectively before being tied off with a square knot.
When a group of wires or cables branches off from the main group, it is important that they are laced correctly. With a knot created just off of the branch-off point, lacing should continue down the length of the group in regular half hitch intervals. When using a double cord, the cords should be kept together snugly. When ending the lacing, a standard terminal knot may be implemented before trimming any excess ends.
If a coaxial cable group, wire bundle, or other cable assembly is kept more than a foot apart from supports, then tying is the most beneficial method of management. Tying is typically conducted with cotton, nylon, or fiberglass cord, though some manufacturers may choose a pressure-sensitive vinyl electrical tape instead. If using electrical tape, three turns around the bundle is recommended for retaining adhesion over time. In general, tying should begin with a clove hitch knot, followed by a square knot and an extra loop.
When tying off coaxial cable assemblies and other pressure sensitive devices, the tightness should be enough to keep bundles secure while avoiding the deformation or cutting of insulation. Coaxial cable assemblies in particular are known for their soft dielectric insulation, often facing damage from incorrect lacing or tying. To protect a coaxial cable, flat nylon braided waxed lacing tape is the most beneficial.
Whether you are in search of coaxial cable parts, wires, lacing and tying materials, or other such parts, NSN Fulfillment can help you secure everything you need with ease. NSN Fulfillment is a trusted distributor of various types of aircraft parts, offering customers competitive pricing and rapid lead-times on over 2 billion new, used, and obsolete items. To begin the purchasing process, we ask that you first send us a completed RFQ form to receive a quote for your comparisons. Get started today and see how NSN Fulfillment can serve as your strategic sourcing partner.
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