Cable Carrier Selection and Custom Engineering

Organized, stable and serviceable guidance for cables, hydraulic hoses, pneumatic lines and water lines.

Cable carrier selection starts with the cable and hose package

List the quantity and outside diameter of cables, hydraulic hoses, air lines and water lines, then check bend radius, travel, speed and installation space. Tight clearance or an undersized radius increases wear.

Internal dimensions

Set the inner height and width from the largest cable or hose, total quantity and separator layout, with enough clearance for movement.

Bend radius

The carrier radius must satisfy the most sensitive cable or hose. Do not select it from the carrier outline alone.

Travel and dynamics

Record total travel, speed, acceleration, cycles and unsupported length to determine whether a guide trough or gliding arrangement is needed.

Environment and service

Dust, chips, oil, heat and frequent cable replacement affect the choice of steel, plastic, open or enclosed construction.

Choosing the cable carrier structure

StructureSuitable conditionsConfirm before ordering
Enclosed steel carrierHeavy loads, multiple service lines and industrial equipment needing enclosed protectionSupport bars, links, load, speed and lubrication
Open steel carrierEquipment requiring quick inspection and routing of multiple cables and hosesInner width, support spacing, bend radius and brackets
Openable plastic carrierAutomation, machine tools and installations with frequent cable serviceInner dimensions, opening direction, speed and unsupported length
Enclosed or double-row plastic carrierDusty or oily sites and equipment requiring separated service groupsEnclosure, separators, heat, moving weight and gliding method

Information needed for selection

  • Outside diameter, quantity and minimum bend radius of every cable and hose
  • Required inner height and width or available installation space
  • Total travel, speed, acceleration and daily cycles
  • Unsupported, gliding, vertical or side-mounted arrangement
  • Bracket direction, separator layout and environmental conditions

Cable carrier selection questions

Should the cables fit as tightly as possible?

No. Cables and hoses need movement clearance and proper separation. A tight pack increases friction, while excessive space can cause whipping, tangling and impact.

Is bend radius selected from the carrier or the cable?

First meet the largest minimum bend radius required by any cable or hose, then choose a matching carrier series.

Does long travel always require a steel carrier?

No. Material also depends on load, speed, environment and service needs. Long travel mainly requires unsupported length, guidance and gliding checks.

When should an open or enclosed carrier be used?

Open carriers simplify cable installation and inspection. Enclosed carriers suit dusty, chip-heavy or oily sites, but heat dissipation and moving weight must also be checked.