How to Install a Cable Clamp

A cable clamp is a device used to secure a piece of cable or wire in place. They can also be used to secure plumbing in place.

Often, cable clamps are installed onto a wall and are used to keep wires organized and out of the way.

Cable clamps can also be important when running cable throughout a building.

In outdoor use, cable clamps are very important for keeping wires off of the ground and from being able to freely move around.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cable Clamps and screws
• Electric Drill

1. 
   This is a metal cable clamp, suitable for electrical wires and plumbing.

   First decide what type of cable clamp to use. This will largely depend on what type of wire is being secured and whether it will be used indoors and out.
   
   For heavy electrical wire, it is usually better to use a metal cable clamp. For traditional coax cable, like that used for television, a plastic cable clamp will probably be sufficient. Plastic cable clamps can be used outdoors, but if they will be exposed to rain and other elements, it is usually better to go with a metal cable clamp.

2. Decide how the wire will be routed. Consider all obstacles, such as doorways, which will be in the way.
   
   For indoor use, it is also a good idea to route the wire in a manner that is out of the way, so you do not have to look at it everyday.
   
   For outdoor use, it is important to consider what will happen when it rains, as well as taking into account things like mowing the lawn or entering and exiting the building.

3. 
   This cable clamp uses an adhesive backing and allows the cable to be easily removed

   Begin routing the wire and securing the cable clamps. Most cable clamps will need to be slipped around the cable, then secured to the wall with an electric drill.
   
   There are some cable clamps that use a sticky adhesive to secure to the wall and allow the cable to be slid into and out of the clamp. However, most use screws and are designed so that once the cable clamp is secured to the wall, the cable can not be removed unless the clamp is removed.

4. Once all of the cable clamps are in place, remove any slack that might be left in the cable or wire.

5. Check to ensure that there are enough clamps in place to support the wire.

Tips & Warnings

• For long stretches of cable, it might be easier to install the first and last cable clamps onto the wire, then fill in the clamps in between.
• As always, when dealing with electricity, be careful!

[IcyCucky]

on 7/15/2009 This is good information to know!