Clamping Interval
How often the cable harness is clamped along its route. On vibrating vehicle and work machine installations an interval of 15–20 cm is widely accepted in practice. As the interval grows the cable swings, rubs and the insulation wears over time.
The clamping interval has to do with the weight of the cable itself and the amplitude of vibration. A long unsupported section starts to oscillate at the vibration frequency of the vehicle; the midpoint, where the oscillation is greatest, is exposed to both abrasion and fatigue.
- Practical approach: 15–20 cm in vibrating environments, wider intervals are sufficient inside a fixed panel. This is not a binding standard but a practice established in the field.
- Changes of direction: put a fixing immediately before and after every bend; corners are the most stressed places.
- Clamping force: the clamp must not crush the cable, and the cable must not move when slid by hand. An over-tightened plastic tie sinks into the insulation.
- Moving areas: in moving areas such as hinges, suspension and steering, controlled free slack and a protective sleeve are used instead of fixing.
A harness clamped at the correct interval prevents a significant part of intermittent contact and chassis leakage faults from the outset.
The context in which this term is used: Installation, redundancy and field continuity