What Is Spiralwrap Protective Sheathing?
Spiralwrap is a flexible, coiled tubing designed to wrap around wires, cables, or hoses. It provides mechanical protection from abrasion and environmental damage while allowing easy access and routing. Its spiral construction gives it stretch and flexibility so it can conform to tight bends, move with components, and expand or contract to fit multiple cable sizes. Spiralwrap is often made from materials like:- Polyethylene (PE)
- Nylon (PA)
- Polypropylene (PP)
- PTFE (Teflon®)
- Flame-retardant blends
Key Features and Benefits of Spiralwrap Sheathing
1. Abrasion Resistance
Cables that rub against machinery or each other can wear down over time. Spiralwrap shields them from surface damage, reducing the risk of shorts or insulation breakdown.2. Reusability
Unlike traditional tape or heat shrink tubing, spiral wrap is reusable. You can install it, remove it, and reinstall it as your system changes or grows.3. Easy Installation
Spiralwrap slips over cable bundles without tools or adhesives. Its spiral design means you can add or remove cables later without disturbing the entire bundle.4. Flexibility
The spiral construction allows SpiralWrap to bend, twist, and move with the cables inside. This flexibility makes it ideal for robotic arms, CNC machines, or vehicles with constant motion.5. Cable Breakout Support
Need to route cables in different directions? Spiralwrap’s open structure allows breakout points anywhere along the bundle without compromising protection.6. Chemical and UV Resistance
Depending on the material, spiral wrap resists solvents, oils, UV exposure, and temperature extremes. This makes it suitable for indoor, outdoor, and harsh environments.Common Applications of Spiralwrap Protective Sheathing
Spiralwrap is used across a wide range of industries and applications that demand flexibility and rugged performance. Here are some of the most common use cases:1. Industrial Machinery
In factories and workshops, spiralwrap protects sensor wiring, pneumatic lines, and control cables from abrasion, oil, and debris. It keeps maintenance efficient and improves workplace safety. Use Case: Bundling hydraulic hoses on an automated press line to prevent chafing and wear.2. Automotive and Motorsport
Vehicles have tight engine compartments, hot surfaces, and moving parts. Spiralwrap is used to protect wiring looms and fuel or brake lines from vibration and thermal damage. Use Case: Wrapping a bundle of spark plug wires to prevent contact with hot engine components.3. Aerospace and Defense
Aircraft and defense systems demand high reliability in extreme conditions. Spiralwrap provides lightweight, flame-retardant cable protection with breakout capabilities. Use Case: Managing signal cables in an avionics bay while allowing breakout to multiple sensors.4. Robotics and Automation
Robots move constantly—and so do their power and control cables. Spiralwrap ensures that wires stay organized, don’t snag, and aren’t exposed to friction during repetitive movement. Use Case: Wrapping power and data cables along a robotic arm in a pick-and-place system.5. Marine and Offshore
Salt spray, moisture, and chemical exposure require tough materials. Marine-rated spiral wrap resists corrosion and degradation even in damp or submerged environments. Use Case: Protecting sonar wiring on a fishing vessel or offshore platform.6. Construction Equipment
Heavy-duty spiral wrap made of nylon or HDPE is used to manage hydraulic lines and control wiring in excavators, cranes, and agricultural equipment. Use Case: Securing hydraulic hoses on a backhoe to reduce wear and prevent entanglement.Our Top Pick
The HellermannTyton 5P9C Spiralwrap Protective Sheathing offers high-performance cable protection in the most demanding environments. Made from PTFE (Teflon), this 1-inch diameter, 100-foot roll provides exceptional resistance to chemicals, abrasion, and extreme temperatures ranging from -449°F to 500°F. Ideal for aerospace, chemical processing, and cleanroom applications, the spiral design allows flexible routing and easy breakout of cables without removal.
Its non-flammable composition and UL recognition ensure safety and compliance in mission-critical installations. The natural color and beveled inner edges reduce wear on enclosed wires, while the reusable structure makes it perfect for dynamic systems requiring frequent maintenance or reconfiguration.
This sheathing is ROHS and REACH compliant, making it suitable for global use. Whether securing control lines, hydraulic hoses, or data cables, the HellermannTyton 5P9C delivers long-term durability and dependable performance in even the harshest conditions.
Types of Spiralwrap Materials and Their Advantages
Choosing the right spiral wrap starts with selecting the appropriate material for your environment. Here’s a breakdown of common materials:Polyethylene (PE) Spiralwrap
- Most affordable option
- Good general-purpose protection
- Flexible and lightweight
- Ideal for indoor use or low-stress environments
Nylon Spiralwrap
- Excellent abrasion resistance
- Higher temperature tolerance than PE
- UV and chemical resistant
- Suited for automotive, robotics, and outdoor use
PTFE (Teflon®) Spiralwrap
- Extreme chemical resistance
- High-temperature rating (up to 500°F)
- Non-stick, low-friction surface
- Used in aerospace, medical, and semiconductor industries
Flame-Retardant Spiralwrap
- Meets UL94 V-0 or other flame resistance ratings
- Suitable for power distribution and transit systems
- Available in nylon or polypropylene blends
Heavy-Duty Spiralwrap (HDPE or Reinforced)
- Designed for hydraulic hose protection
- Thick walls and rigid coil structure
- Common in construction, forestry, and agriculture
How to Select the Right Spiralwrap
When selecting a spiral wrap for your application, consider the following factors:1. Bundle Diameter
Measure the outer diameter of your cable or hose bundle. Spiralwrap is usually specified by the internal diameter it can accommodate. Choose a size that fits snugly but allows expansion for future cables.2. Operating Environment
Think about what your wrap will encounter. Choose chemically resistant materials for harsh chemical zones, flame-retardant versions for electrical panels, or high-temperature wraps for engines.3. Movement and Flexibility
If your application involves constant motion, like in robotics, select a flexible material with good recovery characteristics, like nylon or polyurethane.4. Breakout Requirements
Need to route cables in different directions? Choosea spiral wrap with looser coils to allow easy breakout or go with slotted tubing for more structure.5. Regulatory Compliance
In regulated environments, confirm that your SpiralWrap meets rthe equired standards:- UL flame ratings
- RoHS compliance
- ISO cleanliness standards (for cleanrooms or medical)
- Military or aerospace specs
Installation Tips for Spiralwrap Sheathing
- Pre-Measure and Cut Use shears or a cable wrap cutter to trim the wrap to the correct length before installation.
- Start from One End Begin wrapping at one end of the cable bundle. Align the leading coil securely before wrapping.
- Apply Tension Evenly Wrap with firm, even tension. Do not overstretch or compress the coils too tightly.
- Secure the Ends Use a zip tie, adhesive patch, or clamp to secure the ends of the wrap, especially in high-vibration applications.
- Label as Needed Apply tags or printed markers outside the wrap for easy identification without unwrapping the cable bundle.
Advantages Over Other Cable Protection Options
| Feature | Spiralwrap Sheathing | Heat Shrink Tubing | Braided Sleeving | Conduit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reusability | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Flexibility | ✅ High | ❌ Low | ✅ High | ❌ Moderate |
| Breakout Access | ✅ Excellent | ❌ None | ✅ Good | ❌ Poor |
| Easy Installation | ✅ Yes | ❌ Needs heat gun | ✅ Yes | ❌ Tools needed |
| Motion Adaptability | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |