Convoluted tubing is a protective metal shroud designed to increase electrical wires’ safety and performance. Also known as corrugated, stripped, or flexible tubing, convoluted tubing is an important commodity in the electrical industry.
If you’re curious and want to know about the different types of convoluted tubing and whether or not you could use it, you’ve come to the right place. Contact HST Cable Management Products online or call (915) 304-2787 to learn more about our products and services.
What is Convoluted Tubing?
As we said before, convoluted tubing is protective tubing for wire harnesses and electrical wiring. Convoluted tubing comes in many lengths and diameters but always features a hollow center. You can then pass electrical wires of various sizes through the middle of the tubing, forming a protective barrier for the wire. Because convoluted tubing is made of metal, your wires should be safe and sound inside.
While the outer shell of convoluted tubing is hard and solid, it’s designed with flexible rivets. This allows you to easily twist and turn the tubing to navigate around tight corners and obstacles. In addition to metal, there are also some forms of convoluted tubing made of plastic, giving them even more flexibility without sacrificing much durability.
Regardless of what type of convoluted tubing you have, here are some of the things it protects against.
- Moisture
- Humidity
- Heat
- Fluids
- Extreme vibrations
- Excessively hot or cold surfaces
- The sun
- Snow
- Rain
- Sharp objects
Different Types of Convoluted Tubing
Now that you have a better idea of what convoluted tubing is, let’s look at the different types of tubing on the market.
- Close Convolution
In situations where you need flexible tubing to navigate around corners and obstacles, closed convolution tubing is the option for you.
- Compressed Convolution
Compressed convolution tubing is similar to closed tubing in that it’s very flexible and perfect for sharp bends and turns. Compressed tubing has the added benefit of being good for low-pressure applications.
- Reverse Convolution
For applications where you don’t want the tubing to twist and turn too much, reverse convolution tubing is ideal.
- Wire-Wrapped Convoluted
Investing in wire-wrapped convoluted tubing is a good option because it’s stronger, more durable, and more crush-resistant.
- Mil-Spec Convoluted
Mil-spec convoluted tubing, also known as military-spec tubing, is specially designed to be up to military standards. This type of tubing is durable and strong enough for use in aerospace implementations.
- Low Profile
As the name implies, low-profile convoluted tubing is perfect for situations where you don’t want the tubing to be obvious or noticeable. It’s also good for tight spaces.
- Heavy Wall
Similar to wire-wrapped tubing, heavy wall convoluted tubing is extra thick for added durability and strength.
Contact us to find out what type of convoluted tubing is right for you!
Applications for Convoluted Tubing
Because there are so many different types of convoluted tubing, it can get utilized in many different applications. Here are some of the most common.
- The automotive industry
- The electrical industry
- The air and space industry
- The HVAC industry
- To protect wire harnesses inside appliances
- In situations where wiring or wire bundles need extra protection from the elements
- Identifying wires where there are wire groupings
Essentially, convoluted tubing is the best option when you need to protect one or more wires from sharp objects or the elements.
Where to Get Convoluted Tubing in El Paso
If you think that you could use convoluted tubing, contact HST Cable Management Products online or call (915) 304-2787. We carry every type of convoluted tubing mentioned in this article and are here to serve your every need.
