Cable clips for edges – the EdgeClip

EdgeClips are the ideal choice when it comes to fixing cables to edges – without tools and within seconds. A short introduction to the EdgeClip family, which by the way can save you a lot of working time, can be found here in this video:

EdgeClips are not only very versatile, but also easy to use. A good example of this is the EdgeClip with TwistLock. Watch this short video to see how it works:

There are rarely EdgeClips that suit all areas of use, as the requirements and needs are so different from industry to industry. Despite standardised panel thicknesses, we know from experience that each EdgeClip will perform differently in each application. This is generally because the edge parameters and the relative weight of the cable bundles or hoses to be held in place vary significantly. The surface material used, the edge thickness, bundle direction, cable fastening option and material play a role. Therefore, we recommend considering the following when choosing the right cable clip for edge applications:

1. Edge thickness and height
How thick and high is the edge you want to route cables on? Edge dimensions vary considerably. We cover a staggered range of sizes accordingly. In some scenarios, the available edge can also be limited in physical height. Or the bundle diameter is greater than the edge height. EdgeClip mini, for example, is approx. 6.0 mm high, while many of our edge clips are at least 9.0 mm high.
 

2. The geometry of the edge
The direction of the edge usually indicates in which direction the cables can be routed, whether vertically/horizontally, on or next to the edge. EdgeClip geometries are available for four different routing options:

• Above the edge, parallel to the direction of the edge
• Right angle across the edge, 90° to the direction of the edge
• Parallel along the edge
• Vertically horizontally, 90° to the direction of the edge

We also offer a version where the cable tie saddle can rotate 90°. The most common EdgeClips are two-piece parts, pre-assembled with a cable tie. HellermannTyton also manufactures one-piece parts with an integrated tie head and strap. If you can think of a variant on that theme, we have probably already manufactured it!
 

3. Application areas
The conditions that a product must fulfil depend on the area of application. In the solar industry for example, it is important that cable fasteners are UV-resistant and can withstand harsh conditions. In the white goods industry it is essential that fasteners are space-saving, durable and resist vibration. Above all, Edge Clips are an excellent choice in applications where holes cannot be drilled and other fastening options such as adhesive are undesirable. The statics are not affected and the product can be attached easily by pressing it onto the edge by hand.

The metal clamps in our EdgeClips are generally made from zinc galvanised spring steel. This is fine on most plastics. But on panel edges made of metal, undesirable chemical reactions are a possibility you need to account for. Corrosion at the point of contact may result because the galvanised steel claws of the EdgeClip penetrate through protective surface coatings, thus exposing the substrate. Negative corrosion potential is dependent on temperature, humidity and other natural or man-made environmental factors such as salt, ultraviolet light, gases, oils or cleaning agents. The plastic housing of the EdgeClip doesn’t pose any problems to the edge substrate. We usually manufacture it from high impact modified, heat stabilised Polyamide 6.6 (PA66HIRHS). This has an operating temperature range of 40 C to +105 C. We can adjust the EdgeClip properties to suit specific applications. Please contact us with any questions about atypical material combinations.

EdgeClips are tiny cable fasteners applied to structural edges as a permanent mount for cable ties. They can be easily pushed onto panel edges by hand, without the need for tools. They are ideal for securely fastening cables, hoses and harnesses wherever drilling holes or using adhesive mounts is not an option. The holding force of the integrated spring-steel clamp is sufficient for even the heaviest cable bundles. A variety of geometries ensures a suitable fit for every cable routing scenario. Cables can be routed parallel to, across or along the edge.

Depending on the dimension of the EdgeClip, we stamp two or three pairs of opposing angled claws into the u shaped spring steel clips. Under tension (reverse, lateral or axial movement under load), these claws dig into the softer material and counteract movement of the clip in this direction. We refer to this as positive locking. The best positive locking results are achieved when the angle of the claws is not overly reduced by the breadth of the edge that it is pushed onto. For the ideal fit, we recommend there is a gap between the clip and the side walls of the edge. For example, an EdgeClip in the range 1.0 - 3.0 mm will ideally fit on an edge that is 2 mm thick. If there’s no gap, you need a larger EdgeClip.

Generally, the softer the edge material, the greater the EdgeClip claws can dig into it. Conversely, if the edge material surface is similarly hard, or harder than the steel claws, they won’t be able to dig into the surface. Common engineering thermoplastics such as polyoxymethylene (POM) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) present no hardness problems in EdgeClip applications. Aluminium is usually successful. But especially with metals like steel, we certainly recommend verification of the relative hardness of the specified materials first. The Vickers Hardness Test (HV) is ideal for determining this. Our EdgeClips can positively lock on edge materials if the hardness is less than 410HV10. Layers of surface coating, or oily films, will also have an impact on the degree of positive locking that can be achieved In your application.

No tools are required to install EdgeClips. You can push them onto edges by hand. Hold the EdgeClip above the edge at its desired final position and then push it onto the edge with light, even pressure. Once fastened, the EdgeClip remains in that position. You will not be able to slide it sideways elsewhere along the edge.
 

HellermannTyton has a lot of experience adapting EdgeClip designs, dimensions and properties to suit specialised individual requirements. The majority of EdgeClips are made with a black polyamide housing and sometimes brown or grey. We can produce in other colours on request.

We do not recommend that you reuse an EdgeClip that has been removed. Also be aware, that the surface of the edge will be damaged if you remove an EdgeClip. Removal by hand is not possible. The steel claws dig into the softer material of the edge and hold it firmly in place. The EdgeClip can only easily be removed with an EdgeClip removal tool. It works for all EdgeClip sizes from 1.5 mm to 6.0 mm. Contact us if you are interested in this special tool.

The approximate forces we talk about in relation to EdgeClips range between 50 N - 150 N (approx. 5 - 15 kg). We don’t publish specific mean push on and pull off forces for EdgeClips because the potential combinations of variables are so extensive. We can advise you based on experience and support you with samples for your individual tests.

Factors that determine whether clamping force is sufficient include:

• Edge material hardness
• Edge material thickness
• Finishes, coatings or grime
• Wide temperature variation
• Torsion in the wiring harness
• Vibration