protection for the shipbuilding industry

Cable Protection in Shipbuilding: Protecting Cables and Hoses On Board

On ships, cables and hoses are often exposed to moisture, salt water, UV radiation and mechanical stress. The conditions in the engine room, on deck or in technical installations can differ considerably. Cable protection must therefore be matched to the specific installation location.

Techflex offers braided and woven sleeving for applications in shipbuilding and marine environments. These products protect cables and hoses against abrasion, make bundling easier and can simplify installation or subsequent maintenance. The most suitable version depends, among other factors, on the mechanical load, contact with liquids and accessibility of the cables.

Abrasion Protection for Cables in Marine Environments

Cables can rub against edges, other cables or adjacent components. Movement and vibration increase this stress. In exposed areas in particular, protective sleeving is therefore required that can withstand wear and is suitable for the surrounding conditions.

Flexo® Heavy Wall is a thick-walled PET braided sleeve designed for high abrasion protection. Its low moisture absorption and UV resistance also make it suitable for applications in which cables are exposed to weather conditions. It can protect cables and hoses that regularly come into contact with rough surfaces.

For particularly high mechanical loads, Gorilla Sleeve® may be suitable. This robust nylon braided sleeve protects cables and hoses against severe abrasion. When selecting the product, not only abrasion resistance but also the liquids and chemicals the material may come into contact with at the installation location should be considered.

Retrofitting and Maintaining Cable Protection

Cable routes on ships are often narrow, and existing cables cannot always be removed easily. Protective sleeves with hook-and-loop fasteners can be wrapped around cables or hoses that have already been installed. This makes retrofitting easier and improves access during future maintenance work.

Turtle Wrap has a neoprene coating and a hook-and-loop closure. It is suitable for applications where cables need to be retrofitted with protective covering and protected against mechanical influences, moisture or sparks. Suitability for a particular application depends on the conditions in the engine room or on deck.

Gator Wrap® is a durable woven sleeve with a hook-and-loop closure. It was developed especially for heavily stressed hoses and cables. In hydraulic applications, protection in the event of hose failure may also be relevant in addition to abrasion protection.

Self-Closing Protection for Existing Cable Bundles

Where cables need to remain regularly accessible, a self-closing sleeve can simplify installation. Flexo F6® Heavy Duty can be wrapped around an existing cable bundle from the side. Connectors do not need to be disconnected. The woven sleeve is designed for mechanical abrasion protection and is therefore suitable for cable routes subject to repeated rubbing.

If the installation location has special requirements regarding fire behaviour or approvals, these must be checked separately using the technical documentation for the selected product.

Selecting the Right Cable Protection for Shipbuilding

Whether for cables on deck, cable bundles in the engine room or heavily stressed hydraulic hoses, Techflex supports you in selecting a suitable solution for the specific installation location. Tell us which cables or hoses need to be protected and what stresses they are exposed to.

You can reach us at sales@techflex.de or by phone at +49 2268 9075131. We will be happy to advise you on suitable cable protection for your shipbuilding application.