UV stabilised cable ties for outdoor use: an in-depth guide

UV stabilised cable ties for outdoor use: an in-depth guide

Are all black cable ties UV resistant? What is a UV stabilised cable tie? We explain the difference between UV resistant and UV stabilised and why they are ideal for outdoor use.

Just as we need protection against the sun, or rather the UV content of the sun, so do nylon 6/6 cable ties. Over a period of time, UV light will compromise the strength of the cable tie, breaking down the nylon polymers until the cable tie eventually becomes brittle and cracks. So, as anyone who spends a long time outdoors should apply sunscreen, outdoor cable installations should be secured with cable ties that will withstand the weather.

What are UV resistant cable ties?

UV resistant nylon cable ties are able to resist the effects of UV light and can be used outdoors. Although cable ties are available in a variety of colours, black cable ties contain carbon black, a pigment added to nylon which typically colours the ‘natural’ colour of cable tie resin. Carbon black will slow down fading of the cable ties and is a contributing factor in how UV resistant the tie will be. The amount of carbon black in a cable tie will determine its longevity but generally, black, UV resistant cable ties are perfectly suited to limited exposure to outdoor conditions.

Our UV resistant, black cable ties are available in lengths from 80mm to 1530mm and in widths from 2.5mm to 12.7mm. Our full range can be viewed here.

What are UV stabilised cable ties?

By comparison, UV stabilised nylon cable ties have undergone a different process involving chemical compound additives, which enables the cable ties to withstand UV damage. Offering the highest level of UV protection, our UV and heat stabilised cable ties are the perfect solution to prolonged, direct exposure to high levels of UV and are suited to long term, outdoor use

Our UV and heat stabilised cable ties are available in lengths from 100mm to 1030mm and in widths from 2.5mm to 12.7mm. Our full range can be viewed here.

What are UV stabilised cable ties used for?

There are many domestic situations that benefit from the use of UV stabilised cable ties, including satellite dish installation and garden storage applications. On a commercial basis, many large industrial chemical plants have outdoor locations and a lot of plant machinery operates outdoors (harvesting machines and cranes etc.)

However, not widely known is the fact that UV light also occurs indoors. The pharmaceutical industry, for example, sterilises units with UV light as it kills microorganisms in water, food and air. To find out which industries use UV stabilised cable ties, read our blog Which cable ties should manufacturers use?

Our cables ties are UV and heat stabilised and are designed to withstand heat, as well as UV light. The ties are suited to hot environments such as boiler rooms, and can be used to secure heat conductive cables.

If you have any questions about any of our products, our experienced sales team is on hand with help and advice over the phone on 01623 706241 or via email at sales@cableties-online.co.uk