Short-circuit events generate strong electromechanical forces between conductors. Cable cleats must restrain cables so that containment is maintained and damage risk is reduced. IEC 61914 provides methods and test requirements that help engineers assess performance against short-circuit forces. Forces are affected by peak fault current, cable spacing, cable formation (e.g., trefoil versus flat), conductor/cable diameter and cleat spacing.

Understanding these inputs helps narrow down suitable cleat types and installation approaches.

• Peak short-circuit current influences the maximum electromagnetic forces.
• Cable formation (trefoil/flat) changes how forces act between phases.
• Cable diameter & spacing affect phase separation and load conditions.
• Cleat spacing changes how much load each cleat must restrain.

Cable cleat selection typically comes down to a handful of practical variables. Getting these right helps ensure compliance, performance and installability.

1) Short-circuit rating requirement

The cleat must be suitable for the prospective fault level, cable formation and cleat spacing used. Where fault levels are high, retention performance and mechanical robustness become critical.

2) Cable diameter & adjustability

Cleats must fit the actual cable OD and the selected formation. If diameters vary on-site, solutions with a wider usable diameter range can help reduce SKU complexity and simplify procurement.

3) Tray/ladder geometry

Rung/slot dimensions, access to fixings and allowable cleat spacing can dictate what works in practice. Always ensure the chosen cleat can be mounted correctly on the tray or ladder system used.

4) Installation workspace

Limited access (overhead, congested runs, risers) can make bolt tightening difficult. Consider how the cleat installs in real conditions: tooling, access underneath the rung, and whether installation must happen before or after cable pull.

5) Environment & compliance

Consider corrosion exposure, UV, temperature, and any project-specific requirements. Standards-based testing and appropriate materials (e.g., stainless steel and protective liners/coatings) are often important for longevity and cable protection.

In high-fault applications and congested tray systems, installation practicality can matter as much as the short-circuit rating. BAND-FAST cable cleats are often considered where a robust retention solution is needed and where post-pull installation offers a practical advantage. Typical drivers include:

• High retention requirement within the rated test envelope
• Constrained access (overhead tray, risers, tight corridors)
• Post-pull installation preferred to avoid interfering with pulling equipment/rollers
• Reducing SKU complexity where cable diameters vary across projects

Before specifying band-style cleats, check tray or ladder slot dimensions. If rung slots are below the required width, feeding/locating the band can be inconsistent and another cleat style may be more suitable. Example minimum slot width guidance (confirm against the specific BAND-IT cleat/tooling selected):

• 5/8″ coated band: slot width ≥ 17.5 mm
• 5/8″ uncoated band: slot width ≥ 17 mm
• 3/4″ uncoated band: slot width ≥ 20 mm

Use this selection flow to keep decisions consistent:

1. Define prospective fault level and verify the required short-circuit rating.
2. Confirm cable formation (trefoil or flat) and actual cable outside diameters.
3. Set cleat spacing aligned to test declarations and project constraints.
4. Validate mounting geometry for the tray/ladder system (slots, rungs, access).
5. Account for the environment (corrosion/UV/temperature) and any project standards.
6. Choose an installation approach that works on site (pre-pull vs post-pull, access, tooling).

Contact UsExplore Cable Cleats