Cable cleats hold cables in place along their route. They carry the weight of the cable, stop it moving under thermal expansion and, most importantly, restrain it against the huge electromechanical forces produced during a short circuit. Pick the wrong type and you risk damaged cables, broken cable tray and a real danger to anyone nearby. The sections below cover each type in turn, the materials they are made from, and how we help you choose the right product from our cable cleats and ties range.
Cable Cleat Size Chart (Reference Guide)
Cable cleats are specified based on the overall outer diameter (OD) of the cable. Below is a general sizing guide based on standard industry references (such as BICON sizing) to help you identify the correct cleat size range for your cable. Always measure your specific cable OD before ordering, as diameters vary between manufacturers and cable types.
| Cable Outer Diameter (OD) | Standard Cleat Size Ref. | Typical Application Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 10.5mm - 14.5mm | Size 51 | Small LV power, control cables |
| 12.2mm - 16.7mm | Size 52 | LV multicores (e.g. 1.5mm - 2.5mm 3-core SWA) |
| 14.6mm - 19.8mm | Size 53 | LV multicores (e.g. 4mm - 6mm SWA) |
| 17.7mm - 24.0mm | Size 54 | LV multicores (e.g. 10mm - 16mm SWA) |
| 21.7mm - 28.5mm | Size 55 | LV multicores (e.g. 25mm - 35mm SWA) |
| 26.2mm - 34.2mm | Size 56 | LV multicores (e.g. 50mm - 70mm SWA) |
| 31.9mm - 41.4mm | Size 57 | LV/MV power (e.g. 95mm - 120mm SWA) |
| 38.3mm - 49.3mm | Size 58 | Large MV power (e.g. 150mm - 185mm SWA) |
| 45.6mm - 58.7mm | Size 59 | Large MV power (e.g. 240mm - 300mm SWA) |
| 54.6mm - 70.1mm | Size 60 | Heavy duty single core / Trefoil groups |
| 65.4mm - 83.3mm | Size 61 | Heavy duty single core / Trefoil groups |
| 78.4mm - 99.8mm | Size 62 | Extra heavy duty installations |
What Are The Main Types Of Cable Cleats?
The main types of cable cleats are single cleats, trefoil cleats, quad (tetrad) cleats and multi-cleats, and the type you need depends on how many cables are fixed together and how they are laid. Cable arrangement comes first because it controls how the forces act on the cleat during a fault. Material and mounting come after that.
Single Formation
Trefoil Formation
Quad Formation
What Is A Single Cable Cleat?
A single cable cleat secures one cable, usually an armoured multicore or a single-core cable laid on its own, to a tray, ladder, strut or wall. It is the most common type of cleat in low voltage and general industrial work. We stock a wide choice of single cleats across our metallic single cable cleats and non-metallic cleats categories.
Non-Metallic Single Cleats
- Ellis Patents Single Way Fixing Cable Cleat is a tough cleat for securing armoured power cable. It comes as standard in black acetal, black polypropylene or grey flame retardant polypropylene, and covers cable diameters from 9mm to 35mm.
- Ellis Patents Single Way Fixing Cable Cleat Flame Retardant is the right choice where flame performance is part of the specification.
- Ellis Patents Two Hole Cable Clamp (Standard) and the Ellis Patents Two Hole Cable Clamp (LSF) are light duty polymer clamps for single cables. The LSF version suits enclosed and public spaces where low smoke and fume behaviour matters.
- Prysmian Heavy Duty Hook Cleat is a two-piece, single-fixing cleat designed so one person can install it. Sizes run from 25mm up to 80mm.
- Prysmian Plastic Two Bolt Cable Cleat (Standard) takes larger cable diameters from 50mm to 94mm and resists sunlight, weather, oils and most chemicals. There is also a Prysmian Plastic Two Bolt Cable Cleat (Afumex LSOH) version for low smoke zero halogen installations.
- Prysmian Ranger Cleat is a self-adjusting, two-piece ABS cleat with good oil and chemical resistance. Because it adjusts itself, it can cover a range of cable sizes with fewer part numbers.
- Prysmian Telcleats (Standard) and Prysmian Telcleats (Afumex LSOH) are one-piece, single-fixing cleats built to cope with all weather conditions and to go in quickly.
TE Connectivity Single Cable Cleats
The TE Connectivity single cable cleat is a compact, stackable retention system for cables and terminations in LV, MV and HV applications. It is made from a V0-rated flame retardant polymer and covers cable diameters from 15mm to 135mm, which makes it a strong option for tight spaces such as wind farms, data centres, substations and switchgear. We stock every mounting variant:
- TE Single Cable Cleat – Cable Cleat Only, which can be upgraded to any mounting variant
- TE Single Cable Cleat – Centre Mount Version
- TE Single Cable Cleat – Flat Mount Version
- TE Single Cable Cleat – Strut Nut Mounting for fixing directly to strut channel
- TE Single Cable Cleat – With Insert for extra grip and cable protection
Metallic Single Cleats
- Prysmian Aluminium Two Bolt Cleat (Standard) and Prysmian Aluminium Two Bolt Cleat (Epoxy Coated) give a strong metallic hold on single cables.
- Prysmian Aluminium Claw Cleat (Standard) is an LUL-approved aluminium cleat, well suited to industrial and outdoor areas. We also stock the Prysmian Aluminium Claw Cleat (Epoxy Coated) for added corrosion protection.
What Is A Trefoil Cable Cleat?
A trefoil cable cleat holds three single-core cables together in a tight triangle, which is the standard way to lay single-core cables in a three-phase AC circuit. Keeping the three phases close together cuts the magnetic field around the circuit and balances the induced currents. The downside is that in a fault the cables try to push each other apart with great force, so trefoil cleats need to be strong and correctly spaced. Browse our metallic trefoil and multiple cable cleats for the full range.
Aluminium Trefoil Cleats
- Ellis Patents Alpha Aluminium Trefoil Cleats (Aluminium Base) is an extruded aluminium cleat for cable diameters from 23.2mm to 74.6mm. It meets IEC 61914:2009 and has been tested to withstand short-circuit forces up to 96kA peak at 600mm centres. It is widely used in LV, MV and HV industrial, utility and infrastructure systems.
- Ellis Patents Alpha Aluminium Trefoil Cleats (LSF Zero Halogen Base) gives the same trefoil hold with a polymeric LSF zero halogen base.
- Prysmian Orion Aluminium Cleat (Standard) supports trefoil cables across LV, MV and HV designs. Deep cast bases make installation easier, and sizes run from 62mm up to 186mm. The Prysmian Orion Aluminium Cleat (Epoxy Coated) adds a protective coating for harsher sites.
- Prysmian Libra Aluminium Cleats are designed for single-core cables laid in trefoil, covering diameters from 24mm to 76mm.
Stainless Steel Trefoil Cleats
- Ellis Patents Emperor Trefoil Stainless Steel Cable Cleats are heavy duty, compact stainless steel cleats for single or trefoil formations, covering 19mm to 128mm.
- Prysmian Sirius Stainless Steel Trefoil Cleat (379 series) is built for the harshest environments and the highest fault conditions, with sizes from 23mm to 128mm.
- Prysmian Orbit Stainless Steel Cleat is another heavy duty stainless option from the 379 series, taking cables from 33mm up to 150mm.
What Is A Quad Or Tetrad Cable Cleat?
A quad cleat, also known as a tetrad cleat, holds four single-core cables together, usually three phases plus a neutral. This arrangement is common in large LV distribution where the neutral runs as a separate single-core cable next to the phases.
The Prysmian Tetrad Cleat 381 Series supports single-core cables in quad formation. It is made from 316L stainless steel for use in most environments and covers diameters from 20mm to 70mm.
What Is A Multi-Cleat Or Strap Cleat?
A multi-cleat is a strap-based fixing system that uses a base, a stainless steel strap and a tensioning clip to hold cables in a range of sizes and arrangements. It is a flexible option where one fixing needs to cover a range of cable diameters, or where standard cleats do not suit the layout.
We stock the Prysmian Multicleat (Standard Aluminium Alloy Plain Base) and the Prysmian Multicleat (Heavy Duty Aluminium Alloy Plain Base). Both use the BICON system of base, stainless steel strap and tensioning clip.
What Materials Are Cable Cleats Made From?
Cable cleats are made from aluminium, stainless steel or non-metallic polymers, and each material suits a different mix of strength, corrosion resistance, weight and fire performance. Once you know the cable arrangement, the material is usually the next decision.
Aluminium Cable Cleats
Aluminium cleats give high strength for their weight and are the usual choice for trefoil and single-core power circuits in general industrial and utility work. Because aluminium is non-magnetic, it does not create the eddy current heating that ferrous metals can cause around single-core AC cables. Our aluminium options include the Ellis Patents Alpha, Prysmian Orion, Prysmian Libra and Prysmian aluminium claw and two bolt cleats.
Stainless Steel Cable Cleats
Stainless steel cleats give the highest mechanical strength and corrosion resistance, so they are specified for offshore, petrochemical, tunnel and high fault level installations. The 316L grade used in the Prysmian Tetrad cleat is well known for handling marine and chemical environments. Our stainless steel range also includes the Ellis Patents Emperor, Prysmian Sirius and Prysmian Orbit cleats.
Non-Metallic Cable Cleats
Non-metallic cleats are made from polymers such as polypropylene, acetal, ABS and flame retardant compounds, and they are best suited to lighter duty single cable fixing, corrosive sites and applications where the cleat must be electrically insulating. They are light, quick to fit and will not corrode. However, they generally have lower short-circuit withstand than metallic cleats, so they are not a direct swap on high fault level trefoil circuits.
When Should You Choose Epoxy Coated Aluminium?
Choose epoxy coated aluminium where the cleat will face corrosive, coastal or chemically aggressive conditions. The coating adds a barrier over the aluminium, which is why we offer epoxy coated versions of the Prysmian Orion, claw and two bolt cleats.
What Is The Difference Between LSOH, LSF And Flame Retardant Cleats?
LSOH (low smoke zero halogen) and LSF (low smoke and fume) cleats limit smoke and toxic gas if they burn, while flame retardant cleats are made to resist catching fire and spreading flame. LSOH and LSF materials are often specified in tunnels, rail, hospitals, data centres and other enclosed or public spaces where smoke is a major risk to life. We stock the Prysmian Plastic Two Bolt Cleat and Prysmian Telcleats in Afumex LSOH, the Ellis Patents Two Hole Cable Clamp in LSF, and the Ellis Patents Single Way Fixing Cleat in a flame retardant grade.
Why Does Short-Circuit Rating Matter When Choosing A Cleat Type?
Short-circuit rating matters because the electromechanical forces between cables during a fault can be strong enough to break weak cleats, damage cables and injure people, so the cleat must be tested to hold the peak fault current of the circuit. These forces are strongest in trefoil and quad formations, where the cables sit right next to each other.
Which Standard Applies To Cable Cleats?
The main standard for cable cleats is IEC 61914 (published in the UK as BS EN IEC 61914), which sets out how cleats are classified and tested, including for lateral load, axial load and short-circuit withstand. A cleat tested to this standard will have a declared short-circuit performance at a stated cleat spacing. For example, the Ellis Patents Alpha is rated to 96kA peak at 600mm centres.
Does Cleat Spacing Affect Performance?
Yes, cleat spacing has a direct effect on performance, because the closer the cleats are, the higher the fault current the cable run can withstand. A cleat tested at 600mm centres may not give the same protection if it is fitted further apart. Always follow the manufacturer's tested spacing for your fault level. Our team can help you check this against your design.
What Is The Difference Between Cable Cleats And Cable Ties?
Cable cleats are designed to restrain cables against short-circuit forces and to support their weight, while cable ties are mainly used to bundle, tidy and lightly secure cables. Ties are not a like-for-like replacement for cleats on power circuits. They are still a key part of any cable management package, and we stock a full range in our cable ties category.
Which Types Of Cable Ties Do We Stock?
We stock stainless steel cable ties for harsh and fire-sensitive environments, and nylon cable ties for general bundling and tidy cable management.
- Partex Stainless Steel Cable Ties suit outdoor, high temperature and corrosive environments, and places where metallic fixings are needed so cables stay supported in a fire.
- Partex Non-Releasable Nylon Cable Ties give a permanent, tamper-resistant hold for bundling.
- Hellermann Tyton Nylon Cable Ties – Inside Serrated have serrations on the inside to grip the cable bundle securely.
How Do You Choose The Right Type Of Cable Cleat?
To choose the right type of cable cleat, work through five points: cable arrangement, cable diameter, prospective fault current, installation environment and the fire performance required. Getting all five right means the cleat will hold the cables safely for the life of the installation.
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Cable Arrangement
Decide first whether the cables are laid singly, in trefoil, in quad or as a bundle, because this tells you which cleat type to use. Single armoured cables need single cleats, three-phase single-core circuits need trefoil cleats, phases plus neutral need quad cleats, and mixed runs often suit a multi-cleat.
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Cable Diameter
Measure the overall diameter of the cable and choose a cleat size range that covers it. Every cleat we stock is sold in set diameter bands. A cleat that is too big will not grip, and one that is too small can damage the sheath.
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Fault Level
Match the cleat's tested short-circuit rating to the peak fault current of the circuit at your planned spacing. High fault level circuits usually call for aluminium or stainless steel trefoil cleats, such as the Ellis Patents Alpha or Prysmian Sirius.
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Environment
Choose the material to suit the site: aluminium for general indoor and outdoor use, epoxy coated or stainless steel for corrosive or marine sites, and polymer for light duty or where insulation is needed. UV, oil and chemical resistance should also be checked, which is why products such as the Prysmian Plastic Two Bolt Cleat and Prysmian Ranger Cleat state their resistance levels.
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Fire Performance
Where fire safety is a concern, specify LSOH, LSF or flame retardant cleats, or use metallic fixings. In the UK, BS 7671 requires wiring systems to be supported so they will not collapse too early in a fire, and this often leads designers towards metallic cleats and stainless steel ties on escape routes.
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What Cable Cleat Accessories Do You Need?
Cleat accessories let you fix cleats securely to steelwork, tray and ladder, and to pack them to the right height or alignment. We keep a range of cleat accessories in stock alongside our cleats:
- Prysmian Cable Cleat Accessories – Adaptor Plate for adapting cleat fixings to the support structure.
- Prysmian Cable Cleat Accessories – Lindaptor Fitting, a hot-dip galvanised cast iron plate (reference 3389AA03) for clamping cleats to steel sections without drilling.
- Prysmian Cable Cleat Accessories – Packing Piece for packing cleats to the correct height.
For strut-based installs, the TE Single Cable Cleat Strut Nut Mounting variant fixes straight to strut channel. Our wider cable support and management range covers the rest of the containment.
How Can Cable Services Help With Your Cable Cleat Requirements?
We supply every main type of cable cleat, from single and trefoil to quad and multi-cleats, in aluminium, stainless steel and non-metallic materials, with the accessories and cable ties to complete the job. Because we stock products from Prysmian, Ellis Patents and TE Connectivity, we can match the right cleat to your cable, fault level and site conditions instead of pushing a single brand.
We also supply the cable itself through our cable range, and our cable cutting service means your cable and cleats can arrive together, ready to install. Whether you are working in utilities, rail, power generation, data centres or renewables, our team can help you choose cleat types, sizes and spacing for your project.
Browse our full cable cleats and ties range or contact us to talk through your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Types Of Cable Cleats
How Many Types Of Cable Cleats Are There?
There are four main types of cable cleats: single, trefoil, quad (tetrad) and multi-cleat or strap cleats. Each type is then made in different materials and mounting styles to suit the installation.
What Is The Strongest Type Of Cable Cleat?
Stainless steel trefoil cleats are generally the strongest type, and they are designed for the highest fault levels and harshest environments. The Prysmian Sirius, Prysmian Orbit and Ellis Patents Emperor are examples from our range.
Can Plastic Cable Cleats Be Used For Trefoil Cables?
Plastic cleats are generally not suitable for high fault level trefoil circuits, because they do not usually have the short-circuit withstand of aluminium or stainless steel cleats. For trefoil runs we recommend metallic trefoil cleats tested to IEC 61914.
Are Cable Cleats Required On Single-Core Cables?
Yes, single-core cables in power circuits should be restrained with suitably rated cleats, because the forces between them during a short circuit can be severe. Cable ties alone are not designed to restrain these forces.
Why Use Aluminium Rather Than Steel Cleats On Single-Core Cables?
Aluminium is non-magnetic, so it avoids the eddy current heating that ferrous steel can cause when it surrounds a single-core AC cable. Non-magnetic stainless steel grades are also used for the same reason where extra strength or corrosion resistance is needed.
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