What Is a Steel Wire Braided Galvanized Spiral Conduit? Types and Selection
A steel wire braided galvanized spiral conduit is an all-metal cable protection conduit whose flexible galvanized steel body is wrapped in a wear-resistant steel wire braid.
A steel wire braided galvanized spiral conduit is an all-metal cable protection conduit in which a flexible galvanized steel spiral body is wrapped in a sheath braided from steel wires. The braid increases the conduit's resistance to abrasion and pulling. It is used in machine and plant cabling where wear and mechanical stress are high. Since it has no plastic sheath, it is not liquid-tight.
Metal and braided spiral conduit types
| Type | Construction | When to choose | Active products |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galvanized spiral conduit | Unsheathed galvanized steel | Mechanical protection in dry areas | 18 |
| Steel wire braided galvanized spiral conduit | Galvanized steel and steel wire braid | Dry areas with heavy abrasion and wear | 8 |
| Steel wire braided PVC-coated galvanized spiral conduit | Galvanized steel, steel wire braid and PVC sheath | Water and oil splashes in addition to wear | 8 |
| Steel wire braided polyamide spiral conduit | Polyamide conduit and steel wire braid, grey or black | Light, flexible runs without a metal body | 20 |
Selection criteria
- Size: The number in the CTS code gives the size series; confirm the inner and outer diameter on the product page or in the manufacturer's size table. The inner diameter must be comfortably larger than the outer diameter of the cable bundle so the cable can be pulled and heat can dissipate.
- Fitting: A tight, secure connection comes from the conduit together with a matching fitting, not from the conduit alone. Choose the fitting from the manufacturer's metal spiral conduit range by conduit code; its thread must match the thread at the panel or equipment entry (PG or metric). Ask a product advisor whether the spiral conduit fittings in the catalog suit this conduit.
- Environment: Where there are liquids, oil or heavy dust, choose the PVC-coated braided type; an uncoated braid and spiral let water through. Confirm the operating temperature on the datasheet.
- Bending: The tightest bend on the route must be larger than the conduit's minimum permitted bending radius. The braid stiffens the conduit; take the value from the datasheet for tight bends.
- Coil length: Choose a coil long enough for the run; a single length without joints keeps the protection continuous.
Common mistakes
- Fitting a cut end without cleaning it: When cut, the braid wires fray and the spiral edge stays sharp, cutting the cable insulation. Cut the end cleanly, gather the frayed wires and push the conduit fully into the fitting.
- Using uncoated conduit on a wet run: The braid does not hold water back; water reaches the cable entry.
- Treating the conduit as a protective conductor: Flexible metal conduit does not replace the protective (PE) conductor; earthing is done with a separate conductor in the cable.
- Sharp bends: The spiral is crushed, the inner cross-section narrows and the cable can no longer be pulled.
Related standard
- IEC 61386-23: Particular requirements for flexible conduit systems for cable management. The product names in the catalog do not declare compliance with this standard; ask the manufacturer for the certificate if required.
Steel wire braided galvanized spiral conduits in the catalog
All 8 active products in the Steel Wire Braided Galvanized Spiral Conduits category are from the Ortaç CTS series:
| Code | Coil | Sold |
|---|---|---|
| CTS 10, CTS 13, CTS 16, CTS 21 | 50 m | By the metre, in multiples of 50 m |
| CTS 26, CTS 35, CTS 40, CTS 51 | 25 m | By the metre, in multiples of 25 m |
Prices and lead times for the CTS series are given on request.
Frequently asked questions
What does the steel wire braid do?
The braid over the spiral body strengthens the conduit against abrasion, wear and pulling. Where the cable runs near a moving or rubbing surface, it lasts longer than unsheathed galvanized conduit.
What is the difference between steel wire braided galvanized and PVC-coated braided conduit?
Both have a steel wire braid. The PVC-coated type adds a plastic sheath and, with a matching fitting, forms a liquid-tight run; the uncoated type gives mechanical protection only.
In what lengths is CTS spiral conduit sold?
Codes CTS 10, 13, 16 and 21 are sold by the metre in multiples of 50 m coils, and CTS 26, 35, 40 and 51 in multiples of 25 m coils.
Which fitting is it connected with?
With a metal spiral conduit fitting that matches the conduit code; the conduit end of the fitting must suit the conduit and its thread must suit the entry. You can ask a product advisor for the right fitting.