A guide to cable clips

Cable clips are used to secure long wires and cables to a surface. They’re a convenient component for keeping cables tidy and out of the way, protecting from damage and avoiding trip hazards.

You can attach cables to walls, pin cables to skirting boards, run wires through electrical enclosures, on panels, behind fittings – all with the help of cable clips. In this article we cover:

How to use cable clips
What’s the difference between a cable clamp and cable clip?
Metal cable clips vs. plastic cable clips

Cable clips come in different designs, but they all have a cradle or hook for securing the cable in place. How you mount and affix the clip to a surface can also vary, as illustrated by the different types, below. Some have a hole for your fastener to secure the clip to your surface. Of course, the surface will have to be suitable for nails or screws. You can attach cable to walls without nails with self-adhesive cable clips. Peel off the backing and stick the clip to your surface to secure cable to walls or anywhere else.

Whenever you're thinking about wiring, you need to consider flammability ratings. We urge you to check out Standards and approvals in cable protection. This will help you choose the right wire fastener clips not only for your application, but also for meeting safety standards.

Cable Clamps help define the routing of wires and cables, while cable clips can just as easily be called cable mounting clips or wire mounting clips. That is, cable clip mount cables or wires to a surface. Some cable clamps can be used in the same role fulfilled by cable clip. You can learn more about cable clamps in our Guide to choosing the right cable clamp. Cable clamps can also be adhesive, find out more in our guide to different types of adhesive cable clamps.

Types of cable clips and their uses

Cable clip range includes wire clips, also called cable wire clips, and some clamps and wire saddles.