How to Size Your Carrier

STEP 1: Make a list of all cables, wires, and hoses.
Please provide the following information about your cable/hose package:

• Use the following worksheets to organize the details of cables or hoses, outside diameter, quantity, minimum bend radius, weight
  Download Worksheet (PDF)
  Download Worksheet (XLS)

STEP 2: Determine minimum cavity height (dimension B) by adding a safety factor to the outer diameter of the largest cable or hose.

Safety Factors: Cables: + 10%  Hoses: + 20%  Total ideal fill: 60%

STEP 3: Determine carrier cavity width (dimension A) by adding the outer diameters and appropriate safety factors (determined in step 2) of all cables and hoses.

• If using vertical cavity separators, add separator width.
• If using horizontal cavity dividers, be sure that the same safety factors apply and there is adequate vertical space between dividers.

STEP 4: Consult the sizing index of the Quick Selection Guide for pre-selection of appropriate series.

• Plastic Carriers Quick Selection Guide(PDF)
• Metal Carriers Quick Selection Guide(PDF)

STEP 5: Check carrier width (dimension C) and carrier height (dimension D) dimensions against potential space restrictions.

STEP 6: Select carrier bend radius (dimension R) of carrier by consulting cable/hose manufacturer’s specifications for minimum bend radius.

STEP 7: Check depot (dimension k) and curve height (dimension H) dimensions against potential space restrictions.

STEP 8: Determine total required machine travel (total travel).

• See diagram below Step 10.
• To minimize carrier length, fixed end of carrier should be mounted at center of travel, when possible.

STEP 9: Consult the specifications page for curve length (dimension CL) of the chosen series/carrier.

STEP 10: Calculate Carrier Length:

• Carrier Length = (Total machine travel/2) + CL dimension (curve length) + Offset distance from center of travel
• *If fixed end is not mounted at center of travel. For minimum carrier length, moving bracket should be mounted directly above fixed bracket when machine is in center of travel. Offset is the dimension between fixed and moving bracket at center of travel.

Now that you have this basic information, you can start specifying the technical detail about your carrier in the Cables & Hoses RFQ.

For guidance on how to specify your mounting bracket ends, see the video below.