The ULAMEX Cable Clip is a spring-loaded cable management component manufactured from H17 stainless steel (1.4016 / AISI 430), designed for routing and securing DC solar cables along PV mounting rails. At just 20×16×7 mm, the clip snaps onto the edge of ULAMEX PV profiles without tools, holding 1 to 2 cables (4–6 mm² cross-section) in a neat, organised run that meets the cable management requirements of IEC 62548 and EN 62446.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Material | H17 stainless steel (1.4016 / AISI 430) — ferritic, magnetic |
| Dimensions | 20 × 16 × 7 mm |
| Cable capacity | 1–2 cables, 4–6 mm² cross-section |
| Mounting method | Spring-loaded snap-on (tool-free) |
| Compatible profiles | ULAMEX PV profiles 40×40 and 80×40 |
| Relevant standards | IEC 62548 (PV array design), EN 62446 (PV system documentation and commissioning) |
Installation Guidelines
Position the cable clip at the desired location along the PV mounting rail edge. The clip features a spring-loaded jaw that opens when pressed against the rail edge and snaps shut once engaged — no tools required. Simply push the clip onto the rail flange with thumb pressure until it clicks into position. The spring tension holds the clip securely against vibration, wind, and cable weight loads.
Route the DC solar cable(s) through the clip opening before or after snapping the clip onto the rail, depending on accessibility. For cables already in position, slide the clip sideways onto the rail edge with the cable pre-loaded in the clip channel. Space clips at 300–500 mm intervals along the cable run to prevent cable sagging, swinging, or contact with roof surfaces. At direction changes (corners, drops), reduce the spacing to 150–200 mm to maintain cable bend radius control.
Cable management is not merely aesthetic — IEC 62548 requires that all PV DC cables be routed, supported, and protected against mechanical damage, UV degradation (from unsupported hanging loops), and thermal damage (from contact with hot roof surfaces). Properly clipped cables also simplify fault-finding, string testing, and system documentation per EN 62446.
Applications
- Rooftop PV DC cable routing — securing positive and negative string cables along the underside of mounting rails
- String cable organisation — bundling parallel cable runs from multiple module strings to the string combiner box
- Ground-mount cable management — routing cables along horizontal and vertical rail members in ground-mount structures
- Carport PV systems — overhead cable routing along visible canopy rails where neat appearance is important
- Equipment cable routing — securing optimiser, micro-inverter, and monitoring cables to the mounting structure
Material Properties
H17 stainless steel (1.4016 / AISI 430) is a ferritic chromium steel with 16–18 % chromium content, providing atmospheric corrosion resistance suitable for permanent outdoor exposure. The ferritic structure gives the material two advantages for a cable clip: first, it is magnetic, allowing the clip to be temporarily held on steel tools or magnetic strips during installation for easy access. Second, the ferritic crystal structure provides excellent spring properties — the clip maintains its clamping force over millions of thermal expansion cycles without fatigue or relaxation.
The absence of nickel in 1.4016 (compared to austenitic 1.4301/A2) reduces galvanic potential difference when the clip contacts the aluminium rail, minimising galvanic corrosion risk at the clip-to-rail interface. This is the same alloy used in the ULAMEX grounding plate — selected for its galvanic compatibility with aluminium mounting systems.
Compatibility
The ULAMEX cable clip is designed for use with:
- ULAMEX PV profiles 40×40 mm — snap-on to the profile edge flange
- ULAMEX PV profiles 80×40 mm — snap-on to either edge flange
- DC solar cables 4–6 mm² — standard PV string cable sizes (e.g., 4 mm² for residential, 6 mm² for commercial)
- MC4 connector cables — standard PV module output cables with MC4 connectors
- Roof hook systems — cable routing along the rail in roof hook-mounted installations
Why ULAMEX
ULAMEX is an EN 1090 certified B2B wholesaler supplying the complete PV mounting system — from structural components to the finishing accessories that make a professional installation. Cable clips are available in bulk packaging (100, 250, 500 pcs) for immediate dispatch alongside profiles, clamps, and fasteners. One supplier, one delivery, one invoice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many cable clips do I need per module?
As a rule of thumb, plan 4–6 clips per module for a standard rooftop installation. This provides 300–500 mm spacing along the cable run beneath each module. Actual quantity depends on cable run length, number of parallel strings, and site-specific routing requirements.
Q: Can the cable clip hold more than 2 cables?
The clip is designed for 1–2 cables of 4–6 mm². For runs with more than 2 parallel cables, use multiple clips side by side or upgrade to a cable tray system. Overloading a single clip reduces the spring clamping force and may allow cables to work loose under vibration.
Q: Does the clip damage the cable insulation?
No. The clip edges are deburred and the spring pressure is calibrated to hold the cable securely without cutting or deforming the insulation. The smooth inner channel surfaces prevent abrasion damage even over years of thermal cycling-induced cable movement.
Q: Is cable management required by code for PV systems?
Yes. IEC 62548 and EN 62446 require that all PV DC cabling be properly routed, supported at regular intervals, protected against mechanical damage, and documented. Unsupported cables hanging in loops are a common cause of inspection failures and premature cable degradation from UV exposure and chafing.
Need cable clips for your PV installation? Request a Quote | +48 504 424 761 | [email protected]