- Cable lacing
Cable lacing is a method for tying wiring harnesses and
cable loom s, traditionally used intelecommunication , naval, and aerospace applications. This oldcable management technique, taught to generations of linemen, is still used in some modern applications since it does not create obstructions along the length of the cable, avoiding the handling problems of cables groomed by plastic orvelcro cable tie s.Cable lacing uses a thin cord, traditionally made of waxed
linen , to bind together a group of cables using a system of runninglockstitch es. Flat lacing tapes made of modern materials such asNylon ,Polyester ,Teflon ,Fiberglass , andNomex are also available with a variety of coatings to improve knot holding.cite web|title=Braid Lacing Tape|url=http://www.gudebrod.com/electronic/Braid_Lacing_Tape.htm|author= Gudebrod, Inc.|accessdate=2008-07-08] The lacing begins and ends with a whipping or other knot to secure the free ends. Wraps are properly spaced (relative to harness diameter) to maintain the wiring in a tight, neat bundle, and the ends are then neatly trimmed. In addition to the basic continuous lacing shown to the right, there are a variety of lacing patterns used in different circumstances. In some cases stand-alone knots called "spot-ties" are also used. [cite book |title=Wiring and Cable Designer's Handbook |last=Matisoff |first=Bernard S. |year=1987 |publisher= TAB Books|location=Summit, PA |isbn=0-8306-2720-0 |pages= 93-106]For lashing large cables and cable bundles to support structures in telecommunications applications, there are two named cable lacing styles: the "Chicago stitch" and "Kansas City stitch".cite web|title=Qwest Corporation Technical Publication - Telecommunications Equipment Installation Guidelines|author=Qwest Corporation|url=http://www.qwest.com/techpub/77350/77350.pdf|accessdate=2008-07-08|pages=5-19 — 5-24]
NASA specify their preferred cable lacing style in detail in chapter 9 of NASA-STD-8739.4.References
External links
* http://www.dairiki.org/hammond/cable-lacing-howto/
* http://www.tecratools.com/pages/tecalert/cable_lacing.html
* [http://workmanship.nasa.gov/ws_8739_4.jsp NASA Technical Standard NASA-STD-8739.4] on Crimping, Interconnecting Cables, Harnesses, and Wiring
* [http://workmanship.nasa.gov/lib/insp/2%20books/frameset.html NASA Workmanship Standards Pictorial Reference] for NASA-STD-8739 series of workmanship requirements documents
* [http://www.link4earth.com/index_files/Sewing%20Methods.pdf Sewing Methods for Chicago and Kansas City Stitches]
* [http://www.tellurian.com/california/img_8065_std.jpgAnother modern example of cable lacing]
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