When running cables through holes, you need to take steps to prevent them from damage. Most cables have an outer jacket. Friction, however, can wear down this jacket and expose the cable’s inner conductors to damage such as fraying. Fortunately, grommets and grommet edging can prevent this from happening.
What Is a Grommet?
A grommet is a soft protective ring that protects cables from damage. They are designed for use in holes. After cutting a hole in a wall, panel or any other object, you can place a grommet in the hole. The grommet will cover the otherwise sharp edges of the hole.
Even if the cable moves back and forth across the edge of a hole, it shouldn’t sustain damage. The soft material from which the grommet is made will allow movement without damaging the cable. If the hole lacks a grommet, on the other hand, the cable may fray.
What Is Grommet Edging?
Grommet edging is a soft, flexible liner that protects cables from damage. It’s a continuous strip of material. Like with grommets, grommet edging offers a soft surface for cables. You can use it to cover edges or corners so that cables won’t fray as they move.
Differences Between Grommets and Grommet Edging
Both grommets and grommet edging are designed to protect cables from damage, but they aren’t the same. One key difference between them is their shape. Grommets are round or oval, whereas grommet edging is simply a long strip of material. With that said, you can still use grommet edging in holes by wrapping it around the hole.
Grommets are designed exclusively for holes, but grommet edging can be used in other environments. If a passage has curved edges, for instance, it probably won’t support a grommet. For irregular surfaces such as this, you’ll need to use grommet edging.
Grommet edging is typically customizable, whereas grommets are fixed. You can cut grommet edging to fit the environment in which it’s used. Grommets, in comparison, consist of ring-shaped protectors. There’s no way to cut or otherwise customize a pre-made grommet.
In Conclusion
Grommets and grommet edging serve the same purpose of protecting cables from unnecessary wear. The right choice depends on the shape and layout of the surface with which you are working. A clean, round hole calls for a properly sized grommet. An irregular edge or custom opening may require flexible grommet edging that you can trim and fit as needed.
