Use J-Hooks for Cable Support Systems

Cable support system requires loading capacity, grounding, material, finishes, mechanical protection and cable trays commonly used for cable management in commercial and industrial construction. Cable support systems include cable tray, raceway and J-Hook, among which J-hooks are a flexible and cost-effective solution for support especially when cables are installed in limited areas that cannot contain cable trays or raceways.

J-hook, as its name suggested, looks like the letter “J”. It is usually made of galvanized steel or sometimes of plastic polymers, allowing for both indoor and outdoor installation. J-hooks are widely used for cable support because they are easy to reconfigure, offering flexibility, speed and economy in installation. They feature a wide base with smooth, rounded corners to eliminate the potential for snags during installation, while preventing the development of stress points where the cable bundle is supported. In addition, they can maintain the correct cable bend radius which make them less likely to pinch, ensuring the integrity of the cabling systems.

J-Hooks offer an easy-to-install, non-continuous cable support for all types of telecommunication, data and power cabling, such as Category cables (eg. cat3/cat5e/cat6/cat6a), optical fiber cables and coax cables. In addition, there are some J-hooks designed for low voltage and fire protection cabling, meeting the related standard requirement.

For instance, when Category 5 cable is pulled, it requires special handling and must be supported more than the less-sensitive voice-grade cable used in traditional cable pulls. Specifically, the bend radius of Category 5 cable can be exceeded and stress points created when using narrow-base fasteners such as cable ties and bridle rings to hang and support cable bundles. Overbending, twisting and stressing Category 5 cable can damage it, leading to network failure when data transmission speeds approach the full 100-MHz potential of the cable.

Horizontal cabling trays can be used to solve the problem, but they are expensive and time-consuming to install. A more practical solution is the use of "J"-hook fasteners specially designed for Category 5 installations. These fasteners feature a wide base with smooth, rounded corners to eliminate the potential for snags during installation, while preventing the development of stress points where the cable bundle is supported.

In practical applications, an alone J-hook is uncommon to use. Usually, there are some fittings designed for use to make the J-hooks attach to beams, columns, walls, or the structural ceiling. For instance, several fittings options are available for wall mount J-hook attachment. As shown in the following picture, from left to right, they are angle bracket, beam clamp, hammer-on and wire/rod clip.

1) Attach the appropriate "J"-hook fastener--whether for wall, stud, beam, flange or drop-wire mounting--to the supporting structure. Space fasteners to fall every 4 to 5 feet. 2) Lay the cable in the "J" of the fasteners. Make sure that the cable sag between fasteners is no more than 12 inches at midspan. (Actual cable sag will depend on the number of cables in each bundle and the weight of the cable.) If the sag is greater than 12 inches, add additional fasteners. 3) If the "J" hook can accommodate a cable tie, use the prepunched holes in the fastener to install the tie. This prevents the cable from lifting. Be sure that the cable tie does not put pressure on the cables because this can cause distortion of the cable geometry. 4) Check your installation. The overall appearance of installed cable should be neat.

J-hooks are one of the most cost-effective solution for supporting horizontal cabling, providing a broad base for cable support, reducing stress and bending. This post introduced the basic knowledge of J-hooks, which help users better understand them. Meanwhile, you can buy the most cost-effective J-hook products at FS.COM. We offer wall mount J-hooks and various options of fittings for attachment. Various diameters including 3/4 inch, 1-5/16 inch, 2 inch, 4 inch are available for your choice.