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Professional Guide

Best Cable Cleats for EV and Home Wiring: 2025 Expert Review

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Oli at OR Electrics

18th Edition Electrician & Owner

Published 17 December 2025

Nothing ruins a professional installation faster than sagging cables or loose wiring. Whether it's a heavy Steel Wire Armoured (SWA) cable feeding a new EV charger or the smaller data cables that make it 'smart', proper support is essential.

In Leeds, particularly with our solid brick Victorian homes, chasing wires into walls isn't always feasible or budget-friendly. This means surface-mounted cables are common, and they need to be secured with high-quality cleats to withstand the British weather and prevent mechanical strain.

In this review, I'll compare three securing options I've evaluated: a heavy-duty budget cleat for armoured cables, a quality nylon option for general wiring, and an assortment kit that solves the headache of mismatched cable sizes.

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Specs vs. The Real World

The Spec: "UV Resistance Claims"

The Theory

"Many plastic clips claim to be suitable for outdoor use."

The Reality

White nylon clips often become brittle and yellow after a few years in direct sunlight. For external runs (like EV chargers), use black UV-stable nylon or, better yet, proper polyethylene SWA cleats.

The Spec: "One Size Fits All"

The Theory

"Clips are often sold as 'universal' or covering a wide range."

The Reality

A loose cleat is useless. If the cable can slide through the cleat, it's not supporting the weight properly. Sizing must be precise (e.g., CC7 for specific SWA diameters) to ensure a safe grip.

My Top 3 Recommendations

Three options to cover different needs and budgets

JLB Plastics UK SWA Armoured Cable Cleats CC7 No7

Budget Pick
JLB Plastics UK SWA Armoured Cable Cleats CC7 No7

JLB Plastics UK

These are the industry standard for securing Steel Wire Armoured (SWA) cables, which we use for almost every EV charger installation. They are robust, correctly sized for armoured cable, and provide the mechanical retention required by wiring regulations.

Price£4.29 (at the time of writing)
SizeCC7 (15.1mm to 17.8mm)
MaterialPlastic (SWA Grade)
The Good
  • Specifically designed for SWA cables used in EV installs
  • Excellent price point for a pack of 25
  • Provides secure mechanical support to prevent cable strain
The Bad
  • Only fits specific cable diameters (check your cable size first)
  • Requires separate screws/fixings (not included)

Installer Tip:

When running SWA for an EV charger on a brick wall, I space these cleats every 300-400mm horizontally. If the run is vertical, decrease the spacing to stop the heavy cable dragging under its own weight. Ensure you use non-corrosive screws for outdoor work.

Priced at £4.29 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

120 Sets Cable Cleats, R Shaped Cable Clips (Black Nylon)

Quality Pick
120 Sets Cable Cleats, R Shaped Cable Clips (Black Nylon)

DDHOMIN

Whilst these aren't for the heavy mains cable, they are excellent for the secondary cabling often involved in modern installs—like the data cable for a smart EV charger or outdoor lighting flex. The black nylon tends to hide better against darker surfaces and generally handles UV exposure better than white alternatives.

Price£6.39 (at the time of writing)
Quantity120 Clips + Screws
MaterialBlack High-Quality Nylon
The Good
  • Includes screws, saving a trip to the merchant
  • Black colour is discreet for external runs or dark skirting
  • Tough nylon construction resists snapping
The Bad
  • Too small for main SWA power cables
  • Screws provided are adequate but maybe not heavy-duty enough for masonry without good plugs

Installer Tip:

Use these for the 'CT clamp' cable that often runs from your electricity meter to your EV charger. It keeps the data line neat and prevents it from getting snagged or damaged near your consumer unit.

Priced at £6.39 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

240 PCS R Type Cable Clips, Assorted Sizes (White)

Problem-solving Pick
240 PCS R Type Cable Clips, Assorted Sizes (White)

DDHOMIN

In an older Leeds property, you never know what thickness of cable you might find during a retrofit. This kit is a problem-solver because it covers everything from thin network cables up to medium-sized flex. It's a brilliant 'get out of jail' box to keep in the tool bag.

Price£5.98 (at the time of writing)
Sizes3/16 inch to 1/2 inch
Quantity240 Pieces
The Good
  • Massive range of sizes ensures you always have the right fit
  • Smooth edges prevent damage to cable insulation
  • Cheap way to stock up for varied jobs
The Bad
  • White colour can yellow outdoors over time
  • Not suitable for heavy SWA cables

Installer Tip:

When organising cables inside a garage or utility room where aesthetics matter, select the clip size that hugs the cable tightest without pinching. This keeps the run perfectly straight and looks much more professional than using oversized clips.

Priced at £5.98 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a cable clip and a cable cleat?
In the trade, we generally use 'clip' for lighter cables (like standard grey twin & earth) that are nailed or screwed in. A 'cleat' usually refers to a more robust, often industrial fixing designed for heavier cables like SWA (Steel Wire Armoured). Cleats are designed to withstand significant mechanical force, keeping the heavy cable safe even during a fault.
How far apart should cable cleats be for an EV charger cable?
For a standard horitzontal run of SWA cable, we typically space cleats between 300mm and 400mm apart. This prevents the heavy cable from sagging, which looks unsightly and puts strain on the terminations. On vertical runs, tighter spacing is often needed to support the weight.
Can I use glue or sticky pads instead of cleats for outdoor cables?
Absolutely not. Adhesive fixings will fail quickly due to moisture, temperature changes, and the weight of the cable. For safety and longevity, cables must be mechanically secured with screws and proper cleats or clips, especially on external brick walls.
Why do I need armoured cable (SWA) for my EV charger?
EV chargers draw a high continuous current for long periods. SWA cable provides mechanical protection against impact (e.g., getting hit by a gardening tool) and includes steel armouring that can be earthed for safety. It's the standard for external runs in Leeds to comply with BS 7671 wiring regulations.
Do I need professional help to install these?
If you are tidying up low-voltage data cables or speaker wire, you can likely do it yourself. However, if you are installing or moving mains voltage cables, particularly SWA for EV chargers, this is Part P notifiable work. At OR Electrics, we ensure all clipping and cleating complies with safety standards to prevent fire risks.

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