Magnets for cable management
To hang cables without drilling on steel, use rubber pot magnets with cable mount (Ø31 mm), small hook magnets or pot magnets with a cable tie. Rubber prevents scratches and sliding. On a vertical wall allow 5 to 10 times the cable weight.
Short answer: you route cables without drilling using magnets on a steel surface, such as a machine, cabinet, steel beam, vehicle or boat. The handiest solution is a rubber pot magnet Ø31 mm with cable mount: you clip the cable in or secure it with a cable tie. Rubber prevents scratches and sliding. On a vertical wall, allow 5 to 10 times the weight of the cable per magnet.
Which magnet for which cables?
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| Light cables (network, lighting, sensors) | rubber pot magnet Ø31 mm with cable mount, or a small hook magnet Ø13 – Ø16 mm |
| Cable bundles, hoses | rubber pot magnet Ø43 mm with thread, plus a cable clamp |
| Heavy cables, extension leads in the workshop | hook magnet Ø25 – Ø32 mm |
| Temporary (event, building site) | hook or eye magnets with carabiner; see which eye magnet should you choose? |
| On painted steel or a vehicle | always rubber |
What to watch out for?
- Sideways loading: a cable usually hangs along the wall, and then a magnet already slides at 15 – 25% of its holding force. Rubber helps through grip.
- Spacing between magnets: a magnet every 30 – 50 cm prevents sagging.
- Surface: only works on steel. Aluminium profiles and stainless steel 304 are not magnetic. See which metals are magnetic?
- Heat and vibrations: choose more generously near machines and motors. See magnets for machine building.
- Safety: do not hang cables above walkways or near moving parts with magnets alone.
Where is it used?
- machines and production lines
- workshops and warehouses (see magnets in warehousing and logistics)
- campers, caravans and boats (see camper and caravan building)
- events, trade fairs and temporary installations
- Christmas lights along steel window frames and gutter brackets
Frequently asked questions
Does a magnet damage a cable's insulation?
No. A magnet also has no effect on the current or signal in the cable.
Can I hang a cable from the steel roof of a camper?
Yes, with a rubber pot magnet. Do not drive with loose cables on the outside.
