Anti-chafe sleeving for wires
 

Can anyone share best practices around using anti-chafe sleeving for (non-engine compartment) wire runs? I'm talking about this stuff:

1. Do you put this sleeving around all wire runs? If not, how to determine which ones to protect?
2. What's the appropriate size to use? Should the wires fit loosely, or should you jam wires in so the sleeving expands tight?
3. How to securely start and end the sleeveing? Heat shrink?
4. How to branch/merge wire runs that are protected by sleeving?
5. Is it worth it to even use this stuff? I'm tempted for simplicity to just lace or zip tie my wires and just run them through the fuselage "bare".

split loom
 

This is a good idea. I used a bit of split loom tubing (high temp) when I needed a bit more protection. I used some high temp sleeving FWF in a few places, but would not do it again. Lacing with wires is usually fine.

Lacing or tie wraps is the norm if properly supported and protected by finish panels or such. If you cover all your wire runs unnecessarily it becomes a problem later if some maintenance issue comes up and you need access. The weaved sleeving is appropriate for things like EFIS / panel harnesses. Some folks use the ribbed tubing in areas to prevent wire bundle sagging, but with accessible at each end if wiring maintenance is required.

Weave
 

I use heat shrink where bundles go through snap bushings. I used weave in a few places. Close the ends with heat shrink or self fusing silicone tape.

This is not so much anti-chafe as it it for general wire management. I used this extensively in my build (firewall aft). I use either heat shrink or self-fusing silicone tape to terminate the ends. I size it so that I need to expand the braid a bit to fit the wires; it will collapse and hold the bundle snugly. I used it for long, snaking runs. Short runs behind the panel are laced.

You can do the same thing with lacing cord or cables ties, but this is a mess-free solution that keeps the bundle nicely together, but it remains flexible and can easily be threaded thru grommets, etc.

I'm just running the laced bundles through the plastic bushings and calling it good. If there's a location where chafing appears to be possible, I'll find a way to clamp the bundles down. I don't use conduit anywhere.

I do plan to use some sort of wire protection FWF for some things, but that's all TBD at this point.

Dave

https://www.steinair.com/
https://www.wirecare.com

These are 2 Great places to buy this kind of thing. I used it on every wire run I could put it on. Heat shrink the ends. Get the smaller ones cuz they expand a fair amount. Mike

I use what you are showing as a cable cover when I fabricate a test cable. Old GPS programming cable, Test Cable to get data from engine monitor connector in airplane to computer, or stuff like that.

Too much work to use everywhere in an airplane on all wires, too much added weight that does not add value, added expense for the entire airplane, and more time spent building that does not decrease maintenance time.

Actually can *increase* it if there is a need to trace a wire, or run another one into a bundle.

Some of my pre-made harnesses came with it (Dynon SV EFIS-to-autopilot servos, e.g.), but I wouldn't use it on any of my own harnessing. Lacing cord is the way to go :)

I agree with this. It seemed like a good idea at the time and I used it in a few places on my -7. It made the couple of upgrades and equipment changes over the 10y I owned it harder than it needed to be.
I won?t be using it in this build. Just sticking to regular tie wrap/lacing and appropriate grommets/bushings and clamps.