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SWP-1/2-B – 0.5" (12.7 mm) UV-Resistant Black Polyethylene Spiral Wrap
Available now on the Airparts.aero Marketplace.
The SWP-1/2-B is a versatile, aerospace-grade cable management solution designed to protect and organize wire bundles, hydraulic hoses, and pneumatic lines. Manufactured from high-density, UV-resistant Black Polyethylene, this spiral wrap (also known as spiral binding) provides a flexible, "expandable" sheath that shields sensitive components from abrasion, chafing, and environmental degradation. With a nominal diameter of 0.5 inches (12.7 mm), it is ideally suited for medium-sized harnesses found in airframes, engine compartments, and ground support equipment.
The "B" suffix denotes its black coloration, which is specifically formulated with carbon black additives to provide superior resistance to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This makes the SWP-1/2-B an excellent choice for areas exposed to direct sunlight, such as landing gear assemblies or external sensor wiring.
Key Features
UV-Resistant Formulation: Enhanced with UV stabilizers to prevent "sun-rotting," brittleness, and cracking when used in exterior aircraft applications.
Flexible & Expandable: The spiral geometry allows the wrap to follow the contours of complex wire routings and permits individual wires to "break out" at any point along the bundle.
Superior Abrasion Protection: Acts as a sacrificial wear layer, preventing the insulation of electrical wires from being worn down by contact with structural ribs or other moving parts.
Chemical Resilience: Resistant to common aviation fluids, including fuels, lubricating oils, and various cleaning solvents, ensuring a long service life in "wet" areas.
Reusable & Easy to Install: Can be applied to existing harnesses without disconnecting any terminals, making it an essential tool for "Line Maintenance" and field repairs.
Technical Specifications
Part Number: SWP-1/2-B
Material: High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Color: Black (UV Resistant)
Nominal Diameter: 0.5" (12.7 mm)
Bundle Range: Typically accommodates bundles from 0.375" to 4.0" (9.5 mm to 101 mm).
Wall Thickness: Precision gauged for optimal balance between protection and weight.
Temperature Range: -76°F to +190°F (-60°C to +88°C).
Flammability: Meets standard industrial and general aviation UL 94HB requirements (Verify against specific FAR requirements for pressurized cabin use).
Aircraft & Equipment Compatibility
General Aviation (GA): Extensively used in Cessna, Piper, and Beechcraft aircraft for organizing panel wiring and protecting wing-root harnesses.
Rotorcraft: Ideal for protecting external tail-rotor control cables and sensor lines on Bell, Robinson, and Airbus helicopters.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): A lightweight solution for routing motor leads and telemetry wiring in high-vibration drone environments.
Ground Support Equipment (GSE): Used on hydraulic test stands and GPU cables to prevent hose scuffing on the tarmac.
Applications
The SWP-1/2-B is utilized for Harness Integrity and Maintenance. Its primary roles include:
Wire Bundling: Consolidating multiple loose wires into a single, manageable trunk.
Chafe Guarding: Protecting fuel and hydraulic lines where they pass through structural bulkheads.
Retrofit Protection: Adding a layer of armor to existing wiring that has shown signs of environmental wear.
Why Choose SWP-1/2-B?
Choosing the SWP-1/2-B over standard "commercial" clear spiral wrap is a matter of Long-Term Durability. Standard polyethylene can turn yellow and become brittle in as little as 12 months when exposed to the high-UV environment of an airport ramp. The SWP-1/2-B is engineered for the High-Cycle Vibration of aviation; its edges are rounded during the extrusion process to ensure the wrap itself doesn't become a source of chafing against the wires it is meant to protect.
The SWP-1/2-B functions on the principle of Mechanical Isolation. By creating a physical gap between the wire insulation and the surrounding airframe, it prevents the transfer of Kinetic Energy (vibration) from becoming a source of friction. The spiral pitch is calculated to provide a specific Bend Radius; if the wrap is applied too tightly, it can restrict the natural movement of the harness, whereas the SWP-1/2-B allows the bundle to "breathe" and flex, reducing the stress on electrical connectors and solder joints during flight maneuvers.
Note: This is a secondary protective component. When installing, ensure the wrap does not interfere with the movement of flight control cables or pulleys. In "High-Heat" areas (such as near exhaust manifolds), consider using Teflon (PTFE) or Peek spiral wrap variants, as Polyethylene has a relatively low melting point ($~120^\circ\text{C}$). Always follow the routing and clipping instructions found in the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) or AC 43.13-1B.
Documentation
FAA AC 43.13-1B (Chapter 11: Electrical Systems, Section 8: Wiring Protection)
UL 94 (Standard for Safety of Flammability of Plastic Materials)
MIL-I-631 (General Specification for Insulating Electrical Components)
