Technical Foundation
What Is a Cable Support Grip?
A cable support grip, often called a Kellems grip after the original manufacturer, is a woven wire mesh sleeve that tightens around a cable when tension is applied, distributing the pulling or holding force evenly along the cable's length rather than concentrating stress at one point. Support grips hang from a fixed point (a J-hook, bracket, or conduit body) to carry the weight of a vertical cable run, while pulling grips attach to a cable end during installation to spread the pulling tension used to feed cable through conduit.
Grip selection is driven primarily by cable outside diameter — the mesh must be sized to the specific OD range for the weave to grip correctly, too loose and it slips, too tight and it won't fit over the cable. Mesh material (tinned bronze, stainless steel, galvanized steel) is chosen for the installation environment: corrosive or wet locations favor stainless or tinned bronze over plain galvanized steel.
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| Spec | What It Means | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Cable OD Range | Each grip size covers a specific OD range, e.g. 0.75-1.00 in | Grip must match the cable's actual OD closely for the mesh to seat and grip correctly |
| Mesh Material | Tinned bronze, stainless steel, galvanized steel | Determines corrosion resistance for indoor, outdoor, or wet/corrosive environments |
| Mesh Weave/Length | Single or double weave; longer mesh distributes load further | Longer mesh spreads holding force over more cable surface for higher rated loads |
| Eye/Mounting Style | Closed eye, open eye, offset eye, rotating eye | Determines how the grip attaches to a support bracket, hook or pulling line |
| Rated Working Load | Manufacturer-specified maximum tension or support load | Exceeding rated load risks mesh slip or cable jacket damage |
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Applications
Where Cable Support Grips Get Used
Cable support grips are specified anywhere a cable's weight or pulling tension needs to be distributed rather than concentrated at a single termination point.
Vertical Cable Riser Installations
Support grips hung from conduit bodies or brackets to carry the full weight of long vertical cable runs in high-rise and industrial buildings.
Cable Pulling & Conduit Installation
Pulling grips attached to cable ends distribute tension evenly during mechanized or manual conduit pulls, preventing jacket damage.
Switchgear & Bus Duct Support
Support grips secure heavy feeder cables at termination points in electrical switchgear and panelboards.
Utility & Substation Work
Grips support and relieve strain on large-gauge power cables at overhead-to-underground transitions.
Data Center Cable Management
Support grips manage the weight of dense cable bundles in vertical cable trays and risers.
Elevator & Hoistway Wiring
Specialized grips support traveling cables subject to repeated flexing in elevator hoistways.
FAQ
Cable Support Grips Questions, Answered
How do I determine what size grip I need?
Measure the actual outside diameter of the cable (including jacket/insulation, and any armor) and match it to the grip's rated OD range printed on the packaging or datasheet — most manufacturers publish size charts covering overlapping OD ranges in roughly 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch increments. A grip sized too large won't seat and grip properly; too small won't fit over the cable.
What's the difference between a support grip and a pulling grip?
A support grip is installed after the cable is in place and hangs from a fixed bracket or hook to carry the cable's ongoing weight in a vertical run. A pulling grip (or cable pulling eye) attaches temporarily to the cable end before installation and is used with a pulling line or winch to feed the cable through conduit, then is typically cut off and discarded — though some grip styles serve both functions.
What mesh material should I use for outdoor or wet locations?
Stainless steel or tinned bronze mesh resists corrosion far better than plain galvanized steel in outdoor, wet, or chemically exposed environments, and is the standard choice for utility, marine, and outdoor industrial installations. Galvanized steel is generally reserved for dry indoor applications.
How is a cable support grip's rated load determined?
Rated working load is set by the manufacturer based on mesh material, weave pattern, and length, and is tested against the specific cable OD range the grip is designed for — it is not simply a function of cable weight alone. Always use the manufacturer's published rated load, and never exceed it even if the cable itself appears to weigh less.
Can a support grip damage the cable jacket over time?
A correctly sized grip distributes load across the mesh weave and shouldn't damage the jacket under its rated load. An undersized or overloaded grip, however, can concentrate pressure at the mesh crossover points and abrade or cut into the jacket over time, so correct sizing and load rating are both important.
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