What is a rubber grommet?
These components are tubes or edging designed to cover the sharp and rough edges of a panel hole. Rubber grommets secure wires and cables that pass through the hole, ensuring they remain in place while safeguarding them against abrasions, cuts, and snags.
Additionally, they protect wires and cables from the ingress of liquids and dust. What is the purpose of rubber grommets? Rubber grommets secure wires and cables that pass through the hole, ensuring they remain in place while safeguarding them against abrasions, cuts, and snags. They also protect wires and cables from the ingress of liquids and dust. These grommets are utilized across nearly every industry and application, including: Electronics, Automotive,
Aircraft design, Construction, Data centers, Telecommunications, Medical equipment, Office furniture. Rubber grommets are particularly effective at reducing vibration, making them especially valuable in the automotive and electronic sectors. If cables are involved, there’s a strong likelihood that you will encounter this essential cable management solution. At Pexxon, we offer a variety of rubber grommets to meet your needs.
What materials are grommets composed of? Before discussing the various types, it is important to address the materials, as they can determine the appropriate use of the grommet. "Rubber grommets" also encompass those crafted from synthetic rubbers. The most frequently utilized materials include neoprene grommets,
nitrile rubber grommets, and silicone grommets. Additionally, there are four other materials worth noting:
- Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)
- Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)
- Thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV)
- Styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) EPDM: This is an advanced form of ethylene-propylene rubber. It offers exceptional electrical insulation and is resistant to weathering, making it ideal for sealing applications. This is why this synthetic rubber is a superb choice for grommets. For more information about this material, refer to our guide, What is EPDM rubber? TPE: Designers are increasingly choosing TPE for its cost-effectiveness while still achieving the desired rubber-like properties. TPE provides good electrical characteristics and outstanding resistance to flexural fatigue, chemicals, and weathering. TPV: This variant of TPE, also known as TPE-V, shares characteristics similar to EPDM, making it a great option for sealing applications. It is particularly favored in the automotive sector for under-the-hood uses, such as radiator rubber grommets, where heat resistance and performance in oily environments are essential. SBR: This is a budget-friendly alternative that closely resembles nitrile rubber, with nitrile being slightly softer. SBR is mainly employed in applications requiring hoses, gaskets, belts, and seals.
Types of rubber grommets and their applications Now, let’s explore the various types of rubber wire grommets: 1. Stepped grommets: These accommodate a variety of cable diameters. They are tapered to facilitate the use of thicker cables, or you can trim them to your required size. Commonly found in panels and HVAC systems, they can also serve as rubber grommet blanking plugs until they are cut. In the example shown on the left, the grommet hole is angular, allowing the wire to pass at a 45-degree angle. Made from EPDM. 2. Push-in flexible grommets: Perfect for situations where space is constrained, such as in control panels. These grommets are quick and easy to install without requiring any tools. They are particularly suitable for unthreaded holes. Constructed from TPE and polypropylene, they are rated IP66. 3. Sealing grommets: These easily snap into round holes and are designed to withstand vibrations. These waterproof cable grommets are rated IP67 for outdoor applications and are made from EPDM. They also perform well in oily and greasy conditions. 4. Standard Grommets: These are designed to snap effortlessly into sheet-metal holes. This common type is available in various materials, including SBR for automotive applications and TPV for junction boxes. TPV is particularly effective as rubber chassis grommets and for socket box applications. 5. Quick fit grommets: Tapered for rapid installation, this type of grommet is typically utilized on panels and enclosures. They are available in TPE or silicone, which is an excellent sealing material. Silicone also excels as a heat-resistant rubber grommet. 6. Diaphragm grommets: This type of rubber cable grommet features a thin, central film that can be pierced to allow wires of different sizes to pass through into an enclosure or panel. They are also commonly used in control systems and are available in TPE. 7. Rubber grommet edging: This protects longer runs of wiring or cabling along rough edges. These grommets come in rolls, allowing you to cut them to your desired length. Edging is frequently used as automotive rubber grommets and on enclosure panels. Available in TPE.