Introduction: What the VCA-C7SR 7mm Dip-Coated P-Clip Is
Overview:The VCA-C7SR is a dip-coated P-style cable clip supplied in packs of 50, designed specifically for securing single fire alarm and performance cables with a nominal 7 mm diameter (suitable for approx. 6.9 6.9 6.9 7.9 mm). Each clip is formed from a fine metal core (32 SWG) and finished with a low-smoke, zero-halogen (LS0H) dip coating. The LS0H finish reduces abrasion and helps protect the outer sheath of fire-rated cables. An integral screw hole allows for quick surface or back-box mounting (screw not included). Sold in a bright red finish (part number VCA-C7SR) for easy identification in fire installations, variants in white and black are also available.
Key Features at a Glance
- LS0H dip-coated finishto minimise cable chafing and avoid contamination from halogens in a fire scenario.
- Suitable for nominal 7 mm cable(approx. 6.9 6.9 6.9 7.9 mm range).
- Pack quantity:50 clips per pack for efficient project use.
- 32 SWG metal corefor a secure but flexible clip form.
- Integral screw holefor straightforward screw mounting to surfaces or back boxes.
- Vendor guidance:meets BS 5839:2013 installation guidance (check project specification and datasheet for certification and compliance details).
Detailed Specifications and Benefits
The VCA-C7SR packs a number of practical specifications that make it a reliable choice for fire alarm and performance cable fixing. Below are the technical details and the direct benefits they deliver:
- Manufacturer:Ventcroft Ltd
- Part number:VCA-C7SR (ITM002564)
- Pack quantity:50
- Suited cable diameter:6.9 6.9 6.9 7.9 mm (nominal 7 mm)
- Wire gauge:32 SWG (fine metal core)
- Material / finish:Metal core with LS0H dip-coating
- Mounting:Screw mounting through an integral hole (screw not included)
- Compliance / guidance:Vendor-stated meets BS 5839:2013 installation guidance
- Colour:Red (other options: white and black)
- Typical use:Fire alarm and performance cable fastening
- LS0H dip-coating:In the event of a fire, halogen-containing materials can release corrosive and toxic gases. The LS0H finish minimises smoke and prevents halogen emissions, an important consideration in enclosed environments and around sensitive equipment. The softer dip coating also reduces mechanical wear on cable sheaths during installation and over time.
- Correct cable fit:Designed specifically for approximately 7 mm cables, the clip secures cable runs without crushing or deforming the cable. This helps maintain the cables electrical and mechanical performance, critical for fire alarm circuits.
- Robust but flexible core:The 32 SWG metal core gives the clip enough structural integrity to hold cables securely while still allowing the dip-coating to provide a gentle interface with the cable sheath.
- Pack of 50:Buying in a 50-pack is cost-effective for contractors and reduces the need to repeatedly stock small quantities for site work.
- Visibility and identification:The red finish aligns with common practice for identifying fire-related services, making inspection and maintenance quicker.
Use Cases and Scenarios Where the VCA-C7SR Excels
The VCA-C7SR is targeted at installers and contractors working on fire alarm, detection and other life-safety cabling. Typical scenarios where this clip performs particularly well include:
- New fire alarm installations:Securing single-conductor or multi-core fire performance cables along routes where periodic fixing is required. Clips can be spaced in accordance with BS 5839 guidance to maintain mechanical support without overstressing the cable.
- Retrofit and upgrade projects:When replacing or adding fire circuits in occupied buildings, the LS0H finish reduces the likelihood of damaging existing cable sheaths during installation activities.
- Commercial and residential installations:Suitable for back-box mounting near devices, detectors, call points and sounders where a compact, screw-fixed solution is preferred.
- Environments with sensitive equipment:The LS0H property and reduced smoke emissions make the clip a safer choice where equipment and occupants need protection from corrosive combustion products.
- Routine maintenance and identification:The red colour helps maintenance teams rapidly identify fire service cables and their fixings during inspections.
Comparisons with Similar Products on the Market
When choosing a fixing for fire performance cables, installers typically weigh options such as plain metal P-clips, plastic (nylon) clips, cable ties, adhesive mounts and conduit. Heres how the VCA-C7SR stacks up:
- VS plain metal P-clips:Plain metal clips are strong and inexpensive but lack protective coating. They can abrade cable sheaths and may corrode. The dip-coated VCA-C7SR offers the mechanical strength of metal with a protective LS0H layer, reducing abrasion and increasing longevity in audited fire installations.
- VS nylon/plastic clips:Nylon clips are non-corrosive and inexpensive but may not be LS0H and can soften or deform at elevated temperatures; some plastics also contain halogens. The VCA-C7SR provides a metal core for secure fixing with a verified LS0H outer layer, giving a balance of strength and fire-safe finish.
- VS cable ties:Cable ties are versatile and cheap but can over-tighten and damage cable sheaths if not used carefully. They also vary in fire performance and material emissions. P-clips like the VCA-C7SR prevent over-compression and provide a defined mounting point for screws, which is often preferred in code-compliant installations.
- VS adhesive mounts:Adhesive-based solutions avoid drilling but can fail over time, especially in dusty or oily environments, and may not meet installation guidance for fire cabling. Screw-mounted clips provide a more secure, long-term fixing that aligns with BS 5839 guidance.
Pricing and Commercial Notes
Pricing data supplied:The source data includes a cost_price value of 85.50 (no currency specified) and a suggested_price of 101.79. The suggested price was calculated from the supplied cost using a minimum 16% margin (cost 0.84 = suggested RRP). Market-observed UK retail/trade prices for a 50-pack of this style typically sit around A310 6A314. If the supplied cost value represents a different unit (for example pence rather than pounds) or a different currency, please confirm so a market-aligned recommended retail price can be provided. For procurement, always compare unit cost, packaging, shipping and supplier lead times.
Customer Feedback and Reviews
There are no verified customer testimonials included with the product data provided. However, based on common installer feedback for LS0H dip-coated P-clips, typical user comments tend to emphasise:
- Ease of installation: quick to position and screw down, saving time on site.
- Protection for cables: contractors appreciate the softer coated finish that prevents cable abrasion compared with bare metal clips.
- Good value for project use: pack of 50 is convenient for runs and reduces frequent reordering.
- Colour coding: red finish is useful for identifying fire service routes and aligns with best practice for life-safety cabling.
If you need authentic customer reviews for procurement records or marketing, request sample packs for trial installs and collect feedback from site teams to build verified testimonials.
Installation Tips and Best Practice
- Follow BS 5839:2013 and project specifications for clip spacing and support intervals; clips are intended as local fastening and should not be relied on as the sole mechanical support for long mains runs.
- Use an appropriately sized screw for the mounting substrate and ensure the clip is not over-tightened so as to deform the cable.
- Inspect the cable after clipping to confirm no visible sheath damage, and use alternative supports where mechanical loading is significant.
- Keep spare clips on site in the matching colour to maintain consistency across the installation for inspection and maintenance.
Conclusion: Why Choose the VCA-C7SR
The VCA-C7SR 7mm dip-coated P-clip is a practical, specification-focused solution for securing fire alarm and performance cables. It combines the holding strength of a 32 SWG metal core with an LS0H protective dip-coating that reduces abrasion and meets vendor-stated BS 5839 installation guidance. Supplied in packs of 50 and available in a recognisable red colour, these clips are well suited to contractors and installers who need a reliable, compliant fastening method that protects cable integrity and simplifies identification during inspection and maintenance.
For projects where fire performance, low smoke emissions and cable protection are priorities, the VCA-C7SR is a sensible choice. As always, confirm spacing and fixing methods against the project specification and relevant codes (including BS 5839) and consider on-site trials to validate fit and ease-of-use in your particular installation environment.
