Thomas & Betts Thomas and Betts DE TCP360 Spacer,Cable,Modular

Why I reached for these spacers

There are days on a job where the difference between tidy and tangled comes down to a simple piece of plastic. I picked up a pack of these modular cable spacers to clean up a mixed run of low‑voltage and control lines across a shop wall and out to an exterior enclosure. I wanted predictable separation, a clean look, and something I could extend as the install evolved. After several weeks of use—indoor and out—I’ve got a solid feel for where these spacers shine and where they’re not the right choice.

Design and build

The spacers are molded from black, weather‑resistant polypropylene. The material choice makes sense: it’s non‑conductive, light, and shrug‑worthy in the cold. The manufacturer rates them for -30°F to 150°F. In hand, they have a slight flex that helps during install without feeling flimsy. I didn’t find any rough flashing or burrs; the mold quality is consistent enough that you can handle and slide cables without snagging jackets.

The defining feature is the modular design. Each spacer can link to the next, so you can build a run to whatever length you need. Think of it as a chain of uniform separators you can mount or tie in place as one piece. The pack of 100 is practical: enough to handle a small project in one go or to set aside for future adds and changes.

Installation experience

I used these spacers in three contexts:

• A horizontal run along a CMU wall in a workshop, where I wanted to keep thermostat, sensor, and network lines separated.
• A vertical drop into a rack, where I needed separation without adding bulky raceway.
• An exterior stretch under an eave to a weatherproof junction box.

In all three, the workflow was straightforward. I built chains on the bench—five to eight spacers per section—threaded cables through each gap, and then mounted the assembly. The linking action is firm but not permanent; you can add or remove a spacer if your spacing plan changes. I paired the assemblies with standard UV‑rated cable ties without any drama. The ties cinch neatly around the spacer and cable bundle, and the spacer keeps neighboring conductors from pressing into each other.

A couple of practical notes:
- Preassemble modest lengths rather than a single long chain. Anything over about ten spacers can twist during handling. Breaking the run into shorter sections is easier to place and level.
- Stagger your ties so the assembly doesn’t “hinge” in one plane. Alternating tie locations helps keep the run straight.
- Mount the chain at reasonable intervals. Even though the linked spacers keep separation, they don’t add much structural rigidity. I anchored about every 18–24 inches indoors and closer outdoors where wind and movement are a factor.

Cable compatibility

These spacers work best with small to medium low‑voltage cabling—Cat cable, thermostat wire, control conductors, coax, and similar. They’re a spacer, not a heavy‑duty hanger: if you’re wrangling large feeder cables or anything with serious weight, you’ll want purpose‑built supports and possibly tray or conduit, with these used only to maintain separation between smaller companions.

I like that the spacing is uniform, which helps with signal separation on sensitive lines and keeps bundles from sawing into each other over time. The black color also disappears visually against darker backgrounds, which is a small but appreciated touch in exposed mechanical rooms.

Durability and weather

Polypropylene takes cold well, and that showed up immediately. I installed part of the run on a day hovering around freezing, and the spacers didn’t turn brittle or crack during tying and adjustment. The rating up to 150°F is adequate for most indoor spaces and shaded outdoor installs. I’d be cautious in attics and closed mechanical chases that routinely flirt with high summer temperatures; if you expect those areas to spike toward that 150°F mark, it’s safer to plan for additional ventilation or consider hardware with a higher temperature rating.

Weather resistance has been good so far. The exterior section sits under an eave, so it sees temperature swings and humidity but not direct, all‑day sun. The spacers haven’t chalked or softened. Black polypropylene with proper additives typically handles UV better than lighter colors, but any plastic will age in full sun. If you’re mounting on a sun‑blasted wall, I’d expect gradual fading over years. That’s normal and doesn’t affect function in the short term, but it’s worth noting for long‑term outdoor runs.

Modularity: helpful and honest limitations

The linking system is the main reason to choose these spacers. It lets you scale a tidy run without committing to a specific length up front. I appreciate that you can reconfigure quickly during a change order—add a couple of links, route a new cable through an unused gap, and move on.

The trade‑off is that linked sections behave like a flexible ladder. That’s useful while you’re threading cables, but it also means long, unsupported spans can bow or twist. The fix is simple: more frequent anchor points and thoughtful tie placement. Treat the chain as a spacer, not a beam.

Code and safety considerations

Like any accessory that touches electrical work, use these as part of a compliant support system, not a replacement for it. They keep cables separated and organized; they’re not meant to bear substantial loads or stand in for conduit, tray, or listed supports where those are required. If you’re mixing power and low‑voltage, maintain the separation your local code demands, and don’t rely on a plastic spacer alone to satisfy wiring method rules.

What I liked

• Quick, clean organization with uniform separation
• Modular links that make length adjustments simple
• Non‑conductive, weather‑resistant polypropylene that remains workable in the cold
• Low‑profile, black finish that blends into most backgrounds
• Plays nicely with standard UV‑rated cable ties

What could be better

• The 150°F upper rating makes me cautious in hot attics or near heat sources; not a high‑heat solution
• Long chains need frequent anchoring to prevent twist or sag
• No printed size guide on the spacer itself; you’ll need to test fit for unusually thick jackets before committing

Tips for best results

• Build and test a short chain with your specific cable types before mass assembly.
• Use UV‑rated ties for any outdoor or damp location work.
• Keep anchor points closer in areas with vibration or airflow.
• Plan your separation layout early—leave an empty slot between cables that are noise‑sensitive when possible.
• Label as you go; the clean layout these spacers create makes downstream maintenance easier if you tag at each anchor.

The bottom line

These modular cable spacers are a practical, no‑nonsense way to organize and separate light to medium cabling both indoors and in reasonable outdoor conditions. They’re easy to deploy, easy to resize, and they keep runs looking professional without adding much bulk. They’re not a cure‑all—you still need proper supports, and they’re not the right choice for hot environments or heavy conductors—but within their intended use, they make the work cleaner and faster.

Recommendation: I recommend these spacers if you’re managing low‑voltage or control wiring and want consistent separation with a modular workflow. They’re well‑built for their purpose, they hold up in the cold and typical outdoor exposure, and they integrate smoothly with standard cable ties. If your application lives in high‑heat spaces or requires supporting heavy cables, look for hardware rated for those demands and use these strictly as a supplemental organizer.