Cable Protector Buying Guide: Understanding How to Measure Outer Diameter of Cables
Updated on: September 22nd, 2022

When looking to cover up your cables, hoses, pipes or wires, one question that frequently arises is what cable protection ramp will fit your cables. The simple answer? The outside diameter of your cable should be less than the inside channel width of the cable ramp for a comfortable fit.
Hoses, PVC-pipes and other tubes are labeled based on inside diameter (ID). While that’s a nice measurement to have when you’re using the hose or pipe, it doesn’t take the thickness of the tube wall into account. It’s this outside diameter (OD) that you will need to measure to make sure the cable ramps you select has a channel that is larger than the whole diameter of the hose. There are two simple ways to determine OD:


Calipers: Use calipers to measure the measure the outside diameter (with very large pipes, a tape measure might suffice, however calipers will be the most precise option)
Tape measure: Use a flexible tape measure to find the outside circumference of the pipe, then divide that number by pi (3.1415 etc., round as needed) to find the outside diameter
Finding the Cable Ramp with the Right Channel Size
Discount Ramps simplifies the process of finding a cable ramp with channel sizes for cables with outside diameters up to 5”, with options for light-duty, medium-duty or heavy-duty use.
Light-duty applications include foot traffic, office or commercial locations. Medium-duty options usually max out at about 19,000 lbs. per axle weight capacity, and can handle most moderate vehicle traffic up to loaded pickup trucks and smaller construction equipment. Heavy-duty applications include construction sites, large events with continuous traffic, and work zones with a flow of heavy trucks and larger equipment traffic.
For our full line of cable ramp products from brand names such as Elasco, Checkers, Guardian, Ultratech and more, please view our entire cable ramps offering.
Cable ramp picks in each channel size
Under 1” Outside Diameter



- Light Duty: Guardian Floor Cable Cover for .75” OD cables (foot traffic only)
- Medium Duty: Guardian Cable Protector for .75” OD Cables (16,000 lbs. per axle)
- Heavy Duty: Checkers Guard Dog Cable Protector for .75” OD Cables (34,000 lbs. per axle)
Here is the full offering of cable ramps for under 1" OD.
1” to 1.49” Outside Diameter



- Light Duty: Elasco Dropover Cable Cover with 4” W Channel for 1” OD Cables (8,850 lbs. per tire)
- Medium Duty: Checkers Guard Dog Drop-Over Cable Protector for 1.33” OD Cables (21,000 lbs. per axle)
- Heavy Duty: Elasco UltraGuard Low-Profile 1.375" Five-Channel Cable Protector (20,000 lbs. per tire)
Here is the full offering of cable ramps for 1" to 1.49" OD.
1.5” to 1.99” Outside Diameter


- Medium Duty: Guardian Cable Protector for 1.5” OD Cables (18,000 lbs. per axle)
- Medium Duty: Ultratech Sidewinder Cable Protector for 1.5” OD Cables (13,500 lbs. per axle)
Here is the full offering of cable ramps for 1.5" to 1.99" OD.
2” to 2.99” Outside Diameter

- Heavy Duty: Elasco Dropover Cable Cover for 2" OD Cables (40,000 lbs. per tire)
Here is the full offering of cable ramps for 2" to 2.99" OD.
3” to 3.99” Outside Diameter

- Medium Duty: Guardian Cable Protector for 3.25” OD Cables (10,000 lbs. per axle)
Here is the full offering of cable ramps for 3" to 3.99" OD.
4” to 4.99” Outside Diameter

- Heavy Duty: Elasco XtremeGuard Heavy-Duty 4.5" Two-Channel and 2" Single Channel Gullwing Cable Protector (40,000 lbs. per tire)
Here is the full offering of cable ramps for 4" to 4.99" OD.
5” Outside Diameter and Above


- Medium Duty: Checkers Yellow Jacket Cable Protector for 5” OD Cables (18,870 lbs. per axle)
- Heavy Duty: Elasco XtremeGuard Single Channel Cable Protector System for 6” OD Cables (100,000 lbs. per tire)
Here is the full offering of cable ramps for 5"+ OD.
- How to Choose the Right Cable Ramps
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