Understanding Industrial Cables and their Specifications

Learn about industrial cables like tri-rated, flexible, and fibre optic cables. Explore the specifications, applications, and benefits for various environments.

A small application is shown with a variety of multi-coloured cables with various specifications. Some, of which, are shown operating within a drag chain.

Flexible Cables

Flexible cables can be both multicore and single-core. The critical factor is that they’re flexible to ensure longevity and reliability while moving. They’re a common choice for conveyor belts, production lines, and air conditioning applications. Class 5 flexible cables are used in many modern machinery applications, but it’s Class 6 cables required for frequently moving applications. YY cables , CY cables , and SY cables - examples of Class 5 cables - cover the bases for most modern machinery applications. Our flexible cables include:

  • JZ-500
  • JB-500
  • JB-750
  • BS-SY-JB
  • BS-SY-JZ
  • F-CY-JZ

Rubber Cables

Rubber cables are renowned for durability and resistance to harsh conditions. The most common example would be an H07RN-F cable . The rubber insulation provides high resistance to chemicals, oils, and temperatures. This makes them ideal for industries needing reliability such as agriculture, mining, and construction. However, some have low-mechanical strain; the details of which are available in data sheets. Our rubber cables include:

  • H07RN-F (750V)
  • H05RN-F (500V)

Screened Cables

Cable screens offer some protection. The type and extent, however, depend on the materials used and the level of braiding. SY cables and CY cables , for example, have screens. SY cables have a steel wire braid providing light armouring in applications. CY cables, on the other hand, have a copper braid. This can provide EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) with a braiding percentage of 80 or above. At HELUKABEL, we manufacture braiding to 85% +/- 5%. These cables are especially important for data and communication applications. Our screened cables include:

  • F-CY-JZ
  • BS-SY-JB
  • BS-SY-JZ
  • LiYCY

Tri-Rated Cables

As the name suggests, these cables meet three international standards: British (BS), Canadian (CSA), and American (UL). As for the British Standard, it’s (BS) 6231 Type CK. This makes them a reliable choice for various international projects. They have high-temperature resistance, good flexibility, and excellent flame retardancy. Because of this, they’re a suitable and versatile choice in applications such as control panels, switchgear equipment, and internal wiring. They’re also a top choice for applications that have high safety standards. At HELUKABEL, we have tri-rated versions of:

  • H05V2-K (500V)
  • H07V2-K (750V)

Low Smoke Halogen-Free Cables

Also known as “LS0H” (Low Smoke Zero Halogen), they’re designed to be flame retardant and react in a certain way when exposed to fire. They should emit a low level of smoke and no halogen gases. This is crucial for environments with high safety protocols such as public spaces. The lower level of smoke gives more visibility in an evacuation with lower toxic gas. However, it can’t prevent the emission of other gases such as carbon monoxide. Our LS0H cables include:

  • JZ-500 HMH
  • MEGAFLEX
  • JZ-600 HMH
  • H07RN-F LS0H

Fibre Optic Cables

Fibre optic cables are a growing choice in industrial and local applications. They’re the backbone of modern high-speed communication systems. Instead of copper cores, light is transmitted through flexible glass or plastic fibre. It allows for higher speeds across greater distances. While they’re not as flexible, they are becoming more popular in industrial applications. This is a result of the growing demand for high-speed data transmission over longer distances. Our range of HELUKABEL fibre optic cables is:

  • HELUCOM

Drag Chain Cables

Drag chain cables are designed to be used in drag chains as part of an automated machinery component. They are manufactured to Class 6 stranding for higher flexibility and movement. Because of this, they can withstand continuous bending and movement without facing typical wear. They’re also manufactured using materials resistant to abrasion, kinking, and corkscrewing. Drag chain cables are ideal for dynamic applications with continuous motion. For example, industrial robotics (operating on a single axis), automated manufacturing systems, line building, reeling, and more. Our drag-chain suitable cables include:

  • JZ-HF
  • JZ-HF-CY
  • PURö-JZ-HF
  • PURö-JZ-HF-YCP
  • MULTIFLEX 512-PUR
  • MULTIFLEX 512-C-PUR
  • TOPSERV PUR

Ethernet Cables

Ethernet cables are specialised conduits transmitting data within a network. In addition, they’re manufactured to withstand vibrations, temperature fluctuations and chemical exposure. This ensures they relay consistent and reliable communication. Ethernet cables are used across a variety of applications including automation systems, and factory networks. Our range of ethernet cables includes Cat 5, 6, 7, and 8 such as:

  • HELUKAT
  • PROFInet Type A
  • PROFInet Type B
  • PROFInet Type C

Power Cables

Power cables are essential for transmitting electricity in industrial environments. They’re designed to handle low-to-high voltages and currents to ensure that adjoining machinery and equipment can operate safely and reliably. They come in a range of specifications, tested against various environments and conditions. For example, many power cables may be sunlight-resistant, weather-resistant, or rodent-resistant. They may also have flame-retardant properties, have high flexibility, or be heat resistant. Our power cables include:

  • NYY
  • NAYY
  • NYCY
  • NYCWY
  • N2XH
  • N2XCH

If you’d like more information about any of the categories of cables mentioned here or even the specific cables we supply, contact the team by filling out our form . One of our experts will be in touch soon.

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