Serviceline Industrial Sensors
Serviceline Explosion Protection

Seven Types of Cables for Industrial Applications

2015-07-02

Sensor cables
Mechanical and chemical properties of cable sheathings are critical for reliable plant operation

No two applications are alike. Each installation has its own set of requirements. What all installations have in common though, is that the choice of sensors, actuators, and control units is crucial for reliable operation.

Another important factor for the success of any industrial application are the mechanical and chemical properties of the connection technologies. Pepperl+Fuchs gives you a comprehensive overview of seven of the most frequently used types of industrial cables.



In many applications, cables have to withstand intense heat and welding sparks

1. PVC cable – solid and economical

Cables with PVC sheathing are designed for use in areas subject to moderate mechanical stress and are especially suitable for use in the food industry. PVC cables are of medium mechanical strength and offer good resistance to different chemical agents.

Typical application: food industry


2. PUR cable – durable and highly flexible

PUR sheathed cables are characterized by their long-lasting flexibility which is required for continuous use in machine tools. With their high mechanical strength and good resistance to chemical agents and oil, these cables easily handle the wear and tear of most industrial applications.

Typical applications: machine tool manufacturing, plant engineering, assembly lines, production lines


3. PUR U cable – highly flexible with UL approval

Drag chains, swivels, rotary tables… whenever operating conditions are particularly harsh, these highly flexible cables with PUR U sheathing offer a solution. In addition to their very high mechanical strength and resistance to oil, they are also highly flame resistant.

Typical applications: machine tool manufacturing, plant engineering, assembly lines, production lines


4. PUR A – resistant to welding sparks

PUR A sheathing cables are an alternative to irradiated PUR cables. Along with mechanical strength and resistance to chemicals and oil, they are flame-retardant and resistant to welding sparks. This makes them ideal for use in the automotive industry. In addition to their resilient build, they are also easier to recycle than irradiated sheathings.

Typical application: automotive industry


5. POC cable – specifically for welding areas

When cables in your application are exposed to occasional welding sparks, or located in immediate vicinity of welding processes, POC sheathed cables are the right choice. With their extreme mechanical strength, a thermal resistance of 150 °C continuous operating temperature, and the ability to even withstand hot welding slag, they can be used in areas where other cable types would succumb to the heat.

Typical applications: automotive industry, weld cell, steel industries


6. STOOW cable – designed for the American market

As a heavy-duty PVC compound, STOOW offers heavy gauge conductors and a durable outer jacket for the automotive industry. Resistance to chemical agents and oil combines with a rating of up to 600 V and availability with 7/8 inch connectors for AC sensor connectivity.

Typical application: automotive industry


7. PUR OD cable sheathing – for tough outdoor applications

PUR OD cables are very robust and can be used at a wide range of temperatures from -50 °C to +105 °C. They are resistant to UV light, sea water, oil, and diesel. With high mechanical strength and flame resistance, these UL approved cables are suitable for almost any challenging outdoor applications. They are used predominantly in the mobile equipment field.

Typical applications: mobile equipment, outdoor applications