Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get the fittings you need to finish the job from cable and wire manufacturers

There are many different types of cable and wire fittings, from form seals for strain relief fittings, to multi-hole and single-hole connectors. Most cable fittings are either male or female. Fittings are used to connect pieces of wire and cable, splice wire and cable and attach the cable and wire to various pieces of equipment. Fittings like front panel connectors are commonly used with computer cable and wire, while others can be used to connect two different types of industrial cable or wire.

I recommend: Check out the variety of connectors available from Sealcon, or get connectors for medical equipment and other wiring from Minnesota Wire & Cable Co..

Purchase a pair of industrial cable and wire cutters

Industrial cable manufacturers sometimes sell cable and wire cutters, but you'll also find them available from tool stores and other industrial equipment manufacturers. Look for a model with removable blades, which allows the blades to be sharpened or replaced periodically. This will keep your cable and wire cutters going long after the first blades dull. Some cutters are hand or foot operated, while others use electricity to slice through cable. Which you choose depends on the availability of electricity at your work site and how much you want to spend.

I recommend: Check out Wenco's foot-operated model or choose from Lexco's selection of wire and cable cutters.

Organize your cable and wire with an enclosure

Enclosures organize and separate complex wire and cable systems. Common examples of an enclosure are cable Internet, phone and electrical boxes scattered throughout your community. These enclosures hold many labeled and arranged wires and cables, allowing quick access for testing and assessment. Enclosures are also sometimes used for industrial cable systems in large buildings, and to encase alarm system wires. Enclosures not only organize your wire and cable installation, they protect it as well. Some are even fitted with locks and made of strengthened metal.

I recommend: Buy an enclosure for your systems from Vynckier Enclosure Systems, or check out the smaller rack-mountable models available from Buckeye Enclosures.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If the cable and wire enclosures you find don't meet your security, safety or design needs, try purchasing a custom-designed model. Many enclosure manufacturers offer a custom design service in addition to their stock models.

1. The basics of choosing industrial cable and wire.
2. How to choose the best coaxial cable.
3. Considerations for fiber optic cable.
4. Tips for locating electrical wiring and industrial cable at wholesale prices.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Make the best choice in industrial cable and wire

Industrial cable and wire typically consists of power cable - an assembly of two or more electrical conductors held together by a sheath. Commonly used power cables include nonmetallic sheathed cables. Often, industrial cable and wire contain a rubber-like synthetic polymer insulation, offering moisture resistance.

I recommend: Choose industry-respected industrial cable and wire, such as UniShield, FREP and VNTC from General Cable. Draka Cableteq and C&M are also leading industrial cable manufacturers.

Choose coaxial cable for networking

Coaxial cable is used as a transmission line and provides protection against outside signal interference. It is more expensive than telephone wire but has the ability to carry much more data. The primary type of cabling used by the cable television industry, coaxial cable is also used for computer networks.

I recommend: Alpha Wire Company and Belden are leading electrical cable manufacturers of coaxial cable. Choose 50 ohms coaxial cable from vendors like L-com for such functions as radio transmitter antenna connections, measurement devices and data communications. Use 75 ohms coaxial cable from electrical cable manufacturers like Cable Tel Industries for functions, such as carrying video signals, TV antenna signals and digital audio signals.

Fiber optic cable is a leading industry standard

Fiber optic cable has found its way into many industry applications due to its ability to address the needs of advanced networks. The most common uses of fiber optic cable are found in telecommunications, medicine, military, automotive and industrial applications.

I recommend: Purchase fiber optic cable at the Fiber Optic Cable Shop or at QVS. A list of vendors and manufacturers of fiber optic cables can also be found at Business.com.

Locate the best wholesale providers of electrical cable and wire

Many wholesale distributors buy direct from electrical cable manufacturers and pass savings on to customers.

I recommend: Fox Electric Supply Company markets itself as a “supermarket” to electricians and contractors. MidSouth Wire & Cable Co. offers monthly specials, and WesBell Electronics is also a leading distributor.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Refer to the National Electric Code as well as individual state codes governing the use of electrical cable and wire.
• •  Electrical wiring must adhere to local codes. Most local codes allow you to use nonmetallic sheathed cable (NM cable) inside walls, floors and other places where it can't be damaged and won't get wet.
• •  Choose fiber optic cable for complex network structures.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy shielded telephone cable from cable manufacturers for communications applications

Data centers, phone banks, wireless towers and more use telephone wire and cable to transmit data. This type of cable is available in many different types with varying degrees of shielding, resistances and load capacities. Because communication is always critical in an emergency, it's best to choose the most resistant and shielded cable and wiring available.

I recommend: Buy telephone cable and wire from the American Wire Group, or purchase telephone cable from CableWholesale.com.

Use industrial cable and wire for harsh conditions and demanding applications

Industrial cable systems are ideal for high-temperature environments and high-voltage uses. This kind of cable can also withstand abrasion and resist fire and moisture. Using an industrial cable system for outdoor installations can mean the difference between electrical malfunction or success. Pick industrial cable for connections you can't afford to have fail.

I recommend: Purchase industrial cable from Allied Wire and Cable, or check out industry-specialized industrial cable from Lapp USA.

Get custom-designed cable and wire for unique installations or specialized circumstances

Custom-designed cords are available from most cable and wire manufacturers. These are often used when the stock cable and wire fail to meet your needs. In this case, the cable or wire manufacturer works with you to design the perfect cable for your job. Depending on the company, this custom cable can be mass produced, or just produced in a limited run.

I recommend: Buy custom-designed cable and wire from Mor-Wire & Cable, or check out the custom design services available from Jersey Strand & Cable.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you need chemically resistant cable and wire, ask custom cable manufacturers about exotic metal casings. Often, resistance to certain chemicals can be created by using unusual metals to protect your cabling and wiring.