Purchasing industrial flexible cable or wire can cost as little or as much as you want it to, depending on the type, application and durability of the cable or wire you select. These factors, and the quantity you buy in, determine the price of your flexible cable or wire. Any special requirements, like unusual diameters, cable types or lengths can also add to the price, making custom orders more expensive.

Usually, flexible wires and cables are sold by the yard, allowing you to purchase the exact amount you need in a single purchase. Some cables can only be purchased in set lengths, and may require a custom cable order to achieve the desired length. If you want to learn more about flexible cable and wire pricing and costs, consider the following:

1. Buy flat flexible cable for a cheap alternative to more expensive cable types.
2. Purchase bundled flexible wiring for better durability and lower replacement costs.
3. Buy flexible wire and cable from places that allow customization to get exactly what you need.
   

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Buy flexible cable and wire stranded in layers for an economical alternative

Often called flat flexible cable, wire stranded in layers is the cheapest kind of cable to produce, allowing most companies to make it quickly and easily. However, flat flexible cable wire wears out quickly compared to most other kinds of flexible cable because of its construction. Flat flexible cable can be purchased in bulk, by the foot or yard, or in predetermined amounts from most manufacturers, although most suppliers will require you to submit information on the quantity, type and diameter you'll need to receive a quote. You can expect to pay anywhere from $1.00 to $8.00 a foot, depending on the diameter and type of cable.

I recommend: Request a quote from a leading flat cable manufacturer, like Parlex. Get a price quote from Cicoil, which offers a huge selection.

Purchase flexible cables and wires stranded in bundles to reduce replacement costs

Flexible wiring that has been stranded in bundles reduces pressure on the inner part of the cable and strain on the outer, leading to very high durability and a long lifespan. This kind of cable is more expensive to purchase upfront, but can end up costing less in the long run, particularly if the cables will need to move. As with most purchases directly from the manufacturer, you'll usually need to submit information on the quantity, diameter and type before receiving a quote. If you're buying a lot, be sure to ask about discounts for bulk orders. You'll find bundled flexible cable can cost anywhere from $2.00 to $10.00 per foot.

I recommend: Check out the wide variety available from Igus or Alpha Wire Company and request a quote on the cable you need.

Get custom flexible cables and wires for specialized jobs

Flexible cable and wire distributors sometimes offer custom cable design and manufacturing. This can be a cost effective solution if you need an unusual length or type of flexible cable, or a specific feature not commonly found in normal cable, like extra thick shielding or an unusual type of metal. The price of custom cable design and manufacture will vary widely, depending on the complexity of your cable design, the type of materials you'd like to use, and the quantity you're looking for. Generally, a discussion with a manufacturing representative can tell you just how much you custom cable will cost.

I recommend: Talk with a representative from Allied Wire & Cable or Assemble Connect, two of the leading custom cable suppliers, to learn about their custom cable options and get information on pricing.

Flexible cables come in all shapes and sizes. If you work with this item in your business, you know how frustrating it can be to find just the right flexible wires for a particular job.

You should know that there are flexible wire and cable distributors who specialize in helping you find flexible cable wire. And if they don’t have standard flexible cable in stock for you, many of the same distributors can make custom flexible wire products to meet your specifications. Regardless of the size, flexible cable falls into three main categories:

1. Industrial flexible cable

2. Flexible cable used for electronics

3. Specialty flexible cable

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Determine what your flexible cable needs are

Decide what gauge flexible cable and wire you need, as well as what lengths you need to purchase. Also, note what conductivity you need in your wiring. Factor in the minimum and maximum temperatures under which the wire will operate. Finally, figure out what kind of connectors you need for your flexible wiring.

I recommend: TIM-CO/CAL-RF offers an in-depth chart that compares different types of industrial flexible wire. This can be a helpful guide to deciding what kind of wiring you need. Lapp USA offers a cable specification tool that lets you enter various specs to locate just the right flexible cable for your needs.

Find the right flexible cable distributor to meet your needs

It's important to remember your bottom line when flexible cable, but price shouldn't be your only factor. Find flexible cable and wire distributors that offer good deals on shipping. You also want to find dealers who deliver flexible wire shipments on time, as promised. They should also stand behind their product with a written warranty.

I recommend: With over 800 varieties of flexible cable to choose from, Igus, Inc. can probably supply the right cable for you. SAB North America offers products for automotive, electrical and electronic applications, in addition to any other product that requires repeated bending and flexing.

Work with a distributor to design custom flexible cables for your application

One example of custom flexible cables is a cable festoon. You can design the multiple strands of industrial wiring to carry exactly what you want, exactly where you want it. A festoon can perform the task repeatedly; and with flexible cables, it doesn't wear out.

I recommend: Find cable festoons at Vahle Electrification Systems. Calvert Wire & Cable also offers cable festoons, along with other flexible cables.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Handle flexible wires properly. Uncoil the wiring from the spool according to the manufacturer's directions. Each cable must be able to move from side to side without coming in contact with the flexible wiring next to it. Even though flexible cable bends, it can break if mishandled.