Flexible cable is a type of a cord that's designed to go places a normal power cord can't. Depending on the type, flexible cable can hug walls, bend inward upon itself or even survive strenuous twisting. This makes it ideal for workplace solutions at data processing centers, robotics installations, DataComm connections and assembly lines. Flexible cable can also be useful in tight workplaces where space is limited and cable must be threaded along ceilings or around objects.

You'll find industrial flexible cable manufacturers often have stock available online, from torsional to rolling flex. Most flexible cable comes in unshielded or shielded varieties and data cables and multi-conductor cables are available.

1. Often, you can flexible cable online that is moisture, heat, or chemically resistant. These types of cables are generally more expensive, but remain useful to industries where wiring needs protection.

2. Sometimes manufacturers you buy industrial flexible cable from can advise you on the type and variety you'll need. They can even tell you roughly how long it will last, or if you'd be better off with custom cable.

3. You can find flexible cable online in 600 or 300 volt varieties. Anything else will usually require a custom-manufactured cable.

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

Buy rolling flex cable from a distributor of industrial flexible cable online

Rolling flex flexible cable can hug tight corners and bend in tight loops, so you can position it around walls and objects where it will be out of the way. Rolling flex cable is designed to bend into itself easily to make laying a cable path easier.

I recommend: Ask Desco Electronics to create a custom rolling flex cable for you, or check out Northwire's rolling flex cable.

Purchase torsional flexible cable

Torsional flexible cable is a type that can withstand twisting and wringing in a work environment. This works best for when the ends may be rotated or spun, or when you expect the cable to get moved a lot. You'll find that industrial flexible cable distributors can give you estimates of how long your torsional flexible cable will last.

I recommend: Check out Allied Wire & Cable's selection of torsional flexible cable, or contact the Aerospace Materials Corporation to ask about buying flexible cable in bulk.

Buy bending flex from a distributor of flexible cable website

Bending flex flexible cable is easy to flex and provides the most all-around uses. In situations where you just need a more flexible cable without any special situations, bending flex works well.

I recommend: Buy bending flex cable from Igus or purchase bending flex flexible cable from Axon Cable.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you can't find a type of flexible cable that exactly suits your needs, many companies offer custom designed flexible cable so you can get exactly the strength, durability, economy and qualities that your business requires.