Plastic coated wire and cable supplies find use in many industries and applications because of their varied qualities. Among these are conductivity, electrical impedance, heat resistance, flexibility and tensile strength.

The different abilities and limitations for the inner material and the plastic coating will dictate which options are to your best advantage. The information and resources included in this guide can help put you on the right track toward finding the distributor of plastic coated cables that can supply the best materials for your business. Analyze your needs and:

1. Determine the available compounds for your plastic coated wires requirements

2. Learn about the choices for industrial plastic coated wire for building construction

3. Find industrial plastic coated cable distributors for electrical equipment and appliances

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The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn about materials options from industrial plastic coated cable manufacturers

Various kinds of plastics and polymers are available for the coating of wires and cables; a primary example is polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The type you want to look for depends on your application. Some plastics are for general durability for rigorous construction; others have a formulation for heat resistance and heavy electrical loads.

I recommend: Check out options for material at Applied Plastics Inc., which has various acrylics, polyethylines and polyvinyls. Read about some of the qualities and advantages of different plastics at Spiratex, or find out about fabrication techniques at Applied Plastics Co.

Use a distributor of plastic coated wires to obtain product information

You're looking for materials for insulated electrical wiring systems for a building or in heavy equipment - or you simply need plastic-coated ropes or ties for general purposes. The type and amount of voltage your wires must carry or the amount of heat they must withstand, for example, will dictate the product you choose.

I recommend: A distributor of plastic coated cables can introduce you to choices for heavy-duty cable sizes, constructions and insulated coatings. Lexco has a list of products you can go through, and Custom Cable has various types of conducting cable for building electrical and wiring systems.

Consult a distributor of plastic coated wires to see your options for computer and appliance cables

The plastic coated cables you require for your industrial machinery, computer equipment or wiring systems for automobiles and appliances are subject to the same needs as wiring products: their material must reflect the heat resistance and conductivity thresholds of their purpose. Many needs in this category are similar, but voltage, flexibility and heat factors will vary from application to application.

I recommend: Check out a few examples of the heat limits of Teflon coating at Dacon Systems. See many of your options for power cables and wires at DSM&T, which supplies products for cords and connectors. If you have a good idea of what you need, you can design your own cords by submitting a request to Quail.

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Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you're getting wiring for a building electrical system, make sure you have all the information regarding maximum amperage in your project. The distributor of plastic coated cable you choose should carry materials to withstand the possibility of spikes in power, not just expected levels.

Plastic coated wire and cable ties the machinery of modern life together. Whether for industrial applications or medical instruments, plastic coated wires are a part of our daily existence.

Plastic coated cables are flexible. Most industrial plastic coated cable is coated with polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. In this form, industrial plastic coated wire can withstand extreme heat and cold and still maintain its flexibility. PVC plastic coated cables also hold up well to daily sun exposure.

Other types of plastic coated cables are available for special purposes. A reliable distributor of plastic coated cables can tell you which coating is best for your needs. As you purchase plastic coated wire and cable for your business you need to do the following:

1. Find industrial plastic coated cable manufacturers in your area.

2. Work with a manufacturer to customize your plastic coated cable needs.

3. Develop the proper cable assemblies for your plastic coated wire as well.

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

Locate a distributor of plastic coated wires

While wire rope companies may not be listed in your local phone book, it doesn't hurt to check. A great number of companies do online business these days, and can ship the product to you as soon as you need it. Even if you work with someone online, you should expect to have the same personal touch as if you were in the same room with the salesperson.

I recommend: Absolute Custom Extrusions, Inc. offers a wide range of plastic-coated cable. Continental Cable, LLC offers a chart on their website that not only breaks down their wide range of sizes, but also breaks down each cable size by weight per 1000 feet.

Specify your plastic coated cables needs to a distributor

Determine the type of cable you wish to have as the base of the plastic coated wire. Know what kind of twist you prefer. Decide how many wires you want in each bundle. Also, determine what the minimum breaking strength of the plastic coated wire should be.

I recommend: Stage Rigging Online gives some very clear examples of cable specifications. For even more detailed specifications, look at Jaguar Industries, Inc.'s website.

Make sure you also purchase the proper cable assemblies or fasteners for your plastic coated cables

Decide if you need clamp-on fasteners, forks and eyes, or any number of other combinations. Each cable needs the right end assembly in order to work the way it should.

I recommend: American Riggers Supply, Inc. offers a wide range of custom-designed cable assemblies. The Cable Connection can also provide cable assemblies for the ends of your plastic coated cables.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Plastic coated cables come in a variety of weights and twists. As you look at specs for plastic coated wire and cable, you may see numbers like '7 X 19.' That means that there are seven bundles of wire, each with 19 wires twisted together to form a cable. The various combinations of wires and bundles work together to give you the strength and flexibility you need.

Plastic coated wire and cable education and training are important for the safety of electricians and their customers. Electricians use plastic coated wires and plastic coated cables in several different industries in several different ways. Size and purpose make a difference when selecting which wiring or cable is right for a project.

Plastic coated wire and cable manufacturers, distributors and contractors alike all benefit from coated wire and cable education and training. A distributor of plastic coated wires must know information about their products to relay to customers. Electricians must be well informed about the proper uses of plastic coated cable and plastic coated wire. For education about plastic coated wire and cable consider the following:

1. Many educational institutes offer courses pertaining to plastic coated wire and cable.

2. Professional articles give information for using plastic coated wire and cable.

3. Some manufacturers offer seminars for their distributor of plastic coated cables and wires.

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The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Consider wiring courses or classes for plastic coated wire and cable education and training

Many technical programs and educational institutions offer courses in wiring. These courses discuss the various types of wiring, including coated wiring. They also explain how and when one uses the wiring. In most cases, professional electricians teach these classes. Through course programs, one earns certificates and licenses in wiring.

I recommend: The Learning Center offers electrical courses in wiring. View the website at IET for options offered of courses in electrical and wiring categories.

Look for seminars from electrical organizations or manufacturers about plastic coated wire and cable

Organizations in the electrical industry often offer meetings and conventions for their distributors and those in or interested in the field of electrical work. Some wiring and cable manufacturing and distributing companies also offer educational meetings for customers and contractors. Check with these companies for upcoming event dates and topics.

I recommend: TURI offers a meeting pertaining to regulations of using and manufacturing coated wire. Delmar Electric offers educational seminars for customers.

Search educational articles for information pertaining to using plastic coated wires and cable

Some professional articles offer research-based findings on the safety of using coated wiring and cable. Learn specific sizes and types of plastic coated wires and plastic coated cables that work in certain projects. Gain tips on safety measures to take when plastic coated wire and cable are used.

I recommend: Science Direct discusses research conducted on the use of coated wire for welding purposes. ECM offers an article about proper installation of PVC plastic coated wiring and cable.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When gaining an education in uses of plastic coated wire and cable, consider researching the uses in industrial situations as well as residential. Discover differences in residential plastic coated wire and industrial plastic coated wire.

From electrical wiring to computer components, plastic coated wire and cable is everywhere. Because there are different coatings for different applications, it’s important that you buy the right plastic coatings for your wiring needs. You should have a good understanding of plastic coated wire and cable key terms. As you read this guide, you'll learn about some of the components of these types of wiring and cable products.

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

Plastic resins

The manufacturer mixes plastic resins in various combinations to give plastic coated wire different strengths and properties. Resin is the basic component of plastic.

I recommend: Plasticx Universe has a list of plastic resins, with links to companies that manufacture each type, along with organizations and informational resources for people who want to learn more.

Plasticizers

A plasticizer is a compound inserted into the plastic mixture to give the plastic its flexibility. This is good for plastic coated cable and wire that needs to fit into tight spots. Plasticizers also make the plastic impact- and abrasion-resistant.

I recommend: Learn more about plasticizers at ToolingU.

Stabilizers

Stabilizers are the part of the plastic mix that provides heat and UV damage resistance. Stabilizers are responsible for keeping the plastics from degrading rapidly.

I recommend: You can find information about plastic stabilizers at IndiaMART.

Flame retardants

Flame retardants in a plastic compound prevent the spread of fire in plastic coated wiring. If the wiring does catch on fire, the flame retardants reduce the amount of smoke and pollutants released into the atmosphere.

I recommend: You can see flame retardant plastic coated wire and cable at Continental Cable.

Filler

Filler is often used in a plastic resin mix to cut back on the costs of using petroleum-based products. Fillers can be made from a variety of materials. Scientists continue to explore the possibility of using different renewable sources as fillers.

I recommend: The United States Department of Agriculture is exploring ways to use corn by-products as filler.

Extrusion

Extrusion is the process used to make plastic coatings. Extrusion machines force thermoplastics through a die, which shapes them into the desired dimensions.

I recommend: The Spiratex company can manufacture custom wire coating using its extrusion machines. It also has a selection of standard tubing products.