Flat cables consist of insulated wire conductors that are shaped together into a ribbon form. Unlike traditional round cable wires, flat cables tend to be thinner, lighter and have more insulation to operate electrical interconnections or computer networking applications, even in heavy-duty operations or in extreme conditions. Because they are very flexible, flat cables can connect to mounted devices with adhesives or clamps in preparation for handling electrical or mechanical loads in different facilities. Flat cables are usually insulated with material such as fluorinated ethylene propylene, polyethylene and ethylene propylene diene elastomer. These insulation materials for flat cables work in high or low temperatures, or at both extremes.

The shielding materials for flat cables are made from aluminum foil or copper braiding. Film made from polyester or Mylar supports the copper or aluminum material. Flat cables also depend on cable conductor wiring for safely carrying electrical currents. Copper, aluminum and copper- and aluminum-based alloys protect flat cables from corrosion and high thermal conductivity.

1. Research flat cables information for your mechanical or operational needs.

2. Find flat cables that are durable and capable of operating in various conditions.

3. Search for a flat cables provider that has an extensive flat cables list.

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

Check flat cables information to help narrow your choices

Learning how flat cables work can help you to determine the kinds of flat cables you will need for specific mechanical or other operational purposes.

I recommend: Gore produces flat cables and other related assemblies for high performance applications. Meritec offers flexible flat cables for power supplies and other electrical connections.

Pick the right flat cables that guarantee multiple capabilities

Find flat cables that withstand low and high temperatures and assist in other processes while providing electrical functions in your office or factory.

I recommend: Globtek provides flat cables that operate in temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees C, or 140 to 176 degrees F. GC Electronics manufactures flat cables suitable for indoor electrical use. Cable lengths range from 50 to 1,000 feet. Tyco Electronics distributes flat cables that range in size from 24 to 26 AWG. Tyco’s flat cables and other products are suitable for industrial, medical and commercial use.

Find a flat cables provider with a large inventory of cables and components

Seek manufacturers or distributors that feature an extensive flat cables list.

I recommend: American Wire Group features a flat cables list for electrical and conductor applications. Types include overhead and underground flat cables. McNaughton-McKay Electric features a flat cables list and other products under several brand names.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The American Wire Gauge sets standards for measuring flat cables, which varies in and outside of North America. AWG measures conductor sizes of North American flat cables according to wire area. The conductor sizes of flat cables produced outside of North America are measured by square millimeters. Typical AWG sizes range from 1 to 40.
• •  Industries that use flat cables include computing, energy, aerospace, automotive, medical, biotechnology and telecommunications.