Flexible Cable and Wire Pricing and Costs

Find out more about the cost factors of buying flexible cable and wire

By Leah Kuriluk
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.

 

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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.