Nowadays machine and system cabling are becoming complex tasks that cannot be dealt with using normal methods. Generally, assembling individual cables will be very expensive as it involves planning, assembly, and procurement.

For creating custom cabling there will be free online cable design tools. Using these tools like a built-in library of standard cable sets or creating them from scratch it is possible to create custom cable assembly.

Why choose a custom cable?

There will be many reasons to consider choosing custom cables against standard cables. Some of the main reasons include

  •     For better performance:

By investing in custom cables rather than standard cables, it is possible to meet their exact needs and give them the freedom to design a suitable connection solution.

  •     To get longer service life:

Custom cabling is tailored to voltage, current, and other parameters which are intended for that specific application. Because of these characteristics, these custom cables offer reliable performance for longer periods.

  •     For versatility and to achieve broader flexibility:

While going for custom cables there will not be limitations as in the case of standard cables because in custom cables it is possible to design the products depending on the type of application.

Design Considerations for Custom Cables:

For investing in a custom cable, knowing the design process is also essential. Some of the main design considerations for creating custom cables include

Cable Type

Cables will be different for small electronics and large-scale industrial systems. Custom cable manufacturing should offer a broad selection of conductors from single conductors to multi-paired conductors.

Electrical Properties

The maximum voltage to which a cable can be connected should be taken into consideration. The maximum amount of current the cable can carry without exceeding safe temperature also should be noted. The amount of charge a conductor can store called capacitance should also be considered.

Operating Temperature

While designing a custom cable the temperatures in which it will be operated should also be taken into account.

Flexibility

If the application that is required should be of greater rigidity solid conductors should be used and if they are looking for greater flexibility a multi-stranded conductor can be used.

Indoor vs Outdoor Use:

Cables that are used outdoors should have more properties to safeguard them from external exposures which should not be the case with indoor applications.

Industry Standards:

 Cables must satisfy various industrial regulations. Some of them are given below:

  1.     UL Standards

Underwriter Laboratories are dedicated to safety and performance standards for products in the US and Canada.

  1.     CSA Standards

These guidelines give product safety and performance guidelines and the CSA group is a non-government organization.

  1.     NEC Standards

These are the safety guidelines for installing electrical equipment and wiring.

Conclusion

By using custom cabling errors will be reduced as a specific cable is used for a specific purpose. This will help in getting very detailed design characteristics including the selection of pin and cable, cable bundling, wire type, and connector types, and even the length selection.