What is a Spiral Cable? Types, Cable Cross-Sections, and Applications

Cables used in electrical and electronic systems need more than just the ability to conduct electrical current. The cable’s flexibility, number of conductors, conductor cross-section, length, outer sheath structure, and usage environment are also important factors in choosing the right product.

Spiral cables can be preferred over standard flat cables, especially in constantly moving devices and machines. The spiral structure helps the cable to extend when needed and to retract after use.

Power Cable’s product catalog includes PUR spiral cables in various sizes. The catalog features spiral cable models with codes PWR244, PWR245, PWR246, PWR247, and PWR248.

What is a Spiral Cable?

A spiral cable is a type of flexible cable that is specially given a spiral form and is used especially in moving connections.

While a standard flat cable remains fixed at a certain length, a spiral cable can open up when the device or equipment moves, providing a longer working distance.

The spiral structure retracts when use is complete.

Thanks to this feature, spiral cables can be used especially in:

Moving machinery
Automation systems
Electrical equipment
Control systems
Hotel equipment
Medical devices
Special OEM applications

What are the Advantages of Spiral Cables?

The most important advantage of spiral cables is their adaptability to moving systems.

When a suitable PUR spiral cable is used, the cable:

Can reduce unnecessary cable clutter.
Can adapt to moving equipment.
Can help keep the work area more organized.
Can provide an advantage in applications where the cable is constantly pulled and released.
Can create a more compact structure when not in use.

However, not every spiral cable is suitable for every device.

For example, a 2×0.75 mm² spiral cable and a 3×2.5 mm² spiral cable are not intended for the same electrical needs. Therefore, when making a selection, the cable’s cross-section, number of conductors, and intended use should be evaluated together.

What is a PUR Spiral Cable?

The material used in the outer sheath of a spiral cable is important in terms of the cable’s performance characteristics.

The spiral cable models in the Power Cable catalog are specified as PUR cable type.

PUR, or polyurethane-based cables, can be used in various applications where flexibility and mechanical strength are important.

Therefore, PUR spiral cable solutions can be considered, especially in mobile systems.

However, the fact that the cable is PUR is not sufficient for the correct product selection.

In addition, the following should be considered:

Cable cross-section
Number of cores
Spiral length
Working length
Electrical requirements of the device
Operating environment

should be taken into account.

Why is Spiral Cable Cross-Section Important?

Cable cross-section is one of the most important technical specifications in spiral cable selection.

Power Cable’s spiral cable product range includes products with different cross-sections.

These include options such as:

2×0.75 mm²

3×1 mm²

3×1.5 mm²

3×2.5 mm²

The important point here is that the cable cross-section should be determined according to the electrical needs of the device.

For example, a smaller cross-section 2×0.75 mm² cable may not be used for the same purpose as a 3×2.5 mm² cable.

2×0.75 mm² Spiral Cable

In the Power Cable catalog, product code PWR244 is listed as:

2×0.75 mm² – 35 cm Spiral Cable

The same cross-section, PWR245, is listed as:

2×0.75 mm² – 50 cm Spiral Cable

Both products use PUR cable type.

The difference between the two products with the same cable cross-section is the length. Therefore, when making a selection, not only the 2×0.75 mm² designation but also the required working distance should be considered.

3×1 mm² Spiral Cable

PWR246 is listed in the Power Cable catalog as:

3×1 mm² – 1.5 meter Spiral Cable

This is an option that can be considered in applications requiring a three-core structure.

However, when selecting a product, it should be checked whether the 1 mm² cross-section is suitable for the device, as well as whether it is a three-core cable.

3×1.5 mm² Spiral Cable

PWR247 is listed in the catalog as:

3×1.5 mm² – 1.5 meter Spiral Cable

For applications requiring a higher conductor cross-section, a 3×1.5 mm² spiral cable can be considered.

The electrical specifications of the device in which the cable will be used should be checked to determine the appropriate product.

3×2.5 mm² Spiral Cable

PWR248 is listed in the catalog as:

3×2.5 mm² – 1.5 meter Spiral Cable

.

3×2.5 mm² is one of the higher cross-section options in this product group.

The important thing here is not just that the cable has a larger cross-section, but that it is suitable for the system in which it will be used.

Power Cable also uses 3×2.5 mm² cable in different products. For example, the metal portable cable reel product has a 3×2.5 mm² cable option.

Types of Spiral Cables

The main features that distinguish spiral cables from each other are:

Cable cross-section

For example:

2×0.75 mm² → 3×1 mm² → 3×1.5 mm² → 3×2.5 mm²

Number of cores

2-core and 3-core cables can be used for different connection needs.

Length

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