Control cable
The control cable is a multi-conductor cable designed for transmission of control signals and control information between electrical equipment, industrial automation and supervision systems. It is made up of several multi-stranded copper conductors Class 2 or 5 (IEC 60228), d’PVC insulation, Xlpe you lszh on each conductor, and an outer sheath adapted to the installation conditions — with or without shielding, armor or special protection depending on the application.
Manufactured in accordance with standards IEC 60228, From vde 0281 a BS 6346, ZMS control cables cover all control applications in an industrial environment : automation of production lines, wiring of control cabinets, connections between sensors and automatons, and installations in infrastructures and buildings with specific regulatory requirements. Available in soft version, armored, army, Xlpe you lszh, they adapt to each installation and environment constraint.
You don't know which control cable to choose for your application ? Check out our quick selection guide at the bottom of the page.
Types of control cables available from ZMS
Unshielded control cables
Unshielded control cables are multi-conductor cables designed to transmission of command and control signals in environments without significant electromagnetic disturbances. They are made of multi-stranded copper conductors Class 5 (IEC 60228), PVC insulation on each conductor and a PVC outer sheath, without metal shielding.
They are the standard and most economical solution for in-cabinet control wiring, the connection between automation and sensors, and industrial installations far from sources of interference.
Types available from ZMS :
- Smell — unshielded flexible control cable, NORME VDE, general use in automation
- JZ-500 — multi-core control cable, suitable for industrial machines and equipment
- KJVV — PVC insulated control cable, NORME IEC, current in French-speaking Africa and IEC markets
ZMS Consulting :
The unshielded control cable is sufficient as soon as the installation is far from sources of electromagnetic interference — motors, variators, transformers. If your installation includes this equipment near the control cables, Opt for an armored cable. For repetitive motion applications, view our range of energy chain cables.
Shielded control cables
THE armored control cables are multi-conductor cables designed for the transmission of command and control signals in environments subject to electromagnetic disturbances (EMI/RFI). They are made of multi-stranded copper conductors Class 5 (IEC 60228), PVC insulation on each conductor, shielding in tinned copper braid or aluminum foil and a PVC outer sheath.
Manufactured in accordance with DIN VDE standards 0281 / IEC 60228, ZMS shielded control cables provide ≥85% shield coverage, guaranteeing effective protection of control signals against electromagnetic disturbances. They are the reference solution for control wiring in the machine rooms, automation cabinets near drives or motors, and industrial installations with high electromagnetic density.
Types available from ZMS :
- FLEX-CY — flexible shielded control cable, tinned copper braid, use in automation and machine tools
- YSLYCY — standard shielded control cable, NORME VDE, general use in cabinets and fixed installation
- LIYCY — shielded control cable with fine conductors, low capacity, suitable for sensitive signals and long distances
ZMS Consulting :
Shielded control cable is recommended whenever power cables, motors or drives are located near your control circuits. For fixed cabinet installations with no identified source of interference, unshielded cable is sufficient and more economical. For repetitive motion applications requiring shielding, view our range of energy chain cables.
Cables for energy chain
THE cables for energy chain are multi-conductor cables designed for the transmission of control signals in repetitive and continuous motion applications — robotic arms, linear axes, gantry cranes and automated handling systems. They are composed of stranded copper conductors Class 6 (IEC 60228) with optimized twisting, PVC or PUR insulation on each conductor and a PVC or PUR outer sheath with high tensile and abrasion resistance.
Manufactured according to DIN VDE standards 0281 / IEC 60228, ZMS energy chain cables withstand reduced bend radii and millions of bending cycles without degradation of conductors or sheath, guaranteeing optimal lifespan in continuous motion applications.
Types available from ZMS :
- FLEX-JZ — flexible control cable for energy chain, unshielded, general use in machine tools
- FLEX-CY — flexible shielded control cable for energy chain, protection EMI, use in automation and servo controls
ZMS Consulting :
Energy chain cables should not be replaced with standard flexible cables — cable not designed for repetitive motion will degrade quickly and may cause production interruptions. For moving applications without EMI constraints, the FLEX-JZ is sufficient. For installations near drives or servomotors, opt for the armored FLEX-CY.
Flexible control cables
THE flexible control cables are multi-conductor cables designed for the transmission of control signals in installations requiring installation flexibility or occasional movements. They are composed of multi-stranded copper conductors Class 5 (IEC 60228), PVC insulation on each conductor and a flexible PVC outer sheath.
Manufactured in accordance with DIN VDE standards 0281 / IEC 60228, ZMS flexible control cables offer greater flexibility than rigid cables, making it easier to navigate through tight spaces in cabinets and control boxes. They are the solution suitable for fixed or semi-mobile installations without repetitive bending cycles.
Types available from ZMS :
- YSLY — unshielded flexible control cable, NORME VDE, general use in cabinet and semi-mobile installation
- FLEX-JZ — flexible control cable for frequent movements, suitable for freely moving machine tools and equipment
ZMS Consulting :
The flexible control cable is suitable for installations requiring flexibility without repetitive movements — cabinet connections, connections between fixed equipment or occasional movements. For continuous and repetitive motion applications, a cable specifically designed for energy chain is essential. For environments with sources of electromagnetic interference, opt for a flexible shielded cable like FLEX-CY.
Armored control cables
THE armored control cables are multi-conductor cables designed for the transmission of control signals in environments exposed to external mechanical stress — crushing, shocks, rodents and risk of physical damage during installation. They are composed of multi-stranded copper conductors Class 2 or 5 (IEC 60228), PVC insulation on each conductor, an armor made of galvanized steel wire or steel strip and a PVC outer sheath.
Manufactured in accordance with IEC standards 60502-1 / BS 6346, ZMS armored control cables offer greater mechanical strength than unarmored cables, making them suitable for direct installation in the ground, in conduit exposed to shock or in industrial environments with high mechanical risk.
Types available from ZMS :
- Steel strap reinforced control cable — protection against crushing, laying in the ground or in conduit
- Control cable reinforced with steel wires — protection against traction and crushing, installation in rocky or vertical terrain
ZMS Consulting :
The armored control cable is recommended for any direct installation in the ground, in an environment exposed to mechanical shock or the risk of physical deterioration. For cabinet or protected cable tray installations, an unarmored cable is sufficient and more economical. For applications requiring simultaneous mechanical protection and protection against electromagnetic interference, armored and armed versions are available on request.
XLPE Insulated Control Cables
THE XLPE insulated control cables are multi-conductor cables designed for the transmission of control signals in environments with high temperatures or requiring greater electrical resistance. They are composed of stranded copper conductors Class 2 or 5 (IEC 60228), of reticulated polyethylene insulation (XLPE) on each conductor and a PVC outer sheath.
Manufactured in accordance with IEC standards 60502-1 / IEC 60228, ZMS XLPE insulated control cables withstand operating temperatures up to 90°C, compared to 70°C for standard PVC insulated cables. Their resistance to humidity and chemicals is also superior, making them suitable for demanding industrial environments.
Types available from ZMS :
- Unshielded XLPE control cable — general use in hot or humid environments
- XLPE shielded control cable — EMI protection combined with high thermal resistance
- Armored XLPE control cable — mechanical and thermal protection for installation on earth or in harsh environments
ZMS Consulting :
XLPE insulated cable is recommended whenever the ambient temperature exceeds 70°C or the installation is exposed to permanent humidity and light chemicals. For standard cabinet or workshop applications at moderate temperatures, a PVC insulated cable is sufficient and more economical. For environments requiring simultaneous high temperature and absence of halogens, see our LSZH range.
LSZH control cables
THE LSZH control cables (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) are multi-conductor cables designed to transmission of control signals in environments with high fire safety requirements — tunnels, public buildings, public transportation and facilities where evacuation of people is critical. They are composed of multi-stranded copper conductors Class 5 (IEC 60228), insulation and an outer sheath made from halogen-free materials with low smoke emissions.
Manufactured in accordance with IEC standards 60332-1 / IEC 61034 / IEC 60754, ZMS LSZH control cables do not emit halogens or dense smoke in the event of a fire, limiting the risks of poisoning and preserving visibility for evacuation. They meet the requirements of the CPR regulations (Construction Products Regulation) applicable on European markets.
Types available from ZMS :
- Unshielded LSZH control cable — general use in public buildings and transportation infrastructure
- Shielded LSZH control cable — EMI protection combined with fire safety requirements
- Armored LSZH control cable — mechanical protection for ground installation in high security areas
ZMS Consulting :
LSZH cable is mandatory in tunnels, Metros, airports and public buildings where regulations require halogen-free materials. For standard industrial installations without specific regulatory requirements, a PVC cable is sufficient and more economical. For environments combining high temperature and halogen-free requirements, LSZH versions with XLPE insulation are available on request.
Industrial applications of control cables
| Sector | Main constraints | Recommended types |
| Industrial automation | EMI Interference, repetitive movements | Shielded cables, energy chain |
| Civil engineering and infrastructure | Laying in the ground, confined spaces, CPR | Armored cables, LSZH |
| Energy and utilities | High temperature, humidity, EMI | XLPE cables, armed armored vehicles |
| Food industry | Oils, cleaning, permanent humidity | PUR cables, LSZH |
Quick Selection Guide — Control Cables
| Your situation | Recommended type | To avoid |
| Cabling in cabinet, interference-free environment | Unshielded cable (Smell) | Armored cable (unnecessary cost) |
| Wiring near drives, motors or transformers | Armored cable (YSLYCY, FLEX-CY) | Unshielded cable (risk of disruption) |
| Continuous repetitive movements, energy chain | Cable for energy chain (FLEX-JZ, FLEX-CY) | Standard flexible cable (rapid degradation) |
| Occasional movements, pose semi-mobile | Flexible cable (Smell, FLEX-JZ) | Rigid cable |
| Direct installation in the ground or mechanical risk environment | Armored cable | Unarmored cable |
| Ambient temperature > 70°C or permanent humidity | XLPE insulated cable | PVC insulated cable |
| Exposure to oils and light chemicals | PUR sheathed cable (H07BQ-F) | PVC sheathed cable |
| Tunnel, public building, transport — CPR regulations | LSZH cable | PVC cable (non-compliant) |
| EMI Interference Combination + repetitive movements | Armored cable for energy chain (FLEX-CY) | FLEX-JZ unshielded |
| Mechanical protection suit + without halogens | Armored LSZH cable | Armored PVC cable |
FAQ — Control Cables
1. What is the difference between a control cable and a power cable ?
A power cable carries electrical energy to equipment — motors, machines, lighting. A control cable transmits control signals between supervisory equipment, automata and actuators. Control cables generally have lower sections (0,5 has 2,5 mm²) and a higher number of drivers, because they carry low currents on several circuits simultaneously.
2. Can shielded control cable replace unshielded cable in all installations ?
Technically yes, but it is not recommended for economic reasons. Shielding represents a significant additional cost which is only justified when the installation is exposed to electromagnetic interference. In an environment without identified sources of interference, an unshielded cable offers identical performance at a lower cost.
3. Which section to choose for a control cable ?
The section of a control cable is determined by the signal current to be carried and the length of the circuit, and not by a power to be supplied. In the vast majority of industrial control applications, sections of 0,75 mm² and 1,5 mm² cover most needs. For long circuits or analog signals sensitive to voltage drops, a section of 2,5 mm² may be required. When in doubt, our technical team can assist you in sizing.
Our professional services
By choosing high quality overhead cables, you offer your teams and facilities a higher level of security — and this is precisely what ZMS services aim to guarantee.
ZMS designs and produces tailor-made cables according to your technical specifications, with customization of the marking, Colors and packaging. Our products can be adapted to meet international standards (GB, IEC, BS, NFC, ASTM, FROM, etc.) and the specific requirements of each project.
All cables are tested before shipment and comply with CE certifications, IEC and ISO. Detailed test reports can be provided upon request to ensure the reliability and safety of your installations.
ZMS cables are carefully packaged on wooden spools, corrugated cardboard boxes or metal drums. Ends are tightly sealed with plastic wrap or BOPP to prevent moisture. Exterior marking can be personalized with waterproof materials.
We offer flexible and fast logistics solutions to more than 130 pays :
- Maritime : 20ft or 40ft containers depending on volume.
- Land : Local or regional delivery.
- Air : Option available for rush orders.
We also provide all necessary export documents : commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin and customs documents.
Our engineers and advisors support you in choosing the cables best suited to your installations. We offer comprehensive consulting services, including technical assistance and project management, to ensure every step of your order is covered professionally.
ZMS offers two options for your electrical projects :
- Option A (led by ZMS) : Sending engineers and a supervision team to site to provide technical advice, installers and final tests. Travel expenses, accommodation, per diem and translation are to be expected.
- Option B (local subcontracting) : Collaboration with qualified local companies for installation, with technical training, On-site supervision and compliance verification provided by ZMS.
