Multi-Conductor Flexible Control Cable
The flexible is designed for the transmission of control signals, control and measurement in industrial equipment requiring good flexibility. Used in machine tools, automation systems, production lines and mobile equipment, it allows reliable installation in environments subject to repeated movements.
Flexible control cables come in several designs to meet varying industrial needs : signal transmission, power supply of control circuits, resistance to electromagnetic disturbances or increased flexibility for mobile installations. This page presents the main types offered by ZMS, notably YSLY cables, YSLYCY, LIYY, LIYCY, JZ-500, FLEX-JZ et FLEX-CY, as well as their applications, their characteristics and selection criteria. Available in shielded or unshielded versions, they can be personalized with different sections, different numbers of conductors, sheath materials and manufacturing lengths to meet the specific requirements of each industrial application.
You quickly find the right cable for your application ? Check out our quick selection guide at the bottom of the page.
Types of flexible control cables offered by ZMS
Ysly cable
The YSLY cable is an unshielded flexible control cable, designed for the cabling of control cabinets and automation installations in an environment without electromagnetic disturbances. It is made of multi-stranded copper conductors Class 5 (IEC 60228), PVC insulation on each conductor and a flexible PVC outer sheath, in accordance with DIN VDE standards 0281.
Available in a wide range of sections and numbers of conductors, ZMS YSLY cable is the standard reference for general control cabling in Europe and French-speaking markets under VDE standard.
Typical applications :
- Internal wiring of control and automation cabinets
- Link between programmable controllers and sensors
- Connections to fixed or semi-mobile industrial equipment
ZMS Consulting :
The YSLY is the most economical solution for standard control wiring. If your installation is near drives, motors or power cables, opt for the armored YSLYCY. For repetitive motion applications, the FLEX-JZ is more suitable.
YSLYCY cable
The YSLYCY cable is a flexible shielded control cable, designed for the cabling of control cabinets and automation installations in environments subject to electromagnetic disturbances. It is made of multi-stranded copper conductors Class 5 (IEC 60228), PVC insulation on each conductor, tinned copper braid shielding ≥85% and a flexible PVC outer sheath, complies with the standard From vde 0281.
Manufactured by ZMS according to VDE requirements, the YSLYCY cable ensures effective protection of control signals against electromagnetic disturbances generated by motors, drives and surrounding power cables.
Typical applications :
- Wiring automation cabinets near drives or motors
- Link between automatons and sensors in an environment with high electromagnetic density
- Industrial installations requiring EMI protection in fixed or semi-mobile installation
ZMS Consulting :
The YSLYCY is recommended whenever sources of electromagnetic interference are identified near control circuits. For standard cabling without EMI constraints, the unshielded YSLY is sufficient and more economical. For applications requiring low inter-conductor capacitance over long distances or precise analog signals, LIYCY offers better electrical performance.
→ See the complete sheet : YSLYCY cable
LIYY cable
The LIYY cable is an unshielded flexible control cable, designed for the transmission of precise control signals over long distances and in installations sensitive to capacitive disturbances. It is composed of multi-stranded copper conductors Class 5 (IEC 60228) fine twisted, low dielectric constant PVC insulation on each conductor and a flexible PVC outer sheath, in accordance with DIN VDE standards 0812.
Manufactured by ZMS according to VDE requirements, the LIYY cable has a significantly lower inter-conductor capacitance to that of YSLY cables, limiting signal degradation on long links and sensitive analog control circuits.
Typical applications :
- Transmission of analog signals over long distances in industrial installations
- Connections between sensors, transmitters and supervision systems (SCADA)
- Wiring of measurement and regulation systems in an interference-free environment
ZMS Consulting :
LIYY is recommended when the length of the control links exceeds several tens of meters, or that the signals carried are analog in nature and sensitive to capacitive distortions. For standard control cabling in a short distance cabinet, YSLY is sufficient and more economical. For installations near sources of electromagnetic interference, opt for the armored LIYCY.
LIYCY cable
The LIYCY cable is a flexible shielded control cable, designed for the transmission of precise control signals in environments subject to simultaneous electromagnetic disturbances and low inter-conductor capacitance requirements. It is made of multi-stranded copper conductors Class 5 (IEC 60228) fine twisted, low dielectric constant PVC insulation on each conductor, tinned copper braid shielding ≥85% and a flexible PVC outer sheath, in accordance with DIN VDE standards 0812.
Manufactured by ZMS according to VDE requirements, the LIYCY cable combines the low inter-conductor capacitance of LIYY and electromagnetic protection of the shield, setting the benchmark for long distance analog control links in dense industrial environments.
Typical applications :
- Long distance links between analog sensors and supervision systems in EMI environments
- Wiring of measurement and regulation systems near drives or motors
- 4-20mA and 0-10V signal transmissions in industrial installations with high electromagnetic density
ZMS Consulting :
LIYCY is the most complete solution for sensitive analog signals in industrial environments — it combines low capacitance and EMI protection where neither LIYY nor YSLYCY alone is sufficient. If your installation does not present EMI constraints, the unshielded LIYY is sufficient and more economical. For standard digital signals without low capacity requirements, YSLYCY covers the majority of needs at a lower cost.
YY cable
The YY cable is a flexible, unshielded control cable with PVC insulation and sheath, commonly used for transmission of control signals and wiring of industrial machines and equipment in UK and international markets. It is made of multi-stranded copper conductors Class 5 (IEC 60228), PVC insulation on each conductor and a flexible PVC outer sheath, complies with the standard Bs one 50525.
Manufactured by ZMS to BS EN requirements, the YY cable has a construction similar to the YSLY cable under VDE standard, while meeting the specifications of markets under British standardization. It is available in version PVC standard for common industrial applications and in version LSZH without halogens for installations requiring fire resistance and low smoke emission.
Typical applications :
- Wiring of industrial machines and equipment on markets under BS EN standard
- Control connections in cabinets and boxes in an interference-free environment
- Installations requiring compliance with British or international BS standards
ZMS Consulting :
YY cable is recommended for projects specifying BS EN compliance, particularly on British markets and in countries that have inherited the British standard. For projects under VDE standards in French-speaking Europe and French-speaking Africa, YSLY is more suitable. For confined space installations with fire safety requirements, opt for the LSZH version of the YY cable.
FLEX-JZ cable / JZ-500
The FLEX-JZ cable, also designated JZ-500 according to international IEC nomenclature, is a flexible multi-conductor control cable designed for cabling of machine tools and automation equipment in a dry environment, damp or wet. It is made of multi-stranded copper conductors Class 5 (IEC 60228) with optimized twisting, PVC insulation on each conductor and an oil-resistant PVC outer sheath.
Manufactured to standards From vde 0281 / IEC 60227, the FLEX-JZ cable / ZMS JZ-500 supports high bending cycles and reduced bend radius. It is designed for use in fixed installation or in free movement under moderate mechanical stress, without traction or forced movement. Unauthorized outdoor installation.
Typical applications :
- Wiring of machine tools and automated production equipment
- Cable chain connections with repetitive movements
- Power supply of machine axes and automated handling systems
ZMS Consulting :
Le FLEX-JZ / JZ-500 is recommended for energy chain installations with frequent bending cycles and reduced bend radii. For fixed cabinet wiring without repeated movement, the YSLY is more economical. For applications requiring interference shielding, check out our FLEX-CY cable.
FLEX-CY cable
The FLEX-CY cable is a flexible, shielded multi-conductor cable, designed for servo motor wiring, drives and automation systems sensitive to electromagnetic interference, in a dry environment, damp or wet. It is composed of multi-stranded copper conductors Class 5 (IEC 60228), PVC insulation on each conductor, Tinned copper braid shielding and an oil-resistant PVC outer sheath.
Manufactured according to DIN VDE standards 0281 / IEC 60227, ZMS FLEX-CY cable provides ≥85% shield coverage, ensuring effective protection against electromagnetic disturbances (EMI/RFI). It supports moderate bending cycles in fixed pose or in free movement under limited mechanical stress, without traction or forced movement. Unauthorized outdoor installation.
Typical applications :
- Wiring of interference-sensitive servomotors and frequency converters
- Connections between control cabinets and automation equipment
- Installations near sources of electromagnetic interference (inverters, engines)
ZMS Consulting :
The FLEX-CY is recommended whenever the installation is near sources of electromagnetic interference or requires protection of control signals. For cabling without EMI stress and repetitive movement (energy chain), the FLEX-JZ is more suitable. For direct supply of frequency inverter motors, check out our VFD motor cable, designed specifically for this application.
FAQ — Flexible control cable
1. What is the difference between YSLY cable and LIYY cable ?
Both YSLY and LIYY are PVC insulated unshielded flexible control cables, compliant with DIN VDE. Their main difference lies in the inter-conductor capacitance : LIYY is manufactured with finer twisted conductors and low dielectric constant insulation, which gives it a significantly lower inter-conductor capacitance than that of YSLY. In practice, YSLY is the standard reference for general control wiring in cabinets over short distances. LIYY is recommended as soon as the links exceed several tens of meters or the signals carried are of an analog nature — 4-20mA, 0-10V — and sensitive to capacitive distortions.
2. In which cases should you choose an armored version ?
A shielded control cable is necessary whenever the installation is near sources of electromagnetic interference — motors, frequency inverters, transformers or power cables. Without shielding, this interference can disrupt control signals and cause equipment malfunctions. Generally : if your control cables run in the same cabinet or cable tray as power cables, opt for an armored version. In an environment without identified sources of interference, an unshielded cable is sufficient and more economical.
3. What is the difference between FLEX-JZ cable and YSLY cable for energy chain application? ?
The YSLY is a control cable designed for fixed or semi-mobile installations — it is not sized for continuous repetitive movements. Used in energy chain, it will deteriorate quickly : conductors can break due to mechanical fatigue and the sheath can crack. FLEX-JZ is specifically designed for continuous motion applications — its optimized twisting and reinforced PVC jacket allow it to withstand millions of flex cycles without degradation. For all energy chain applications, FLEX-JZ is essential, even if its cost is slightly higher than YSLY.
4. Which sheath to choose for a flexible control cable : PVC or PUR ?
Flexible control cables presented on this page — YSLY, LIYY, YY, FLEX-JZ and their armored variants — are all equipped with a PVC outdoor sheath. The PVC sheath is suitable for the vast majority of control applications in standard industrial environments : cupboards, machine tools, energy chains in indoor workshops and semi-mobile installations without intensive exposure to oils or chemicals.
A polyurethane sheath (PUR) is recommended when the cable is simultaneously subjected to very frequent bending, severe abrasion and prolonged exposure to mineral oils or fuels — common conditions in heavy-duty handling applications, robotic arms or intensive production environments. For these applications, view our range of flexible power cables, in particular the H07BQ-F cable with PUR sheath.
How to choose a flexible control cable ?
Before selecting a flexible control cable, several criteria should be evaluated :
- Will the cable be installed in a fixed manner or subject to frequent movement ?
- Does the environment have electromagnetic interference requiring shielding? ?
- Will the cable be exposed to oils, to chemicals or UV ?
- What is the operating temperature ?
- How many conductors and what section are needed ?
Once these criteria are defined, you will be able to choose more easily between the YSLY ranges, YSLYCY, LIYY, LIYCY, JZ-500 ou FLEX-CY.
Quick Selection Guide — Flexible Control Cable
Identify your situation and find the right cable at a glance.
| Your situation | Recommended cable | To avoid |
| Standard cabinet wiring, without identified source of interference | Smell | LIYY (unnecessarily precise), YSLYCY (unnecessary cost) |
| Wiring near drives, motors or power cables | YSLYCY | Smell (risk of disruption) |
| Analog signals (4-20mA, 0-10V) over long distances, without EMI | LIYY | Smell (capacity too high) |
| Precise analog signals + EMI environment | LIYCY | LIYY (no EMI protection) |
| Project under BS EN standard, UK or international markets | YY cable | Smell (VDE repository) |
| Machine tools, frequent movements, energy chain without shielding | FLEX-JZ / JZ-500 | Smell (not designed for repeated bending) |
| Energy chain with sources of EMI interference | FLEX-CY | FLEX-JZ (no EMI protection) |
| Fixed cabling in cabinet, limited budget, without EMI constraints | Smell | FLEX-JZ (oversized for fixed installation) |
| Application requiring absence of halogens (tunnel, public building) | YY LSZH | YY PVC (not compliant with CPR) |
Services and Logistics ZMS CABLE
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.