Leading instrumentation cable manufacturers
At Custom Designed Cables, we design and manufacture bespoke instrumentation cables for demanding industrial, commercial and specialist applications. With over 20 years of cable manufacturing expertise, we develop custom cable solutions that deliver reliable signal transmission while meeting the exact electrical, mechanical and environmental requirements of your project.
From single-pair and multi-pair instrumentation cables to armoured, screened and flat cable constructions, we manufacture bespoke instrumentation cables tailored to a wide variety of industries and applications. With fast turnaround times and manufacturing within an ISO 9001:2015-certified quality management system, with UL and CSA-approved options available, we have the expertise to support projects with demanding technical specifications and challenging delivery schedules.
Instrumentation cables for process control
Instrumentation cables play a vital role in process control systems, carrying low-voltage signals used for monitoring, measurement and control across a wide range of industrial environments, including:
- Oil and gas
- Chemical processing
- Power generation
- Water treatment
- Manufacturing facilities
- Process engineering plants
All of these industries rely on accurate, interference-free signal transmission to ensure equipment operates safely, efficiently and reliably.
Our bespoke instrumentation cables are designed to deliver consistent performance in demanding operating environments where dependable signal integrity is essential.
Applications for instrumentation cables
Instrumentation cables are used in many applications beyond traditional process control, and because instrumentation cables support such a broad range of applications, they’re often custom designed to meet the specific performance requirements of each project.
Example applications include:
Industrial process control
Signal transmission between sensors, control panels, instrumentation equipment and monitoring systems.
Medical equipment
Large multicore instrumentation cables are used within equipment such as MRI scanners, where clean, interference-free signal transmission supports accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Aerospace systems
Multi-conductor instrumentation cables are manufactured to extremely tight tolerances for applications including sensors, monitoring equipment and aircraft instrumentation.
Oil, gas and petrochemical industries
Armoured and unarmoured instrumentation cables are designed to withstand demanding operating environments where mechanical protection and long-term reliability are essential.
Voice and communication systems
Smaller instrumentation cables are also used within handheld voice communication equipment such as walkie-talkies.
Custom instrumentation cable construction
As specialist instrumentation cable manufacturers, we work closely with customers to develop cable constructions tailored to each application.
During the design process, we consider factors including:
- The equipment being connected
- Operating environment
- Mechanical stresses
- Signal transmission requirements
- Cable shielding and screening requirements
- Electromagnetic interference (EMI)
- Environmental protection requirements
- Cable flexibility
- Installation method
These requirements determine every aspect of the finished cable, including conductor configuration, number of pairs, insulation materials, shielding, armouring and outer jacket construction. This flexible approach enables us to manufacture bespoke instrumentation cables that meet your exact operational requirements rather than relying on standard off-the-shelf products.
Depending on the application and specification, our custom instrumentation cables can also be manufactured to relevant UL and CSA requirements, supporting projects where recognised North American cable standards are required.
Why choose Custom Designed Cables?
Whether you already have a detailed cable specification or require assistance developing a new instrumentation cable design, our engineering team can help.
Our excellent customer service and fast turnaround times are the cornerstone of the service we provide. We maintain constant communication with our clients throughout every project to ensure products are delivered on time and to the highest quality standards, even when working to challenging deadlines.
When you choose Custom Designed Cables, you benefit from:
- Over 20 years of cable manufacturing expertise
- Bespoke instrumentation cable design and manufacture
- ISO 9001:2015-certified quality management system
- UL and CSA-approved cable options, available where required
- Compliance with relevant cable industry standards
- Access to a comprehensive materials and component library
- Free technical consultation and advice
- Fast turnaround times
- Dedicated customer service throughout your project
Whether you require a prototype, modifications to an existing cable design or volume production, we can manufacture instrumentation cables tailored to your exact application.
Frequently asked questions about instrumentation cables
What is an instrumentation cable?
Instrumentation cables are specialist cables designed to transmit low-voltage control, monitoring and measurement signals between instruments, sensors and control equipment. They’re commonly used where accurate, reliable signal transmission is essential.
What are instrumentation cables used for?
Instrumentation cables are widely used in process control systems across industries including oil and gas, chemical processing, power generation, manufacturing, water treatment, aerospace and medical equipment. They are used wherever monitoring, measurement and control systems require dependable signal transmission.
Can instrumentation cables be customised?
Yes. At Custom Designed Cables, we specialise in designing and manufacturing bespoke instrumentation cables. Every cable can be tailored to your project’s electrical, mechanical and environmental requirements, including conductor configuration, shielding, armouring, insulation materials and jacket construction.
What’s the difference between armoured and unarmoured instrumentation cables?
Armoured instrumentation cables incorporate an additional protective layer that provides increased mechanical protection for demanding environments. Unarmoured cables are often suitable for installations where this additional protection is not required and greater flexibility is preferred.
Why is shielding important in instrumentation cables?
Instrumentation cables often carry sensitive low-voltage signals that can be affected by electromagnetic interference (EMI). Appropriate shielding helps maintain signal integrity and reliable system performance, particularly within electrically noisy industrial environments.
How do I choose the right instrumentation cable?
The correct instrumentation cable depends on factors such as the operating environment, signal type, installation method, shielding requirements and mechanical protection needed. Our engineering team can help specify the most appropriate bespoke cable solution for your application.
Get a quote for your instrumentation cables
Contact us today to request a quotation or discuss your project with our engineering team.
