Leading PVC cable manufacturer
At Custom Designed Cables, we design and manufacture custom PVC cables for low to medium voltage applications across a wide range of industries. With over 20 years of cable manufacturing expertise, we build bespoke PVC cables from scratch, and modify and enhance standard constructions, to suit your exact electrical, mechanical and environmental requirements.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) insulated and jacketed cables provide a flexible and cost-effective solution for many cable applications. Their combination of durability, safety, insulation performance, flexibility and versatility makes PVC cables one of the most widely specified cable types for power, control, signal and data transmission.
Bespoke PVC cables, made to your specification
Standard PVC cables suit many applications, but we specialise in what comes next: cables designed around your exact requirements. Our engineering team can help in two ways:
Completely bespoke PVC cables
We design and manufacture PVC cables from scratch, tailoring conductor size, insulation, jacket colour, cable construction and other design features to your application’s electrical, mechanical, environmental and regulatory compliance requirements.
Modified and enhanced standard constructions
If a standard PVC cable almost does the job, we can adapt it, for example by using a different PVC grade for higher or lower operating temperatures, changing the conductor or core configuration, or choosing a bespoke jacket colour.
Whether you need a prototype, a modification to an existing design or volume production, we can manufacture custom PVC cables tailored to your application.
PVC cable construction
PVC cables typically consist of several layers that work together to provide electrical performance and mechanical protection.
The cable construction generally includes:
Conductor
A conductor, usually manufactured from copper or aluminium, which carries electrical power or signals.
PVC insulation
Individual PVC insulation around each conductor to prevent short circuits and electrical leakage.
PVC outer sheath
A durable PVC outer sheath that protects the cable against physical damage, moisture and chemical exposure.
This combination of insulation and protection makes PVC cable a reliable and safe solution for a broad range of fixed and flexible installations. And with the possibility of complete cable customisation with PVC cable specialists like CDC, even more potential installations and applications can be covered.
Benefits of PVC cables
PVC remains one of the most commonly specified cable materials because it offers an excellent balance between performance, durability, versatility and cost.
Our custom PVC cables offer:
- Cost-effective cable construction
- Excellent electrical insulation properties
- Good chemical stability and resistance
- Strong abrasion resistance
- Moisture resistance
- Inherent flame-retardant properties (although PVC does produce smoke when a flame is applied)
- Good flexibility for installation
- A wide range of operating temperature options
- Bespoke cable jacket colour options to suit your application
Applications for PVC cables
PVC cables are used throughout numerous industries where reliable low to medium voltage cable performance is required. In particular, because PVC provides excellent protection for the conductors beneath the outer sheath, this cable construction is widely used in both power transmission and signal transmission applications.
Some common applications include:
- Domestic electrical wiring
- Industrial automation systems
- Electronic equipment
- LAN, Ethernet and data cables
- Internal machine wiring
- Power supply cables
- External cable installations
- Control systems
- Military and defence cable applications
Temperature performance and specialist PVC grades
Custom PVC cable can be manufactured using different grades of insulation to suit specific operating environments. Our range includes:
General purpose flexible PVC
Operating temperature: -15°C to +70°C
Suitable for many standard industrial and commercial cable applications.
Heat-resistant PVC
Operating temperature: -15°C to +105°C
Designed for applications requiring increased temperature resistance while maintaining flexibility and durability.
Arctic grade PVC
Operating temperature: -40°C to +70°C
Developed for installations operating in extremely cold environments where standard PVC materials may not be suitable.
PVC cables for defence applications
Because of its favourable properties, including flexibility, durability, superior insulation and cost-effectiveness, PVC is widely used within many military cable products. For example, defence cables (Def Stan cables), including equipment wires manufactured to BS4808 Defence Standard 61-12 Part 6 and multicore cables manufactured to Def Stan 61-12 Parts 4 and 5, commonly utilise PVC as part of their construction.
Where appropriate, we manufacture bespoke PVC cable solutions that comply with all relevant industry and customer standards, including major global frameworks like IEC 60502-1 for low-voltage power and British Standards like BS 6004 (building wiring), for example.
Why choose Custom Designed Cables?
As a specialist PVC cable manufacturer, we produce a wide range of bespoke cable constructions using PVC insulation and sheath materials, designed from scratch or developed by modifying and enhancing standard constructions.
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 work with Custom Designed Cables, you benefit from:
- Over 20 years of cable manufacturing expertise
- Bespoke PVC cable design and manufacture
- Full adherence to applicable cable industry standards
- Access to a comprehensive material and component library
- Free technical consultation and advice
- Fast turnaround times
- High-quality UK manufacturing
- Dedicated customer service throughout your project
Whether you require a prototype, modifications to an existing design or volume production, our engineering team can manufacture custom PVC cables tailored to your exact application.
Frequently asked questions about PVC cables
What is PVC cable used for?
PVC cable is commonly used for low to medium voltage electrical applications, including domestic wiring, industrial automation, machine wiring, power supply cables, electronics, LAN cables and data communication systems. Its combination of good insulation, durability, versatility and cost-effectiveness makes it one of the most widely used cable types across multiple industries, whether in fixed wiring or flexible installations.
Can PVC cables be customised?
Yes. At Custom Designed Cables, we specialise in manufacturing custom PVC cables to meet your exact requirements. We can tailor conductor size, insulation, jacket colour, cable construction and other design features to suit your application’s electrical, mechanical, environmental and regulatory compliance requirements.
Can you modify a standard PVC cable?
Yes. If a standard PVC cable doesn’t quite meet your needs, we can modify and enhance the construction, for example by changing the PVC grade, conductors, core configuration or jacket colour. We can also design a completely new PVC cable from scratch if no standard construction is suitable.
What are the advantages of PVC cables?
PVC cables offer excellent insulation properties, moisture resistance, chemical resistance and abrasion resistance while remaining cost-effective and easy to install. They’re also inherently flame retardant and can be manufactured in a wide variety of constructions to suit different electrical and mechanical requirements.
Are PVC cables suitable for outdoor use?
Many PVC cables are suitable for outdoor installations because the outer PVC sheath provides good protection against moisture, abrasion, chemicals, UV radiation and many environmental conditions. However, suitability depends on the specific installation environment, so selecting the correct cable construction is important for long-term performance. It’s also important to check your PVC cabling for signs of cracking or damage.
How long do PVC cables last?
The lifespan of a PVC cable depends on its operating environment, installation method and exposure to mechanical or environmental stresses. In many applications, correctly specified and installed PVC cables can provide reliable performance for 20 to 30 years or more.
Are PVC cables heat resistant?
Standard PVC cables are available in different grades depending on the operating environment. Our range includes general purpose PVC, heat-resistant PVC rated up to +105°C and Arctic grade PVC capable of operating in temperatures as low as -40°C.
PVC is inherently fire-retardant due to its chlorine content. It will burn under certain conditions, but it can rarely sustain a flame, meaning PVC can prevent fire spread in many different cases. Our range of PVC cabling can help you find the best option no matter the temperature you’re operating in, but we also have a range of fire-resistant cables, which may be more appropriate for your project.
Get a quote for your PVC cables
Contact us today to discuss your PVC cable requirements and request a quote.
