Understanding the Different Types of Commercial Cables

Commercial and industrial steel cables must be strong, durable and flexible to withstand continual long-term use. The steel wires are twisted into a helix around a core, creating a high-strength cable that can handle forces from various applications.

Stainless steel and galvanized steel offer the properties needed for rugged applications and harsh environments. Learn more about the types of commercial cables and their benefits to make an informed decision about which one will best serve your application.

What Are the Different Types of Commercial Cables?

Stainless steel and galvanized steel cables offer different benefits and considerations based on their construction.

Stainless Steel Cables

Stainless steel is an iron and chromium alloy. The chromium adds strength and corrosion resistance, making stainless steel an ideal cable material for outdoor applications. The amount of chromium in the steel determines its grade — the higher the grade, the stronger and more durable the steel. Other elements, like nickel, can be added to enhance corrosion resistance and tensile strength.

Stainless steel is also:

Resistant to high temperatures.
Easy to clean and sanitize.
Versatile, with many grades for different applications.
Aesthetically appealing with a clean, modern look.

Stainless steel tends to cost more than other cable materials. Some grades have magnetic properties that may interfere when used in electronic and magnetic-sensitive environments, while other grades are prone to wear when exposed to friction.

Galvanized Steel Cables

Galvanized steel has a zinc coating. While less resistant to corrosion and rust than stainless steel, galvanized steel offers sufficient strength and an acceptable lifespan for many applications, particularly those in dry, indoor environments. The zinc coating can offer friction tolerance in some situations.

Galvanized steel can be beneficial for many applications with budgetary concerns, but the zinc coating does have some limitations. It is susceptible to wear and damage, leading to rust and shorter lifespans.

Applications for Industrial Wire and Cable Types

Stainless steel and galvanized steel cables are suited to many mechanical applications due to their strength and resiliency. To ensure reliable performance, these cables often need to meet Military Specifications (MIL-SPEC), American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) specifications or International Organization for Standardization (ISO) requirements.

Stainless Steel Cable Applications

Stainless steel cables are integral for commercial and industrial applications like:

Marine products: Stainless steel offers exceptional corrosion resistance, making it ideal for boating push-pull throttle cables, lift cables and battery cables.
Medical devices: Easy to sanitize and extremely durable, stainless steel cables for the medical field meet stringent requirements and support optimal patient outcomes.
Aircraft: These cables offer a variety of benefits for aircraft applications, including weather resistance, reliability, high tensile strength and long-lasting performance.
Recreational sports: From hunting and fishing to zip lining and biking, stainless steel cables for sporting equipment provide the corrosion-resistant and durable operation needed for safe and enjoyable recreation.

Galvanized Steel Cable Applications

Galvanized steel cables can support a range of applications, including:

Theater rigging: Galvanized steel cables work well in dry, indoor environments like theaters, enabling stage crews to suspend lights, scenery and other equipment.
Guy wires: The zinc coating enables galvanized steel cables to support outdoor structures with reasonable corrosion resistance and stability.
Towing cables: Galvanized steel cables offer some abrasion resistance for towing vehicles and equipment. When they wear down, they are cost-effective to replace.

Applications for Both Stainless Steel and Galvanized Steel Cables

Both stainless steel and galvanized steel cables can be used for industries like:

Automotive: These cable types are lightweight and dependable, assisting with a variety of functions to ensure smooth operation.
Construction: Stainless steel and galvanized steel cables can support construction projects with varying advantages, depending on whether the application is indoors or outdoors.
Furniture creation: Movable furniture can benefit from both cable types. Stainless steel and galvanized steel make movements smooth, flexible and secure.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Mechanical Cables

The best cable for your application will depend on factors like durability and weather resistance. You must also consider the cable's size and construction to determine which material and grade will be most beneficial.

1. Durability

Consider the movement and abrasion that occur during your application to select a cable that can handle the friction, bending and load. Stainless steel cables are generally more durable than galvanized steel cables. Galvanized steel cables still offer sufficient strength and durability for many applications, making them a cost-effective option depending on your needs. The higher the grade, the more durable the cable typically is.

The cable's size and core material also affect durability. Size refers to how many strands are in a cable and how many wires are in a strand. The higher the wire count, the more flexible the cable will be, while the lower the wire count, the more durable the cable will be. Fiber cores are more flexible, while a wire strand core or an Independent Wire Rope Core (IWRC) offers more strength and crush resistance.

2. Conductivity

If your application requires electrical conductivity and grounding, galvanized steel is an option. Steel is a decent conductor of electricity, and the thin zinc coating on galvanized steel further enhances its conductivity. While other metals are better conductors, galvanized steel offers higher strength and lower costs. The chromium levels in stainless steel make it less conductive.

3. Weather Resistance

The zinc coating on galvanized steel gives it some protection against the weather, but it is possible for the coating to wear away over time, increasing the risk of damage and corrosion. This makes galvanized steel ideal for low-corrosion outdoor environments. Stainless steel is a more durable option for high-corrosion environments, such as those exposed to saltwater.

4. Safety Factor

The safety factor is a ratio that determines the cable's actual operating load compared to its strength. It denotes the maximum tensile load that a cable can hold before breaking while allowing extra room for factors that could place additional stress on the cable, such as friction, shock load or movement speed. The safety factor is calculated by dividing the breaking strength by the working load, so a cable with a 10,000-pound strength and a 2,000-pound working load has a safety factor of five.

Find Custom Steel Rope Cables at Motion Control Technologies

As a leader among control cable assembly manufacturers, we craft the customized industrial cables you need for your specific applications. We serve a variety of industries, ensuring your cables offer the efficiency and effectiveness you require within your environment. Learn more about our stainless steel cables and galvanized steel cables to find the right fit for your needs, or contact us online to discuss our custom assemblies.

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