Custom Cable FAQs
What is a custom cable?
What information do I need to start building a custom cable?
Do I have to start from scratch?
How much input do I get in making a custom cable?
Can I work directly with design engineers on custom cables?
Will a custom cable cost more?
Does a custom cable require large minimum buys?
How quickly can I get a custom cable?
Will having a custom cable impact our supply chain lead times?
What level of quality will a custom cable be?
Who do I talk to about my custom cable requirements?
What if I want to buy a small quantity of a special cable for first article engineering approval testing?
Are custom cables manufactured domestically?
Will my custom cable design be protected or proprietary to me?
Why would I need a custom cable?
What is a custom cable?
A custom cable is exactly what it sounds like — a cable built specifically for your application and needs. There may have been times that you have tried to source a cable that meets your needs that is also readily available, and you come up empty-handed. Your question may be-how can I get a cable that will meet my needs? At this point, you may want to consider a custom cable. We’ve designed this article to touch on some of the basic questions and answers that you may have when considering a custom cable.
What information do I need to start building a custom cable?
Creating a custom cable requires up-front work, but the end result will be a cable that meets your application and needs. Here are some of the questions that we may ask you during the initial concept design phase.
- Details of your application-where it is being used
- Environmental conditions that the cable is exposed to
- Essential application features
- Voltage
- Temperature range or temperature exposed to
- Agency approvals required
- Motion requirements: stationary, continuous flex, torsional flex, bending flex/flexible
- Cosmetic: round cable, specific jacket color, special print legend, logo
- Ingress Protection (IP rating)
- EMI shielding considerations
- Pressure extruded vs. tubed jacket
The main driver for a custom cable is your specific application and your pain points will determine the components are needed in your cable.
Do I have to start from scratch?
Absolutely not. If your current cable doesn’t satisfy your needs, sometimes a few changes to an existing standard cable will make the difference for you. Here are some ways to change an existing cable:
- Increasing the flexibility of the jacket
- Changing the jacket insulation
- Adding additional conductors
- Adding filler, tapes, wrap
- Minimize cables
- Change shielding
How much input do I get in making a custom cable?
Your input is our number one priority, as this cable is being manufactured to meet your application, and is specific to you. From the initial conception of the cable, your input and end result will remain our number one goal.
Can I work directly with design engineers on custom cables?
Most definitely! You can work with our design engineers when customizing your cable. All parties involved want a cable that will meet or exceed your expectations, and by working with engineering, it is possible that we can uncover solutions that possibly hadn’t occurred to you.
Will a custom cable cost more?
The answer depends on what your current needs are, and how a custom cable will fit into your product mix. A custom cable may reduce your inventory and SKU numbers, saving time, space, money, and install labor costs.
Does a custom cable require large minimum buys?
We work with our manufacturers to provide you with a cable that will satisfy your needs. We understand that there are instances when you may need a small prototype run. We work with you and the manufacturer to come up with the best manufacturing run to meet your needs.
How quickly can I get a custom cable?
Every situation is different depending on your complexity. Lapp Tannehill has partnered with numerous cable manufacturers to provide the best solution for you. There may be an initial lead time while the first production run is being manufactured, but we will work with you to decrease any impact on your production.
Will having a custom cable impact our supply chain lead times?
There may be an initial lead time while the first production run is being manufactured. Lapp Tannehill will manage inventory for you to ensure that you have adequate stock on hand at all times.
What level of quality will a custom cable be?
Your custom cable will be of the highest quality. We only work with custom cable manufacturers that have a track record of high-quality products. Our manufacturers provide any test reports, PPAP, FAI that you require. If possible, please let us know this information at the front end of the design.
Who do I talk to about my custom cable requirements?
You can talk to any of our technical sales reps, and/or fill out our custom cable form to get the process started. Our technical sales reps will reach out to you to get additional information.
What if I want to buy a small quantity of a special cable for first article engineering approval testing?
We understand that, depending on your situation, you may require a small quantity cable run for engineering approval. Lapp Tannehill will work with our manufacturing sources to come up with the best solution to meet your needs.
Are custom cables manufactured domestically?
Yes, Lapp Tannehill has partnered with numerous manufacturers that produce custom cables in the USA.
Will my custom cable design be protected or proprietary to me?
Yes, your custom cable will be your proprietary cable. A special part number will be assigned to the cable, making it solely yours, and will not be sold to anyone else without your permission.