Motor Cables for Movement in Energy Chains

Q: What certifications do chainflex® cables carry?

chainflex® continuous flex cables meet global standards including UL, CE, EAC, NFPA 79, and cleanroom ISO Class 1. They also support major communication protocols such as PROFINET and PROFIBUS.

Q: How can cables reduce downtime in automation systems?

By using specialised designs for continuous flexing, chainflex® cables minimise insulation cracks, conductor breaks, and EMI issues. This means fewer cable failures, less machine downtime, and higher production efficiency.

Q: How do I calculate the service life of a chainflex® cable?

igus® provides free online tools including a service life calculator and cable configurator. These help you select the right cable and predict its performance in your specific application.

Q: Can I get free samples of igus® chainflex® cables?

Yes. Engineers and purchasing managers can request a free cable sample box to evaluate product performance before committing to larger orders.

Q: Can I get pre-assembled cables with connectors?

Yes. With the igus® readycable® service , cables can be ordered pre-harnessed with connectors from brands like Siemens, Beckhoff, Allen Bradley, and SEW, ready for plug-and-play installation.

Engineered for maximum reliability in demanding environments

We offer over 260 motor cable variants engineered for continuous movement in energy chains. Designed for reliable motor power supply, the range includes spindle and single-core cables, as well as cables with three-phase conductors (L1, L2, L3) with or without a protective earth (PE). Optimised insulation and shielding ensure low capacitance and maximum EMC performance. Our portfolio also includes medium-voltage and highly torsion-resistant motor cables. With bending radii as low as 7.5 × d, these cables handle tight spaces and high mechanical stress.

Benefits:

Proven to last for millions of cycles within e-chain® cable carriers
Built to meet the engineering demands of industrial applications
CE, NFPA, and CEI-certified for diverse applications
Designed to withstand continuous, high-speed motion in harsh environments
Tested in the igus® laboratory for millions of e-chain® cycles, with a service life guarantee of up to 4 years.
Most of our motor cables use high-performance TPE as the outer sheath, ideal for extreme temperatures from -35 °C to +90 °C in energy chain applications. This makes them well suited for both deep-freeze and high-temperature environments. TPE offers outstanding abrasion resistance, outperforming PVC and PUR, making it the preferred choice for demanding applications requiring maximum service life.

Browse chainflex® motor cables

igus chainflex CF31 cable cross-section with braided shielding and inner conductors.

PVC motor cables

For heavy duty applications
Flame retardant and silicon-free
UV resistance: Medium
Oil-resistant according to DIN EN 50363-4-1 and non oil-resistant variations available

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chainflex cable with braided shielding and twisted cores.

PUR motor cables

For extremely heavy duty applications
Oil-resistant according to DIN EN 50363-10-2
Halogen-free and flame retardant
Hydrolysis, coolant, notch and microbe-resistant

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igus chainflex CF35UL cable with braided shielding and twisted conductors.

TPE motor cables

For extremely heavy duty applications
Hydrolysis, microbe and UV-resistant
Flame retardant or halogen-free
Oil-resistant according to DIN EN 60811-404

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Single-core cables

Single-core cable designs are now an efficient alternative for large drives, offering key advantages over traditional four-core versions. A more cost-effective manufacturing process enables lower pricing, while the design itself is more robust and better suited to the limited installation space in energy chains, especially over long travels.

Smaller core diameters also simplify motor connections, although specialised mounting is required. With extensive experience in these applications, igus® provides the expertise and readily available products needed to deliver the right solution.

Single-core and multi-core cable compared with CF35 and CF130.

Applications with chainflex® cables

Cable in the forklift - a special challenge

An unusual application involves winding and unwinding cables on forklift masts via plastic rollers. The constant pulling and deflection place extreme strain on the cable stranding. After earlier issues, igus® collaborated with the customer to test a solution using specially bundle‑wound cores. This rope construction neutralises internal forces, eliminating corkscrew effects and core breakage. If you’re facing similar cable performance challenges, we can help find the right solution.

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Steel plates moving through a hot rolling mill with sparks and glowing metal.

Crane cable carrier in demanding environments

A company supplying steel rails to the international railway industry replaced festoon systems on its indoor and outdoor cranes to reduce both maintenance requirements and costs. The new energy chain systems are comprised of igus®' E4/4 heavy duty series cable carriers, aluminium guide troughs and chainflex® cables.

Cable management for high-bay warehouse operation

In the meat-processing industry, igus® readychain® cable carrier systems streamline storage and handling in high-bay warehouses, cutting installation time from three days to just four hours, minimising assembly errors, and reducing the risk of plant downtime, delivering reliable, efficient operation for complex storage-and-retrieval units.

Automated storage shuttle moving through aisles of blue bins in a food processing warehouse.

Cable carriers and cables for touch-free car wash systems

A leading car wash manufacturer delivers self-service, automatic, tunnel, and freestanding car wash systems, with its touch-free car wash being a customer favourite. This state-of-the-art system handles vehicles of all sizes, including large trucks and Hummers, using advanced software and reliable components.

Automated mic reel with no signal loss

The e-spool microphone reeler extends cables up to 30 m automatically from the ceiling, no manual work, no risk of cable damage. It eliminates slip rings (a common source of interference) using a twisterband system for smooth, uninterrupted signal transmission. Built-in safety features, special XLR cable with strain relief and auto-stop on exceptional load, protect both gear and operators.

e-spool with spring for stage technology as a complete set for up to 21 m cable.

Belt-driven units for automatic gates

In this application, chainflex® CF9 TPE control cables have a much longer service life than the cables previously used. These are safely guided by igus® energy chains cable carriers from the E2 micro family. Furthermore, the belt-drive units of the gates are equipped with tribologically optimised iglide® plastic plain bearings, which have reduced wear rate considerably.

Nuclear Power Plant Decommissioning

Decommissioning a nuclear power plant demands precise, reliable solutions. For dismantling 46-foot steel tanks, a milling cutter powered by igus® Series 28 E4/00 energy chain carriers ensured smooth operation in zigzag applications. Guiding chainflex® CF9 cables and hoses, this system delivered dependable power and fluid supply, proving the durability and reliability of igus® components in the most demanding environments.

chainflex in nuclear plant decommissioning

Control Cables in Composting Plant

igus® roller energy chains and chainflex® cables keep composting plants running reliably in extreme heat, humidity, and abrasive environments. The roller design minimises friction and wear, extending service life from annual replacements to over five years. Built for continuous flex and harsh conditions, these systems reduce downtime, cut maintenance, and ensure efficient, long-term operation.

Conveyor discharges compost into a pile at a compost plant, with a wheel loader beside it.

Pre-assembled energy supply for amusement park ride

With readychain®, igus® is assigned all the procurement logistics, from the purchase of all essential special parts to the safe, efficient delivery of the ready-to-install system on a fixed date. There is a number of reasons to opt for a pre-assembled cable carrier system in mechanical and plant automation. Manufacturing costs, sources of error and project planning costs are reduced, whilst reliability is increased.

Fairground water slide with a blue chute and gondola lift, with visitors in front.

Reliable cables solution in machining centres

igus® energy chain systems for large machining centres deliver reliable, high-speed energy and media supply over long travel distances. Pre-assembled readychain® solutions simplify installation, reduce downtime, and handle heavy loads with precision. These systems keep gantry machines running smoothly while protecting cables from wear, vibration, and contamination.

readycable chains arranged on a production line, with orange and black cables extending forward.

chainflex® cables in concrete manufacturing

A manufacturer with a five-axis CNC router available in four main styles. replaced cables with chainflex in their application. The cables had to be able to withstand heavy duty applications, and at the same time possess a high degree of flexibility. The replacement cables have been in place over 10 years.

High-speed roller door

The igus® Micro flizz® cable carrier system delivers reliable power and data supply in compact spaces, even at extreme speeds up to 6 m/s and in temperatures as low as −40°F. Pre-assembled with energy chain, guide channel, and cables, it ensures smooth, quiet, and lubrication-free operation while withstanding millions of cycles. Ideal for roller doors, long-travel, and high-acceleration applications, Micro flizz® helps engineers achieve long service life with minimal maintenance and reduced downtime.

e-chain cable carrier guiding cables inside an application on an echain system.

Robotic cable dress packs

chainflex® robotic cables are built for multi-axis motion, handling ±180° torsion every 3 feet with millions of cycles. Dress pack solutions with triflex® energy chains keep cables secure, guided, and protected in demanding robot applications.
Reduce downtime and extend robot life with cables designed specifically for dynamic robotic environments.

Yellow industrial robot arm with cable chains in a workshop, holding a tool head over a workbench.

Frequently asked questions regarding motor cables

An SY cable is used for applications where mechanical protection is required.

igus® does not produce SY cables, why? SY stands for steel wire braided, and the galvanised steel wire braid are not designed to withstand repeated bending or flexing as the steel braid can fracture or unravel over time.

Alternatively, we offer our e-chains® as mechanical protection. igus® also provide CY and YY cables.

chainflex® continuous flex cables meet global standards including UL, CE, EAC, NFPA 79, and cleanroom ISO Class 1. They also support major communication protocols such as PROFINET and PROFIBUS.

By using specialised designs for continuous flexing, chainflex® cables minimise insulation cracks, conductor breaks, and EMI issues. This means fewer cable failures, less machine downtime, and higher production efficiency.

Yes. Depending on the cable type, they are available with oil-resistant, UV-stable, flame-retardant, and halogen-free materials, making them suitable for harsh industrial environments.

igus® provides free online tools including a service life calculator and cable configurator. These help you select the right cable and predict its performance in your specific application.

Yes. Engineers and purchasing managers can request a free cable sample box to evaluate product performance before committing to larger orders.

Yes. With the igus® readycable® service, cables can be ordered pre-harnessed with connectors from brands like Siemens, Beckhoff, Allen Bradley, and SEW, ready for plug-and-play installation.

igus® offers more than 1,394 cable types, available with no minimum order quantity. You can order by the foot (or meter), and most ship within 24 hours.