What are the key parameters that need to be considered when choosing a suitable cable?
Selection guide for dynamic and drag chain cables
Choosing the right drag chain cable is critical for reliable and long-lasting power and data transmission in moving applications. Our selection table provides you with a structured overview of the key criteria to consider when making a selection.
Factors in selecting flexible cables & drag chain cables
Flexible cables are used in various applications, such as in drag chains with short travel distances & high cycles, long travel distances, or torsion-resistant cables for robotic applications as control or data cable.
- Robotic applications (e.g., torsion-capable cables)
- Drag chain cables with short or long travel distances (depending on cycle time and load)
- Data or control cables (for interference-free transmission in control systems and networks)
Tip: Define in advance whether your application primarily requires flexibility, signal quality, or durability.
Electrical properties are crucial when selecting drag chain cables. Key parameters include nominal voltage, test voltage, and operating peak voltage. Special requirements such as UL/cUL approval must also be considered, especially for international applications.
- Nominal voltage, test voltage, and operating peak voltage
- Is a special UL/cUL-approved voltage range required?
Practical example: UL/cUL approval for cables is often essential for exporting machines to the North American market.
To ensure long service life under demanding conditions, drag chain cables must be mechanically robust and resistant to environmental influences. Important factors include bending radius, temperature resistance, and protection against ozone, UV, oil, chemicals, and seawater.
- Bending radius (particularly small bending radii for tight installation)
- Temperature resistance (from -50 °C to +200 °C)
- Ozone and UV resistance (for use in harsh environments)
- Oil, chemical, and saltwater resistance
Note: The harsher the environment, the more important high-quality sheathing materials are.
The expected service life of drag chain cables is influenced by dynamic loads. Parameters such as acceleration, travel speed, and chain length are essential for practical cable selection. The table compares typical values to help estimate durability.
- Accelerations (5 m/s² to over 40 m/s²)
- Travel speeds (1 m/s to over 10 m/s)
- Chain lengths (5 m to over 25 m)
Rule of thumb: The higher the speed and acceleration, the more robust the cable must be.
Depending on the application, additional features or standards may be relevant. Low-capacitance cables are important for long transmission distances. Halogen-free cables meet stringent fire protection requirements. Shielded or twisted-pair cables ensure interference-free data transmission. Compliance with international standards such as UL, CSA, or CE guarantees reliable use worldwide.
- Low-capacity cables for long transmission distances
- Halogen-free cables for use in areas with high fire safety requirements
- Shielded cables or twisted pair construction for interference-free data transmission
- Standards and approvals (e.g., UL, CSA)
Overview and product links
Our selection table clearly compares all important parameters. Clicking on the products or points takes you directly to the product pages with technical details and downloads - for fast and accurate cable selection.
Individual consultation
If your requirements go beyond standard solutions, we will develop a customized special cable for you that is tailored precisely to your application. Your direct line to the SAB team.
| Cable type | SD 99 Eco | S 99 Eco | SD 99 C TP Eco | SD 200 | S 200 | SD 200 C | S 200 C | SD 200 C TP | SABdynamic 900 Data | SABdynamic 900 Control | SABdynamic 905 Control | SABdynamic 905 Control C | SABdynamic 910 Data | SABdynamic 910 Control | S 180 HT | S 180 C HT | |
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Application of the cable | for robot applications |
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| for cable tracks/short travelling distance |
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| for cable tracks/long travelling distance |
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| for cable tracks/high dynamic |
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| Data cables |
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| Control cables |
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| Screened |
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| Twisted pair stranding |
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| Insulation and sheath material | SABIX®/PUR | ⬤ | ⬤ | ⬤ | ⬤ | ⬤ | ⬤ | ||||||||||
| TPE/PUR | ⬤ | ||||||||||||||||
| FEP/Besilen® | ⬤ | ||||||||||||||||
Temperature range fixed laying* | +200 °C |
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| +180 °C |
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| + 90 °C | ⬤ | ⬤ | ⬤ | ⬤ | ⬤ | ⬤ | ⬤ | ⬤ | ⬤ | ⬤ | ⬤ | ⬤ | ⬤ | ⬤ | |||
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Voltage | Peak operating voltage max. 350 V |
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| Nominal voltage 300/500 V |
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| Nominal voltage 0,6/1 kV |
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| Voltage cULus 300 V |
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| Voltage cULus 600 V |
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| Voltage cULus 1000 V | ⬤ | ⬤ | |||||||||||||||
| Testing voltage 1500 V |
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| Testing voltage 2000 V |
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| Testing voltage 4000 V |
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Characteristics, standards and approvals | Low capacity |
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| Flexible at low temperature |
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| PWIS uncritical** |
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| reduced carbon footprint | |||||||||||||||||
| Halogen-free acc. to IEC 60754-1 + VDE 0482-754-1 |
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| Fire performance: Flame retardant and self-extinguishing acc. to IEC 60332-1-2 + VDE 0482-332-1-2 |
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| Fire performance acc. to cULus FT1, FT2 |
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| cULus recognized |
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| Very good oil resistance acc. to EN 50363-10-2 + VDE 0207-363-10-2 |
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| Good chemical resistance |
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| Sunlight resistance acc. to HD 605 |
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| Ozone resistance acc. to DIN EN 50396 |
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| Salt water resistance acc. to UL 1309 |
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| PFAS free |
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Application of the cable | at acceleration values of up to 05 m/s² | ||||||||||||||||
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| up to 40 m/s² | |||||||||||||||||
| more than 40 m/s² | |||||||||||||||||
| at path feet rates of up to 01 m/s | |||||||||||||||||
| up to 03 m/s | |||||||||||||||||
| up to 10 m/s | |||||||||||||||||
| more than 10 m/s | |||||||||||||||||
| for cable tracks with a length of up to 05 m | |||||||||||||||||
| up to 10 m | |||||||||||||||||
| up to 25 m | |||||||||||||||||
| more than 25 m | |||||||||||||||||
| from to |
| for limited of use short-time use | * The temperature rangefor flexible application is mentioned on the corresponding catalogue page ** PWIS = paint-wetting impairment substances |
Download: Selection table for dynamic and highly flexible drag chain cables
Learn more about the applications of drag chain cables.
Frequently Asked Questions About Selecting Drag Chain Cables
The following FAQ section answers common questions that arise in real-world applications - ranging from travel distance and dynamics to speed and acceleration, as well as electrical properties and standards. All answers refer directly to the comparison table.
FAQ - Drag Chain Cables
For long travel distances (>25 m), drag chain cables are required that are designed to withstand continuous dynamic stress and high bending cycles. Key factors here include a robust cable construction, an abrasion-resistant outer sheath and a long service life under continuous movement. The selection table lists suitable cable types for different chain lengths.
Examples of suitable drag chain cables for chain lengths over 25 m include, for example: SD 200 C and SABdynamic 910 Contol.
For shorter travel distances, e.g. up to 10 m, other cable types listed in the table may also be used, depending on the speed and acceleration.
Note: For additional technical details, such as minimum bend radius, torsional flexibility, or number of conductors, please visit the respective product detail page. For special requirements, please contact our Team.
Highly dynamic applications require drag chain cables that are designed for very high bending cycles, small minimum bending radii, and rapid motion sequences. Key factors here include a permanently flexible construction, an abrasion-resistant outer sheath and a compact cable design.
Typical characteristics of high-dynamic drag chain cables include:
- extremely high long-term flexibility
- small minimum bending radius
- high resistance to abrasion and wear
- suitable for high accelerations and short cycle times
Examples of suitable cable types:
SD 200 - Highly flexible TPE/PUR data cable with a small outer diameter, suitable for applications involving extreme bending stresses, such as in high-bay warehouses and robotics
SABdynamic 900 Contol - Continuously flexible PUR control cable for drag chains subjected to high bending cycles and heavy mechanical stress
Note: The specific values for minimum bend radius, bend cycles, and temperature range vary by product and are listed on the respective product detail pages. For special requirements, please contact our team.
At high travel speeds, drag chain cables must be designed to be particularly durable and mechanically robust. Key factors include a compact cable construction, an abrasion-resistant outer sheath, and high resistance to repeated bending stress and high bending cycles.
The suitability of drag chain cables for high travel speeds depends largely on their mechanical design and the required operating life. The selection table lists cable types rated for speeds up to 1 m/s, up to 3 m/s, up to 10 m/s, and over 10 m/s. In addition, the classification into A (long service life), B (medium service life), and C (short service life) helps in selecting suitable cables for high-speed movements.
Suitable cables are characterized by, among other things:
- high long-term flexibility
- small minimum bending radii
- high abrasion resistance of the sheath material
- suitable for high bending cycles
Examples of suitable cable types:
SD 200 - highly flexible PUR data cable with a small outer diameter
SABdynamic 900 Control - permanently flexible PUR control cable for high mechanical stress
Note: The specific suitability is determined by the combination of speed, acceleration, and chain length. Detailed technical specifications can be found on the product detail pages. For special requirements, please contact our team.
High acceleration imposes special demands on the mechanical construction of drag chain cables. In addition to long-term flexibility, a robust conductor structure and a long service life under dynamic stress are crucial.
The selection table lists cable types rated for different acceleration ranges, such as up to 20 m/s², up to 40 m/s², and over 40 m/s². The additional classification into life cycles classes A, B, and C helps in selecting suitable cables for highly dynamic applications.
The S 200 and SD 200 are particularly well-suited for applications involving very high acceleration values exceeding 40 m/s². For special requirements, please contact our team.
The minimum bending radius is a critical factor in the operating life of drag chain cables, especially in confined installation spaces or with small drag chains. If the minimum bending radius is not maintained, this can lead to premature material wear and failures.
The comparison table is intended to help you narrow down suitable drag chain cables for dynamic applications. The exact specifications for the minimum bending radius are product-specific and can be found on the respective product detail pages.
Practical tip:
After selecting suitable cable types using the table, you should always verify that the minimum bend radius matches the actual installation space and chain radius. Please refer to the technical specifications on the product detail page for exact values. For special requirements, please contact our team.
Robotic systems require highly flexible, torsion-resistant, and permanently flexible cables that operate reliably even under high mechanical stress. A typical example is the SABdynamic 910 Data, a permanently flexible PUR data cable that:
- withstands torsion cycles of ±180°/m for more than 10 million cycles
- is resistant to oil and chemicals
- is halogen-free and flame-retardant
- is suitable for long travel distances and small bending radii
Note: For further technical details, such as minimum bend radius, temperature range, and construction, please refer to the SABdynamic 910 Data and SABdynamic 910 Contol documents. For special requirements, please contact our team.
For high ambient temperatures, drag chain cables made of heat-resistant materials are used. The table lists cable types with temperature ranges up to +90 °C, +125 °C, +180 °C, and +200 °C.
Examples of temperature-resistant drag chain cables designed for ambient temperatures up to +200 °C include, for example: S 180 HT and S 180 C HT.
- S 180 HT - a permanently flexible, high-temperature-resistant control cable with a Besilen® outer jacket. Suitable for ambient temperatures up to +180°C continuously and up to +200°C for short periods. Excellent flexibility and notch toughness make this cable ideal for drag chains in extreme conditions, such as in steel production.
- S 180 C HT - with full copper shielding and a Besilen® outer sheath
Technical Highlights:
- Conductor: tinned copper stranded wire, IEC 60228, Class 6
- Insulation: FEP
- Outer sheath: Special Besilen®
- Continuous flexibility: very good
- Minimum bending radius: 10 × d (continuous flexibility)
- Rated voltage: 0.6/1 kV, test voltage 4000 V
- Flame behavior: flame-retardant, self-extinguishing according to IEC 60332-1-2 + VDE 0482-332-1-2
Note: Choosing the right cable type depends on the required temperature resistance, travel speed, and chain length. For special requirements or custom colors/conductor cross-sections, please contact our team.
Low temperatures require cold-flexible drag chain cables whose sheath and insulation materials remain flexible even at low temperatures. In the table, the corresponding cable types are marked as cold-flexible.
Examples of cold-flexible hoses rated for temperatures down to -50 °C include SD 99 C ECO and S 200.
For special requests, please contact our team.
Control cables are used to transmit power and control signals, while data cables are designed to transmit digital or bus-based signals.
Control cables are typically rated for the following nominal voltages:
- 300/500 V
- 0,6/1 kV
- UL/cUL 300 V or 600 V
Data cables usually have a maximum operating peak voltage of 350 V. The designation as a control or data cable is clearly indicated in the table.
Examples of control cables include the S 200 and the SD 200 data cable.
For special requirements, please contact our team.
Shielded drag chain cables are used when electromagnetic interference needs to be reduced or sensitive signals need to be protected. Cables with overall shielding are clearly identified in the table. See table.
Shielded versions are particularly relevant for data cables and in EMC-critical environments. An example of a shielded drag chain cable is the SD 200 C TP.
For special requests, please contact our team.
The sheath material has a significant impact on the service life, mechanical strength and applications of drag chain cables. It protects the cable from abrasion, mechanical stress and environmental factors such as oils, chemicals, UV radiation and weather conditions.
PUR-sheathed drag chain cables are frequently used in dynamic applications involving high levels of movement. PUR sheaths are characterized in particular by:
- high abrasion resistance
- good resistance to oil and coolants
- high mechanical strength
- suitability for continuous dynamic applications
- good resistance to UV radiation and weather
Examples of PUR cables include the S 200,SD 99 Eco and SABdynamic 910 Data/Control.
For applications in environments contaminated with oil or chemicals, only cables with certified resistance to these media should be used. For outdoor use, UV- and weather-resistant jacket materials are also required.
For applications in the automotive industry or in paint shops, many of the listed drag chain cables are also labeled as PWIS-non-critical (free of substances that interfere with paint wetting). This property is indicated in the selection table.
Many of the drag chain cables listed in the selection table are also PFAS-free. This can be particularly relevant with regard to regulatory requirements and sustainability aspects. The corresponding designation is indicated in the table as well as on the product detail pages.
The selection table assists in the preliminary selection of suitable cable types for dynamic applications. However, specific resistance to media, oil, chemicals, or UV radiation is product-specific and is specified in the technical data on the respective product detail pages.
For special requirements, please contact our team.
Yes. The selection table lists numerous drag chain cables that are marked as halogen-free in accordance with IEC 60754-1 and VDE 0482-754-1. Halogen-free cables reduce the formation of corrosive and toxic gases in the event of a fire and are used in particular in safety-critical applications or enclosed spaces.
Examples of halogen-free drag chain cables from the table:
- S 99 Eco
- SD 200
- SABdynamic 900 Data
- SABdynamic 910 Control
These cables are also rated for dynamic applications in drag chains (service life classes A/B, depending on speed and acceleration).
Please refer to the respective product detail page for specific technical specifications. For special requirements, please contact our team.
Flame behavior is regulated on a product-specific basis and is specified in the table in accordance with standards.
Depending on the cable type, drag chain cables comply with, for example:
- IEC 60332-1-2 + VDE 0482-332-1-2 (flame-retardant and self-extinguishing)
- UL/cUL FT1, FT2
- cULus Approval
Example of a cable with flame-retardant properties according to IEC 60332-1-2:
Examples of drag chain cables with UL/cUL FT1, FT2:
For applications with specific fire safety requirements, please compare the applicable standards with the information provided on the product details page. For special requirements, please contact our team.
For outdoor use, UV- and ozone-resistant sheath materials are required. In the table, suitable cables are marked with the following standards:
- UV resistance according to HD 605
- Ozone resistance according to DIN EN 50396
- Saltwater resistance according to UL 1309
Examples of suitable cable types:
These cables are also classified for dynamic drag chain applications and depending on the type, can handle high travel speeds and accelerations.
For maritime or coastal applications, saltwater-resistant versions are also available. In the selection table, cables with saltwater resistance according to UL 1309 are marked accordingly. These cables are suitable for use in port facilities, offshore applications, or salty atmospheres.
Specific suitability for continuous outdoor use is indicated in the technical data for each product. For special requirements, please contact our team.
In dynamic machine applications, high oil resistance is critical to service life.
The selection table lists numerous cables with:
very good oil resistance in accordance with EN 50363-10-2 + VDE 0207-363-10-2
Examples of oil-resistant drag chain cables:
- S 99 Eco
- S 200
- SABdynamic 900 Data
- SABdynamic 910 Control
These cables combine oil resistance with high dynamic load capacity (service life class A across a wide range of speeds and accelerations).
The exact media compatibility, particularly with special hydraulic fluids or cooling lubricants, is documented on the product-specific detail page. For special requirements, please contact our team.
UL/cUL certification is particularly important for exports to the U.S. and Canada, as well as for mechanical engineering applications that require UL-certified cables. It confirms compliance with key safety standards regarding voltage, insulation, and flame resistance.
UL/cUL-certified cable types from our selection table:
SABdynamic 900 Data (Voltage UL/cUL 300 V)
SABdynamic 900 Control (Voltage UL/cUL 600 V)
SABdynamic 905 Control (Voltage UL/cUL 0,6/1 kV)
SABdynamic 910 Data (Voltage UL/cUL 300 V)
SABdynamic 910 Control (Voltage UL/cUL 600 V)
Features:
- UL/cUL approval with FT1 / FT2 flame resistance rating
- Suitable for dynamic use in drag chains
For detailed technical information on style, voltage range, and certification, please visit the product detail pages. For special requirements, please contact our team.