--- title: Why Use A Jacketed Cable In Your Assembly? description: Choose the right cable jacket for your assembly based on environment, NEC requirements, flexibility, sterilization, fluids, and identification. image: https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/jacketed-cable-assembly.jpg --- [![Epec Engineered Technologies](https://www.epectec.com/images/logo.png "Epec Engineered Technologies")](https://www.epectec.com/) [![Epec Engineered Technologies](https://www.epectec.com/images/logo.png "Epec Engineered Technologies")](https://www.epectec.com/) - [Articles](https://www.epectec.com/articles/) - [Blog](https://blog.epectec.com/) - [Webinars](https://www.epectec.com/webinar/) - [Videos](https://www.epectec.com/videos/) - [Case Studies](https://www.epectec.com/case-studies/) - [News & Events](https://www.epectec.com/news/) - [Customer Portal](https://system.netsuite.com/c.406760/site/NSlogin.html) - [About](https://www.epectec.com/about/overview/) - Back - [Company Overview](https://www.epectec.com/about/overview/) - [Our History](https://www.epectec.com/about/our-history/) - [Culture](https://www.epectec.com/about/culture/) - [Industries Served](https://www.epectec.com/about/industry/) - [Acquisitions](https://www.epectec.com/about/acquisitions.html) - [Operations](https://www.epectec.com/operations/) - Back - [Operational Excellence](https://www.epectec.com/operations/) - [Quality Philosophy](https://www.epectec.com/operations/quality-philosophy.html) - [Quality Assurance Process](https://www.epectec.com/operations/quality-assurance-process.html) - [Global Operations](https://www.epectec.com/operations/global-operations.html) - [Logistics & Supply Chain](https://www.epectec.com/operations/logistics-and-supply-chain.html) - [Inventory Stocking](https://www.epectec.com/operations/inventory-stocking.html) - [Approvals](https://www.epectec.com/operations/approvals.html) - [ITAR Registered](https://www.epectec.com/operations/itar-registered.html) - [Engineering](https://www.epectec.com/engineering/overview/) - Back - [Engineering Overview](https://www.epectec.com/engineering/overview/) - [Engineering Support](https://www.epectec.com/engineering/support/) - [Design Services](https://www.epectec.com/engineering/design-services/) - [EpecDFx™](https://www.epectec.com/engineering/epecdfx/) - [Free DFM File Check](https://www.epectec.com/engineering/free-dfm.html) - [PCB Impedance Calculator](https://www.epectec.com/engineering/impedance-calculator.html) - [Products](https://www.epectec.com/products/) - Back - [Overview](https://www.epectec.com/products/) - [Battery Packs](https://www.epectec.com/batteries/) - [Flex & Rigid-Flex PCBS](https://www.epectec.com/flex/) - [Cable Assemblies](https://www.epectec.com/cable-assemblies/) - [Printed Circuit Boards](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/) - [CNC Machining](https://www.epectec.com/cnc-machining/) - [User Interfaces](https://www.epectec.com/user-interfaces/) - [Flexible Heaters](https://www.epectec.com/flexible-heaters/) - [EC Fans & Motors](https://www.epectec.com/fans-motors/) - [Design Guides](https://www.epectec.com/guides/) - [Design Guides](https://www.epectec.com/guides/) - Back - Resources - Back - [Articles](https://www.epectec.com/articles/) - [Blog](https://blog.epectec.com/) - [Webinars](https://www.epectec.com/webinar/) - [Videos](https://www.epectec.com/videos/) - [Case Studies](https://www.epectec.com/case-studies/) - [News & Events](https://www.epectec.com/news/) - [Customer Portal](https://system.netsuite.com/c.406760/site/NSlogin.html) - [Contact Us](https://www.epectec.com/contact/) - Back - [Contact Information](https://www.epectec.com/contact/) - [Our Sales Team](https://www.epectec.com/contact/our-sales-team.html) - [Office Locations](https://www.epectec.com/contact/office-locations.html) - [Career Opportunities](https://www.epectec.com/contact/career-opportunities.html) - [InstantPCB*Quote*™](https://www.epectec.com/instantpcbquote/) - Back - [Overview](https://www.epectec.com/instantpcbquote/) - [Login](https://secure.epecpcb.com/epec/) - [Register](https://secure.epecpcb.com/epec/index2.jsp) - [Home](https://www.epectec.com/) - [Blog](https://blog.epectec.com/) - Why Use A Jacketed Cable In Your Assembly? Share This Page: [LinkedIn](https://blog.epectec.com/#linkedin) [X](https://blog.epectec.com/#x) [Facebook](https://blog.epectec.com/#facebook) [Email](https://blog.epectec.com/#email) # Why Use A Jacketed Cable In Your Assembly? [![Epec Engineered Technologies](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog-Authors/epec-logo.jpg "Epec Engineered Technologies")](https://blog.epectec.com/author/epec-engineered-technologies) Written by [Epec Engineered Technologies](https://blog.epectec.com/author/epec-engineered-technologies) Posted on May 3, 2017 at 1:06 PM ![Epec Engineered Technologies](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog-Authors/epec-logo.jpg "Epec Engineered Technologies") Find me on: [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/epectec) [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/epec-engineered-technologies) [Twitter](https://twitter.com/epectec) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) A cable jacket serves more than a cosmetic purpose. In many applications, it is a critical design element that affects durability, safety, regulatory compliance, environmental protection, and installation requirements. Whether an assembly is used in a commercial building, industrial environment, medical device, or office setting, selecting the appropriate cable jacket material helps protect the internal [conductors](https://blog.epectec.com/cable-assembly-conductor-options-101) while supporting the performance requirements of the application. **The need for a jacketed cable is typically determined by three primary considerations:** - Environmental conditions - Safety and regulatory requirements - Appearance and identification needs ## What Is a Cable Jacket? The outer covering that surrounds a cable is commonly referred to as a cable jacket, sheath, or overall covering. Its primary function is to provide protection for the internal cable components. ![Example of a Jacketed Cable](https://blog.epectec.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/jacketed-cable-assembly.jpg?width=800&name=jacketed-cable-assembly.jpg "Example of a Jacketed Cable") Example of a Jacketed Cable Assembly Various approaches can be used to protect [cable assemblies](https://www.epectec.com/cable-assemblies/), including looms, wraps, shrinkable tubing, and non-shrinkable tubing. For the purposes of cable jacket construction, the source focuses on materials applied through an extrusion process to form an overall protective sheath around the cable. Because the jacket is the outermost layer of the assembly, it serves as the first line of defense against environmental and mechanical exposure. ## Why Installation Environment Matters The operating environment often determines whether a jacketed cable is required and what type of jacket material should be selected. A cable assembly installed inside a wall cavity, routed through a wire chase, placed in a plenum space, or used in an office environment may be subject to different material requirements. Selecting the [proper jacket material](https://blog.epectec.com/essential-materials-in-crafting-high-quality-custom-cables) helps ensure that the cable assembly is suitable for the intended installation. ## Flame Retardance and Safety Requirements One important function of a cable jacket is flame suppression. The jacket material must provide the level of [flame-retardant performance](https://blog.epectec.com/cable-assemblies-flammability-test) required for the installation environment. Because different installation locations present different safety considerations, jacket selection is often driven by application-specific requirements rather than appearance alone. ## Designing Cable Assemblies Around NEC Requirements Cable assemblies should be designed in accordance with applicable codes and standards governing electrical installation safety. In the United States, the [National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)](http://www.nfpa.org/) publishes the National Electrical Code (NEC), which provides guidance for the safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment. Although the NEC is not a federal law, it is commonly adopted by states and municipalities as the basis for electrical safety requirements. The NEC defines both electrical construction expectations and operational characteristics intended to support safe product installation and use. ## Matching Jacket Materials to the Installation The installation environment plays a direct role in material selection. For example, a cable intended for use in a plenum area may require different jacket materials than a cable installed in an electronics chassis. Certain wire are types are engineered for that specific use case, whereas other more traditional hook-up wires can be used in a variety of common applications. Because installation requirements vary, jacket material selection should be evaluated alongside regulatory and environmental considerations. ## Addressing Conditions Beyond Standard Installations Some applications place demands on cable assemblies that extend beyond those described by the NEC. ### Medical Applications and Sterilization Requirements Medical environments can impose unique requirements on cable jacket materials. In some applications, an assembly may need to withstand a [single sterilization cycle or repeated sterilization cycles](https://blog.epectec.com/cable-assembly-sterilization-techniques-for-medical-devices). When sterilization resistance is required, the selected jacket material depends on the sterilization method being used. ### Flexibility and Temperature Requirements Even when multiple materials satisfy the same NEC requirements, they may provide different mechanical characteristics. The source notes that compounds meeting identical temperature ratings can offer varying levels of flexibility. If flexibility is a critical design requirement, manufacturers can select jacket compounds that provide the desired flexibility while remaining compliant with applicable installation requirements. ## How Cable Jackets Improve Assembly Protection A cable jacket provides an additional layer of protection for the internal wires and conductors within an assembly. Without a protective jacket, individual wires or wire pairs may become exposed to pinching, snagging, or contact with nearby equipment. These conditions can increase the likelihood of premature cable failure. ## Protection Against Fluids and Contaminants Cable jackets also help shield internal components from environmental exposure. **Depending on the application, assemblies may encounter:** - Cleaning fluids - Chemicals - Oils - Water A jacket designed to withstand these substances helps protect the cable assembly and connected components from corrosion, electrical shorts, and other damage that can result from environmental exposure. ## Cosmetic and Identification Benefits of Cable Jackets In addition to protection and compliance functions, cable jackets can contribute to the appearance and identification of cable assemblies. The material and application method used for the jacket can influence the finished appearance of the assembly. Available compounds can provide matte, dull, or glossy finishes depending on project requirements. The jacket can also conceal minor surface imperfections within the cable core, helping create a more uniform appearance. ### Color Coding and Product Identification Many cable jacket compounds can be [manufactured in custom colors](https://blog.epectec.com/defining-standard-wire-jacket-colors-in-cables). **This capability can be used to:** - Match equipment appearance - Match connector housings - Support corporate branding requirements - Differentiate multiple assemblies installed in the same location Color identification can simplify installation, maintenance, and assembly recognition when several similar cable assemblies are used together. ## Summary Cable jackets perform several important functions within a cable assembly. They help protect internal conductors from mechanical damage and environmental exposure, support compliance with installation requirements, contribute to flame-retardant performance, and improve overall durability. Jacket selection should be based on the intended installation environment, regulatory requirements, mechanical considerations such as flexibility and sterilization exposure, and any cosmetic or identification objectives associated with the finished assembly. In some applications a cable jacket provides additional convenience, while in others it is a fundamental requirement for safety and long-term performance. --- ## Key Takeaways - **Environmental and flame protection:** Cable jackets act as the first line of defense against harsh environments and provide critical flame retardance. Choosing the right jacket material ensures compliance with installation-specific requirements, whether in wall cavities, plenums, or office settings. - **Standards-driven design:** Cable assemblies must meet NEC guidelines and be tested by Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (UL, ETL, CSA, FM). The installation environment dictates the appropriate jacket materials, with stricter-rated compounds allowed to substitute into less demanding applications. - **Specialized applications:** Beyond NEC, certain industries demand unique jacket performance. For example, medical assemblies may require sterilization-resistant jackets, while other environments may need flexible compounds with specific temperature ratings. - **Safety benefits:** Jackets protect inner wires from pinching, fluids, and chemicals that can cause premature failure, corrosion, or shorts. They provide an added layer of durability and reliability to assemblies in mission-critical applications. - **Cosmetic and identification advantages:** Cable jackets improve aesthetics with matte, glossy, or custom finishes and can hide imperfections. 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