SY Cable - Steel Braided Screened Flexible Control Cable
Cable Services supply SY control cable - flexible PVC control cable with a transparent outer sheath and galvanised steel wire braid screen. Used in panel wiring, control systems, machine tools and industrial automation. Available from 0.5mm² to 25mm², multi-core configurations, cut to length at our Wrexham facility.
SY cable is a flexible PVC control cable with a galvanised steel wire braid screen and a transparent PVC outer sheath. The braid provides mechanical protection against abrasion and crushing, electrical screening against interference, and a degree of strain relief. SY cable is the workhorse control cable for UK panel builders, machine assemblers and industrial automation contractors. The transparent sheath lets installers verify core counts and screening at termination points.
SY Cable Stock Range
View Our SY Cable Stock - Sizes And Core Counts
- Conductor sizes: 0.5mm², 0.75mm², 1mm², 1.5mm², 2.5mm², 4mm², 6mm², 10mm², 16mm² and 25mm²
- Core counts: 2 core, 3 core, 4 core, 5 core, 7 core, 12 core, 18 core, 25 core and more
- Voltage rating: 300/500V
- Temperature range: -15°C to +80°C
- Identification: Numbered cores for higher counts, colour coded for low core counts
- Standard: Manufactured to general industry specifications based on VDE 0250
If the configuration you need is not on the shelf, our cable cutting service can cut to length from larger drums.
A Guide to SY Steel Braided Control Cable
SY cable is a flexible multicore PVC insulated control cable identified by its galvanised steel wire braid screen, used across UK industrial control panel building, machine tool wiring and automation projects. The cable is rated 300/500V to VDE 0250, operates between -15°C and +80°C, and is available in conductor sizes from 0.5mm² up to 25mm² with core counts from 2 to 25 and beyond. The steel braid serves a dual purpose - providing mechanical protection against abrasion, crushing and rodent damage, while also delivering electromagnetic screening against electrical interference. This combination of functions in a single cable is why SY is the most commonly specified control cable in UK industry.
Despite its name suggesting British origin, SY is a German VDE designation. The "S" stands for Stahl (steel) referring to the braid, and "Y" denotes PVC as both the insulation and the outer sheath material. The cable is manufactured to general industry specifications based on VDE 0250 rather than a UK British Standard - which has implications for fixed installation use under BS7671 (covered later on this page). For the vast majority of control panel and machine wiring applications, SY is the right choice. For pure EMC screening without mechanical concerns CY is lighter and more conductive; for unscreened internal panel wiring YY is the cost-effective option.
What Is SY Cable?
SY cable is a flexible PVC control cable distinguished by its galvanised steel wire braid screen. The construction is purpose-built for industrial control environments where cables face both mechanical stress and electrical interference.
How Is The Cable Constructed?
SY Cable Construction Explained
SY cable construction (from conductor outwards):
- Class 5 fine stranded copper conductors - delivering flexibility for installation in conduit, trunking and around bends
- PVC core insulation - numbered identification or colour coded depending on core count
- Inner PVC bedding - binds the cores together and provides a foundation for the braid
- Galvanised steel wire braid screen - delivers mechanical protection AND EMC screening in one layer
- Transparent PVC outer sheath - lets installers verify core counts and screening at terminations
Important: The steel wire braid is a screen, not a circuit protective conductor. It must not be used as the CPC in an installation - a dedicated earth core within the cable must be used.
Where Is SY Cable Used?
Standard UK Industrial Control Applications
SY cable is the standard flexible control cable for UK industrial control installations. Typical applications include:
- Control panel internal and external wiring
- Machine tool wiring and CNC equipment
- Assembly line and conveyor control wiring
- Process plant instrumentation
- Building management systems
- Mobile machinery and equipment where mechanical protection is needed
Where SY Should NOT Be Used
SY cable is not suitable for every installation type. Avoid using SY for:
- Direct burial in ground - use SWA armoured cable instead
- Outdoor use without protection - PVC sheath is not UV resistant
- Continuous flexing applications - use a dedicated continuous flex cable
- Fixed wiring in domestic installations - use twin and earth or 6491X instead
BS7671 Compliance Gap: IET guidance explicitly discourages the use of SY, YY and CY cables in fixed installations under BS7671. SY is appropriate for control panel and machine wiring, not for general fixed building wiring.
SY, YY or CY - Which Control Cable Do You Need?
SY vs CY vs YY Comparison Table
The SY, YY and CY family share the same flexible PVC insulated construction but differ in screening and protection.
| Feature | YY Cable | CY Cable | SY Cable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen | None | Tinned copper wire braid | Galvanised steel wire braid |
| Mechanical Protection | Low | Low (braid is for screening only) | High |
| EMC Screening | None | High (best for HF) | Good (some HF loss) |
| Outer Sheath | Grey PVC | Grey PVC | Transparent PVC |
| Typical Use | Internal panel wiring, no EMC risk | VSD output, instrumentation | General industrial control |
In practice SY is the most common choice for general industrial control work because the steel braid covers both mechanical and screening requirements in one cable.
See our YY cable and CY cable pages for the unscreened and copper-screened alternatives.
Your Trade Supplier For SY Control Cable
Cable Services hold extensive stock of SY control cable in every standard conductor size from 0.5mm² up to 25mm², in core counts from 2 core right through to 25 core and beyond. Our cable cutting service at Wrexham means you can order the exact length and core configuration you need without buying a full drum. Stock is held across six UK branches with same-day despatch in most cases. Whether you are wiring a small control panel or a multi-machine production line, we supply the cable, the supporting glands and accessories, and the technical specification support to confirm the right product for the job.
Explore our full low voltage cable range for related products, or contact our team for a same-day trade price quote on your SY cable requirement.
Need SY Cable For A Panel Build Or Control Project?
Send us your cable schedule with core counts and conductor sizes. We will check stock across all six UK branches, cut the lengths you need from the drum at Wrexham, and despatch the same day in most cases. Trade accounts welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does SY cable stand for?
SY is a German VDE designation for flexible PVC control cable with a steel wire braid screen. The "S" denotes Stahl (German for steel) referring to the steel braid, and "Y" denotes PVC as the insulation and sheath material.
Can SY cable be buried direct?
No. SY cable is not rated for direct burial. For underground runs use SWA armoured cable instead - the steel wire braid on SY is for mechanical and EMC protection, not direct burial.
Can the SY braid be used as an earth?
No. The steel wire braid on SY cable is a screen, not a circuit protective conductor. A dedicated earth core within the cable must be used as the CPC, not the braid.
What is the difference between SY and HO5VV-F?
HO5VV-F is a basic PVC sheathed flexible cable without screening or braid - similar to a household appliance flex. SY is heavier duty, has a steel wire braid for mechanical and EMC protection, and is designed for industrial control installations rather than domestic appliances.
Can you cut SY cable to length?
Yes. We cut SY cable to the exact length you need on our automatic winding and measuring machine at Wrexham. Order the length and core count you need, and we will cut from the drum.
Cable Services supply a wide range of products from leading brands, click here to see a sample range of cables that can offer:
Contact Us
For further details on our products and services please get in touch.
Tel: + 44 (0) 1978 340 450
Email: sales@cableservices.co.uk
Cable Cutting Service
We have invested in an automatic winding and measuring cable cutting machine at our Wrexham facility. This £90,000 investment reflects our commitment to offering an economically valuable and highly efficient service for our valued customers.
We are known for providing tailored solutions that meet the exact needs of our customers. We recognise the growing demand for a flexible service that eradicates waste and delivers cost efficiencies. The efficiency and precision of this new machine support the industry’s commitment to operational sustainability and allow us to pass on cost savings to our customers.
