In today’s highly automated industrial landscape, cabling does far more than simply transmit power. It serves as a critical link between electrical systems, production equipment and data infrastructure, ensuring that processes remain connected, controlled and safe. A single cabling failure or incorrect specification can stop an entire production line, resulting in costly downtime and operational disruption. With the increasing adoption of automated and digital systems across manufacturing, the need for high-spec, compliant cabling has never been greater. Structured cabling solutions help provide a scalable, organised framework that makes networks easier to manage and future-proof as facilities evolve.
What types of cables are used across industry?
Rapid offers a wide range of high-performing industrial cable solutions to meet the requirements of modern manufacturing and processing environments. This includes power and control cables for machinery and plant systems, data and signal cables for monitoring and communication functions, and flexible cords and multicore wiring for internal panel connections and moving assemblies. For harsh operating conditions, we also stock high-temperature or chemical-resistant cables as well as armoured and screened cabling that provides additional mechanical and EMC protection.
As industry evolves, cable specifications are increasingly application-driven - which is why we supply trusted brands such as Lapp and AlphaWire, to ensure reliable performance in demanding environments.
Key considerations when specifying a cable
Selecting the right cable requires more than matching core size to load. Engineers and procurement teams must evaluate voltage and current requirements, alongside the installation environment, including temperature fluctuations, oil or chemical exposure, vibration and potential UV or outdoor use.
It’s also important to determine whether the cable will be used in a static or dynamic application, as movement will affect the required bending radius and fatigue resistance.
Compliance is critical: the product should meet relevant BS/IEC or harmonised standards, and in many industries, proper EMC performance is a pre-requisite to help protect sensitive equipment. Finally, consider long-term operation - including ease of identification, servicing and maintenance.
For more detailed guidance, refer to our industrial cable guide here
Unistrand is Rapid’s own-brand cable range designed specifically for industrial and manufacturing environments. The range covers control wiring, multicore, screened cables, flexible cords and general power and signal cabling, all manufactured and tested to recognised industry standards.
Unistrand provides customers with a technically reliable and cost-effective alternative to premium branded products, making it ideal for project rollouts and long-term specification. Large stock volumes, together with secure supply, mean that procurement teams benefit from significantly reduced lead-times and confidence in continuity of supply for production and maintenance.
Whether you’re wiring machine panels or installing fixed plant infrastructure, Unistrand delivers proven performance without compromise and is available directly from Rapid.
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LAPP is a trusted, industry-leading brand offering a reliable range of industrial cabling solutions that support the evolving needs of modern manufacturing environments. With proven product lines covering control, power and data applications, including ÖLFLEX® control cables and ETHERLINE® industrial Ethernet, LAPP products are designed and tested to meet stringent international standards.
For manufacturers seeking dependable performance in demanding applications, LAPP provides a technically robust and cost-effective alternative to other premium brands. The range we supply is ideally suited to factory automation, machine building and production infrastructure, delivering consistent performance where uptime and operational continuity are critical.
With thousands of LAPP products in stock means procurement teams can benefit from reduced lead-times and the confidence of ongoing product availability for both projects and production maintenance.
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Alpha Wire delivers industrial cabling solutions built for the demands of modern manufacturing. Their range includes flexible, shielded, and control cables designed to withstand harsh environments while maintaining signal integrity and reliable performance.
With options for both standard and custom applications, Alpha Wire helps manufacturers keep systems running smoothly and minimise downtime. From machine panels to production lines, their cables provide the durability and consistency needed for efficient, high-performance operations.
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The next step
Industrial cabling plays a vital role in ensuring continuous production, safe operation and predictable maintenance across modern manufacturing operations. By combining our Unistrand own-brand range with trusted suppliers such as LAPP and Alpha Wire, Rapid is able to deliver reliable, high-spec solutions for any application.
If you’d like support with specification or bulk supply, speak to our sales team or browse the full cable range online.
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