Industrial Automation & Control Cable

Mid America Wire & Cable supplies industrial automation and control cable for PLCs, motor controls, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems. Our inventory includes multi-conductor tray cable (TC-ER), shielded instrumentation cable, VFD/drive cable, and machine tool wire. Products are available in paired and multi-conductor configurations, with foil and braid shielding options.

10 product lines Ships nationwide UL / Mil-spec options

Motor & Drive Cable

VFD

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Industrial Control & Power

Tray Cable

Power Limited Tray

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Tray 600v

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Medium & High Voltage

MV 105

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MV 90

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Industrial Automation Cable

Continuous Flex

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Flexible Control Cable

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About Industrial Automation & Control Cable

Modern manufacturing and process-control facilities rely on reliable signal, control, and power cables to keep PLCs, VFDs, motors, and instrumentation running without interference. Mid America Wire & Cable stocks a comprehensive range of industrial cables: TC-ER type tray cable for power and control, VFD (variable frequency drive) cable with symmetrical grounding and low-capacitance shielding, Belden-style computer and instrumentation cable, paired and triad instrumentation cable with foil and braid shielding, and flexible continuous-flex cables for robotic and motion applications. All of our industrial cables are UL-listed where applicable and carry appropriate NEC Article 392 (tray cable) and Article 336 (Type TC) ratings.

Industrial Automation & Control Cable — Frequently Asked Questions

Control cable carries switching signals (relays, solenoids, contactors) and is typically unshielded with 14-18 AWG conductors. Instrumentation cable carries low-level analog signals (4-20mA, thermocouples, strain gauges) and is typically shielded twisted-pair construction with 16-24 AWG conductors. Shielding is critical for instrumentation cables to prevent EMI pickup that corrupts sensor readings.

Variable frequency drives generate high-frequency PWM waveforms that cause common-mode currents, reflected-wave voltage spikes, and radiated EMI. Standard THHN does not handle these stresses — you'll see premature motor bearing failures, inverter faults, and EMI-related interference with nearby signal cables. VFD cable uses symmetrical grounding, XLPE insulation, and a continuous aluminum/copper shield to contain high-frequency noise and ensure long motor life.

Yes. Tray cable marked TC-ER (exposed run) can be installed in cable tray, in conduit, in raceways, and in limited exposed runs per NEC 336.10. Unmarked TC must be in cable tray or raceway. Always verify the installation type is permitted for your specific cable marking.

Yes. We stock Cat5e and Cat6 industrial Ethernet (with braid and foil shielding, oil-resistant jackets), and industrial Profibus, DeviceNet, and CANbus data cables for factory automation networks.