Plastic Coated cable and Jacketed Cable

Continental Cable has a variety of options for manufacturing plastic coated and jacketed cables. We offer a large selection of plastic colors and plastic choices that can be coated onto many of our standard and custom cables. Let our team develop the plastic coated cable product that you need.

Highest Quality Extrusion Plastic Coatings

Our extruders are equipped with laser monitors that continuously measure the diameter of the coated cable. This equipment insures the highest quality control over the outside diameter of the plastic coatings during production.

Coatings Offered for Cables and Wire Rope

We have engineered our own plastic color mixes to offer you superior quality colors.

Nylon 6 (standard)
Nylon 11 (high performance)
Vinyl
Polyester (Hytrel)
Polyethylene (Low Density)

Benefits of Adding Plastic Coating to Cables and Wire Rope

Corrosion Protection – The coating shields the underlying metal from moisture, chemicals, and salt air, which is especially useful in marine, outdoor, or chemical environments.
Abrasion Resistance – The plastic reduces wear between the cable and any surfaces it contacts.
Improved Handling – Bare wire rope can fray and poke fingers; coating makes it smoother and safer to handle.
Noise and Vibration Dampening – The softer surface can reduce rattling in machinery or railing systems.
Aesthetic Purposes – Colored coatings can match equipment or serve as visual safety markers.

Cable and Wire Plastic Jacketing

Steel cable can be jacketed with a number of plastics, and in a variety of wall thicknesses. Commonly used plastics include PVC, Nylon, Polypropylene or Polyethylene, although other plastics can be used for special applications.

The plastics are offered in their natural finish or colored. U.V. inhibitors and flame retardant material can be added to the plastic before jacketing the cable.

Strong and Flexible
Chemical resistant
Low and high temperature flexibility
Flame resistant
Colors for easy identification

Plastic-Coated Cable Comparison

Quick reference for selecting coatings for wire rope & control cables.

Properties by Coating Type
Property	PVC	Nylon	Polyethylene (PE)
Key Advantages	Low cost; good flexibility; many colors; resists water & common chemicals.	Excellent abrasion resistance; handles higher temps; good cut resistance; good chemical resistance.	Excellent UV resistance; good weather & chemical resistance; durable outdoors.
Limitations	Less abrasion‑resistant; can stiffen in extreme cold; limited long‑term UV.	Higher cost; absorbs some moisture (slight swelling); fewer colors.	Lower abrasion resistance than nylon; moderate high‑temp performance.
Best For	General‑purpose, marine rigging, railings, light‑duty security.	Heavy‑use machinery, fitness equipment, winch/hoist cables.	Outdoor safety lines, architectural railings, marine exposure.
Typical Temp. Range (°C)	-10°C to 60°C	−57 to +121	-50°C to 80°C
Typical Temp. Range (°F)	14 to +140	−70 to +250	−58 to +176

Notes: Stated cable diameter often includes the coating. Strip coating within the swage zone for mechanical end fittings. Choose coating for UV, abrasion, and temperature exposure of the application.

Available Plastic Coated Cable

Steel cable can be jacketed with a number of plastics, and a variety of wall thicknesses. Miniature cable available on request (smaller than 1/32”). Galvanized, stainless steel 304 and 316 cable available

Tolerances for plastic coated cables:

Cable Size (inches)	Finished O.D.	Approx. Weight Per 1000 Ft. (lbs)
3/64	1/16	5.4
3/64	3/32	7.2
3/64	1/8	11.2
1/16	3/32	9.7
1/16	1/8	12
3/32	1/8	20
3/32	5/32	24
3/32	3/16	27
1/8	5/32	34
1/8	3/16	38
1/8	7/32	44
1/8	1/4	48
5/32	3/16	51
5/32	7/32	53
5/32	1/4	69
3/16	1/4	76
3/16	5/16	92
3/16	3/8	113
7/32	5/16	109
7/32	3/8	132
1/4	5/16	130
1/4	3/8	141
5/16	3/8	200
5/16	7/16	217
3/8	7/16	279
3/8	1/2	288

Coated Cable