Tired of cables that break when you bend them? Do you hate signal loss and electrical noise ruining your project?
You are not alone. Many engineers and factory managers face the same headache. You buy cheap wire, and it cracks inside the machine. You try to install it in tight spaces, and it is too stiff to fit. Worst of all, your data transmission gets messy because of interference. You need a cable that moves with your machine, carries clear signals, and lasts for years. This is not just a wire. It is the nervous system of your equipment. If it fails, your whole system stops. You need a solution that works hard so you do not have to fix it later.This is where the Lapp UNITRONIC LiYY 20×0.25mm² comes in. It is built for tough jobs. It is flexible, strong, and reliable. We call it the “0028320” model. It is a German-made 20-core 0.25 sq mm cable designed for data transmission and control systems. Whether you are building a robot, a conveyor belt, or a complex control panel, this flexible LIYY0028320 wire handles it all. It resists fire, oil, and rough handling. Read on to see why this is the best choice for your next project.
What makes this cable special?
This is not a standard power cable. It is a signal cable. That means it is built to carry information, not just heavy electricity. The Lapp UNITRONIC LiYY series is famous for its quality. The specific model 0028320 has 20 separate cores inside one outer jacket. Each core is 0.25 square millimeters. This size is perfect for low-voltage signals. It fits in small spaces but carries enough power for sensors and controllers.The “LiYY” name tells you a lot. The “Li” stands for low-frequency installation. The “YY” means PVC insulation and a PVC outer sheath. This makes the cable very tough against chemicals and abrasion. It is also “flame retardant.” If a fire starts, this cable does not help it spread. It is a safety feature you need in crowded factories or buildings. This German-made quality ensures every meter meets strict European standards. You get consistency from the first meter to the last.
Technical Specs You Need to Know
Let us look at the numbers. You need to know if this fits your design. Here is the hard data for the 20-core 0.25 sq mm cable:
- Part Number: 0028320
- Brand: Lapp Kabel (UNITRONIC Series)
- Number of Cores: 20
- Conductor Size: 0.25 mm² (Approx 26 AWG)
- Conductor Material: Bare Copper (Fine-wired/Stranded)
- Insulation Material: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
- Outer Sheath Material: PVC
- Outer Diameter: 8.6 mm
- Weight: Approx 69 kg/km (About 511g per 100m roll)
- Voltage Rating: 300/500 V (Test voltage up to 1500V for larger sizes, safe for 1.1kV systems)
- Temperature Range:
- Fixed installation: -40°C to +80°C
- Flexible movement: -5°C to +70°C
- Bend Radius: Flexible (approx 10x diameter for dynamic use)
- Flame Retardancy: IEC 60332-1-2
- Shielding: Unscreened (Non-shielded)
These specs show why this is a top-tier connector cable. The copper is fine-stranded (Class 5 flexible). This means you can bend it thousands of times without the metal snapping. The PVC jacket protects against oil, acids, and alkalis. It is grey (RAL 7032), which looks professional in open wiring trays.
Where should you use this cable?
You might ask, “Is this right for my machine?” The answer is likely yes. This flexible LIYY0028320 is used in many industries. Here are the top scenarios where it shines:
- Industrial Automation: Connecting PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) to sensors and actuators. The 20 cores let you run multiple signals in one cable. This saves space in cable chains.
- Robotics: For robot arms that move constantly. The cable flexes without breaking. It is lightweight, so it does not slow down the robot.
- Measurement and Control Tech: Used in labs and testing equipment. The unshielded design is fine for low-interference environments. If you need shielding, look at the LiYCY version (0034420), but LiYY is great for standard control.
- Building Services: For fire alarms, door entry systems, and lighting control. The flame-retardant PVC is safe for use in walls and ceilings.
- Machine Tools: CNC machines and injection molding machines use this wire for internal wiring. It resists coolant oils and cutting fluids.
- Audio and Data: While not a high-speed coaxial cable, it works for low-frequency audio and simple data links over short distances.
It is a “general purpose” workhorse. If you need to move data or low-voltage power in a moving part, this is your go-to data transmission cable.
Why choose “German-Made” Lapp Kabel?
You can buy cheaper wire from other places. But why take the risk? Lapp Kabel is a legend in the cable world. They invented the modern cable assembly. When you buy German-made cable, you pay for precision.
- Consistency: The copper purity is checked. The insulation thickness is exact. You will not find “thin spots” that cause shorts.
- Longevity: This cable lasts 10 to 15 years in hard conditions. Cheap wire cracks in a year.
- Safety: The flame-retardant PVC meets EN 60332-1-2. In a fire, toxic smoke is limited. This protects your people and equipment.
- Testing: Every batch is tested for voltage resistance. You get a product that works out of the box.
The UNITRONIC LiYY series is specifically designed for “flexible fixed installation.” That sounds like a contradiction, but it means you can fix it in place, and it still handles vibration well. It is also easy to strip and terminate. The PVC does not melt when you solder it. It is a dream for electricians.
Installation Tips and Handling
Installing this 20-core cable is easy if you follow simple rules. Since it is unscreened, you do not need to worry about grounding a braid. This saves time.
- Stripping: Use a sharp stripper. Do not nick the copper strands. Since the conductor is fine-wired, a nick can break the circuit later.
- Bending: Do not bend it sharper than 86mm (10x diameter) when moving. If fixed, you can go down to 43mm.
- Routing: Keep it away from high-voltage power cables. Even though it is 500V rated, keeping it away from 480V mains reduces noise.
- Connectors: You can use standard ferrules (bootlace ferrules) for the ends. They fit perfectly into 0.25mm ferrules. For connectors, M12 or DIN styles work well, but you can solder directly to PCBs or terminal blocks.
- Jacket Color: The outer sheath is Pebble Grey (RAL 7032). It hides dirt well in industrial settings.
If you need to pull it through long pipes, use a pull wire or lubricant. The PVC jacket has low friction, so it slides easily.
Comparing LiYY vs LiYCY (Shielded)
You might see another code: 0034420 (LiYCY). What is the difference?
- LiYY (0028320): Unshielded. Cheaper. Lighter. Best for standard environments where there is not much electric noise.
- LiYCY (0034420): Shielded with copper braid. Heavier (9.3mm diameter vs 8.6mm). More expensive. Best for areas with heavy motors or VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives) that create magnetic noise.
For most home, office, or light industrial use, the LiYY 0028320 is enough. If you are in a steel mill or next to a giant motor, get the shielded version. But for 90% of data transmission needs, this unshielded 20-core cable is the smart economic choice.
Why buy a 100-meter roll?
We sell this in 100m rolls. Why not shorter? Because you always need more than you think. You will make mistakes. You will need to re-route a line. Having a full roll on the shelf means your production line never stops.The weight is about 6.9kg per 100m. It is heavy enough to feel quality, but light enough to carry by hand. The packaging is robust. It comes on a plastic drum or cardboard reel. The wire is coiled neatly so it does not kink.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this cable halogen-free?No. It is PVC, which contains halogens. For halogen-free, you need a special LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) cable like UNITRONIC® LiHCHL. But PVC is tougher against oil and cheaper.Can I use this outdoors?Yes, but it needs UV protection. PVC can crack in direct sun after a few years. Put it in conduit or use a UV-resistant black tape.What is the copper index?The copper content is about 33 to 48 kg per km. This is high for a 0.25mm cable. It means low resistance and better signal strength.Does it meet VDE standards?Yes. It is based on VDE 0812. This is the German standard for data cables.
Ready to upgrade your wiring?
Do not settle for “good enough.” Your machines deserve the best wiring. The Lapp UNITRONIC LiYY 0028320 is the industry standard for a reason. It is reliable, flexible, and built to last. Whether you are wiring a new control cabinet or repairing an old machine, this German-made 20-core 0.25 sq mm cable will do the job right.We have stock ready to ship. We offer competitive pricing for bulk orders. Do not let a bad cable ruin your reputation. Get the flexible LIYY0028320 today.Click “Request a Quote” now. Tell us your voltage needs and length. We will send you the best price for this premium data transmission cable.