Glossary of Terms - Industrial Cables & Accessories

A

Actuation

The process of converting operator input into mechanical movement. Industrial control cables are commonly used to actuate valves, throttles, brakes, clutches, transmissions, and engine controls.

Actuator

An Actuator is a device that converts mechanical input into controlled movement or force. In motion control systems, push-pull control cables are frequently used to actuate valves, throttles, engine controls, hydraulic systems, latches, and mechanical equipment functions.

Actuator Cable

A mechanical cable used to transfer motion between a control point and an actuator mechanism.

Actuation Force

The amount of force required to operate a control cable or mechanical control system. Actuation force is influenced by cable length, bend radius, routing, load requirements, and the efficiency of the cable assembly.

Agricultural Control Cable

A control cable used on tractors, harvesters, sprayers, irrigation systems, and other agricultural machinery.

Assembled Cable

A complete cable assembly manufactured with specified conduit, core, travel, end fittings, and mounting hardware ready for installation.

B

Ball Joint

A mechanical connector that allows rotational movement between linked components while transmitting force through a control system.

Bend Radius

The minimum radius a cable can be bent without affecting performance or service life. Tight bends can increase friction and reduce cable efficiency.

Bowden Cable

Another name for a push-pull or pull-only mechanical control cable consisting of an inner wire moving within an outer conduit.

Bulkhead End

A type of conduit end fitting used on a push-pull control cable that is designed to pass through and be securely mounted to a panel, bracket, firewall, console, dashboard, or bulkhead. The fitting typically incorporates a threaded section and retaining nuts, allowing the cable conduit to be firmly fixed in position while the inner core moves freely to transmit push-pull motion.

Bulkhead Mount

A cable mounting method where the conduit end fitting passes through and secures to a panel or bracket.

Build-A-Cable Tool

Industrial & Cable Group's online configuration tool allowing customers to specify cable series, travel, end fittings, and cable length. (Industrial and Cable Group)

C

Cable Assembly

A complete cable manufactured with specified conduit, core, fittings, and mounting hardware ready for installation.

Cable Clamp

A mounting device used to secure a cable conduit to machinery, equipment, or structures.

Cable Core

The internal moving member of a control cable responsible for transmitting motion.

Cable Conduit

The outer casing that houses and guides the cable core.

Cable Efficiency

The percentage of operator input movement transferred to the load end of a cable.

Cable End Fitting

The connection point attached to the cable rod or conduit for mounting or linkage attachment.

Clamp End

A type of conduit end fitting used on push-pull control cables that allows the cable conduit to be securely mounted using a clamp, U-bolt, saddle clamp, or retaining bracket rather than passing through a bulkhead or panel. The clamp end is typically manufactured with a grooved or stepped outer fitting that provides a positive mounting point while allowing the cable core to move freely within the conduit.

Clamp-end cables are widely used in industrial machinery, agricultural equipment, mining equipment, marine applications, generators, construction machinery, and transport vehicles where the cable needs to be secured to a frame, bracket, or support structure. This mounting style simplifies installation and maintenance while providing a strong and reliable method of supporting the cable assembly.

Cable Eye End

A cable termination fitting featuring a circular eye for connection using pins, bolts, or clevis arrangements. Commonly used in throttle, valve, and industrial control applications.

Cable Routing

The planned path a cable follows between the control point and the controlled device. Correct routing improves efficiency, reduces friction, and extends cable life.

Chrome Moly Rod End

A high-strength rod end bearing manufactured from chromium-molybdenum alloy steel. These rod ends are commonly used in heavy-duty industrial, motorsport, mining, and off-road applications where exceptional strength and durability are required.

Clevis

A forked mechanical connector used to join a control cable to a lever or linkage.

Compression Load

The force applied when a cable is pushing rather than pulling.

Conduit

The outer casing or housing of a control cable assembly that guides and protects the moving core. The conduit provides structural support, maintains routing, and allows efficient transfer of motion while protecting the cable from environmental conditions, abrasion, and contamination.

Connecting Sleeve

A sleeve used to join two threaded rods or cable components.

Control Head

The operator interface component of a cable assembly, such as a knob, handle, lever, or pedal.

Control Lever

A manually operated lever used to actuate a mechanical control cable.

Core

The internal moving member of a control cable assembly that transmits motion from the operator end to the load end. Depending on the application, the core may consist of a stranded wire, solid wire, or specialised push-pull construction designed to operate in both tension and compression.

Custom Cable

A cable assembled to specific customer requirements including length, travel, end fittings, and operating loads.

D

Direct Replacement Cable

A cable designed to replace an existing OEM cable without modification to the equipment.

Duty Cycle

The frequency and intensity of cable operation during normal service.

E

EDGE Technology

A low-friction cable core design used in selected cable assemblies to improve efficiency and reduce operating loads. (Industrial and Cable Group)

End Load

The amount of force applied at the output end of a control cable assembly

Engine Control Cable

A cable used to control engine functions such as throttle, shutdown, choke, or fuel delivery.

Engine Shutdown Cable

A mechanical control cable used to stop an engine by actuating a fuel shut-off, air shut-off, or electrical stop mechanism.

End Fitting

The hardware attached to either end of a control cable to facilitate installation and operation.

Earthmoving Equipment Controls

Control cable systems used on loaders, excavators, graders, bulldozers, and similar machinery. (Industrial and Cable Group)

F

Fastener

A component used to secure control cable assemblies and accessories.

Female Thread

An internally threaded fitting designed to receive a corresponding male threaded component. Female threads are commonly found on rod ends, couplers, linkage fittings, and control cable accessories.

Fixed Plant Equipment

Industrial machinery installed in a permanent location and often controlled using mechanical cable systems.

Foot Control

A pedal-operated mechanism connected to a cable assembly for throttle, clutch, brake, or hydraulic control.

Foot Pedal

A foot-operated control mechanism connected to a cable assembly for remote equipment operation.

G

Gear Shift Cable

A cable used to transmit movement from a gear selector to a transmission or gearbox.

Generator Control Cable

A control cable used to operate engine speed, shutdown, and other functions on generator sets.

Grooved Conduit End

A cable conduit fitting designed for mounting with clamps or retaining brackets.

H

Hand Control

A manually operated control assembly that uses mechanical cable systems to operate machinery functions.

Heim Joint

A mechanical rod-end bearing featuring a spherical bearing mounted within a threaded housing. Heim joints are commonly used in control cable linkages where angular movement, vibration resistance, and precise motion transfer are required. The term "Heim Joint" originated from the original manufacturer but is now widely used as a generic industry term.

High-Efficiency Conduit

A low-friction conduit design engineered to improve cable efficiency, reduce operating effort, and increase service life.

High-Efficiency Core

A specially designed cable core that reduces friction within the conduit while improving load carrying capability and operational smoothness.

Hub

A mechanical connection component used to join, support, or secure rotating or moving parts within a control system. In motion control and steering applications, hubs are commonly used to connect steering wheels, control levers, handles, or other operator interfaces to shafts, helms, or actuating mechanisms.

Hubs are typically manufactured from steel, aluminium, brass, or engineered polymers and may be machined, splined, keyed, threaded, or clamped depending on the application. In marine steering systems, steering wheel hubs are used to connect the steering wheel to the steering helm, providing a secure and reliable transfer of operator input.

HDPE Conduit

High Density Polyethylene outer conduit material commonly used for durability and low friction. (Industrial and Cable Group)

Hydraulic Valve Control Cable

A cable used to remotely operate hydraulic valves from a safe or convenient location. (Industrial and Cable Group)

I

Imperial Thread

An Imperial Thread is a thread standard measured in inches and threads per inch (TPI). Imperial threads are commonly used on legacy machinery, marine equipment, and many control cable systems.

Industrial Control Cable

A mechanical cable assembly designed for motion control applications in industry, transport, agriculture, marine, and construction.

Industrial Cable Assembly

A complete mechanical control system consisting of a conduit, core, end fittings, mounting hardware, and accessories used to transmit motion or force.

Inner Cable

Another term for the cable core or inner member that moves within the conduit to transmit motion.

Inner Member

The moving wire or rod component inside a cable assembly.

J

Jet Boat Steering

A mechanical steering system specifically designed for jet-powered marine vessels.

Jet Boat Steering Cable

A specialised marine steering cable designed to transmit steering input from the helm (steering wheel) directly to the jet nozzle or steering mechanism of a jet-propelled vessel. Unlike conventional outboard steering systems, jet boat steering relies on precise directional control of the water jet stream, making smooth, responsive cable operation critical for safe handling and manoeuvrability.

Jet Boat Steering Helm

The primary steering mechanism mounted behind the steering wheel that converts the rotational movement of the wheel into linear movement of a jet boat steering cable. The helm acts as the central component of a mechanical steering system, transmitting steering input from the operator to the jet nozzle, allowing precise directional control of the vessel.

Jet Nozzle

The steering component on a jet-propelled vessel that directs the water jet stream to control vessel direction. Steering cables and steering helms transmit operator input to the jet nozzle.

L

Linear Motion

Movement in a straight line, commonly transmitted through push-pull control cables.

Linkage

A mechanical connection between a control cable and the equipment being operated. Linkages commonly include rod ends, ball joints, pivots, clevises, and fasteners.

Load End

The output end of a control cable connected to the device being controlled.

Low Friction Cable

A cable designed with specialised liners and materials to reduce operating effort and improve efficiency.

M

Male Thread

A Male Thread is an externally threaded component designed to engage with a corresponding female thread. Male threaded fittings are commonly found on cable rods, rod ends, and linkage components.

Mechanical Control Cable

A cable assembly that transmits motion mechanically rather than electrically, hydraulically, or pneumatically. (Industrial and Cable Group)

Metric Thread

A thread standard measured in millimetres and commonly specified using ISO metric thread dimensions. Metric threads are widely used on modern industrial and machinery applications.

Micro Adjust Cable

A cable featuring a fine-thread adjustment mechanism allowing precise positioning. Often referred to as a Vernier Cable. (Industrial and Cable Group)

Morse Cable

A commonly used industry term for push-pull mechanical control cables originally associated with Morse Controls. (Industrial and Cable Group)

Motion Control

The transmission of movement from an operator to a machine component using mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, or pneumatic systems.

N

Nylon Race Rod End

A rod end bearing incorporating a self-lubricating nylon bearing race. These rod ends provide smooth operation, low maintenance requirements, and excellent resistance to dirt and contamination.

O

OEM

Original Equipment Manufacturer. Refers to components supplied to or matching the specifications of the equipment manufacturer.

OEM Replacement Cable

A cable manufactured to replace the original equipment cable while maintaining equivalent dimensions, travel, and functionality.

Operator Control

Operator Control refers to any device, lever, pedal, handle, steering wheel, or control head used by an operator to control equipment functions through a cable or linkage system.

P

Parachute Release Cable

A specialised control cable used in motorsport and aviation-related release mechanisms.

Pivot

A mechanical linkage component allowing controlled rotational movement.

PTO Cable

A cable used to engage or disengage a Power Take-Off system on industrial and agricultural equipment.

PTO (Power Take-Off)

A Power Take-Off (PTO) is a mechanical system that transfers power from an engine or transmission to auxiliary equipment such as pumps, compressors, winches, mixers, or agricultural implements. PTO systems are often controlled using mechanical control cables.

Pull Only Cable

A cable designed to transmit force only in the pulling direction and not suitable for compression loads. (Industrial and Cable Group)

Push-Pull Cable

A cable capable of transmitting force in both push and pull directions, making it suitable for a wide variety of motion control applications. (Industrial and Cable Group)

PWC Cable (Personal Watercraft Cable)

A specialised marine control cable designed for use on Personal Watercraft (PWC), including jet skis and other recreational or commercial watercraft. These cables transmit operator inputs from the handlebars or control mechanisms to steering, throttle, reverse, trim, choke, and other engine or propulsion system functions, providing precise and reliable control of the vessel.

PWC Steering Cable - Transfers steering input from the handlebars to the jet nozzle or steering system.

PWC Throttle Cable - Controls engine speed and throttle response.

PWC Reverse Cable - Operates the reverse bucket mechanism for manoeuvring and docking.

PWC Trim Cable - Adjusts trim systems to optimise vessel performance and handling.

PWC Choke Cable - Controls choke operation on applicable engines.

R

Remote Valve Control (RVC) Cable

A cable used to operate valves remotely, particularly in hydraulic, pneumatic, agricultural, and industrial systems. (Industrial and Cable Group)

Rod

The rigid inner member of a mechanical control cable assembly that transmits push and pull forces between the control point and the controlled device. Rods are commonly threaded at one or both ends to allow the attachment of rod ends, clevises, ball joints, rose joints, heim joints, and other linkage components.

In push-pull control cable systems, the rod forms part of the cable core assembly and is designed to withstand both tensile and compressive loads while maintaining accurate motion transfer. Rod size is often used to classify cable series, such as 30 Series, 40 Series, and 60 Series control cables.

Rod End

A mechanical linkage component providing articulation between the cable and controlled device.

Rod-End Bearing

A mechanical joint consisting of a spherical bearing enclosed within a threaded body. Rod-end bearings allow misalignment between connected components while transmitting push-pull forces efficiently. They are commonly available with male or female threads and are widely used in industrial control systems.

Rod Size

The diameter of the cable's threaded rod end used to classify cable series.

Rose Joint

A British and Australian term for a rod-end bearing that allows rotational movement between connected components while maintaining accurate motion transfer. Rose joints are commonly used on throttle controls, gear selectors, hydraulic valve controls, and industrial linkage systems. In North America, the equivalent component is often referred to as a Heim Joint.

S

Shifter Cable

A mechanical cable used to transfer movement from a gear selector to a transmission.

Sleeve

A cylindrical component used to support, protect, connect, reinforce, or adapt parts within a mechanical control system. In control cable applications, sleeves may be used as spacers, bushings, conduit supports, cable guides, wear protection devices, or connection adapters between cable components and mounting hardware.

Spherical Bearing

A bearing incorporating a spherical inner race designed to accommodate angular misalignment between connected components. Spherical bearings are commonly used within rod-end bearings, rose joints, and heim joints to ensure smooth operation in applications where equipment movement or vibration may cause alignment variations.

Spherical Rod End

A rod-end fitting incorporating a spherical bearing that allows both rotational and angular movement while transmitting push-pull forces. Spherical rod ends are frequently used on mechanical control cables, valve controls, steering systems, and industrial machinery linkages.

Stainless Steel Cable

A cable manufactured with stainless steel components to improve corrosion resistance and longevity. (Industrial and Cable Group)

T

Teleflex Cable

A common industry reference to mechanical control cables originally supplied by Teleflex Morse. Modern replacements are available in 30, 40, and 60 Series configurations. (Industrial and Cable Group)

Threaded End

A Threaded End is a cable rod or fitting incorporating machined threads to allow the attachment of rod ends, clevises, ball joints, rose joints, heim joints, and linkage hardware.

Threaded Rod

A rod with machined threads used for linkage adjustment and component attachment.

Throttle Cable

A cable used to control engine speed or fuel delivery.

Throttle Control

A mechanism used to regulate engine speed by controlling fuel delivery, air intake, or electronic throttle systems. Mechanical throttle controls commonly utilise push-pull control cables to transmit operator input.

Tip-to-Tip Length

The overall measurement of a cable assembly taken from one cable end to the other. This is the most common method used when measuring replacement cables.

Transit Mixer Control

A specialised cable system used to operate concrete mixer drum functions.

Travel

The distance a cable core moves between its fully retracted and fully extended positions.

Twist Lock Cable

A control cable that can be locked into position by twisting the control head, commonly used for fixed engine speed applications. (Industrial and Cable Group)

U

Utility Cable

A versatile mechanical control cable designed for general-purpose motion control applications across industrial, commercial, agricultural, transport, and mobile equipment environments. Utility cables are commonly used where reliable remote A bearing incorporating a spherical inner race designed to accommodate angular misalignment between connected components.

Universal Hub

A style of cable end fitting used in certain Remote Valve Control (RVC) applications and designed to interface with a variety of control systems

V

Valve Actuation

The operation of a valve through mechanical movement transmitted by a cable system.

Vernier Cable

Another term for a Micro Adjust cable that allows precise positioning and incremental adjustment. (Industrial and Cable Group)

W

Wire Stop

A Wire Stop is a component used to terminate or secure cable wire in a mechanical linkage system.

30 Series, 40 Series & 60 Series Terms

30 Series Control Cable

The most common industrial push-pull cable series featuring a 3/16" rod size. Suitable for light to medium-duty applications. (Industrial and Cable Group)

40 Series Control Cable

A heavier-duty push-pull cable featuring a 1/4" rod size and increased push-pull capability. (Industrial and Cable Group)

60 Series Control Cable

A heavy-duty cable featuring a 5/16" rod size for higher load applications. (Industrial and Cable Group)

31C, 32C, 33C, 34C, 35C

Alternative industry references for 30 Series cable configurations. (Industrial and Cable Group)

41C, 42C, 43C, 44C, 45C

Alternative industry references for 40 Series cable configurations. (Industrial and Cable Group)

61C, 62C, 63C, 64C, 65C

Alternative industry references for 60 Series cable configurations. (Industrial and Cable Group)

316 Stainless Steel

316 Stainless Steel is a marine-grade stainless steel alloy known for its excellent corrosion resistance, particularly in saltwater, chemical, and harsh industrial environments. Components manufactured from 316 stainless steel are commonly used in marine steering systems, control cable fittings, rod ends, fasteners, and linkage assemblies where long-term durability and resistance to corrosion are critical.

Related Search Terms (alternative terminology)

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