LAPP Flexible Cable & OLFLEX 190: 7 Questions an Admin Buyer Actually Asks

LAPP Flexible Cables & OLFLEX 190 — What You Need to Know Before You Order

I've been buying industrial cables and connectors for about five years now — mostly for automation and control systems. LAPP is one of the brands we use regularly, along with others. This FAQ covers the questions I've had to figure out the hard way, especially around the OLFLEX 190 series, jack connectors, and even how to sanity-check cables with a Klein multimeter before installation. If you're a fellow admin buyer (or a engineer who handles procurement), this might save you some headaches.

1. What's the difference between LAPP OLFLEX 190 and standard flexible cables?

The short answer: OLFLEX 190 is LAPP's PVC-based flexible cable designed for medium mechanical stress in dry or damp environments. It's not super heavy-duty like some shielded or armored cables — more of a workhorse for control cabinets, conveyor systems, and general machine wiring. Standard flexible cables from other brands might meet similar specs, but what I've found is that LAPP's quality control is fairly consistent. I once ordered a cheaper 'equivalent' — it arrived with inconsistent insulation thickness. That cost us a rewire job. Now I stick with OLFLEX 190 for anything that moves or bends regularly. (At least, that's been my experience with orders up to about $20k each — your mileage might vary with extreme conditions.)

2. How can I check if the LAPP cable I receive matches the specs?

This is where the "prevention over cure" mindset kicks in. Don't trust the label alone. I made that mistake in 2023 — ordered 500m of OLFLEX 190 (4-core, 1.5mm²) and the outer diameter was fine, but when we stripped it, the conductor gauge was slightly undersized. It passed our visual check but failed when we tested continuity under load. Now I do a quick three-step check:

• Weigh a sample length (LAPP publishes nominal weight per meter).
• Measure conductor cross-section with a caliper (or use a Klein multimeter's resistance function — more on that in Q4).
• Check print on the jacket: it should show "OLFLEX CLASSIC 190" and CE/UL marks.

This 10-minute check saved us a ton of time compared to a full batch rejection later.

3. Do I need special connectors for LAPP OLFLEX 190 cable?

Not necessarily — but you need to match the connector type to the cable's flexibility and strand size. LAPP's OLFLEX 190 is a fine-strand cable, so standard screw terminals work fine as long as you use ferrules (wire end sleeves). Avoid direct clamping without ferrules — I've seen the fine wires break off and cause intermittent faults. For jack connectors (like RJ45 or M12), LAPP makes their own EPIC series that pairs well. But honestly, any decent industrial connector from a reputable brand will work if the crimp dies match the cable diameter. Our go-to is LAPP EPIC for heavy-duty, and generic ones for light-duty runs — just verify the IP rating and temperature range first.

4. Can I use a Klein multimeter to test LAPP cables before installation?

Yes — and I actually recommend it, but with limits. A Klein multimeter (like the Klein Tools MM420 or MM700) can check continuity, resistance, and even insulation resistance if it has a megger function. For OLFLEX 190, I do a simple continuity test across each core and measure resistance per meter. The expected value for 1.5mm² copper is about 12.1 mΩ/m at 20°C. If I measure 13.5 mΩ/m, that's a red flag — probably a conductor issue. However, a Klein won't detect intermittent faults under flexing. For that, you need a dedicated cable tester. So: the multimeter is a decent sanity check, not a replacement for proper testing. (Also, Klein multimeters are super common in our maintenance team — they trust them, so it's a no-brainer for quick checks on the shop floor.)

5. What common mistakes do people make when ordering flexible industrial cables?

I've made most of them. Here are three that cost me real money:

• Wrong bend radius assumption. OLFLEX 190 has a minimum bend radius of about 4x cable OD for fixed install, 7.5x for flexing. I once ordered a cable that was too stiff for a robotic arm — had to re-order at twice the cost.
• Forgetting temperature rating. Standard OLFLEX 190 is rated -5°C to +80°C. For a cold storage application, I needed -40°C. I didn't check, and the jacket cracked within a month.
• Skipping the spec sheet. LAPP publishes detailed datasheets on their site. I used to rely on supplier listings — two different distributors gave me different specs for the same part number. Now I always download the official PDF.

The bottom line: 5 minutes of verification beats 5 days of correction.

6. How does LAPP OLFLEX 190 compare to Klein multimeter accessories or test leads?

This might be a weird comparison, but I get asked it. They're not the same category. OLFLEX 190 is for fixed/flexible industrial wiring; Klein multimeter leads are for temporary testing. However, some people try to use test lead wire as a cheap substitute for flexible cable — that's a bad idea. Test lead wire is stranded but usually not rated for continuous flexing or the voltage/current levels of control circuits. Stick to proper flexible cable like OLFLEX 190 for installations. If you need a cable that can be unplugged/replugged often, look at LAPP's UNITRONIC series for data or their ÖLFLEX for power. Don't cut corners — the cost of a failure (downtime, safety) is way more than the cable price difference.

7. What's the proper way to store and handle LAPP flexible cables?

This seems like a no-brainer, but I learned it the hard way. We stored a pallet of OLFLEX 190 near a hot boiler — the PVC jackets softened and deformed. Also, don't leave cables in direct sunlight for weeks; UV degrades the outer jacket. Ideally, store them in a cool, dry place, reeled properly (don't let coils kink). And when handling, pull cables straight, not at sharp angles — I once had an electrician yank a cable around a corner and it damaged the inner strands. A simple storage SOP saved us an estimated $3,000 in wasted cable last year.

Pricing note: As of early 2025, OLFLEX 190 typically runs $0.80–$1.50 per meter (depending on core count and gauge). Always verify current rates with your LAPP distributor.