What FLRY means
FLRY is the short designation for a widely used automotive cable, formed from the German terms: F for Fahrzeugleitung (automotive cable), L for Litze (stranded conductor), R for reduzierte Wandstärke (reduced wall thickness) and Y for PVC insulation. The thin wall saves weight and space in the wiring harness. That is one important reason why this cable type has become established in the on board power system. The requirements for cables of this kind are covered by international standards.
FLRY-A and FLRY-B
The letter after the hyphen describes the conductor construction. FLRY-A has a standard construction, FLRY-B a finer stranded and therefore more flexible conductor. The more flexible version suits cables that move or are routed in tight spaces; the standard construction is often more economical. The contact manufacturers state which version a contact may accept.
Other cable types
- Automotive cables with normal wall thickness for higher mechanical loads
- Sheathed cables, in which several cores are protected by a common outer sheath
- Shielded cables for data and sensor signals
- Cables made from cross linked or halogen free materials for higher temperatures or special fire protection requirements
- High voltage cables with reinforced insulation and a shield
Choosing the right cable type
- Temperature class to match the installation location, for example in the engine compartment
- Cross section based on current carrying capacity and voltage drop
- Flexibility where there is movement or tight bend radii
- Resistance to oil, fuel and cleaning agents
- Approval for the contacts and seals used
How to calculate the cross section is explained in the article Choosing the right cable cross section. Where needed, we define the right cable type during design.
