If a cable ages or is damaged in a machine or control cabinet, it usually needs to be replaced quickly in order to avoid a production stop or major consequential damage. However, replacing a cable takes time. Lapp has tackled this problem: Thanks to its Fast Connect technology, the new cable has a decisive installation and assembly advantage over other cables. Thanks to a separating cross that separates the four wire pairs and an inner sheath, it does not require pair shielding. Unlike conventional cables, this means that a foil shield does not have to be removed from each of the four wire pairs. FastConnect cables are therefore quick and easy to assemble. The appropriate tool from Lapp, which optimally prepares the cable for connector assembly in a single work step, further reduces the time required. The new shielding also promises a long service life.

At 10 gigabits per second, the high-speed cable achieves the current maximum transmission rate for copper cabling in industrial environments. All of the company's Profinet cables are compatible with each other as well as with those of other manufacturers. In addition to conforming to the Profinet standard, Lapp's solution is also certified for the North American market (UL certification), meaning that it does not require renewed approval.

The Etherline PN Cat.6A is available in seven versions: three for fixed installation (type A) with flame-retardant PVC sheath, halogen-free and flame-retardant with FRNC sheath or with PUR sheath (halogen-free, flame-retardant and with increased mechanical robustness). Lapp also offers two variants for flexible applications (type B) with PVC sheath or halogen-free and flame-retardant FRNC sheath as well as two solutions for highly flexible applications (type C) with PVC sheath or PUR sheath. Four other versions have reduced dimensions for use in confined applications. The different sheath designs and diameters enable use in many areas of application.