Cable Factory: custom cables and AV panels built around your system

Custom assemblies from British Columbia

Cable Factory supplies cable assemblies, patching systems, and custom metalwork for professional audio, video, lighting, broadcast, and entertainment applications. The company lists its address in Burnaby, British Columbia, and describes its products as assembled in-house in the Vancouver area.

At XL AV, we consider cabling as part of the system design. The cable needs to suit the signal, the route, and the way people will use the equipment. Custom assemblies give us options when standard lengths, connector combinations, or patch panels do not fit the installation.

Reference: Cable Factory company and assembly information

Lengths and connectors that suit the installation

A rack connection, a stage microphone lead, and a portable presentation cable serve different purposes. We establish the required length, connector at each end, wiring arrangement, cable construction, and handling requirements before specifying an assembly.

In an equipment rack, appropriate lengths help keep connections accessible without unnecessary coils blocking service areas. For a portable system, we allow enough reach for the working layout and select cable intended for repeated handling. We also consider connector orientation, strain relief, bend space, and the procedure for disconnecting equipment.

Cable Factory’s assembly range includes microphone, speaker, patch, digital audio, video, network, lighting, and power cables. XL AV selects the applicable construction and confirms custom requirements with the supplier. A custom length still has to stay within the signal and equipment limits.

Reference: Cable Factory cable assembly range

Audio snakes, breakouts, and patching systems

Cable Factory offers multi-channel snakes, sub-snakes, multi-pin extensions, and breakout assemblies. These can organize several connections between stage positions, racks, production equipment, and other system locations.

For a performance space, we can plan channel counts around microphones, playback, instruments, and the required returns. For a mobile system, a compatible multi-pin connection can reduce the number of individual connectors staff need to handle during setup. The channel order, pin assignments, connector type, and labels must agree at both ends.

We document those details so a technician can identify a channel and obtain a compatible replacement later. We also assess whether the application is better served by analogue cabling, digital links, or networked audio before choosing the assembly.

Reference: Cable Factory snakes and breakout assemblies

Video cabling selected for the actual signal

Cable Factory lists BNC video assemblies using several cable constructions, including high-flex options and products identified for HD-SDI or UHD applications. The appropriate assembly depends on the video format, run length, equipment specifications, and installation conditions.

For a camera feed to a production system or a source feeding a display processor, XL AV reviews the complete signal path. We include patch points and any conversion or extension equipment in that assessment. A matching connector alone does not establish that the link supports the required video format over the proposed distance.

Reference: Cable Factory video cable options

Network cables for installed and portable AV

Cable Factory’s tactical network range includes flexible CAT5e and CAT6A assemblies with RJ45 and etherCON connector options. Its catalogue also includes multi-channel network snakes. These provide options for temporary production positions and portable equipment that need repeated connection and handling.

XL AV checks the cable category, connector compatibility, shielding requirements, and permitted link length against the devices being connected. We also confirm whether a port carries ordinary Ethernet or a manufacturer-specific signal. Similar-looking sockets can serve different functions.

The final installation is tested for its intended application. A durable connector housing helps with handling, while electrical performance still depends on the cable, termination, complete link, and connected equipment.

Reference: Cable Factory tactical network assemblies

Lighting control and power connections

Cable Factory’s range includes DMX control cables and lighting and power assemblies. For an event space or performance room, we coordinate those connections with the fixtures, controls, distribution equipment, and the intended setup procedure.

We specify the required connector and cable for each function, with clear identification at patch points. Power assemblies are selected for the application and applicable ratings, with electrical work coordinated with the project’s electrical contractor. Custom construction does not establish a blanket approval for every possible assembly.

Reference: Cable Factory DMX cable range

Custom AV panels with useful labels and layouts

Cable Factory manufactures custom audio, video, network, and power plates using CNC and laser equipment. Its published options include wall plates, flanged rack panels, flat panels, and custom sizes. Panels can be laser engraved and supplied loaded with connectors.

A panel can put the required connections at a lectern, stage position, rack, or presentation area. We plan the layout around the people using it: sufficient space to grip connectors, clear channel names, and a sensible separation of functions. Engraved labels should correspond with the system drawings and operating guide.

Cable Factory’s online panel designer provides a way to communicate a proposed layout. XL AV reviews dimensions, connector cutouts, rear clearance, mounting, and wiring before the design is released for manufacture. Production timing is confirmed for the actual order.

Reference: Cable Factory custom metalwork and panels

Practical applications across an AV system

In a boardroom, custom rack leads and presentation panels can organize the connections between room equipment and user positions. In a classroom or lecture theatre, a clearly labelled teaching-station panel can simplify connections for staff while keeping service points accessible.

In a gymnasium, worship space, or multipurpose room, portable cable sets and stage patching can support different event layouts. XL AV establishes the connection points, cable routes, storage method, and staff responsibilities so the system can be set up consistently.

For a video scoreboard or media wall, we plan the connections between scoring sources, production equipment, audio systems, and display processing. Cable selection follows the required signals and equipment interfaces, with accessible patching where the project needs it.

Identification and documentation support maintenance

Custom cabling is most useful when its purpose remains clear after installation. We specify identification that corresponds with the drawings, record non-standard pin assignments, and identify assemblies that should be stocked as spares.

During commissioning, XL AV verifies the installed connections and tests the agreed audio, video, data, and control functions. We review access to connectors and the steps required to disconnect or replace equipment. Documentation helps staff trace a fault and order the correct replacement without having to reconstruct the original design.

XL AV specifies the complete connection

Bring your equipment list, room layout, connection requirements, and intended operating procedure to the discussion. We can identify where standard assemblies are sufficient and where custom lengths, breakouts, snakes, or engraved panels would improve the installation.

XL AV develops the cable schedule and panel requirements as part of the system design, confirms the available Cable Factory options, and coordinates installation and testing. The proposal establishes quantities, construction, labelling, drawings, spares, and delivery requirements for your project.

Related planning information

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