Maintaining Performance in Sub-Zero Temps
As temperatures drop across North America, industrial equipment faces its toughest test of the year. While engines and hydraulics often get the most attention during winterization, there is one critical component that is frequently overlooked until it fails: your cabling.
Anyone who has tried to coil a standard garden hose in January knows that cold alters the physical properties of materials. In an industrial setting, a stiff, frozen cable isn’t just an annoyance—it’s a safety hazard and a productivity killer.
At Kalas Manufacturing, we engineer our Welding and Power Cables to perform in the harshest environments. Here is why flexibility matters when the thermometer hits freezing, and what you should look for to ensure your job site stays powered up.
The Science of the Freeze: PVC vs. EPDM
Not all insulation is created equal. The most common reason cables fail in winter is the material composition of the jacket.
Many standard commercial cables use lower-grade thermoplastics that become brittle as temperatures approach freezing (0°C / 32°F). When a worker tries to drag, bend, or coil these cables, the jacket can crack. A cracked jacket exposes the copper conductor to moisture, salt, and chemicals, leading to corrosion and immediate safety risks.
To combat this, Kalas utilizes EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) for our premium welding and industrial cables. EPDM is a synthetic rubber known for its outstanding heat, ozone, and weather resistance.
The result? Our cables maintain flexibility and structural integrity in temperatures as low as -50°C (-58°F).
Combatting Operator Fatigue
Beyond the durability of the wire itself, cold-weather flexibility has a direct impact on your workforce.
Welding and industrial maintenance require precision. If a welder is fighting against a stiff, frozen lead that won’t lay flat or bend around corners, two things happen:
- Fatigue sets in faster: The physical strain of maneuvering heavy, rigid cable takes a toll on the operator’s wrist and arm.
- Weld quality suffers: Precision movements become difficult, potentially leading to rework.
Using a highly flexible, fully annealed copper cable with a high-grade EPDM jacket ensures that the tool moves with the operator, not against them.
What to Look for in Your Winter Spec
If you are procuring cable for outdoor construction, unheated warehouses, or utility repair work this winter, check the spec sheet for these three things:
- Temperature Rating: Ensure the cable is rated for at least -50°C.
- Stranding: Look for a high strand count (Class K or M). More fine strands of copper allow for tighter bends without kinking, regardless of the temperature.
- Jacket Material: Verify it is a thermoset rubber (like EPDM) rather than a standard thermoplastic.
Stay Flexible with Kalas
Winter is hard enough on your operations; your power connections shouldn’t make it harder. Whether you need reliable welding cable for the shop floor or heavy-duty power cords for the job site, Kalas Manufacturing delivers American-made solutions engineered to handle the cold.
Choose Kalas Welding and Power Cable
Check out our industry leading welding cable and power cable so you can stay safe and not loose welding quality this winter.
ToughFlex™ Welding Cable
FlexWhip™ Welding Cable
All Kalas Welding Cables
Kalas Industrial Power Cables
Need to upgrade your cold-weather gear? Contact a sales representative today.
As the groundwater industry continues to evolve, the need for reliable, durable power solutions has never been more critical. At Kalas Manufacturing, we understand the unique challenges of this sector—from harsh environmental conditions to the need for unwavering performance in submersible applications. Kalas has been the industry leader in pump cable for close to a century.
That is why we are thrilled to announce that we will be exhibiting at the National Ground Water Association’s (NGWA) Groundwater Week in New Orleans.
What to Expect
This event is the premier gathering for industry professionals, and we are eager to contribute to the conversation. Our team will be on-site to showcase our specialized portfolio of cable and wire solutions designed specifically for the groundwater industry.
Whether you are looking for submersible pump cables or custom wire solutions that can withstand the elements, stop by our booth to chat with our experts. We want to hear about your current projects and discuss how Kalas can help keep your operations powered and running efficiently.
Event Details
We look forward to connecting with old friends and making new partners in NOLA. See you at Booth 1418!
Last week, the Kalas team was thrilled to be among the 750+ attendees at the 2025 GAWDA Annual Convention in sunny Tampa! It was an incredible opportunity to connect with over 250 independent welding distributors and immerse ourselves in a packed schedule of educational sessions and industry updates.
We extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who joined us at our hospitality suite, co-hosted with our valued partners: SafTCart, EQUIGAS, Inc., and Dynaflux, Inc. These collaborations truly make the GAWDA experience richer, fostering stronger relationships and shared successes.
A huge thank you goes out to Eric Wood for his outstanding leadership throughout a fantastic year as GAWDA President. His dedication has been instrumental, and we wish him all the best!
Looking ahead, Kalas is excited to wholeheartedly support the incoming GAWDA President, Allison Earlbeck, and her inspiring 2026 theme: “The Human Advantage in the Digital Age.” This theme resonates deeply with us as we believe in balancing technological advancements with the irreplaceable value of human connection and expertise.
We’re already looking forward to next year’s convention and continuing to contribute to the vibrant GAWDA community!
Kalas Manufacturing Honored with Caterpillar Supplier Excellence Recognition Award
Kalas Manufacturing is proud to announce that we have been selected for the 2025 Caterpillar Supplier Excellence Recognition Award. This prestigious honor was presented during the Caterpillar Supplier Excellence Recognition event held on September 9, 2025, in Grapevine, Texas.
This recognition is especially meaningful as Caterpillar celebrates its 100th anniversary—a century of innovation, resilience, and impact. To be honored during this historic milestone highlights the strength of our relationship with Caterpillar and our shared commitment to helping customers build a better, more sustainable world.
“This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our people and the quality of the products we manufacture every day,” said Wanda McCue, Chief Technical Sales Officer. “We are honored to collaborate with Caterpillar and proud that our work helps power industries around the globe.”
At Kalas, we take pride in being a trusted partner to leading OEMs by delivering high-quality cable and wire solutions built for reliability and performance. Receiving this award reflects our culture of continuous improvement and our dedication to exceeding expectations for quality, delivery, and service.
We are grateful to Caterpillar for this recognition and to our entire Kalas team for the hard work that made it possible. Together, we look forward to shaping the next 100 years of excellence.
Interested in learning more about Kalas cable and wire solutions for OEMs? Contact our team today to see how we can support your business with proven quality and reliability.
Kalas Manufacturing at the Fast Supply Open House in Reinholds, PA
We’re getting an early start today at the Fast Supply Open House right here in sunny Reinholds, PA! This much-anticipated community event, hosted by a family-owned business, is expected to welcome over 300 attendees from across the region.
As a local manufacturer with deep roots in Lancaster County, Kalas Manufacturing is proud to support our neighbor and valued pump customer, Fast Supply. Events like this are a wonderful reminder of the strength and collaboration within our local industries. It’s about more than just products—it’s about partnerships, relationships, and a shared commitment to keeping essential industries running strong.
At Kalas, we take pride in being a leading provider of high-quality pump cable and wire solutions that groundwater and pump professionals can rely on day after day. Our products are built to perform in tough environments, delivering the safety, durability, and reliability that our customers have trusted for decades.
The Fast Supply Open House is a celebration of the hardworking professionals who keep water flowing in our communities. From networking opportunities to product demonstrations, it’s an exciting gathering that brings together the very best of our industry. We’re honored to be part of it and to continue strengthening our ties with local partners.
Are you looking for a trusted partner for pump cable solutions? Connect with our team today to learn how Kalas Manufacturing can deliver the quality and service your business deserves
Contact Us to discover how Kalas can support your next project.
Kalas Manufacturing is proud to announce that we will be exhibiting at FABTECH 2025, North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing event. This year’s show will take place September 8–11, 2025 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, and we’re excited to connect with industry leaders, partners, and professionals from across the welding industry.
Location: McCormick Place, Chicago
Dates: September 8–11, 2025
Booth #: B34043
Supporting the Welding Industry with Quality Cable Solutions
As a trusted partner to the welding industry for decades, Kalas is committed to delivering high-quality welding cable and wire solutions that provide the reliability, safety, and performance professionals depend on every day.
Our products are designed to withstand the toughest environments and meet the rigorous demands of welding applications. From premium welding cable to customized solutions tailored to your operations, Kalas continues to support welders, distributors, and OEMs with the products and service that keep projects moving forward.
What to Expect at FABTECH 2025
FABTECH brings together thousands of professionals from around the globe to explore the latest innovations in welding, fabrication, and metalworking. At our booth, you’ll have the opportunity to:
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Connect with the Kalas team and learn how our welding solutions are built for durability and performance.
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Explore our product line, including welding cable engineered for maximum flexibility and long-lasting performance.
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Discuss your specific needs and see how Kalas can help you improve efficiency, safety, and reliability in your welding operations.
Why Visit Kalas at FABTECH?
At Kalas, we don’t just provide cable—we provide confidence on the job. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer support has made us a leader in welding cable manufacturing. By visiting our booth, you’ll discover firsthand how Kalas helps welding professionals stay productive and safe.
Join Us in Chicago
We look forward to meeting you at FABTECH 2025 in Chicago, Booth #B34043. Whether you’re an existing partner or looking for a new welding cable supplier, the Kalas team is ready to share how our solutions can support your success.
Mark your calendar and stop by our booth—we’ll see you in Chicago!
Learn more about FABTECH and register for the event: https://www.fabtechexpo.com/
