Choosing between a ready-made control cable assembly and a modular connector kit is one of the most common decisions in industrial wiring. The ready-made part can be a direct replacement, while the kit gives you flexibility to build your own cable runs. Both have a place on a panel, but they solve different problems. The right choice depends on whether you're repairing an existing line or building something new.
Quick verdict: If you need a drop-in replacement for an existing Klockner Bartelt control cable, the 500081 6 assembly is your straightforward choice at $159.99. If you'd rather terminate your own cables and want IP67-rated connectors, the CNLINKO LP-16 kit at $120.00 gives you 10 mating pairs.
| Product | Price | Condition | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Klockner Bartelt 500081 6 Industrial Control Cable Assembly | $159.99 | Used | Control cable assembly | Direct replacement of an existing assembly |
| CNLINKO LP-16 3-Pin Industrial Connector Kit - 10 Complete Sets | $120.00 | New | Circular industrial connector kit | Building custom cable connections |
Where the Klockner Bartelt assembly wins
If your panel already uses a Klockner Bartelt 500081 6 control cable assembly, this assembly is the fastest way to get back online. It is a complete assembly, so there is no terminating or soldering to do. The specific part number continuity is valuable when you want a like-for-like replacement. It's also a good fit when your machine documentation points to a specific part number and you don't want to engineer a substitute.
Where the CNLINKO kit wins
The CNLINKO LP-16 kit offers far more flexibility. The included mating pairs let you wire multiple custom-length connections. It's built to handle damp or dusty environments, and the reverse-keyed design helps prevent cross-plugging between circuits. You don't have to wonder about the history of the contacts or housings.
#### Klockner Bartelt 500081 6 Industrial Control Cable Assembly
This is a used, complete industrial control cable assembly from Klockner Bartelt. It arrives as a single unit designed for pneumatic, hydraulic, electronic, and electrical control equipment, so it's a broad replacement option rather than a niche part. The main reason to choose it is the all-in-one convenience: you get a cable without sourcing connectors or doing any termination. The trade-off is that the used condition means you're inheriting a piece with prior service, and the assembly is fixed in configuration, so you can't shorten it or repurpose it for other runs. If your installation calls for a specific cable length or you prefer everything new in your panel, this may not be the ideal fit.
#### CNLINKO LP-16 3-Pin Industrial Connector Kit - 10 Complete Sets
This is a new, modular connector kit that provides 10 complete mating pairs, meaning 20 pieces total. The connectors are circular, 3-pin, and rated IP67, so they can handle wet or dusty environments. They're also reverse keyed, which is handy when you need to make sure certain 3-pin sockets can't plug into the wrong circuit. Termination is solder/screw, so you'll need to prepare the cable ends yourself and choose the right pin connection. That's the main limitation: it's not a pre-assembled cable, but rather a set of parts that relies on your own cable and labor. For maintenance crews that build custom harnesses, the new condition makes it a practical way to stock spare connectors and handle a variety of jobs.
Final choice by use case
Go with the Klockner Bartelt 500081 6 if you need a direct, complete cable assembly for a specific machine. Choose the CNLINKO LP-16 kit if you plan to build multiple custom-length connections or need sealed connectors for exposed or wet locations. Both products serve different steps in the control wiring workflow, so let your project's biggest constraint guide you.
