The new Machinery Regulation (EU 2023/1230)
What does it mean for industrial cables?
The introduction of the new Machinery Regulation (EU 2023/1230) marks an important step forward for European mechanical engineering. As of January 20, 2027, this regulation will replace the current Machinery Directive and impose higher requirements for safety, digitalization, and documentation throughout the entire industrial chain.
For machine builders and industrial installers, this means: even greater attention to the quality and reliability of all components within a machine — including something that is often underestimated: industrial cables.
Cables: from component to safety-critical element
Where cables were once mainly seen as a “connection,” the new regulation recognizes their role as an integral part of machine safety. Especially in modern installations, where control, data, and power are closely interconnected, cables are essential for:
- reliable control and communication
- safe operation of emergency and stop functions
- interference-free data transmission in industrial networks
- continuity in automated production processes
The right cable selection therefore has a direct impact on both the performance and safety of the machine.
Stricter requirements call for reliable cable solutions
The Machinery Regulation emphasizes, among other things:
- demonstrable suitability of components within machine systems
- higher requirements for EMC resistance and interference immunity
- improved documentation and traceability of used components
- suitability for demanding industrial environments
For cables, this means that quality, certification, and application are becoming increasingly important in design and procurement decisions.
Smart selection becomes the new standard
Machine builders and OEMs are increasingly faced with the question:
Which cable is not only technically suitable, but also future-proof under the new regulations?
Key points of attention include:
- resistance to oil, heat, movement, and mechanical stress
- EMC shielding for interference-free communication
- suitability for industrial networks such as PROFINET and EtherCAT
- reliable performance in dynamic applications
HELU: cable technology for the machine of the future
As a specialist in industrial cable solutions, HELU offers a broad portfolio that aligns perfectly with the requirements of the new Machinery Regulation. This includes solutions for:
- power and control cables for machine building
- flexible cables for moving applications
- industrial data and bus cables
- robust cables for harsh industrial environments
With a focus on quality, reliability, and compliance with standards, HELU helps machine builders prepare for the requirements of tomorrow.
Ready for the future of machine building
The new Machinery Regulation makes one thing clear: safety and reliability start at the foundation. And in every machine, cables literally form the connection between everything that matters.
By choosing high-quality, certified cable solutions such as those from HELU, companies are not only complying with legislation, but also building more efficient, safer, and future-proof machines.