FAQ

Answers to common questions can be found here.  For any questions not addressed here, please contact us via email for resolution.

Manufacturing

Will my product appear exactly as it does on the website images?

While some of the images are of pre-production versions, the products received will match or closely resemble the photographs on the website. Any perceived color differences are as a result of the lighting and variations associated with photographs on a website. There may be minor component differences due to supply chain variations and component changes but the overall function, appearance, and colors are maintained.

Where are the products sold on this site manufactured and shipped from?

The final assembly and shipping point for all securecables.com products is the United States of America. Wherever and whenever possible, components are sourced from US manufacturers, even if the result is a slightly higher retail price.

What is the internal steel security cable made of?

The internal cable is made of carbon steel and requires special tools to cut.

What type of RF shielding is used in the Security Cable products?

All custom Security Cables use an internal shielding wrap made of bi-metal tinned copper for maximum RF signal emanation shielding. All the Ethernet and HDMI cables are also internally shielded. The shielding prevents sympathetic signal transmissions from leaking out of the cables and keeps environmental (external to the cable) RF and EMI from affecting the signal. For additional information on how important RF/EMI shielding is, click here.

Are all the Security Cable combination-style locks only? Are keyed locks an option?

Combination locks offer both a high level of security, tamper deterence, and easier enterprise-level management.

The benefit of a combination lock is that each lock provides 10,000 possible combinations. Because a Standard Security Cable is equipped with 2 locks, this effectively doubles that number to 20,000 possible combinations (with different combinations used on each side).

Keyed locks pose significant logistical and security challenges on an enterprise scale. In large organizations dozens or even hundreds of physical keys--along with master keys--could create security risks, rather than reduce them. Master keys in particular, can compromise an entire agency or enterprise if lost or duplicated. Key control programs also require additional infrastructure such as key storage vaults, issuing personnel, and accountability checks.

Keyed style circular locks are easier to tamper with and may not show visible signs of compromise (covert entry). They also offer a limited number of unique key patterns, which means that keys from different manufacturers (or even the same manufacturer) may inadvertently work on multiple locks.

For these reasons, combination locks are strongly recommended for enterprise use. Limited production runs of keyed-lock Security Cables are available by special order but they are not recommended for large scale deployment.

Security Cables

How can I tell if my device/asset has an included security slot?

Ranging from TVs, laptops, wireless routers and access points, printers, and networking devices (from small business and enterprise class), almost all devices include security slots.

The security slot is fairly small and unassuming so it is easily overlooked. The standard size security slot is a small rectangle that measures 3mm x 7mm. It may be have a small lock icon or a K next to it.

You can usually find the location of your device's security slot with a visual inspection or a quick online search for your particular device.

To view some sample security slots on standard devices, click here. We may be able to help determine whether or not your particular device has a security slot. Email us at

How do I change the combination on my Security Cable?

Changing the combination from the default code of 0000 is a quick and easy process. It only requires a small flathead screwdriver. Please watch this video for an in-depth explanation of the process.

How are the Security Cables constructed?

Each Security Cable product is built with premium components to exacting specifications and tested before shipping. Each cable is constructed with top of the line bi-metal shielding for maximum RF insulation for additional protection against signal emanations. All components are bonded together using adhesive to ensure that components do not separate and detach from each other over time. For a detailed cable construction breakdown, click here

What does the term Cable Leader refer to?

All the Security Cables include a data transmission cable and a carbon steel security cable for physical security in a singular assembly . The Cable Leader refers to the section of the data cable and steel cable that is not bonded together in the common assembly. The length of the Cable Leader is the distance between the end of the data cable (minus the portion that goes into the receptacle/data port) and where the cable goes into the shielding/sleeving.

What do the terms Wall Plate side and Equipment side refer to on the Security Cables?

The difference is in the length of the Cable Leader. The security cables are intended to secure a device or asset with physical locks between the device/asset and the Security Cable Wall Plate that is mounted and secured to the distribution cabling in the room or office.

The security slots are located next to the modular insert opening on the Security Cable Wall Plate and as such, do not require as long a Cable Leader. On Cat 8 and HDMI cables, the standard Wall Plate side Cable Leader has a default length of 3" while the Equipment side is a default length of 6". The Equipment side is slightly longer because the security slot on the device/asset may not be physically located next to the data cable port (Cat 8, HDMI, or power) so a longer Cable Leader is required to span the distance.

Both the Wall Plate side and Equipment side Cable Leaders can be modified by special request at no charge. The Wall Plate side is unlikely to need modification but the Equipment side may vary, depending on the device being secured.

If you're unsure what Equipment side Cable Leader length you need, we are happy to help. Just provide a few details about your device or asset and if possible, include photos of the data or power ports (Cat 8, HDMI, Power, USB, etc) and the security slot. We'll assist you in verifying or determining the best length for your setup.

Which security slots are the Security Cables compatible with?

The T-Bar locking mechanism on the security cable product line is the standard size (3mm x 7mm). These will not work in a micro or nano security slot (newer Dell and some HP products). We have additional security cable options coming soon. In the interim, we have two product options (The Security Cable Slot Adapter for any of the standard 2-lock Security Cables) and the Security Cable Base Plate (for any of the single lock variant Security Cables) available which can be used on almost any product.

What is the EIA-568 specification for ethernet cables?

The EIA-568 refers to the order and pinout locations of the 4 pairs in a standard ethernet cable. All securecables.com ethernet cables conform to the EIA-568B specification.

Are the Security Cables compatible with Dell laptops?

While older Dell laptops frequently use standard 3mm x 7mm security slots, many newer ones use a Mini Security Slot which are not currently are not compatible our current Secure Cable products. Fortunately, newer Dell compatible products are coming soon and if custom cables are needed immediately, custom order inquiries will be responded to at orders@securecables.com.

Security Cable Wall Plates

What are the Security Cable Wall Plates manufactured from?

Each Security Cable Wall Plate is precision CNC-machined from a solid billet of T-6056 aluminum ensuring exact sizing and fitment as well as maintaining high strength-to-weight ratio and rigidity.

What are the dimensions of the Security Cable Wall Plate?

The Security Cable Wall Plate external measurements are 5" long by 3 5/8" wide
by 1/4" thick. It is sized for use in a single gang box installation.  The opening is sized to fit over a standard rectangular block outlet, sometimes called a rocker switch, decorator outlets, or Decora receptacles. The opening is also the same size as GFCI/AFCI outlet.

What are the sizes of the security slots on the Security Cable Wall Plates and are other sizes available?

The Security Cable Wall Plate is designed to work with the Security Cable product line. At this time, the only available security slot size is the standard security lock size of 3mm x 7mm. Additional Secure Cable options to include Micro and Nano sized security mechanisms are on the near term roadmap for product offerings. Once the new products are available, the Security Cable Wall Plate product line will likewise be updated to include additional options with different sized security slots.

Ordering and shipping

How long before my products are shipped?

Once the product(s) have been ordered and payment has been received, manufacturing begins immediately. Unless there are unforeseen delays, products will ship to you within 14 business days. Every attempt will be made to ship orders in the minimal amount of packages possible.

How will my products be shipped?

All securecables.com product orders will use domestic ground/freight shipping within the 48 contiguous United States. At this time, express and overnight shipping is not an option because most products are custom made at the time of ordering.

Is international shipping possible?

International orders are currently considered on a case by case basis but currently, international shipping is disabled by default. We will ship to some limited international locations, provided the destination and payment can be verified. International destinations will be limited because of the possibility of fraud, sales tax considerations, and whether or not US patent and intellectual property laws are reciprocal and enforced. International shipping will also require an additional charge. Please contact us at orders@securecables.com for further information.

Can I cancel an order?

In all cases, please send an email to orders@securecables.com for assistance.

If manufacturing has not begun, your order can be canceled in full.

If the manufacturing has been partially initiated, a partial fulfillment and partial payment may apply.

If the manufacturing process has been completely initiated or completed, the complete order will be fulfilled and the payment cannot be refunded.

Payments made for canceled orders--whether partial or full--will be refunded accordingly.

Can received orders be returned?

All cables are custom built when ordered and cannot be returned once received. Non-custom parts like the Security Cable Wall Plate or any of the ancillary inserts and accessories can be returned for a full refund (minus a small restocking fee). Return shipping will be at customer expense.

Special and Custom Orders

What options and products are available via special order?

Non-standard lengths, some cable types, Cable Jacket and Cable Jacket End Cover colors, and security cable type (i.e. keyed vice combination), are likely available via special order.

Pricing is determined during the evaluation phase of the special order. Non-standard colors for the Cable Jacket and the Cable Jacket End Color are typically offered as a no-cost or low-cost option.

What additional Cable Jacket and Cable Jacket End Covers colors are available?

An organization (like a sports team) may have specific color requests. In addition to the standard color palette of black, yellow, orange, red, green, and blue, the additional colors of: gray, brown, silver, purple, white, and clear are possible. Any combination of colors is possible so for example, a white Cable Jacket and a purple Cable Jacket End Cover would provide a unique color scheme and contrast. These two types of modifications can likely be provided at no additional cost.

If I wanted keyed locks instead of combination locks, how would that work?

As noted in the Manufacturing section above, while combination locks are recommended most applications, we do accommodate requests for keyed locks.

Orders of 10 or fewer cables with a common key can be easily fulfilled. Larger quantities require additional coordination, lead time, and logistical planning to ensure proper key management and product availability.

We are happy to work with you to find a solution that meets your needs.

What if a customer wants a different cable type than the options currently offered?

The coming soon section highlights future product offerings scheduled for release within the next 6 months.

If you're interested in a specific cable type, whether or not it appears in the coming soon section, we can likely integrate it with our patent-pending design. We are happy to coordinate with you to understand your requirements and provide a custom quote based on your needs.