Abstract: A color coded flexible armored cable includes a tubular sheath formed from a metal strip having a continuous, non-patterned, non-conductive color coating applied to the entirety of an abraded outer surface of the strip. The color coating is of a predetermined precise thickness and includes a polyethylene based wax lubricant in a percent by volume of about 0.45 to 0.55. The strip is formed into helical convolutions having a cross-sectional shape which provides for overlap and interlocking of adjacent convolutions and contact between adjacent convolutions along a helical line such that, upon bending the sheath, the convolutions remain in contact at a trailing edge of one convolution and the inner surface of an adjacent convolution in a way such that the color coating is not scraped off of the outer surface of the sheath. The sheath is preferably formed such that the number of convolutions per unit length of sheath is maximum for sheath flexibility and retention of the coating on the outer surface of the sheath.