Facts About Cable Assemblies

The cable assemblies manufacturer uses the terms cable assemblies and wire harnesses interchangeably. Although cable assemblies and wire harnesses are used to transmit electrical power, they differ in design, complexity, use, and function.

The cable assemblies are used in various industries for different applications in the industrial, commercial, consumer, and public and private service sectors, including telecommunications, industrial and consumer electronics, automotive, medical, manufacturing, military, computing, aerospace, semiconductors, governmental agencies, etc.

Most household products or tools use wire harnesses, including computers, television, and refrigerator, and is also present in most automobiles, from cars to airplanes. Cable assemblies and wire harnesses can be crafted differently by the cable assemblies manufacturer to serve different purposes for different environments and applications.

Finally, cable assemblies and wiring harnesses can be customized to meet any specification and are made of conductor metals such as copper, aluminum, or brass.

Wires & Cables Are Not The Same Things

A wire is a single strand of an electric conductor designed to conduct electricity. In contrast, a cable consists of two or more electrical wires grouped in a single unit. A cable has a bunch of wires, an external non-conductor covering for protection and insulation, and wires may or may not have an insulating cover, depending on the requirement.

The purpose of a wire is to carry electricity, support the mechanical loads, and transmit telecommunication signals, whereas a cable is used for power transmission or telecommunication signals. The types of electrical wires are standard and solid wires. The types of cables include twisted pair cable, multi-conductor cable, coaxial cable, and fiber optic cable.

Purpose Of Cable assemblies

Cable assemblies manufacturers produce wires and cables essential in the electrical and electronic industry. The primary purpose of wires and cables is to generate, transmit, and apply electrical and electromagnetic waves to the electrical conductors. In the electric power network, wire and cable products are arranged according to the size and height of the system.

The purpose of cable assemblies is to provide the power of several different cables while organizing the cables in a package that is easier to install, replace, and maintain. Cable assemblies also help prevent damage to cables and wires by keeping the cables together and reducing the physical trauma from solid vibrations and other factors.

When working with cables, it is necessary to have a proper assembly to achieve excellent efficiency. Hence the best cable assemblies manufacturer will have the proper tooling and experience with the particular needs and application.

Wiring Harness Vs. Cable Assembly

The wire harness is a protective sleeve and sheath covering a bundle of wires made from a thermoset or thermoplastic material that keeps the individual wires organized. A cable assembly features a more durable sheathing and is used instead of wiring harnesses when exposed to environmental factors like heat, abrasion, moisture, and friction.

Manufacturers also design cable assemblies to meet the specific demands of a particular environment. For instance, cables can be made to navigate shape and size constraints and color-coded to make it easier for technicians during installation and maintenance. The coating in a cable assembly is designed for durability and stress resistance.

In contrast, the coating on a wire harness is made of thermoplastic, and its only purpose is to organize wires and cables mainly for indoor use. A wire harness is the lowest cost option when expenses are considered because they require less material and effort.

After closely looking at the differences between cable assemblies and wire harnesses, a cable assemblies manufacturer must know which one to select for a specific application.