Cable Assembly in a Nutshell
Cable assemblies and wire harnesses are standard terms in the wire and cable sector. Some people call it cable harness, wiring harness, or wiring loom, and more often than not, the terminologies are interchangeably used.
These cables are bound together by heavy-duty materials such as rubber, vinyl, flexible conduit, electrical tape, metal mesh, or some combination. But all of them function to transmit signals or electrical power.
But, there are clear differences between cable assemblies and wire harnesses; let’s learn more about them.
What is a cable assembly?
A cable assembly typically goes into a panel or port that forms a single unit and is directly plugged into a power source. Due to its sturdy design, it is mainly employed for outdoor applications and handling stronger electrical current.
What is a wire harness?
The wiring harness assembly is a wrapping material that bundles up different cables together. It could be as simple as a zip tie or a nylon string. A wire harness groups various lines and covers them into a compound structure for more effortless connectivity.
Industry Applications of Cable Assemblies and Wire Harnesses
Communications and Networking
Cable requirements for communications are increasingly complex and must handle even greater data and signal transfer. The design of cables in telecommunications must have suitable shielding to fit the application and the environment.
Instrumentation
Precision wiring is an essential need for electronic assembly in the instrumentation sector. Even a slight hiccup in the instrument’s calibration could spell a difference between an airplane landing on a runway and ending up on a busy highway.
Internet of Things (IoT)
IoT devices that use Local Area Network (LAN) work on wired communication. It is compliant with IEEE 802.3 Standard; it is a physical and link layer protocol. Ethernet cables are utilized for connecting computers with routers to provide an internet connection.
Oil & Gas
The types of cables and wires used for the oil and gas industry must have the ability to stand the rough and demanding environments it operates. Polyurethane-jacketed, polyethylene-jacketed, and armored cables are the ideal of the most common type for the oil and gas industry. Visit websites like aeicm.com for a trusted wiring assembly contractor.
Power & Renewable Energy
Like the oil and gas industry, the power industry needs cable assemblies that can hold up against severe environments. The cables may get subjected to the sun, strong winds, extreme weather, and salt spray. That’s why durable and ruggedized wires are necessary for this industry.
Transportation.
The wiring requirements of the transportation industry are wide and varied. Each transport network relies on an intricate array of links to function correctly. The wiring must provide clear and reliable communications in different operating areas, whether on cars, trucks, aircraft, trains, or yachts.
Key Takeaways
The cables look and serve as one thick wire in a cable assembly. While each cable inside the sleeve or jacket might work differently, the system appears as one thick wire. A cable assembly is more durable in design and can be routed into tight and smaller spaces.
A wire harness is merely a bundle of separately sheathed wires. Individual components can easily be broken out and may run in different directions. A wire harness is more apt for indoor use because the materials are not suited for sunlight exposure, dampness, and other ecological concerns.