Electrical Engineering: Cable Assembly and Wire Harness

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 durable 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 find out more about them.

What is a cable assembly?

A cable assembly usually goes into a panel or port that forms a single unit and is directly connected to a power source. Due to its sturdy design, it is primarily utilized for outdoor applications and handling stronger electrical current.

What is a wire harness?

The wire harness is a wrapping material that bundles up various cables together. It could be as straightforward as a zip tie or a nylon string. A wire harness essentially groups different 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 need to 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

Electronics manufacturer must provide precised wiring in 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 freeway. 

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 used 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 be able to stand the harsh and demanding environments it operates. Polyurethane-jacketed, polyethylene-jacketed, and armored cables are the most common types appropriate for the oil and gas industry. Visit websites like aeicm.com for a reputable cable assembly contractor.

Power & Renewable Energy

Like the oil and gas industry, the power industry needs cable assemblies that can endure 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 a necessity for this industry.

Transportation

The wiring requirements of the transportation industry are broad and varied. Each transportation network relies on a complicated array of links to function correctly. The wiring must provide clear and dependable communications in different operating areas, whether on cars, trucks, aircraft, trains, or yachts.

Key Takeaways

The cables look and work as one thick wire in a cable assembly. While each cable inside the sleeve or jacket might function differently, the system appears as one thick wire. A cable assembly is more resilient in layout and can be routed into tight and smaller spaces.

A wire harness is merely a bundle of sheathed cords. Individual components can easily be broken out and may run in different directions. A wire harness is more apt for indoor usage because the materials are not ideal for direct sunlight exposure, wetness, and other ecological issues.