A Quick Guide on 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 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 generally goes into a panel or port that forms a single unit and is directly connected to a power source. As a result of 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 covering material that bundles up different cables together. It could be as straightforward as a zip tie or a nylon string. A cable harness assembly 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 intricate and have 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
Precision wiring is a necessity for electronics instrumentation. Even a minor misstep in the instrument’s calibration could spell a difference between an airplane landing on a runway and winding 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 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 sector must be able to stand the rough and demanding environments it operates. Polyurethane-jacketed, polyethylene-jacketed, and armored cables are the most common types appropriate for the oil and gas industry. Always look for reputable contractors like August Electronics for your requirements.
Power & Renewable Energy
Like in the oil and gas sector, the power industry needs cable assemblies that can endure extreme environments. The cables may get exposed to the sun, strong winds, severe weather, and salt spray. That’s why robust and ruggedized wires are necessary for this industry.
Transportation
The cabling needs of the transport industry are wide and varied. Each transport network relies on an intricate array of connections 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 act as one thick wire in a cable assembly. While each cable inside the sleeve or jacket may work differently, the system appears as one thick wire. A cable assembly is more resilient 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 might run in different directions. A wire harness is more apt for indoor use because the materials are not fit for direct sunlight exposure, wetness, and other environmental concerns.
