Difference Between Wire Harness And Cable Assembly

Wire harnesses are used in applications where the wire will not be exposed to environmental threats such as extreme heat moisture dust or friction.

Difference between wire harness and cable assembly.

For that it appears as one unit as a single thick wire. Cables happen to be the combination of numerous wires. Usually this sheath is made from the same thermoplastic or thermoset material that serves as sheathing for cable assemblies. Cable harness manufacturers tend to make cable assemblies more durable to encounter tougher environments.

Multiple wire harnesses may be found inside a pop machine. Each cable may function separately but the final product looks like a single thick wire. These are metal strands capable of conducting electricity. A wire harness is typically used where the cable will be protected by an external casing.

The difference between cable assemblies and wire harnesses is that cable assemblies create a path from one point or circuit to another while wire harnesses connect several points or circuits with multiple breakouts running in different directions serving multiple functions with multiple terminations on each breakout. The coating in a cable assembly is designed for durability and stress resistance best suited for outdoor applications while the coating on a wire harness is commonly made of thermoplastic best for indoor use. The key difference between cable assembly and wire harness are the environmental factors. A wire harness is an individual metal strand or group of metal strands covered by an exterior sheath.

The basic difference between a wire harness and a cable assembly is their physical attributes and role. A wire harness is best for indoor use. For example the motor of a garage door opener may have a single wire harness. Whereas a cable assembly has multiple wires but bundled together by a single outer sleeve.

Cable assemblies come in several shapes and sizes. A cable assembly is durable. You can get them in aluminum and copper. It might be two or more than that and they are bonded together.

Wire harness on the other hand is separately sheathed wires grouped together. The protective outer layer is usually built to shield the interior wires from moisture friction heat compression and any other hazards that might become available. By nature both wire harnesses and cable assemblies contain cables and wires. Wire harnesses are low cost means with which to provide a bundle of cables and wires some degree of protection while keeping them organized for ease of installation and future service.

A wire or conductor is usually made of a highly conductive metal such as copper. Cable assembly consists of multiple wires bound together by an outer sleeve. Cable assemblies may be the more expensive option but they will keep the product. Comprehending the difference between cables and wires will be the key to understanding differences between wire harnesses and cable assemblies.

One can see and pull out an individual cable from a wire harness. The main difference is in the engineering of the component to match the application.