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Practical Applications of Cable Assembly

Practical Applications of Cable Assembly

Cable assemblies and wire harnesses are standard terms in the wire and cable industry. Some people call it cable harness, wiring harness, or wiring loom, and most of the time, the words 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 typically 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. Visit sites like aeicm.com for trusted cable assembly manufacturers.

What is a wire harness?

The wire harness is a wrapping material that bundles up different cables together. It could be as simple as a zip tie or a nylon thread. A wire harness essentially groups different cables and wraps 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 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

Precision wiring is a necessity for electronic instrumentation. Even a slight hiccup 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 electronics must have the ability to stand the harsh and demanding environments it operates. Polyurethane-jacketed, polyethylene-jacketed, and armored cables are the most common types suitable for the oil and gas industry.

Power & Renewable Energy

Like in the oil and gas sector, the power sector needs cable assemblies to withstand 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 transportation sector are wide and varied. Each transportation 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 function 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 resilient in layout and can be routed into tight and smaller spaces.

A wire harness is merely a bundle of separately sheathed cables. Individual components can conveniently be broken out and might run in different directions. A wire harness is more apt for indoor use because the materials are not suitable for direct sunlight exposure, moisture, and other environmental concerns.