Cable assembly and wire harness sometimes confused each other because they are exactly the same thing. This confusion is understandable, because many professionals can alternately use multiple products to accomplish the same basic function. Even in this case, the two products are different.
Cable Assembly vs Wire Harness
Before discussing the difference between the two systems, it’s important to determine what a cable is and what a wire is. A cable is often two or more wires that run together to a system. They are usually bound together, which is why they tend to look like a bunch of wires. A wire is a single strand of material that conducts electricity. Harness assemblies manufacturer usually make these out of aluminium or copper.
Cable assembly
Cable assembly is a group of cables or wires wrapped in the outer layer of a different product to keep the cables together. The purpose of the cable assembly is to maintain the organization of the wires and cables. These cable assemblies usually have similar functions to wire harnesses, but are designed for completely different environments. Most of the time, they are made of heavy materials such as vinyl, thermoplastic rubber, or shrink wrap thermoplastics.
The main difference between cable assemblies and wire harnesses is environmental factors. Manufacturers of cable harnesses tend to make cable assemblies more durable to cope with harsher environments. There are several shapes and sizes of cable assemblies. The outer protective layer is usually used to protect the internal wires from moisture, friction, heat, compression and other possible hazards. Cable assemblies may be the more expensive option, but they can protect the product under the most extreme conditions.
Wire harness
Wire harness is more of a basic outer coating, covering the smaller wires and cables inside. The role of the wire harness is to bundle the cables and wires that have been protected by the outer layer. This basically means that if you open a harness, you will see many cables with their own covering instead of a single wire. Wire harness manufacturers have been using thermoplastics and thermosetting materials to make wire harnesses for many years. These materials will help protect the wires from environmental conditions.
Wire harnesses are the lowest priced electrical solution for keeping your electrical systems neatly arranged. When you bundle wires or cables together, you’re creating a neatly organized area that is easier to work with in the future. Since wire harnesses cost less, they are only used as an organizational tool and for mildly protecting wires and cables from certain weather conditions. With Star Engineering, you’ll get both options at great prices and assistance along the way to help you find the best fit.