Cable assemblies are sometimes called cable harnesses, so they are sometimes confused with wire harnesses. Both tools have a similar structure-the sheath used to hold the wires or cables together-which makes them easy to confuse. Although these two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they are used differently.
Wire harness is an inexpensive organization tool, made of a thin layer of thermoplastic or thermosetting material. They are usually used in a controlled and safe environment.
Cable harness is made of stronger materials, such as vinyl or thicker thermoplastics. They can be customized to protect wires from specific conditions such as extreme temperature changes, weather, friction, compression, humidity, and various other potentially harmful environmental factors.