While the cable assemblies and cable harnesses are both customized cable solutions, they have different meanings and different wiring harness applications. Yet, the term “industrial wire harness” and wire assembly are often used interchangeably.
Fortunately, the team at Temp-Pro has created an easy-to-read guide to understanding cable harnesses and cable assemblies. Read on to learn more and don’t hesitate to reach out to us for industrial wire harness products and solutions, such as custom aircraft wiring harness solutions and other wiring harness applications.
A Closer Look at the Industrial Wire Harness
Cables are often bound together with cable ties, straps, sleeves, electrical tape, conduits, or some combination of them all. Wire harness products make connecting this combination of wires to larger components easier by integrating the wiring into an easier-to-manage unit. With an industrial wire harness, the cables are bound by an extra-durable material, such as:
- Flexible conduit
- Electrical tape
- Rubber
- Vinyl
- Extruded string weaves
- A combination of them all.
A Closer Look at the Cable Assembly
The cable assembly features several wires neatly bundled together by an outer sleeve into a single, easier-to-manage unit. The purpose of a cable assembly is to provide the functionality and power of several different cables in a neater package that is easier to maintain, replace and install.
Because of its sturdy and reliable design, cable assemblies are regularly used for handling larger electrical current capacities. The robust design of cable assemblies often means they can handle:
- Abrasion
- Moisture
- Heat
Cable assemblies are key to preventing damage to wires and cables while reducing physical trauma. Cable assemblies also reduce the likelihood of electrical shortages caused by damaged areas on the wires.
Should I Choose Cable Harness vs Cable Assembly?
While both are customizable cables, cable assemblies are more structured, rigid and durable. Based on the material used to manufacture the cable assembly, it may be more suited for outside use.
Depending on the application, the cable assembly may be preferred to the wire harness because it’s easier to maneuver and route around obstacles compared to various wire harnesses. Because of this, cable assemblies are used in an array of industries, including:
- Healthcare
- Oilfield electronics
- Aerospace for custom aircraft wiring harness
- Military
Cable Harnesses Require Unique Terminations
A wire harness usually employs multi-conductor cables and/or sleeved wires that are secured by tubing or wraps. This external wrapping organizes and protects the bundled cables or wires. The majority of cable applications require unique terminations like a socket or plug arrangements that are attached to the wires.
Cable Assemblies Can Include Different Wire Constructions
Assemblies can include a range of wire constructions, colors, sizes and materials based on the specific application. And maintaining the right orientations and lengths of wires and cables are a key part of facilitating easier and quicker installation.
Cross-Industry Applications of Cable and Wire Assemblies
There are multitudes of industries that rely on the cable assembly and industrial wire harness products:
- Power generation industries, such as solar thermal, biomass field, renewable steam, hydroelectric and Aeolic power generation all rely on cable assemblies. These unique applications need signal and power conductors on the same cable.
- Public utility companies require custom cables that can securely, safely and reliably transmit power to residences, for streetlights and other applications.
- Every military branch uses wiring and cabling for a vast range of applications. Whether it’s transmitting highly confidential information and communications to field units or powering military bases, the military requires heavy-duty, heavy-used cabling that can function in a harsh and hazardous environment.
- The aerospace industry requires extremely complex wiring solutions. And as aerospace technology advancements continue to evolve, the cabling products must do the same.
Key Takeaways
- Wire harnesses make connecting this combination of wires to larger components easier by integrating the wiring into an easier-to-manage unit.
- A wire harness usually employs multi-conductor cables and/or sleeved wires that are secured by tubing or wraps.
- The cable assembly features several wires that are neatly bundled together by an outer sleeve into a single, easier-to-manage unit.
- Cable assemblies are more structured, rigid and durable. Based on the material used to manufacture the cable assembly, it may be more suited for outside use.
- Wire assemblies can include different wire construction, colors, sizes and materials based on the specific application.
Contact Temp-Pro for Proven Industrial Wire Harness Products & Solutions
Whether the cabling products are for the extreme conditions of the military, power industry, aerospace or any other industry, they require extensive experience to match the expectations and high standards of the sector.
For example, military aircraft have unique space and weight constraints that must be considered to avoid a negative impact on aircraft performance. Fortunately, Temp-Pro boasts several years of proven experience and an impeccable reputation for creating custom aircraft wiring harnesses and wire harness products.
Contact Temp-Pro today to learn more.
Neal Messier is a dedicated sales manager at Temp-Pro. With 17+ years of experience working with instrumentation in diverse industrial and process industries particularly power generation, he is passionate about the temperature sensor industry and uses his strong technical background and comprehensive industry knowledge to fulfill client’s temperature sensor needs.
Nicole Chotain is a passionate marketing and sales specialist in the temperature sensor industry who finds it incredibly fulfilling to be involved in marketing and selling crucial components used in power generation and renewable energy. She takes great joy in creating remarkable campaigns, forging meaningful connections between Temp-Pro and its customers, and driving the growth of the brand.
