First: The difference between wires and cables
Simply put, wires consist of one or more flexible wires covered with a soft sheath, and cables consist of one or more insulated wires covered with a tough metal or rubber sheath.
Wires are generally conductive metal wires used to carry electrical current. Available in solid, stranded or foil braided forms. According to the insulation condition, they are divided into two categories: bare wires and insulated wires.
Cables generally consist of three parts: core wire, insulation sleeve and protective sleeve. It is an insulated wire consisting of one or more mutually insulated conductive cores placed in a sealed sheath. A protective covering layer can be added on top to transmit and distribute electrical energy or transmit electrical signals.
Each conductor of a cable counts as a strand. This is the most direct difference between wires and cables. The main difference between it and ordinary wires is that the cable size is larger and the structure is more complex.
The difference between wires and cables is that wires are generally smaller in size and simpler in structure, but sometimes cables are also classified as wires in a broad sense. Regarding the difference between the two, we can also elaborate on the following three aspects:
Material difference
A wire is a metal wire used to conduct electricity and is used to carry electrical current. They come in many forms such as solid, twisted or foil woven. According to the insulated metal, it is divided into two categories: bare wires and insulated wires. An insulated conductor consisting of one or more insulated conductor cores placed in a sealed sheath. The difference between wires and cables is that wires are generally smaller in size and simpler in structure, but cables are sometimes classified as generalized wires.
Structural difference
The difference between cables and ordinary wires lies in their large size and complex structure. Cables are mainly made of conductive cores (highly conductive materials). The insulation layer used as cable insulation material should have high insulation resistance and high breakdown electric field strength. Cables are generally classified as insulating materials.
Difference in use
Bare wires are wires that do not include any insulation or protective layer. In addition to being used as wires for transmitting electrical energy and information, they can also be used to manufacture components and connecting wires for motors and electrical appliances. In addition, there are various insulated wires suitable for special requirements, such as low-voltage wires for automobiles, high-voltage ignition wires for automobiles, leads for motors, aviation wires, compensation wires, etc. According to the purpose, cables can be divided into power cables, communication cables and control cables.
In addition to the above differences, cables have distinct advantages. Compared with overhead lines, the advantages of cables are small horizontal insulation distance between lines, small floor space, underground laying does not occupy development space above the ground, and high power transmission reliability. Therefore, most cables are used in densely populated and grid-intensive areas and crowded places, and they play an important role in modern construction.
Second: What is the difference between wires and cables and wiring harnesses?
1. Wires and cables are used to transmit electrical (magnetic) energy, information and realize electromagnetic energy conversion. Wires and cables in a broad sense are also referred to as cables. Cables in a narrow sense refer to insulated cables, which can be defined as: a collection composed of the following parts Body; one or more insulated cores, and the covering, general protective layer and outer sheath they may each have. Cables may also have additional uninsulated conductors. Wire products used to transmit electromagnetic energy, information and realize electromagnetic energy conversion.
Wires and cables in a broad sense are also referred to as cables, and cables in a narrow sense refer to insulated cables. It can be defined as a collection of the following parts: one or more insulated cores, and each may have a covering layer, a total protective layer and an outer sheath. The cable may also have additional uninsulated conductors.
The main differences between the two lie in the following aspects:
Construction:
Electrical wires typically consist of one or more conductive metal wires, which may be solid, stranded, or braided with metal foil. Cables consist of one or more insulated conductor cores, each of which is wrapped by an insulating layer and has a protective layer on the outside.
Purpose:
Wires are mainly used to conduct electricity and carry current. They can be used in the manufacture of electrical equipment, motor components and connecting wires. Cables are used to transmit and distribute electrical energy or transmit electrical signals, and are widely used in power systems, communication networks, automobiles, aerospace and other fields.
Size:
Wires are usually thin and have a smaller diameter, making them suitable for routing in tight spaces. Cables are usually larger and thicker in diameter, and are suitable for larger power transmission and long-distance transmission due to their complex structure and multiple insulated conductor cores.
Insulation:
Wires generally have insulation to prevent current leakage or short circuits. Each conductor core of the cable has an independent layer of insulation to ensure electrical isolation and protection between conductors.
Application scope:
Electrical wires are usually used in low-voltage and low-power applications, such as household electricity, low-voltage appliances, etc. Cables can be used for low, medium and high voltage transmission lines, communication cables, industrial equipment and other needs.
In short, wires are mainly used for conductive functions, with simple structures, suitable for smaller current and low-power applications; cables are used for power transmission and signal transmission, with more complex structures, suitable for larger power and long-distance transmission.
