When companies are in the market to outsource the electrical components of the manufacturing process, they are often looking for a wire harness or cable assembly manufacturer. In either case, Galaxy is positioned to help with either type of electronic assembly. The difference between cable assemblies and wire harnesses lies in their structure and purpose.
- Cable Assemblies: A cable assembly is a multi-conductor cable that has been cut to a specific length and terminated on one or both ends. It can range from a single wire with connectors on either end to complex multi-conductor cables terminated with various connectors. Cable assemblies are designed to provide a more robust and protected solution for electrical connections, often used in environments where durability and protection from external factors are critical.
- Wire Harnesses: A wire harness, also known as an electronic wire harness or wiring harness, consists of multiple single conductor wires routed and combined in a specific pattern or arrangement. It is primarily used to provide power, signal, or both to a finished product. Wire harnesses are generally less robust than cable assemblies and are used in applications where the environment is less demanding.
Some key differences are:
- Complexity: Wire harnesses can be more complex. They can require more components and a higher level of organization than cable assemblies.
- Application: Wire harnesses are often used for applications with a large number of connections (e.g., automotive, machinery). Cable assemblies on the other hand typically have less connections and involve fewer components.
- Construction: A wire harness can be organized and held together with various types of heat shrink tubing, flexible sleeving, wire ties and other wire management products, whereas a cable assembly could be a single cable or multiple cables and connectors.
As technology continues to advance, wire harnesses and cable assemblies will only become more important, evolving to meet the needs of increasingly complex systems. For manufacturers, choosing the right wire harness or cable assembly is essential to optimizing performance, reducing costs, and ensuring that their products continue to meet the highest standards of quality.
– John Zangara, Galaxy’s VP of Manufacturing
Contact Galaxy to for wire harnesses or cable assemblies manufactured to specification.