What is a Wire Harness, Wire Harnesses vs. Cable Assemblies
What is a Wire Harness?
Wiring harness is a term used to describe a bundle of wires, connectors, and terminals that are used in various electronic and electrical devices, such as automobiles, airplanes, and industrial machinery.
The purpose of a wiring harness is to provide a simplified and organized way of connecting various components in a device to ensure their proper functioning. It protects wires from abrasion, moisture, and other environmental factors that might cause them to malfunction, which could result in safety hazards and costly repairs.
A wire harness, often referred to as a cable harness or wiring assembly, is a systematic and integrated arrangement of cables within an insulated material. The purpose of the assembly is to transmit signal or electrical power. Cables are bound together with straps, cable ties, cable lacing, sleeves, electrical tape, conduit, or a combination thereof. The wire harness simplifies the connection to larger components by integrating the wiring into a single unit for “drop-in” installation.
Wiring harnesses are typically customized to fit the specific requirements of a particular device or component. They are also designed to withstand high temperatures, vibrations, and other harsh conditions that are commonly encountered in industrial and automotive applications.
Wiring harnesses are made up of wires of various gauges for different electrical loads, ranging from low-current control circuits to high-current power systems. Often, harnesses are color-coded to make it easier to identify the different circuits and parts of the system.
In summary, wiring harnesses are essential components of modern electronics and electrical systems that simplify the wiring process and ensure safe and reliable operation of devices.
Wire Harnesses vs. Cable Assemblies
Wire harnesses are often confused with cable assemblies however, the two are quite different. The main difference is that a cable assembly normally has only two ends, whereas a wire harness contains multiple breakouts (ends) that run in many different directions with multiple terminations on each breakout.
Wire assemblies are most commonly used in the transportation industry, including automobiles, buses, trucks, and planes. Construction machinery, industrial equipment, electronics and white goods (household appliances) will also be constructed using wire harnesses.
