Within the electronics industry, the phrases “electronic wiring harnesses” and “cable assembly” are used often and loosely. Because these phrases are somewhat interchangeable, it has caused some confusion. In reality, there are differences between the two, which from a manufacturer and customer standpoint is important to know.
Electronic Cable Harnesses
These harnesses are comprised of two or more cables, which are part of a group of wires. Each of the wires within this group are coated by one or several jackets of insulation. Although different manufacturers use jackets of varying materials, for the most part, polyurethane, plastic, or vinyl blends are the top choices.
Regardless, the jacket is designed to protect the wire conductors from friction, abrasion, moisture, heat, and compression. Because electronic cable harnesses are larger, more rugged, and
durable, they are used for outdoor applications.
Electronic Wiring Harnesses
As mentioned, electronic wiring harnesses are actually a component of the cable. In this case, wire is comprised of strands of metal that conduct electricity but also carry a signal. These wires have a protective thermoplastic sheath, but because there is a wire involved, the sheath is typically just one layer of material.
Individual wires associated with Electronic Wiring Harnesses are grouped and then bound using various methods as a means of creating the wiring harness. For instance, individual wires are bound with something simple like a zip tie, but are also heat-shrink wrapped or bound with a woven outer jacket.
However, probably the biggest difference between electronic cable harnesses and electronic wiring harnesses is that the cable option is for outdoor use, whereas the wiring harness with just one layer of insulation is used indoors.
Key Advantages
Although there are distinct differences between electronic cable harnesses and electronic wiring harnesses, each has advantages. Again, cable harnesses have a definite advantage over wiring harnesses when it comes to outdoor applications. These harnesses can handle extreme temperatures, harsh UV rays, moisture, and dirt. In fact, vehicles have run over cable harnesses without causing damage.
In comparison, electronic wiring harnesses are also advantageous. Since these harnesses are lighter and smaller, they are more flexible. As such, wiring harnesses are the better solution for sending signals over short distances and when dealing with limited space.
Understanding electronic wiring harness
Also referred to as a cable harness, wiring assembly, cable assembly, or wiring loom, electronic wiring harnesses consist of wires or cables formed into an assembly responsible for transmitting electrical power or signals. The cables are bound together using a variety of techniques that ultimately benefit several different applications and industries.
Specific to the automotive industry, as an organized group of wires, as well as connectors and terminals, an electrical wiring harness is designed to run throughout the vehicle making it possible for information and electrical power to be relayed. Because of this, the wiring harness plays a crucial role in making sure that various components are properly connected.
Over the years, the design of automobiles has changed. With more advanced functionality, various components need more and/or different electronics in order to meet unique requirements but also save space. The experts with Star Electronics, Inc. possess the expertise needed to developing electrical wiring harnesses that meet these ongoing demands.
As part of a standard electrical wiring harness is a network of wires, terminals, clamps, connectors, sheathes, tape, and convoluted tubes. Again specific to the automotive industry, within the harness every wiring is responsible for carrying energy and electric signals used to start the engine, navigational systems, power windows and doors, headlights and taillights, dashboard meters, and more.
In order for electrical wiring harnesses to work, several different types of wires are used in the design. Some wires are heat resistant, some are resistant to cold, some wires are extremely flexible, and then there are different sizes according to the amount of current. The professionals with Star Engineering are experts and as such, they understand the importance that each wire plays in harnesses.
Electrical wiring harnesses also feature connectors. These components are used to connect medical cable assemblies and wires but because of vibrations, environmental risks such as water, and extreme temperature variances, they have to be able to function optimally. In addition to automobiles, these connectors are commonly used for applications used in automobiles such as televisions and GPS.
Terminals are another component of electrical wiring harnesses. These connection points are needed to carry current between wiring and the different features of a car. Since there are different metals used to manufacture terminals, the exact coating used is also unique according to various conditions.
For sound equipment used in studios and on stage, electrical wiring harnesses are also beneficial by having the ability to carry audio signals. Keep in mind that there are multiple applications and industries that use these harnesses and in most cases, they are designed to meet very specific electrical and geometric requirements. These harnesses go through extensive design and development phases and then eventually brought into full production.
