What are the differences between cables and wires?

Cables are used to transport electrical energy from one point to another. Aside from power transmission, cables can be used for networking and communication. These components are often bonded, braided or twisted together and combined with an outer sheath. 

Some different types of cables include power cables, armoured cables, rubber cables, halogen-free cables, fire-resistant cables, control cables, instrumentation cables, solar cables, special cables and aluminium cables.

Wires are single cylindrical, flexible strands or metal rods present in every electrical application. Used to bear mechanical loads or electricity and telecommunications signals, wires come in solid core, braided or stranded forms. Electrical wiring is used to distribute electricity to other devices including fuses, sockets, switches, lights, fans and more.

Common types of industrial cables and wires

Electrical cables

• Low voltage cables up to 750 volts: These usually have thermoplastic and thermoset coatings
• Low voltage cables up to 1,000 volts: These are usually used for industrial power installations
• Medium voltage cables from 1kV to 36kV: These are used to distribute electrical substations to transformer stations
• High voltage cables from 36kV: These transport electricity from generating plants to the electrical substations

Wires

• Wires separated by sizes (10,12,14,18 etc.)
• Wires separated by lettering (THHN, THWN, THW and THHN)
• Wires separated by type: Triplex wires, main feeder wires, panel feed wires, non-metallic sheathes wires and single-strand wires)

Common applications of cables and wires

Cables

• Electrical cabinets
• Industrial facilities & public places
• Mobile services
• Public distribution networks
• Aerospace
• Transportation
• Power generation
• Industrial robotics

Wires

• Construction
• Automotive
• Industrial