Wire vs Cable: Key Differences Explained

This article clarifies the differences between a wire and a cable.

Specifications	Wire	Cable
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Definition	A single and flexible strand or rod of metal which is cylindrical in shape is known as wire.	A group of insulated conductors (two or more) is known as cable.
Structure	Wires are located in the cables.	Cables cover the wires inside it which are running side by side and bonded or twisted or braided together.
Formation	They are grouped as per gauge number and insulation type.	They are formed as per the number of wires and according to their gauge.
Types	Stranded wire, solid wire	Twisted pair, multi-conductor cable, coaxial cable, fiber optics
Applications	Wire is used for electric connections, as jumpers in trouble-shooting.	Building wiring for power, long distance communication under the sea, used in electronic devices for power and signals, power transmission, cable TV transmission etc.

In essence, a wire is a single conductor, while a cable is a collection of wires bundled together. Let’s delve a bit deeper.

What is a Wire?

A wire is essentially a single strand of metal, typically copper or aluminum, designed to conduct electricity. It’s characterized by its flexibility and cylindrical shape. Wires come in various gauges (thicknesses) and with different types of insulation, depending on the application. You might find solid core wires, or stranded wires, where multiple thin strands are twisted together for increased flexibility.

What is a Cable?

A cable, on the other hand, is an assembly of two or more wires, often insulated individually and then bundled together within a protective outer sheath. This sheath provides mechanical protection and can also offer shielding against electromagnetic interference. Cables are designed for more robust and complex applications than single wires.

Key Differences Summarized

To recap, here are the key distinctions:

• Composition: A wire is a single conductor; a cable is multiple conductors.
• Protection: Wires may have a single layer of insulation, while cables have an outer sheath for added protection.
• Complexity: Cables are used for more complex and demanding applications.

Examples of Cable Types

As the table shows, cable can refer to many different structures based on their specific applications. Here are a few common types:

• Twisted Pair Cable: Used in Ethernet and telephone applications, where wires are twisted together to reduce noise.
• Multi-Conductor Cable: Contains multiple insulated wires within a single jacket, used for various signal and power transmission applications.
• Coaxial Cable: Features a central conductor surrounded by insulation, a conductive shield, and an outer jacket. Used for transmitting high-frequency signals, like cable TV.
• Fiber Optic Cable: Transmits data as light pulses through glass or plastic fibers, offering high bandwidth and immunity to electromagnetic interference.