Wire vs Cable: What's the Difference?
The complete guide to understanding when to use wire versus cable in electrical design.
Quick Answer
Wire is a single electrical conductor, either solid or stranded. Cable is two or more insulated wires bundled together in an outer jacket. The key difference: wire is a single conductor, cable is multiple conductors combined.
Visual Comparison
Wire (Single Conductor)
- • Single conductor (solid or stranded)
- • One layer of insulation
- • Flexible routing options
Cable (Multiple Conductors)
- • Multiple insulated conductors
- • Outer protective jacket
- • May include shielding, fillers
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Wire | Cable |
|---|---|---|
| Conductors | Single | Two or more |
| Outer Covering | Insulation only | Jacket over insulated wires |
| Flexibility | High (routes individually) | Medium (fixed bundle) |
| Shielding | Rarely | Common (foil, braid) |
| Assembly Time | Longer (individual routing) | Faster (single pull) |
| Common Uses | Internal wiring, panels, harnesses | Power, data, long runs |
| Examples | 22 AWG hook-up wire | Ethernet, USB, power cord |
When to Use Each
✓ Use Wire When:
- •Building custom wire harnesses where each conductor routes to a different destination
- •Wiring inside control panels or enclosures
- •Point-to-point connections on PCBs or prototypes
- •You need specific wire colors for identification
- •Creating breakouts where wires split to multiple connectors
✓ Use Cable When:
- •Multiple conductors follow the same path from A to B
- •You need EMI shielding for sensitive signals
- •Running long distances (outdoor, building, machine)
- •Environmental protection is needed (moisture, chemicals)
- •You want faster installation (pull one cable, not 10 wires)
⚠️ Common Mistakes
Using cable where wire is needed
Specifying 3-conductor cable when each wire goes to a different location creates waste. You'll end up cutting apart the cable anyway. Use individual wires and bundle with lacing tape or conduit.
Using wire where cable is needed
Running individual wires for data signals without shielding invites EMI problems. For Ethernet, USB, or CAN bus, always use the proper shielded cable.
Ignoring the jacket rating
A cable's jacket provides protection the individual wires inside don't have. Running individual wires in a UV-exposed outdoor environment? They need protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Glossary Terms
Design Wire Harnesses Faster
WireIt helps you manage wires and cables in your harness designs. Generate BOMs, track wire lengths, and export handoff documentation.