Questions regarding the difference between externally similar materials are especially important in areas such as electrical engineering. The laying of communication networks and lines should be carried out taking into account technological standards and the manufacturer's instructions for the material used, therefore, knowledge of the subtleties in the specification of electrical products can hardly be overestimated. Understanding how the cable differs from the wire, as well as taking into account the technical features of both varieties, will help to effectively complete the tasks. After all, it is these materials that form the basis of electrical wiring, both in the organization of the infrastructure of large industrial facilities, and in the household.
Common features and differences
People are faced with the need to install wires and cables in various fields. Among the main unifying parameters of these materials are the structural device and the transmission functions of electrical signals. However, in the same characteristics, differences between wires and cables are also noted, which is due to the specifics of use. For example, both products are almost the same set of components, including core, insulation and protection cover. In turn, the cable is more often used in the arrangement of tracks, which is favored by the availability of special armor. The wire, rather, is designed for local use - accordingly, it has a less striated sheath.
It would seem that everything is simple, but the specialists know the so-called x-ray cable, which casts doubt on the described differences. We can say that any breeding of the materials under consideration will be conditional, but this is not entirely true if we delve deeper into the essence of the matter.
Cable definition
To begin with, it is worth referring to the initial definition, in accordance with GOST. A comparison of basic concepts will make it easier to understand how the cable differs from the wire, as well as from the cord.
A cable is an electrical product used to transmit information signals and electricity. In addition, it can be used in the manufacture of windings of electrical products, which is characterized by increased flexibility.
In its structure, a cable can have one or more conductors - these are cores that are insulated and enclosed in a special sheath. In this case, the outer coating may be a metallic or non-metallic material. By the way, this technological aspect is the key to understanding how the cable differs from the wire both in operational and in structural terms. Also, the structure of the cable can be supplemented by a reinforced cover with the presence of armor. Such models are designed for use in harsh conditions, such as underwater or in the ground.
Wire definition
By definition, the wire in the original concept also applies to cable products. It contains the core (one or several), has twisted wires, and again, depending on the nature and conditions of use, it can be equipped with a sheath. At this point, it is worth stopping and thinking about the principles of cable construction - in particular, its protective covers.
In the approach to providing sheaths, it is found out how the cable differs from the wire, since it is this part that to a large extent determines the area of acceptable use of products. The fact is that the manufacture of the wire does not involve the use of metal coatings, but it is possible to winding from wire or fibrous raw materials.
Cord and its differences
Often, the cord is placed on a par with wires and cables. This has its justification, since the structure of the products is much similar. On the other hand, common features allow us to answer the opposite question - about how the cable differs from the wire due to the similarity of the latter with the cord. One way or another, when choosing the optimal means for connecting electrical devices or laying power lines, every nuance in the characteristics of the material is important.
So, the cord is part of a group of wires, but its insulated cores are characterized by higher flexibility. Due to this quality, it is used to connect with mobile equipment and devices. So you can determine how the cable differs from the wire and cord with similar products. Firstly, it is possible to use in more demanding operating conditions. Secondly, the difference in the degree of elasticity, which reduces the range of use of the cable.
Installation wires
A more accurate separation of electrical wires requires a description and existing variations of these products. One of them is the installation wire, which is designed to install lighting and power lines indoors and outdoors. Their current-carrying elements are conductors provided with plastic insulation. External protection is focused on the prevention of mechanical damage, which again allows you to fix what distinguishes the cable from the wire.
What is the difference between the shells has already been described. Similar differences can be transferred to the installation wire, which does not provide for the presence of armor and even metal cover. Moreover, some varieties do not have additional protection at all.
Performance and Modifications
When choosing a wire or cable, you can encounter a variety of markings, from which it is not easy to choose the optimal solution. However, abbreviations denote the technical and physical properties of the product, which cannot be ignored.
Omitting the intricacies of the direct marking, we can distinguish several modifications with their qualities, which will also cause some differences between wires and cables and the specifics of their application.
Mostly the difference concerns insulation technology. So, for example, the wires can have rubber, polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene windings, which are protected by PVC material, plastic compounds or a non-combustible chloroprene sheath.
For cables without armored protection, plastic or rubber insulation is used. To protect the conductive material from water, light and chemical influences, technologists choose moisture-proof shells. But only the metal coating will help protect the base from physical influences - aluminum, lead and steel are used for this. It is such technological solutions that even cable can be laid underground. The wire, the difference of which is more “greenhouse” application conditions, does not require reinforcing the sheath with metal.
Differences in Uses
On the example of use, you can trace the differences between products due to their technical parameters. Due to the enhanced protection properties, the cable has found its place in the provision of power plants, industrial facilities, local networks, etc. It is laid in special channels, underground or in open form under the sky.
The wires are designed for fixed laying, but there are many options for connecting to mobile installations and equipment. This quality makes similar products with cords. By distinguishing between areas of application, you can find out how the cable differs from wire and other materials intended for inclusion in electrically conductive channels.
Conclusion
The characteristic features of the considered electrical products allowed us to identify a number of fundamental differences that arise from the properties of materials and are clearly expressed in the application features. The answer to the question of what is the difference between a cable and a wire is based on the device of these products. Mainly this is the presence of armor in some types of cable and the ability to connect wires to mobile devices due to the flexible structure. Consequently, the representatives of the first group are more likely oriented to fixed networks, which assume high safety against damage. The second category of electrical wiring is designed for widespread use in less severe operating conditions.