What is the Difference Between Wire and Cable: A Comprehensive Explanation
09th April 2025 | Written By: Vinod Pottayil | Read Time: 3min | Last Updated: 09th April 2025
The stability of electrical set up of residential, commercial and industrial infrastructure is largely dependent on wires and cables. You may not know the difference between the two as a layman. Wires and cables are distinct from each other on several parameters. Read the comprehensive guide below to make the appropriate choice.
Configuration
Wires are single conductors of electricity. They are bare and twisted in appearance. Such wires are devoid of insulation. However, some wires have a direct and thin Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) sheathing.
A cable is a group of multiple wires clubbed as a single unit. They are arranged together in a twisted or bonded way in a protective layering. A cable always has insulation.
Material Composition
Copper and aluminium are the base materials in wires and cables. However, the copper used in custom applications may contain plating or coating of tin, gold or silver.
Application
Wires transmit electricity from one point to another in low-scale applications. They have use cases in household wiring, electronic gadgets and overhead transmission lines. A few examples are wires used in power sockets, lighting equipment, speakers and air conditioners.
Cables are used for diverse, high-power, longer range and complex applications. They have use cases in telecommunication, construction, manufacturing, power distribution, networking and audio-visual signal transmission. Extension cords, High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) cables, Ethernet cables, and USB cables are a few examples of cables.
Flexibility
Wires are made from single strands. Hence, they have enhanced flexibility than cables. It is easy to manipulate them for electrical fittings.
The flexibility of cables depends on their application. Some have rigid resistance. However, most cables are designed for easy movement, bending and flexing.
Durability
A higher flexibility indicates a higher vulnerability to wear and tear in wires. They have a very low durability in harsh conditions.
The multi-stranded cables offer more durability than wires in terms of heat and moisture resistance.
Voltage
Wires have low-voltage power and limited transmission signal. This is one of the reasons why they are commonly used in household wiring.
Cables have high voltage power and strong transmission signal. Hence, they are in higher demand in industries that require additional electric current or data load capacity.
Gauge
Gauge refers to the thickness or diameter of wires and cables. The lesser the gauge, the thicker the wire or cable is. For example, a 12 gauge wire has a larger diameter than a 14 gauge wire. A lower gauge also indicates more current-carrying capacity.
Most residential constructions used wires of 8, 10, 12 and 14 gauge.
Telecommunications or other high-current industries use cables of 22-28 gauge.
Cost
Wires are comparatively cheaper than cables. However, their cost-effectiveness should be determined in terms of their material composition, gauge, voltage, breakage and applications.
Types
There are three types of wires:
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Solid Wire:
This is a single but solid and effective strand of conductor. It has low resistance and better durability.
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Stranded Wire:
This is a layout of multiple tiny strands into a single conductor. It can withstand wear and tear more efficiently.
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Tinned Wire:
This is made from tin-based copper material. It keeps the oxidation at bay in humid climates.
There are seven types of cables:
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Twisted Pair Cable:
This cable comprises sets of twisted copper wires with jacketing. They are commonly used in networking.
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Armoured Cable:
This is a metallic sheathed cable used in applications where cables remain visibly exposed.
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Fibre Optic Cable:
This is a cable made from glass or plastic fibres. It enables quick data transmission in the telecommunication sector.
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Coaxial Cable:
This cable has sturdy insulation, making it an ideal choice for television and internet signals.
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Non-Metallic Sheathed Cable:
This cable has a minimum two insulated conductors. It is enclosed in a non-metallic jacket. It is suitable for indoor wiring in homes.
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High-Temperature Cable:
This cable is made from extreme heat-resistant materials. It has applications in furnaces and boilers.
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Underground Feeder Cable:
This cable has distinctive moisture-resistant plastic jacketing. It is suitable for underground or open-air electrical fittings.
Conclusion
Material, electrical load, local electrical compliances and energy efficiency are a few important factors you should consider for wire and cable fittings. However, safety factors should precede all other factors. It is advisable to opt for wires and cables that bear Indian Standards Institution (ISI) mark.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) :
- Q1. How are wires and cables different from each other? Wires are single-stranded conductors. Cables are a bundle of multiple wires braided together.
- Q2. Which is a better choice for homes – wires or cables? Wires are usually an ideal choice for switchboards, air conditioners, bulbs and lamps, kitchen equipment and small electronic devices at home.
- Q3. Where are cables used? Cables are a preferred choice in networking, computing, telecommunication, construction and manufacturing industries. These industries require extra electric currents and speedy data transmission.
- Q4. What are wires and cables made of? Copper and aluminium are primary materials in wires and cables. However, some wires and cables may also have gold, silver or tin layering for specialised applications.
- Q5. How to select the best wires and cables? You have to consider the application, materials durability, flexibility, gauge, cost, voltage fluctuations, weather conditions and several other factors. However, it is advisable to select cables and wires that strike a balance between energy efficiency and safety.
