The complexity of cable manufacturing is often overlooked. This everyday item easily found throughout our lives is seemingly simple, yet manufacturing the perfect cable for your electronic device is both complex and necessary.
We’ve compiled a list of the top 24 terms to know in cable manufacturing to prepare you for your next conversation regarding cable manufacturing and to help you determine your cable needs for your next electronic device.
- Active Current – measured in watts, the active current is the component of current in phase with the voltage
- Charge – the amount of electricity in a condenser or conductor
- Rated Temperature – the highest temperature at which a component can operate for a long period of time without losing functionality
- Breakdown Voltage – the voltage at which the insulation between two conductors deteriorates
- Ampacity or Current Carrying Capacity – the maximum current, measured in amperes, a conductor can carry without overheating or exceeding its temperature ratings
- Stranded Conductor – a type of conductor made up of groups of wires to form a single component
- Cable Filler – material used to fill a cable so that it is round and durable, while providing conductor spacing in order to meet industry standards
- AWG – abbreviation for American Wire Gauge
- Braid – a group of fibrous or metallic filaments woven into a covering over one or more wires
- Insulation – a material with a strong resistance to the flow of electricity and is used to separate close electrical components
- Flex Life – the amount that a cable or conductor can be repeatedly bent without breaking
- Jacket – also known as a sheath, the jacket is the outer protective covering of a wire or cable, typically made from plastic or elastomer
- Tinning – the process of covering wire in molten tin, to help aid in soldering and prevent corrosion
- Harness – an arrangement of cables and wires, typically with many breakouts, that have been pulled together into a jacket or sheath in order to interconnect a circuit
- Current-Carrying Capacity – the maximum current, measured in amperes, a cable or conductor can carry without overheating or exceeding the jacket temperature rating
- Dielectric – an insulating material that allows electrostatic attraction and repulsion between two conductors
- Leakage Current – the unwanted passage of current through or over an insulator
- Moisture Resistance – a material’s ability to avoid absorbing moisture from the air or when it is submerged in water
- Shield – a metallic layer, such as a tape, serve or braid, around a conductor to prevent leakage current, and to prevent interference between the enclosed wire and external jacket
- Shock Test – this test is intended to determine the durability of a cable through harsh physical movement and concussion, which may occur during use
- Abrasion Resistance – a wire or cable’s durability and resistance to wear over time
- Crimp Termination – a solderless electrical connection typically used on stranded wire
- Splice – used to join two different wires together either by soldering or crimping; it is important to know what kind of splice is needed for your application
- Heat Shrink Tubing – is used to insulate wires, joints, and terminals, and can provide abrasion resistance and environmental protection
For more information about cable manufacturing or electronic device manufacturing, reach out to the experts at ACDi. You can reach us at 301-685-0528, or online at https://www.acdi.com/contact-us/.
Want to learn more about ACDi and our services? Visit us here!