Cross-Reference Wire & Cable Guide

If you have ever tried searching for replacement wires and cables or wanted to switch from one brand to another, It’s often difficult to find what you need to properly perform a cross-reference. Products you have been familiar with can also become outdated and cease to be manufactured. It then becomes a hassle to cross-reference old and newer styles to find a wire or cable that works for what you need. 

We understand the frustration, which is why we now offer a simple cross-reference cable guide to help you locate performance-equivalent wires and cables. The guide can assist you in matching other manufacturer’s part numbers to Consolidated Electronic Wire & Cable’s replacement parts to ensure your equipment stays operational.

How to Use Our Cross-Reference Wire & Cable Guide

The guide’s purpose is to aid you in finding a Consolidated Electronic Wire & Cable product that functions and performs comparatively to cables from other manufacturers. It is designed to save you time and help you find what you’re looking for by performing the cross-reference search for you. 

To use the online Cross-Reference Cable Guide, simply select the manufacturer you need a comparison to, whether its Alpha, Belden or General Cable, and enter your product’s Supplier Part Number. It will then show you a list of performance-equivalent wires and cables we offer.

For comprehensive specifications, refer to our website or the product listing. Be sure to reference product information for specific details on the comparable cable.

Cross-Reference Guide from Consolidated Electronic Wire & Cable

Cost-efficient, higher-quality replacement products are easily located by utilizing our cross-referencing guide rather than browsing the internet to find cables and wires, going back to the manufacturer, or attempting to construct them yourself.

Use our cross-reference guide to locate replacement wires and cables today. Alternatively, contact us for detailed part information or request a quote on any of our products.

Where are Wiring Harnesses and Cable Assemblies Used?

Wherever there is a complex electrical system, there is likely also a wire harness or cable assembly. Sometimes called cable harnesses or wiring assemblies, these units serve to organize, consolidate, and protect electrical conductors. Since wire harnesses are custom designed for their application, they can dramatically improve a system’s efficiency.

What is a Wiring Harness?

Simply, a wire harness is a bundle of cables and wires, plus the components used to sheathe, support, and organize them. These elements include tapes, sleeves, and ties, which keep cables in the optimum position for transmission. Wire harnesses are designed based on the electrical and geometrical requirements of the application and are used to simplify the connection to larger components.

What are Wiring Harnesses and Cable Assemblies Used For?

Wiring harnesses solve many challenges associated with electrical systems. By combining many individual wiring elements, they make it easier to connect and assemble complex systems. At the same time, they provide additional protection to wires and cables, preventing unwanted flexion and insulating bundles against the environment.

This combination of benefits means that wiring harnesses and cable assemblies are used across diverse applications. Most manufacturers find that combining electrical elements in a harness is a cost-effective way to improve performance while also simplifying installation. Uses can be found in industries ranging from aerospace to residential wiring.

Aerospace

Aerospace equipment often includes dense bundles of electrical and communication cables. Wire harnesses enable power transmission in aircraft engines, data transmission from satellites, and similar aerospace applications.

Automotive

The automotive industry makes extensive use of wiring harnesses and cable assemblies, including in both gasoline and electrical vehicles. In these contexts, harnesses are indispensable for saving space and ensuring wires fit around mechanical components. Organizing conductors is also essential for keeping distinct systems separate under the hood, enabling both efficient operation and easy maintenance. Automotive systems using harnesses include lights, turn signals, displays, and more.

Medical

In the hospital, clinicians must be able to quickly establish reliable connections. In many cases, this is a matter of life and death, such as when setting up critical care equipment. Harnesses enable these rapid links, keeping patients safe. Other medical applications include more permanent installations such as imaging equipment and dental chairs.

Telecommunications

Telecommunications systems may include anywhere from tens to thousands of cables, all of which must be organized to save space and facilitate identification. Assemblies serve this role, bundling cables for modems, routers, and similar communication equipment.

Information Technology

Within IT, harnesses are used at every scale. Wire harnesses and cable assemblies save space within small laptops and organize the thousands of cables within a networking facility.

Construction

Safe and efficient wiring powers residential and commercial buildings alike. Construction personnel rely on harnesses to insulate and organize electrical wiring in compliance with all relevant codes.

Manufacturing

In a manufacturing environment, stray wires represent a significant safety hazard. At the same time, many machines include extensive wiring, including CNC units, 3D printers, and conventional workstations. Harnesses keep facilities safe by containing wiring and ensuring connections are reliable.

Robotics and Automation

Robots of all sizes require organized and durable wiring to function properly. Often, space is limited, so harnesses are needed to route and contain circuits.

Benefits of Wiring Harnesses and Cable Assemblies

The advantages of wiring harnesses and cable assemblies have made them nearly ubiquitous. Key benefits include:

• Decreased Installation Time: Assemblies group cables sensibly, speeding installation for large or complex systems. This organization makes it easier to identify and locate the appropriate components.
• Safety: Harnesses can incorporate structural supports, insulation, and shielding to protect against dangerous shorts. Harnesses also keep wires contained to avoid accidents in the workplace.

When working with wires and cables, it is nearly impossible to achieve the same efficiency without a well-designed harness or assembly.

Choose Conwire for Wiring Harnesses and Cable Assemblies

Conwire has offered cost-effective, streamlined wire and cable solutions for over 100 years. We have crafted harnesses for virtually every industry, tackling unique requirements and challenges with each project. As an ISO 9001:2015-certified manufacturer, we work with the highest-quality materials and adhere to the most rigorous quality standards. Whatever the application, you can trust our solutions will maintain excellent performance across their long working lives.

To learn how we can apply our expertise to your next project, contact us or request a quote today.

The Return of Willy the Wire

Our customer favorite Willy the Wire has returned in this exciting video to provide more insight into the inner workings of Consolidated Electronic Wire & Cable. In this adventure, Willy takes us on an enlightening tour through our facility, where he provides fascinating insights into our custom capabilities. He also walks viewers through each step of our project process for a fascinating overview of our internal operations and project processes.

Our Custom Capabilities

Welcome to Consolidated Electronic Wire & Cable, where our teams of seasoned experts provide an extensive range of wire and cable products. We are pleased to offer services ranging from simple wire cutting and stripping to total custom solutions. Our dedicated personnel work hard to produce everything from complicated custom wire harnesses to simple custom cables for customers in a range of industries. We are also pleased to offer custom power cords for a variety of applications. 

While our team makes it look easy, these complicated custom arrays require a great deal of attention to detail. We can create wire assemblies in an array of lengths and thicknesses to ensure your wiring works as intended while still fitting into a variety of housings. Custom color coatings are available so your employees and repair technicians can identify wires within the assembly for faster, safer repairs. In fact, to make your product assembly as easy as possible, we are pleased to design and manufacture custom assemblies with special features to streamline assembly. 

At Consolidated Electronic Wire & Cable, we pride ourselves on offering custom wire and cable solutions that meet our customers’ most critical needs. We take the time to thoroughly understand the needs of your product, so you can rest assured that your custom cable and wiring assembly will provide optimal product performance.

The Project Process

Willy takes the time to walk our customers through the project process at Consolidated Electronic Wire & Cable. The process is designed to be as easy as possible for our customers from beginning to end:

1. First, our sales team will discuss your project with you. They will gather the details and specifications and send them to our production team. 
2. Our production team reviews your project specifications in full and creates a detailed quote for your custom wire or cable solution. 
3. Once your quote is complete, our production team sends it back to the sales team, who sends it back to you for review. 
4. You have the opportunity to review the quote, ask questions, and make any changes. Once you have approved the quote, you simply advise our sales representative and fill out a New Customer Form with your contact and business information. 
5. The Consolidated Electronic team takes it from there! We work to create a custom wire or cable array to meet your project specifications. 
6. Once production is complete, we conduct a thorough quality assurance check before packaging and shipping your completed array directly to you.

Our goal is to ensure that your entire customer experience is smooth and streamlined, with simplified processes and open communication throughout your project.

Partner With Consolidated Electronic Wire & Cable for Your Next Custom Project!

Whether you need complex custom wire harnesses or a simple cable array, Consolidated Electronic Wire & Cable has the right solution for you. With more than a century of experience, our custom capabilities are second to none in the industry. To learn more about our wiring solutions and project processes, contact our experts today or request a quote.

Intro to Shielded Cables

In cables and wires, electromagnetic interference (EMI) can negatively affect the consistency and purity of signal transmissions, which, in turn, disrupts the performance of the devices and systems in which they are installed. For this reason, shielding is often integrated into cable and wire assemblies to protect them from EMI. It is important the shielding used is the right type for the interference experienced in the application environment. Otherwise, it may not work effectively.

Below, we provide an overview of shielded cables, including what they are, the types available, and typical applications to help readers understand how to choose and use them properly. 

What Are Shielded Cables?

Shielded cables have an outer jacket that is protective and conductive. It essentially generates a Faraday cage, which blocks out external electromagnetic signals, improving the clarity of the signal transmitted through the internal conductive elements. 

The jacket component can be made from a variety of materials. However, each comes with challenges that can affect installation and maintenance. For example, thicker braided materials are difficult to handle due to their weight and decreased flexibility, while thinner materials like foils and tapes are susceptible to tearing. Knowing the limitations of materials helps industry professionals choose the one that is best suited for the application. 

Types of Cable Shielding

EMI cable shielding comes in many variations, each of which is suitable for different applications. Three of the most commonly used types of shielding are: 

• Braided shielding: This type of shielding features a woven mesh structure comprised of tinned or bare copper wires. Depending on the weave tightness, interference coverage ranges from 70–95%. 
• Foil shielding: This type of shielding is also known as tape shielding. It is made of a thin layer of aluminum or copper material, which can be bonded to a carrier material for increased strength and durability. As it is designed to be wrapped completely around the cable or wire with overlap, it provides 100% coverage. 
• Spiral shielding: This type of shielding is made by helically wrapping conductive material around the core. It is typically used on small to medium-sized cables and wires for better coverage.  

When Should I Use Unshielded vs. Shielded Wires & Cables?

While unshielded cables and wires can cancel low-level EMI interference, they are not well suited to environments where large amounts of power are used or needed since these situations create high levels of EMI. They are appropriate for use in indoor equipment, small- to moderate-sized facilities, and controlled industrial environments. 

Shielded Wire & Cables in Use

EMI is highly detrimental to the performance of electrical and electronic devices and systems. As a result, shielded wires and cables can benefit virtually any industry or industrial process that uses this type of equipment. Some examples of typical applications for these products include: 

Data Centers

Data centers generally house a large number of electronic devices. As such, they transmit many signals, which can lead to decreased equipment performance when interference occurs. That’s why integrating EMI shielding in cable and wire assemblies is important for these facilities. 

Industrial and Manufacturing Factories

EMI poses a significant threat to industrial and manufacturing factory production if it is not properly addressed. Some consequences of using unshielded cable and wire assemblies include equipment downtime, measurement errors, errors in data communication, and more. By using shielded cables and wires, factory owners and managers can better protect their people and processes. 

Medical Facilities

Many medical facilities have attempted to address EMI issues by banning the use of mobile devices within them. However, some are beginning to find alternative solutions. For example, properly shielding the cables and wires in equipment helps prevent the effect of EMI on their performance. 

Military Sites

In the military industry, electronic devices and systems often serve critical functions. That’s why it is vital to implement measures that ensure their effective and safe operation. Cable and wire shielding is key to achieving this goal since it prevents the equipment from being affected by EMI. Typical technologies that use shielded wires and cables include missiles, portable communication systems, electronic warfare systems, ground vehicles, avionics, and more. 

Offices

Shielded cables and wires are essential in offices that heavily use computers and other electrical/electronic equipment. If EMI is not properly addressed, it can significantly affect the performance of equipment and, consequently, the productivity of office workers. 

Learn More About Shielded Cables From Consolidated Electronic Wire & Cable

Shielded cable and wire assembly play a vital role in many industries and applications. To learn more about these products, contact the experts at Consolidated Electronic Wire & Cable. Equipped with over 100 years of experience in the design and manufacture of wire and cable solutions, we can answer any questions you may have about them. Additionally, if you need a wire and cable partner for your next project, we’ve got you covered. We have what it takes to deliver a custom shielding solution that meets your application requirements. Check out our custom cable guide to get started on your solution.

Watch Our Video: The History of Wire & Cable

Wires and cable are everywhere in today’s world to make our connected, electrified way of life possible. These flexible strands of metal are used to transmit data, voice, and power across short and long distances. Throughout history, wire and cable have come a long way.

In our video, Willy the Wire recalls the history of wire and cable.

Wires are Everywhere

A wire is a metal strand usually covered in insulation. If you look around, you’ll see wires and cables transmitting data and electricity everywhere. There are two basic types of wire: solid wire, which is inexpensive, rigid and fragile; and stranded wire, which is more flexible.

The History

The history of wire and cable stretches back hundreds of years:

• Industrial Revolution. Rapid innovation in technique and machinery changed the way we produced a wide range of goods, from textiles to iron. The steam engine made it possible for miners to keep up with the Industrial Revolution’s high demand for coal.
• Michael Faraday. In the 1820s, Faraday discovered electromagnetic conduction by experimenting with a magnet and a current-carrying wire.
• The Light Bulb. After testing more than 3,000 designs, Thomas Edison filed the patent for his electric light bulb in 1879.
• Power Lines. In 1889, electricity was transmitted 14 miles to power lights in Portland, Oregon. This was the first long distance transmission of electricity.
• The Telegraph. Samuel Morse helped to invent the telegraph and sent the first message in 1844. In 1861, Western Union established itself as a national telegraph company by laying the first transcontinental telegraph line.
• The Second Industrial Revolution. Between 1870 and 1914, the world saw another rush of innovation, from steel manufacturing to long distance transportation by railroads. Electricity was better understood and harnessed for production, communication, and more.
• Telephone. In 1876, Alexander Graham Bell secured a patent for the telephone and placed a call within a few days. The Bell Telephone Company was established the following year.
• Factory Electrification. In the early 1900s, electric power increased production and changed the roles of factory workers.
• Consolidated Electronic Wire & Cable. Understanding the demand for standard and custom wire, cable, and more, our company incorporated in Chicago in 1919.
• World War II. Communication and manufacturing demands increased significantly, and Consolidated Electronic Wire & Cable worked as an OEM to meet the Allies’ need for wire and cable.
• The Post-War Boom. Unemployment was at an all-time low, and Americans were ready to spend their money and enjoy life again. This led to growth in radio, television, home appliances, cars, and more. Consolidated Electronic Wire & Cable was ready with wire and cable solutions.
• Automobiles. With mass production and the affordable Model T, Ford Motor Company made car ownership accessible to millions of Americans.
• Factory Automation. Automatic processes keep prices low for the consumer by reducing manufacturing costs and making precise replication faster. This was made possible by high-tech wire and cable capable of transmitting power and data.
• Lighting. Consolidated Electronic Wire & Cable supplies wiring and cable for the growing demand for lighting streets, film, TV and theatre, and horticulture.
• Medical Needs. Medical equipment, like MRIs, defibrillators, and ultrasound probes, must adhere to strict regulations. The wiring that powers this equipment must be safe and reliable for high-volume use. Our retractable cords, wire coatings, and more are found in medical facilities throughout the country.
• Modern Day. Wire and cable are present in many of our modern-day innovations. Telecommunications, the internet, microprocessors, quantum computing, and remote work are all made possible by wire. Consolidated Electronic Wire & Cable is proud to contribute something integral to our past, present, and future.

Watch our video to learn more!

Wire & Cable Solutions Help Power Remote Work

In the workplace, you’re bound to have countless social interactions. Both working and personal relationships form naturally as you collaborate with your colleagues, share lunch breaks, borrow supplies, and make plans for the annual holiday party or monthly happy hour. For many people, those social interactions are the highlight of a busy workday; they help you build a network where you can vent, celebrate, and feel like part of a team.

At least, that’s what it’s usually like, but there’s nothing “usual” about the current situation. Among the workers who were able to keep their jobs, 62% of them were working from home in April. Even in manufacturing facilities, where remote work isn’t possible, colleagues who used to work next to each other are now required to practice social distancing. All of this diminishes opportunities for building relationships.

Maintaining those connections is as important as getting the work done—and connecting is often essential for getting the work done in the first place. As more people move to a remote working situation—some of them permanently—we’re more reliant than ever on the wire and cable solutions that power the equipment we need to work and socialize.

What Do You Need to Work From Home?

Successful remote work relies on a properly equipped home office. The standing desk, calendar white board, and inspiring artwork are part of that, of course, but we’re really talking about the hardware that will keep you connected. Your company should issue some guidelines or requirements to help you get started.

Computer:It all starts here. You probably already have one, but you’ll need to make sure you have the appropriate amount of memory and a large enough screen to do your job.

High-Speed Internet: Hard-wired Internet is often more reliable than wireless, which is why some companies feel better about having you literally plugged in. However, that requires different equipment, so talk to your local Internet provider to get what you need. You can’t afford any dropped calls or lost connections when you’re doing business.

Noise-Canceling Telephone or Headset With a Microphone: Depending on your job, you may have to make and receive phone calls, and depending on your unique home office, there may be noise you need to block out. This is an investment that can save you from a lot of distraction.

External Webcam: Your computer might already have one, but if not, you can buy one that easily plugs into the USB port. Even if you’ve never used one before, you may find yourself needing it for virtual meetings.

Printer and Scanner: Our paperless world still uses a lot of paper. Hopefully your employer will provide you with the scanner/printer; if not, your life will be easier if you pick one up.

And More: A wireless keyboard and mouse, dual monitors, an external hard drive, and a USB hub may not be necessary, but they’re nice to have. You don’t want to find yourself in a frustrating situation where you think, “This would be so much easier if I only had the right tools.”

Wire & Cable Powering Working From Home

While you need all the equipment listed above, all that equipment needs wire and cable! Without it, working from home wouldn’t be an option.

Consolidated Electronic Wire & Cable is a one-stop source for all your wire and cable needs. From standard and custom electronic wire to power supply cords, molded cable assemblies, wiring harnesses, and more, we’ve got what you need for your specific application. For more than 100 years, we have been serving customers in nearly every industry and market—wire and cable is needed everywhere—and we’ve got the experience and skills to tackle even the most challenging performance requirements.

Contact the experts at Consolidated Electronic Wire & Cable to learn more about how we can help you set up your home office. We’re always happy to answer your questions.

Cable & Wire for a Vast Array of Medical Applications

Consolidated Electronic Wire & Cable is a leading medical cable manufacturer that provides custom engineered and manufactured wires and cables for an extensive range of medical applications. With more than 100 years of experience, we have established a thorough understanding of the particularly rigorous standards and regulations that apply to the medical industry. Our experts can provide quality wiring solutions tailored to meet your particular needs, and our facility is designed to create cable and wiring products that meet and exceed even the most stringent industry standards.

Medical Cable & Wire Applications

At Consolidated Electronic Wire & Cable, we offer the highest quality wiring and cable on the market. Our medical cable products can be found in a variety of medical applications, from diagnostic equipment to laboratories and lighting systems.

Medical Imaging and Diagnostics

Medical diagnostic and imaging equipment requires high-performance, reliable wiring and connections to transfer information accurately and securely. Common diagnostic and imaging systems include MRIs, PET and CT scans, ultrasounds, and X-rays. This type of equipment is critical for the diagnosis and treatment of patient injuries and illness.

Laboratory Equipment

Medical laboratory equipment requires medical cables and wires to ensure the accurate measurement, analysis, and monitoring of patient health. It is used to help medical professionals examine bodily fluids for signs of disease or infection. Lab equipment also includes life support equipment such as dialysis machines, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), ventilators, and anesthetic dispensers. It can further be used to measure and track patient vitals using EEG and ECG measurements.

Treatment Units and Operation Tables

Medical cable and wire is critical for use in treatment equipment such as surgical lasers, LASIK equipment, and medical infusion pumps. Operation tables must be equipped with reliable wire and cable arrays to ensure appropriate positioning of the patient during sensitive procedures. 

Surgical Lights

In addition to accurate table orientation, surgeons must have extremely bright lighting to operate safely. This requires extremely reliable and durable wire and cable assemblies that can withstand high power levels and extreme temperature fluctuations.

Surgical Robots

As automation becomes more common in medical practice, robot-assisted surgery is helping medical care practitioners provide quick, efficient, and accurate surgical procedures. Surgical robots are highly complex and require the ability to move smoothly and quickly with a high degree of precision. A surgical robotics system will require data cables to receive and transmit instructions, as well as sensor cables to transmit critical information to the operating system in real time. These cables must be highly flexible and able to withstand bending and turning motions common in surgical robotics functions.

Electronically Adjustable Hospital Beds

Adjustable hospital beds with electronic controls make it easier for patients to enter and exit the bed comfortably and safely, and provide an easy means of adjustment for comfort. Not only does this allow patients more freedom of movement, it helps healthcare practitioners move patients with a significantly lower risk of injury due to falls. Cables in electronically adjustable hospital beds must be flexible and able to operate when bent by the bed’s movement.

Hospital Lighting Units

Hospitals require highly adjustable and specialized lighting for different applications. Lights over workstations must be bright enough for healthcare professionals to read charts, while room lighting must be adjustable. Bright light is necessary for nurses and doctors to read patient charts, insert IVs and deliver injections, but the lights should be able to dim for the comfort of the patient. Medical cables are available with a broad range of designs and fixtures to ensure optimal operation for all healthcare applications.

PA and Communication Systems for Staff

Reliable communication is crucial in a healthcare environment. From requesting emergency care to communicating patient needs, healthcare professionals must be in contact almost constantly over the course of the workday. Medical cables and wiring arrays help hospitals and other medical facilities establish clear overhead PA systems for code calls, emergency requests, and paging, as well as small communication devices that can be used for direct interpersonal contact. 

Contact Us for Medical Cables & Wires

For more than 100 years, Consolidated Electronic Wire & Cable has been a proud provider of quality custom solutions for wire and cable arrays for the medical industry. We offer an extensive selection of conductive wire materials of varying lengths in both shielded and unshielded designs, with coatings and color options to suit the specific requirements of your medical applications. 

Contact our experts to learn more about our medical cables and discuss your customization options. 

Shopping for Wire & Cable With an Expert

There are lots of different cables available on the market, each suited to a specific range of applications. Finding the right one for your particular needs can be overwhelming. Understanding the specific aspects that should influence your purchasing decision can help to narrow your focus and determine the appropriate cable for your needs.

Important factors to consider include:

• Cable use
• Environment
• Temperature
• Flexibility
• Standards
• Specs/drawings
• Budget

Knowing the particulars of your application needs in these seven areas can help you communicate effectively with a cable and wiring expert.

Information You Need

When you call or email a cable and wiring expert to find the best product for your project, having specific information at the ready will expedite the process. Before you call or start shopping, gather any requirements you have for the following areas:

Cable Use

Cables have between one and 100 different connectors depending on their intended purpose. If you know how the cable will be used in the future, your service provider can better determine which combinations and gauges to include, as well as what materials to use.

Environment

The environment in which the cable will handle its primary functions is one of the most important factors. The metal composition of the wire has to be able to withstand the environment, or else it will lose long-term effectiveness. For example, if you expect the cable to have a lot of outdoor usages, your service provider may recommend tinned copper wire, which can resist corrosion and oxidation. If your new cable will be used in hot environments, silver-plated copper is a better choice. Having this information from the outset ensures you get the cable you need faster.

Beyond just the choice of metal material, different cables have varying layers of exterior protection. The non-metal tubing that protects the wires or wire groups—called the jacketing—plays an important role in keeping the environment away from the wires. For weather-resistant cables, carbon blank may be combined with PVC, semi-rigid PVC, or PE jacketing. If the area is home to a lot of extreme weather, the jacketing might have polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, or polyurethane layers instead.

Temperature

Insulation gives wires the ability to withstand greater temperature extremes in both indoor and outdoor applications. With the right materials, manufacturers can insulate wires to keep them safe for use in environments with a temperature as low as -65° C or as high as 250° C. Insulation can also protect against non-temperature factors such as moisture and air pressure. All cables, regardless of application, must be insulated against atmospheric conditions.

Flexibility

Wires that are moved frequently throughout the day need a great deal of flexibility so they don’t break or wear through. You can request cabling in these three different flexibility designations: normal, flexible, and robotic-flexible. The wiring itself plays a role in flexibility by either using thick, solid strand wires with low gauges (which would be very rigid) or multiple thinner strands (which are more flexible).

Different jackets can impede or allow overall flexibility. Polyurethane is an excellent jacketing choice because it provides both strength and flexibility. If cables should be completely rigid instead, manufacturers can make them from solid conductors.

Standards

Every cable should also meet the applicable industry and safety standards. Some standards you should take note of include:

• ISO 9001 (International Organization for Standardization)
• RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)
• CE Mark
• NEC (National Electrical Code)
• UL (Underwriters Laboratories)
• CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability)
• OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
• VDE Association for Electrical, Electronic and Information Technologies
• LF (Lead Free)
• Mil-Spec (Military Specifications & Standards)

Specs/Drawings

Manufacturers can meet specific needs if they’re given detailed drawings. If you need to recreate a previously existing cable or have a cable rebuilt to meet more exacting standards, your wire and cabling manufacturing company can let you know about their capabilities and if they can perform the task before the project begins. They need as much detailed information as possible to make that determination. They can also address previously existing deficiencies in older cables.

Budget

Knowing your budget before placing an order or consulting with a cable manufacturing expert can help them find the right materials and processes. They can make sure you get the best possible performance within your budget.

Consolidated Electronic Wire & Cable Solutions

Consolidated Electronic Wire & Cable is a leading manufacturing company in the wiring and cabling industry and we have been developing custom cables for over 100 years. Call us today for expert assistance in finding the right materials, jacketing, and design considerations for your project.

What’s New in the Industry: Current Trends for Wire and Cable

Products developed and distributed by the wire and cable manufacturing industry—such as nonferrous wire, telecom wire, and fiber optic cable—are essential to operations in a wide range of markets, including construction, consumer goods, telecommunications, and utilities. While these industries, among others, face growth in light of the Industry 4.0 technology revolution, so too does the total market value of wire and cable manufacturing operations. Current estimates anticipate a value of USD 232 billion by 2025 at an annual growth rate (AGR) of approximately 5%.

The following blog post provides an overview of the market growth trends in the wire and cable industry and the industrial opportunities these changes have opened up.

Wire and Cable Market Trends and Opportunities

In response to and anticipation of the changing market trends, the cable and wire manufacturing industry has the opportunity to expand and enhance many key operations, including in regard to:

• Fast-charging cables. Newer smartphone technology integrates fast-charging components, which necessitates the use of fast-charging cables. By using these cables, consumers significantly reduce charging times (to approximately 30 minutes), a quality that may help smartphone manufacturers offload more phones to new customers.
• Fire-resistant cables. Fire-resistant cables limit both the spread of fire and the release of toxic gas. As the construction industry grows, these cables will find increasing use in new large residential, commercial, and manufacturing buildings.
• Fiber optic cables. In 2018, fiber optic cables made up the second-largest segment of the wire and cable industry. By 2020, the value of the segment is expected to grow at an AGR of 20.3%—a trend largely attributed to the increasing demand among end-users involved with communications and telecommunications applications.
• Factory automation cables. The push for the integration of Industry 4.0 technology has led—and will continue to lead—to the adoption and installation of increasingly complex equipment and systems. The demanding environments these products are exposed to necessitates the use of durable and reliable components, including cables. The cables used must withstand stresses, such as abrasion, bending, and fast operating speeds.
• Copper stranded wire. From 2016 to 2025, the market for copper stranded wire is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 1%. The primary factors driving this trend are increases in energy requirements and flexible and functional product development demand. Some of the markets that may see an increase in the use of copper stranded wire in the future include construction, energy, infrastructure, telecommunications. In regard to construction, key areas of growth are China, India, Africa, the UAE, Qatar, and the United States.
• Insulated wire and cable. Through 2019, insulated wire and cable demand for the United States is expected to grow by 6% each year. This growth is, in part, due to the predicted rise in construction operations, which will increase the need for wire and cable.
• Customized products. Wire and cable customization services allow manufacturers to provide products tailored to a customer’s application that save time, money, and space. For these reasons, custom wire, cable, and wire harnesses received a recent uptick in customer interest. At Consolidated Electronic Wire & Cable, we noticed this upward trend and provided services catering to those needs all along.
• Green initiatives. As awareness builds around environmental protection and sustainability, more people are striving to reduce the emission of potentially hazardous chemicals and increase the use of natural and recycled/recyclable products. One effect this initiative has had on consumers is rapid growth in the demand for hybrid and electric vehicles. As this market continues to expand, so too does the need for wires, cables, and wire harnesses to outfit the cars.

Consolidated Electronic: Your Single-Source Manufacturer of Standard and Custom Electronic Wire and Cable

Increases in overall consumer spending have translated to growth in many markets for wire and cable, such as the manufacture of automobiles and electronic equipment. As these markets expand, their industry professionals require greater quantities of wire and cable to meet consumer demand. For cable and wire manufacturers, the continued rise of consumer spending—and the resulting effects on downstream markets—poses both a challenge and an opportunity.

At Consolidated Electronic Wire & Cable, we are up to the challenge and prepared to benefit from the opportunity. Equipped with more than 100 years of industry experience in producing high-quality cable and wire, we have the knowledge and skills to develop and deliver solutions that meet the needs and growing demands of a diverse set of industries and markets, including medical, automotive, aerospace, telecommunications, construction, and home.

For more information about our wire and cable products and how we meet changing market demands, contact us today.

Breaking Down Technical Terminology

Wire and cable applications and installations rely upon many different technical terms that may not be familiar to those outside the industry. This blog will define many of these terms to help readers develop a thorough understanding of terminology used in the wire and cable industry.