A cable is an assembly of one or more conductors, typically insulated and protected by an overall jacket, used to transmit power, signals, or data. In some contexts, a single conductor larger than 9 AWG is also classified as a cable.
In commercial and industrial systems, the term cable refers to a wide range of conductor assemblies designed to meet specific performance, safety, and durability standards. Cables can include a small number of large conductors or many smaller ones bundled together. These conductors are color-coded for identification and surrounded by insulation and a protective jacket to ensure reliable performance in various environments.
Cables differ from simple wires in complexity and purpose. A wire is a single conductor, while a cable can include multiple conductors or a single large-gauge conductor. Their designs allow for flexibility across applications such as power distribution, lighting, data transmission, and communication systems. The protective jacket plays a crucial role in shielding conductors from heat, moisture, chemicals, and mechanical stress. Variants such as shielded, unshielded, armored, or plenum-rated cables enable safe operation across diverse commercial and industrial environments.
Cables are regulated under the National Electrical Code (NEC) and tested by organizations such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories). Industry standards from IEEE and TIA also define performance and safety requirements for different cable types.
The concept of cable originated in early telegraph and electrical systems, where bundled conductors provided safer and longer-distance communication. Over time, advances in insulation materials, fire ratings, and shielding techniques enhanced reliability and safety. Modern cable technology now supports complex infrastructure for power, data, and control in industrial, commercial, and audiovisual applications.