MarVac Assemblies is equipped with wire processing equipment suited for all types of insulated wire. We can work with 1 to 26 AWG solid or stranded wire, and our services meet WHMA/IPC-A-620 industry standards. Our custom wire harnesses and cable assemblies are ideal for a broad range of industrial and commercial applications.
Learn more about our custom wire harness and cable assembly capabilities, our process, common applications for our products, and more.
How Do Custom Wire Harnesses and Cable Assemblies Differ?
Many people refer to custom wire harnesses and cable assemblies interchangeably. While they share similar functions, there is an important difference.
Custom Wire Harnesses
A custom wire harness has numerous electrical wires branching off in various directions, with each branch having multiple terminations. The wires are visibly separate, and it’s possible to remove the individual wires. A custom wiring harness is a cost-effective, efficient solution for organizing wires and cables. Wire harnesses also simplify installation, allowing technicians to easily install a single component containing all necessary wire or cable subassemblies.
Custom wiring harnesses also fulfill several design functions.
- Protection: Although custom wire harnesses cannot protect against the effects of friction between harnesses or extreme temperatures, the completed assembly is somewhat protected from abrasions and vibration. More importantly, a wire harness protects external components and users from electric shock.
- Purpose: The main purpose of a custom wiring harness is to route wires and cables more efficiently. It also saves space in an assembly and streamlines the installation process.
Cable Assemblies
A cable assembly is much simpler, consisting of multiple extruded wires in a single sheathe-like jacket and having just two separate terminal ends. Cable assemblies support the same “drop-in” installation described above but with more protection for the wires.
- Protection: Compared to wire harnesses, cable assemblies provide greater protection from temperature extremes, moisture, dust, friction, and corrosion. This makes a cable assembly ideal for outdoor applications.
- Purpose: In addition to protecting the wires from damage due to harsh environmental conditions, cable assemblies protect outer components from electric currents while organizing wires for easy installation.
Custom Wire Harness & Cable Assembly Applications
MarVac Assemblies’ custom wiring harnesses and cable assemblies support a broad variety of products and technologies, including:
- Electrical system assemblies
- Heaters
- Lighting fixtures
- Off-road vehicles
- Power supplies
- Printed circuit boards
- Refrigeration equipment
- Welders
We also support a wide range of custom wire processing services, such as cutting, marking, stripping/retaining, crimping, twisting, and terminating ends. See the chart below for more information.
- Custom Wire Harness Applications: Custom wiring harnesses are integral to many household products, tools, washing machines, refrigerators, and other consumer appliances. Almost every automobile, airplane, and other vehicle uses custom wire assemblies. They’re also a mainstay in various electronic devices, construction machinery, and industrial equipment.
- Cable Assembly Applications: Cable assemblies are best suited for wire applications involving extreme temperature fluctuations and other harsh environmental conditions.