Glossary of Terms About Wiring Harness

Adapter

A cord or block style device with different ends that allows different devices to connect.

AC

Alternating Current; Electric current that rises from zero to a maximum in one direction, falls to zero and then rises to a maximum in the opposite direction, and then repeats another cycle.

Amperage

Amps/Amperes/Ampacity/Rated Amperage -measurement of the flow rate of electricity. If you think in terms of water through a hose, amperage would be a measure of water volume flowing through the hose.

AWG

American Wire Gauge; standard measuring gauge for non-ferrous conductors (i.e., non-iron and nonsteal). Lower gauge numbers indicate larger conductor size.

Cable

A cable is a set of wires, usually encased in an outer protective jacket. A “cord” would be a cable by this definition so far, but a cable is part of a permanent installation; a cord is more flexible and often has a plug end for a portable appliance or lamp

Cable Harness

A string of cables and /or wires which transmit informational signals or operating currents (energy). The cables are bound together by clamps, cable ties, cable lacing, sleeves, electrical tape, conduit, a weave of extruded string, or a combination thereof.

CE

Conformite Europeene; A European standard of safety. The CE marking on end products indicates compliance with all applicable directives.

Conductor

The internal material of a cord that conducts electricity. Copper is the most common material used for electrical wiring. Silver is the best conductor, but is expensive. Because it does not corrode, gold is used for high-quality surface-to-surface contacts.