Glossary entry (derived from question below)
English term or phrase:
cable, cord, wire
English answer:
wire, cable and cord
Added to glossary by
Alaa AHMED
Oct 11, 2003 08:52
20 yrs ago
1 viewer *
English term
cable, cord, wire
English
Tech/Engineering
Which is which? Are there any specific dimensions or application? for use in Arabic translation
Responses
+3
10 mins
Selected
wire, cable and cord
Wire: A single bare or insulated metallic conductor having solid, stranded, or tinsel construction, designed to carry current in an electric circuit.
Cable: Strands of insulated electrical conductors laid together, usually around a central core, and wrapped in a heavy insulation.
Cord: A small, very flexible insulated cable, very commonly used in household appliances consuming little power.
Hope this proves of use to you. Have a nice day.
Regards,
Frank
Cable: Strands of insulated electrical conductors laid together, usually around a central core, and wrapped in a heavy insulation.
Cord: A small, very flexible insulated cable, very commonly used in household appliances consuming little power.
Hope this proves of use to you. Have a nice day.
Regards,
Frank
Peer comment(s):
agree |
Empty Whiskey Glass
29 mins
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agree |
DGK T-I
: assuming the asker is asking about electrical uses(which is most likely)For UK household wiring,cable has stiff insulation giving good protection,but mustn't be repeatedly bent(else would break)&must be used in fixed wiring inside/on walls-cords:flexible&
2 hrs
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agree |
Rajan Chopra
2 hrs
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4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer.
Comment: "Thank you all for your informative inputs"
8 mins
cable, cord, wire
Cable is insulated, wire is not.
Cord usually has plugs (eg power cord to connect your PC to the mains).
Cord usually has plugs (eg power cord to connect your PC to the mains).
+2
2 hrs
COMMENT
I basically agree almost entirely with FJPN's answer, but wanted to add a few comments.
'cord' is originally, I think, an American usage, though seems to be increasingly creeping into UK terminology. It invariably has the sense of 'CONNECTING cable' designed/made for a specific purpose (usually with plugs on, etc. and might be for either power OR signal use)
I have to disagree with Dr G.s comment that 'cable is stiff' — of course it MAY be, but very, very many cables are also flexible (and may be described as such); it is a dangerous and inaccurate generalization to say that "cable implies stiff". The kind of 'cable' you are referring to is just one particular kind, more properly referred to as 'installation cable'. Of course there are thumping great cables, and quite dainty little ones — but the definition given by FJPN is accurate, all-embracing and quite comprehensive
'cord' is originally, I think, an American usage, though seems to be increasingly creeping into UK terminology. It invariably has the sense of 'CONNECTING cable' designed/made for a specific purpose (usually with plugs on, etc. and might be for either power OR signal use)
I have to disagree with Dr G.s comment that 'cable is stiff' — of course it MAY be, but very, very many cables are also flexible (and may be described as such); it is a dangerous and inaccurate generalization to say that "cable implies stiff". The kind of 'cable' you are referring to is just one particular kind, more properly referred to as 'installation cable'. Of course there are thumping great cables, and quite dainty little ones — but the definition given by FJPN is accurate, all-embracing and quite comprehensive
Peer comment(s):
agree |
Rajan Chopra
: yup
8 mins
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Thanks, Langclinic
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agree |
DGK T-I
: Certainly there are other cables -my comment on this point was only meant (clumsily put:-) to apply to the distinction between flexible cords,eg:for a kettle & cable for fixed wiring between the socket it is plugged into & the electicity supply,of course~
32 mins
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Thanks, Doc! Understood --- you an I know what we mean, Asker might not :-)
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16 hrs
wire, cable and cord
The first answer is apt for electrical/electronic context. However a cord can also be akin to a string made of fibres.
A cable signifies a means of transmission or transport - could be data, signal or even people - such as in a cable car.
A wire is generally a strand of metal or metal cord or rope with the intent of connecting to points for a purpose - either to tramsnit power - electric wire or to block something between two points - barbed wire fence.
A cable signifies a means of transmission or transport - could be data, signal or even people - such as in a cable car.
A wire is generally a strand of metal or metal cord or rope with the intent of connecting to points for a purpose - either to tramsnit power - electric wire or to block something between two points - barbed wire fence.
16 hrs
Discussion