Glossary entry

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

Discussion

Non-ProZ.com Oct 12, 2003:
development of standards Safety requirments for household electrical appliances
Edward L. Crosby III Oct 11, 2003:
What is the subject area (transmission of electricity, structural engineering)?

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
Peer comment(s):

agree Empty Whiskey Glass
29 mins
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
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).
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+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
Peer comment(s):

agree Rajan Chopra : yup
8 mins
Thanks, Langclinic
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
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.
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16 hrs

Look at picture of cable, cord and wire

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