what is a wire harness

A wire harness, also known as a cable harness, wiring harness, cable assembly, wiring assembly, or wiring loom, is an assembly of electrical cables or wires that transmit signals or electrical power. Wire harnesses are commonly used in automobiles, construction machinery, aircraft, and spacecraft, among other applications, to bind many wires and cables into a single unit for better security against the adverse effects of vibrations, abrasions, and moisture. They are designed according to geometric and electrical requirements, and a diagram is provided for the assembly preparation and assembly. A wire harness must also be manufactured with a terminal, which is a device designed to terminate a conductor that is to be affixed to a post, stud, chassis, another tongue, etc., to establish an electrical connection. Wire harnesses are often confused with cable assemblies, but the main difference is that a cable assembly normally has only two ends, whereas a wire harness contains multiple breakouts (ends) that run in many different directions with multiple terminations on each breakout. Wire harnesses are assembled manually, and the process includes installing terminated wires in various lengths, routing wires and cables through sleeves and conduits, taping breakouts, conducting multiple crimps, and binding the components with tape, clamps, or cable ties.