Understanding the variations that exist in wire harnessing starts with having a basic grasp of what constitutes a wire harness. At its most basic level, a wire harness is an organization tool meant to keep multiple wires inside of machinery or equipment organized. The main goals of the wire harness are keeping wires protected from the environments to which they are exposed, as well as streamlining the wire systems.
The basic parts of a wire harness can include:
It is important to point out that these are the basic parts that a wire harness CAN include. As cost-effective a solution as wire harnesses are, not to mention quite simple in their construction, customization can transform them from humble pieces to complex components. The two main reasons for an increase in the overall complexity of wire harnessing are the conditions of a specific environment and the particular application for which the harness will be used.
Further changes to the basic wire harness were introduced based on the industry to which they were brought in to assist. However, the wire harness has developed in tandem with the onset and development of electricity and electrical machinery/components. Some of the earliest wire harnesses can be traced back to the early 20th century (1920s). As the technology has advanced, so, too has the make-up of the harnesses. The 20th century birth changes in major industries such as:
Each industry has its own specific environment that can be not only difficult but in some cases caustic and inhospitable. Finding the right combination of materials with which to build the ideal wire harness takes dedication on all fronts from both the client and their manufacturing partner.
The latter is perhaps the most integral part of the whole process. Wire harnessing at it most basic would not be what it is today without the work of manufacturers looking to provide timely, cost-effective components to their clients that also meet (and even exceed) industry standards. There is a tremendous amount to skill that goes into wire harnessing. And for all of the automation that has been introduced into the process over the last few years, wire harnesses are still made primarily by hand.
Here at LoDan Electronics, Inc. of Illinois, we understand how important wire harnessing is to all of our clients. At the end of the day, wire harnesses are critical in the smooth operation of any & all electrical devices, so quality and attention to detail cannot be overstated. Click here to learn more about our wire harnesses, as well as our other products, and see why we’ve been heralded as an industry leader since 1967.