There is no strict distinction between the "wire" and "the cable" and the precise and fixed conceptual distinction, which is generally distinguished by everyday experience. 

Usually the number of small core, the product diameter is small, the structure of a simple product called the wire, no insulation called bare wire, the other known as the cable; conductor cross-sectional area greater than 6 square millimeters called large cable, conductor cross-sectional area less than or equal to 6 square millimeters called small wires also known as cloth wires.

Wire is generally used to carry current of conductive metal wire, with solid, twisted or foil weaving and other forms. Insulated by the situation is divided into bare wires and insulated wire two categories.

The cable is an insulated wire consisting of one or more insulated conductive wires disposed in a hermetic jacket. Which can be added to protect the cover, for the transmission, distribution of electricity or transmission of electrical signals. It is the difference between ordinary wire and cable is the larger size, the structure is more complex and so on.

1. the difference on materials

A conductive metal wire used to carry current. There are solid, twisted or foil weaving and other forms. Insulated by the situation is divided into bare wires and insulated wire two categories. An insulated conductor consisting of one or more insulated conductive wires disposed in a hermetic sheath. 

Which can be added to protect the cover, the difference between wires and cables is that the size of the wire is generally small, the structure is relatively simple, but sometimes the cable into the broad list of wires.

2. difference on the structure

The difference between the power cable and the ordinary wire is mainly the larger cable size, the structure is more complex. The cable consists mainly of the following four groups. Conductive thread: made of high conductivity material. Insulation: Insulation material used as a cable should have a high insulation resistance, high breakdown electric field strength. Cables are often classified as insulating materials.

3. difference in the usage

Bare wire does not cover any insulation or protective layer of the wire. In addition to the transmission of electrical energy and information for the wire, but also can be used to manufacture motor, electrical components and cables. General use of copper, aluminum, copper alloy, aluminum alloy. 

In addition, there are a variety of suitable for the special requirements of insulated wires, such as automotive low-voltage wire, automotive high-voltage ignition line, electrical appliances, wiring, air wire, compensation wire. The cable is used to transmit, distribute, or transmit electrical signals. Cable according to its use can be divided into power cables, communication cables and control cables.