A rod of metal or a flexible strand which is usually cylindrical is known as a wire. Wires are used to bear mechanical loads and to carry electricity and telecommunications signals. Wire is commonly formed by drawing the metal through a hole in a die or draw plate.

Two or more wires running side by side and bonded together is known as a cable. A cable is twisted together to form a single assembly, but can also be referred as a heavy strong rope. In electrical engineering, cables are used to carry electric currents. An optical cable contains one or more optical fibers in a protective jacket that supports the fibers. Electric cables are mainly meant for installation in buildings and industrial sites. For power transmission at distances greater than a few kilometres, high-voltage cable, power cables and HVDC are used.

The wire and cable industry now is a very large industry as compared to 20 years back where it was a small industry. Over a period of time, the industry has moved from the unorganised to the organised sector. The wire and cable industry comprises 40% of the entire electrical industry, which is expected to double in size over the next five years. As per the reports, because of power and infrastructure segments, the industry is growing at a CAGR of 15%.

The wire and cable industry in the long run will focus on supplying cables for specific applications pertaining to the industry needs. In India, different kinds of cables like extra high voltage cables, elastomer cables, etc, are now being used for special applications such as mining/oil sector, shipbuilding /crane cables/elevator cables, for solar power plants and to harness power for new generation such as motor vehicles, windmill solutions and security systems.  

Wire and Cable Industry Current Trends

• As per the reports given, the global telecom cable industry is forecast to reach around $25.4 billion by 2017 at a CAGR of 6.7%. (Lucintel)
• According to Lucintel the global cable industry growth momentum will be reaching approximately US $117.7 billion in 2017 with a CAGR of 8% over the next five years (2012-2017).
• Global Insulated Wire and Cable Market to Exceed US$113.9 Billion by 2015 (GIA)

Major Wire and Cable Industry Players

Some of the major wire and cable industry players are Belden Inc in US , Cords Cable Industries Limited, Finolex Cables, Torrent Cables in India, Enfield Cables in UK, Hitachi Cable in Japan, LS Cable & System in Korea, Marlin Wire in US, Chongqing Yuneng Taishan Electric Wire & Cable in China etc.