In electrical engineering terminology, a wire is defined as a single, flexible electrical conductor made of metal (such as copper or aluminum) that carries current, whereas a cable consists of two or more insulated wires bundled or wrapped together inside a protective outer jacket or sheathing. While a wire is a standalone conductor, a cable provides added mechanical protection, insulation, and durability, making it suitable for heavy-duty industrial, subterranean, and weather-exposed transmission applications.