wirepart

Wirepart is a term used in electrical engineering to describe a discrete component of a wire assembly. It refers to any element that constitutes part of a conductive path, from the conductor itself to insulation, shields, terminations, and connectors. The concept supports modular design and maintenance of wiring systems.

Common wireparts include conductors (solid or stranded copper or aluminum), insulation materials and jackets (PVC, XLPE, PTFE), shields, heat-shrink tubing, and protective coatings. Terminations such as crimp ferrules, solder joints, and various connectors; as well as splices, butt connectors, and cable glands, are also considered wireparts. In complex harnesses, a wirepart may be a sensor lead or a short pigtail with its own termination.

In industry practice, wireparts are specified by electrical characteristics (conductor size, material, insulation rating, temperature and voltage ratings) and environmental requirements. Testing typically covers continuity, insulation resistance, and mechanical integrity. Standards from IEC, UL, CSA, and other bodies govern the acceptable attributes of wireparts for different applications.

The term is informal and not fixed in a single standard, but it appears in engineering notes, bills of materials, and maintenance documentation to describe the building blocks of wiring systems alongside wire harnesses and cable assemblies.