Cable & Wire: Developing the “Internet of Everything”

We’re in an age of wiring – we have been for many years now. And while we may continue to look for wireless options (AirPods, wireless charging, etc.) as our many devices evolve into the next generation, wires and cables still have a huge impact on our life – we just might not see them very much anymore.

Take the cable infrastructure that provides us Internet access. Or that create a network that allows us to call a friend across the country…or the world. Here’s how the industry and the market has grown over the last few years and how we’re developing the “Internet of everything.”

Cable market in the U.S. sees growth.

According to IBIS World, wire and cable manufacturing in the US has grown 2.3% per year on average over the last five years.  And we’re expecting it to grow by 3 to 5 percent over the next five, although this will also be dependent on pending legislation and if the Administration will change following the general election this year. However, Dave Kiddoo, CEO of the Communications, Cable, & Connectivity Association (CCCA) shared that he’s encouraged by the passage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, steps towards China trade agreements and resolutions of Brexit impacts, which are all provide some benefit the cable and wire industry.

Innovation in the industry.

Why PVC when it comes to jacketing for wire and cable? For three primary reasons:

1. PVC is inherently flame-retardant.
2. PVC is recyclable.
3. PVC wiring is efficient to produce.

But besides these three key characteristics that are the most basic reasons to consider PVC for wire and cable needs, we’ve also seen great product innovation as new devices and products are released to keep us connected to the world.

One novelty we’ve seen is new technologies that allow both the transmission of data nad low voltage power over the same cables, driven by the “Internet of things.”

“This will be the backbone of 5G applications, where virtually every LED lightbulb can also be a node on the Internet,” Kiddoo said. “And to provide sufficient power and data to devices such as security cameras, energy controllers and electronic monitoring devices for smart cities, smart building, smart homes, smart appliances, smart cars, and more.”

Wire and cable is essential to life as we know it.

“Growing the infrastructure behind cable and wire is a basic requirement for our societal needs to improve efficiencies and sustainability,” said Dave Kiddoo, CEO of the Communications, Cable, & Connectivity Association.

As our need to be connected grows, the market will only continue to expand, and we must ensure the infrastructure is there to support it and support legislation that will impact it.