End-use industries are the sectors that consume wire and cable in their operations and finished products. They are extremely important for the wire and cable industry as they shape its demand. Here is a more in-depth look into the top 10 end-use industries for wire and cable as reported by Grand View Research, Markets and Markets, and Fortune Business Insights from Nassau National Cable.

Energy & Power (28–30%)

Sub-sectors: Generation, transmission & distribution (T&D), substations, solar farms, wind farms

Role in cable demand:

This is the largest and most infrastructure-critical sector in the cable market. With the shift from legacy grids to smart grids, the industry drives demand for both medium- and high-voltage cables. The demand is also driven by cross-border electricity trade and grid modernisation. Renewable energy (solar and wind) drives demand for new types of power cables.

Trends:

• Massive investment in renewable integration (solar, wind, hydro) is fueling demand for interconnection lines.

• Grid modernisation and cross-border electricity trade are creating opportunities for high-capacity transmission systems.

• Net metering, synchronized EV charging, and distributed generation require flexibility and scalability in cable infrastructure.

Common Cables:

• MV/HV power cables (XLPE, EPR)

• Underground armored cable (URD, PILC)

• ACSR, AAAC overhead transmission cable

• USE-2, PV wire for solar

• Wind turbine cable (torsion-resistant)

Main Manufacturers: Southwire, Prysmian, Nexans, General Cable, Encore Wire.

Nassau National Cable is a major distributor of cables, both for traditional and renewable cable infrastructure.

Building & Construction (20–22%)

Sub-sectors: Residential, commercial, smart buildings, infrastructure (roads, bridges)

Role in cable demand:

This sector fuels growth in sales for low-voltage and medium-voltage cables, from THHN branch circuits in residential buildings to MC and feeder cables in high-rises. Refurbishment of aging structures and new global infrastructure initiatives (especially in Asia-Pacific, Africa, and LATAM) keep this segment rapidly expanding. In fact, this is the fastest-growing segment of the market, with a projected CAGR of 4.8%, driven by infrastructure modernisation and smart buildings. Different types of building wire are required for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

Trends:

• Smart buildings with IoT integration require hybrid signal/power cables.

• Energy-efficient construction codes are pushing the adoption of cables with low-smoke, halogen-free jackets.

• Global urbanisation increases demand for compact, durable, and multi-conductor wiring solutions.

Common Cables:

• THHN/THWN, NM-B, UF-B, XHHW

• SER, SEU service entrance cables

• MC, AC, armored feeder cables

• Fire alarm cable (FPL, FPLP, FPLR)

• LSZH-rated cables

• Underground conduit-rated power cable

• Signal + power hybrid cable for building automation

Building wire is the largest segment of cable sold by Nassau National Cable.

IT & Telecommunication (15–17%)

Sub-sectors: Data centers, fiber networks, 5G infrastructure, ISPs, server farms

Role in cable demand:

This segment supports both signal and power transmission across rapidly expanding networks. As fibre-optic backbone installations multiply and edge data centres proliferate, both low-voltage power cables and advanced signal cabling are in high demand. Data center growth is one of the key factors in specialty cable demand.

Trends:

• Exploding bandwidth demand due to cloud computing drives rapid 5G rollout and expansion of hyperscale data centres.

• Edge computing and AI infrastructure require denser cabling in confined spaces.

• Power redundancy and efficiency requirements expand the use of flexible power distribution units and armoured low-voltage feeders.

Common Cables:

• Cat6A, Cat7, Cat8 Ethernet

• Fiber optic (OM3/OM4/OS2)

• LSZH-rated signal cables

• Data center power cables (Type G-GC, SJOOW, DLO)

• Armored optical cable

• Composite power + fibre bundles

• Coaxial (RG6, RG11)

Leading Manufacturers: Belden, CommScope, Corning, Prysmian

Nassau National Cable sells bundles of power cables for data centre infrastructure.

Automotive & EV Infrastructure (8–10%)

Sub-sectors: EVs, charging stations (EVSE), autonomy systems, battery plants

Role in cable demand:

Driven by the global growth of car ownership and transportation electrification, this sector requires durable, lightweight, and thermally resistant cable systems that serve everything from drive units to vehicle sensors and chargers. Ownership of the passenger cars continues to grow in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, and EV sales are at a record high, increasing by 30% -35 % percent year by year. EV surges demand for brand new types of cables.

Trends:

• EV production is accelerating globally, creating a surge in battery and charging infrastructure.

• Autonomous vehicles demand shielded and interference-resistant cabling.

• Fast-charging stations and smart chargers need cables that meet temperature, safety, and energy efficiency regulations.

Common Cables:

• EVSE charging cables (UL-listed)

• GXL, SGT, GPT battery cables

• XLPE-insulated 600V controller cables

• CAN bus communication cable

• HVDC flexible power cable

• Cable harnesses for motor and inverter

• EV shielded signal cables

Main Manufacturers: Champlain Cable, Leoni, Yazaki, Aptiv, General Cable

NNC sells battery cables, SGX/GXL, EVSE, and automotive harness wires.

Oil & Gas (7–8%)

Sub-sectors: Upstream (drilling, exploration), midstream (pipeline), downstream (refinery, LNG)

Role in cable demand:

Despite the energy transition to renewables, oil and gas remain a stable end-use industry for wire and cable, which calls for high-resistance, flame-retardant, armoured cables for hazardous environments that can withstand extreme temperatures and chemicals. Lately, this industry has also started calling for highly technological cables to support automation.

Trends:

• Digital oilfields and automation increase the need for data cables and VFD systems. The industry is now way more tech-intensive than it was before, especially when it comes to offshore rigs in high-risk zones.

• LNG growth is expanding cable use in cryogenic, marine, and coastal facilities.

• Flame-resistant and chemical-resistant cables are now regulatory must-haves.

Common Cables:

• Armored power cables

• VFD cable with EMI shielding

• Thermocouple cable

• Instrumentation and control cable

• Offshore marine-rated tinned copper cable

• SHD-GC for heavy drilling rigs

Main Manufacturers: Nexans, Prysmian, Draka, TPC Wire & Cable, Houston Wire.

NNC offers SOOW, armored cable, tray cable, and high-temp resistant wiring for oil rigs.

Aerospace & Defence (5–6%)

Sub-sectors: Aircraft, missiles, naval ships, satellites, ground vehicles

Role in cable demand:

This segment operates in ultra-high-performance environments with zero tolerance for failure. Cables must meet aerospace-grade specs for weight, EMI shielding, flame resistance, and environmental sealing.

Trends:

• Lightweight, high-temp cables enable more efficient aircraft and spacecraft systems.

• Defence modernisation programs are driving cable upgrades across radar, sensor, and control networks.

• The rise of drone warfare calls for lightweight, EMI-shielded electronic and robotic cables. Defence grows more high-tech, just like many other industries.

• Space and satellite launches increase demand for radiation-resistant and vacuum-rated cable.

Common Cables:

• M27500 and AS22759-rated cable

• Mil-spec coaxial

• Fiber optic cable (tight-buffered, low-loss)

• Shielded avionics control cable

• High-temp silicone or PTFE-insulated cable

• Composite cable for satellites

Main Manufacturers: Carlisle Interconnect, TE Connectivity, Amphenol, Radiall, Nexans

Industrial Manufacturing (4–5%)

Sub-sectors: Robotics, food processing, textiles, steel plants, packaging, assembly lines

Role in cable demand:

The industrial sector spans robotics, assembly lines, packaging, food processing, chemical plants, textile mills, and metalworks. Each segment has cabling needs shaped by automation, motion control, and extreme operating conditions.

Trends:

• Industry 4.0 adoption (integration of automation, IoT, data analytics, and AI into manufacturing ) drives demand for servo and feedback cabling.

• Robotics and automated systems need continuous-flex and torsion-rated wiring.

• Clean environments (food, pharma) require jacketed, washable, and non-toxic cable

Common Cables:

• VFD cable

• Tray cable (TC-ER)

• Servo motor cable

• Control cable (PLTC, ITC)

• SOOW/SEOOW portable power

• Shielded encoder/sensor cable

• Industrial Ethernet

Main Manufacturers: Alpha Wire, LAPP, General Cable, Southwire, TPC

Nassau National Cable has major collections of VFD, Tray, and SOOW cables available.

Consumer Electronics (3–4%)

Sub-sectors: Smartphones, laptops, TVs, gaming consoles, smartwatches

Role in cable demand:

A fast-evolving sector driven by trends in personal electronics and smart home ecosystems. Manufacturers need high-density, miniature cabling that’s also durable and EMI-shielded.

Trends:

• Devices are getting smaller and more powerful, demanding compact cable assemblies.

• High-speed data transfer (USB-C, HDMI) drives new cable form factors.

• Sustainability trends are encouraging modular, recyclable cabling.

Common Cables:

• USB, HDMI, DisplayPort

• LVDS signal cable

• Micro coaxial

• Charging and sync cables

• RF antennas and patch cables

• EMI-shielded flat flex cable (FFC/FPC)

Main Manufacturers: Molex, Amphenol, TE Connectivity, Belden

Household & Small Appliances (4–5%)

Sub-sectors: Fridges, dryers, washers, ovens, HVAC combos, blenders, toasters, coffee machines

Role in cable demand:

This category blends high-amperage white goods with portable appliances. Cables must handle household voltages while being safe and efficient.

Trends:

• Energy-efficient labelling (e.g., Energy Star) increases demand for safe, long-life cabling.

• Smart appliances require hybrid power + control cables.

• Outdoor-rated appliances (HVAC) need moisture-resistant and UV-stable insulation.

Common Cables:

• THHN/THWN

• SJOW, SJOOW

• Appliance wiring material (AWM)

• PVC-jacketed flat cable

• Control cable for HVAC thermostats

• LSZH and braided shielded cords

Main Manufacturers: Southwire, Cerrowire, Encore Wire

NNC is a major distributor of THHN and SOOW cables.

Others (3–4%)

Sub-sectors: Maritime, mining, railways, battery storage.

Role in cable demand:

This residual group includes rugged, niche applications that do not fall into other categories.

Trends:

• Mining and rail systems adopt digital signal wiring alongside legacy systems.

• Battery storage projects require temperature- and arc-resistant cables.

Common Cables:

• Marine tinned copper cable (UL 1426)

• SHD-GC for mining drills

• Railway signal and traction cable

• Underground armored power cable

Main Manufacturers: Southwire, General Cable, Cerrowire