Recent News

  • How Does Waterproofing Work?

    Waterproofing is the process of giving an object, such as a cable, waterproof or water resistant properties. How does waterproofing work for cables? It’s simple — the cable is reinforced with a thick and sturdy material that prevents water penetration, even under pressure. Commonly used water-resistant materials for cable jackets include thermoplastic chlorinated polyethylene (CPE),... Read more »

  • What Does “Military-Grade” Mean?

    Nowadays, “military-grade” has become a selling point for many different types of products, from smartphone cases to portable coolers. For many electrical components, such as connectors and receptacles, cable assemblies, and more, whether or not they’re “military-grade” is especially important. When it comes to product development, “MIL-SPEC” means designed to MIL-STD (or military standards). Read... Read more »

  • Connector Plug vs. Receptacle

    What is an Electric Receptacle? Connectors, in essence, are shells that house contacts with wires and are used on electrical wiring harnesses. To define receptacle simply, each connector plug has an insert that’s specifically formatted for a mating socket or receptacle. Inserts are typically moisture-resistant and feature a hermetic seal to protect the plug, receptacle,... Read more »

  • What is MIL-PRF?

    Standardization is a process used by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to ensure products are reliable, uniform, interoperable, and cost-efficient. U.S. defense standards, also known as military standards, contribute to making standardization possible. There are different types of standards and specifications, such as MIL-PRF. What are MIL-F standards? Gateway Cable Company is going to... Read more »

  • What is HASS Testing?

    Highly Accelerated Stress Screen (HASS) is a screening method used to monitor the quality and uniformity of manufacturing by finding production flaws and defects in products. HASS is performed on a component after HALT (Highly Accelerated Life Testing), as testing is based on the results of the previous HALT. The stresses used during HASS testing... Read more »

  • What are Ozone-Resistant Materials?

    Ozone is a more powerful oxidant than oxygen. Ozone in the ozone layer protects the surface of the Earth from solar UV radiation exposure. Ozone in the troposphere (ground level) is formed when nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds react in the atmosphere in the presence of sunlight. In contained areas, ozone can... Read more »

  • What is DFARS Compliance?

    Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) compliance refers to a series of cybersecurity regulations created by the Department of Defense (DoD) for suppliers and contractors who work externally. The goal behind these standards is to protect classified information and maintain a strong defense against security threats. Below, you’ll find more information on DFARS, how it... Read more »

  • What is a Cable Assembly?

    Electric cable assemblies are harness assemblies that house cables. The purpose of a cable assembly is to help the user keep tabs on the amount of current, the path of the current, and general safety. Cable assemblies house and organize different types of cables, which helps prevent confusion and potentially dangerous situations. You’ll find a... Read more »

  • What is an In-Line Fuse?

    Fuses are protective devices that are used for electrical and electronic components. What is an in-line fuse? What differentiates an in-line fuse from other types of fuses? An in-line fuse is secured inside a cable as opposed to a ceramic or glass cartridge. If you’re shopping for an in-line fuse, learn more about their functions... Read more »

  • What is HALT Testing?

    Highly Accelerated Life Testing, or HALT testing, is an effective and reasonably priced method of testing the strength and condition of an electrical component, such as cables or receptacles. HALT testing services subject a product to gradually higher stress levels to determine its weaknesses and design flaws. This process is completed during the design phase... Read more »

  • What is a Shielded Cable?

    With so many cable options unavailable, you may be wondering, “What is a shielded cable?” Shielded cables are electrical cables with insulating conductors that are surrounded by a conductive layer. Usually, the shield is covered with a jacket, while the shield itself can be made of braided copper strands, conducting polymer, or a spiraled and... Read more »

  • What’s Special About NATO Power Plugs?

    Unlike your average electrical plug, NATO power plugs meet the requirements put forth under a STANdardization AGreement (STANAG). What does this mean? To put it simply, NATO plugs are military-grade and offer the highest possible reliability. Read on to learn more about what makes NATO slave cable plugs special, then shop for the component you... Read more »

  • What is a Hook-Up Wire?

    What is a hook-up wire? It’s a special type of wire that’s used primarily in low-current, low-voltage applications. If you need wiring for an enclosed piece of electronic equipment, there’s a good chance you need a hook-up wire. Hook-up wires vary in terms of conductors, jacket and insulation material, and voltage, so it’s important to... Read more »

  • What are NATO Electrical Connectors?

    NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) connectors adhere to military or technical procedures defined under a STANdardization AGreement (STANAG). Like U.S. defense standards (also known as MIL-SPEC), NATO standards outline the processes, terms, and conditions for the manufacturing of equipment like power connectors for military use. The difference is, however, that these standards exist so the... Read more »

  • How to Test Cables with a Multimeter

    What is a multimeter? It’s a multifunctional device that measures electronics and electrical components and can perform a variety of tests without requiring that users buy another unit. Essentially, it’s an amalgam of an AC/DC voltmeter, ammeter, and ohmmeter, so it can be used to measure voltage, current measured in amperes, and resistance. Wondering how... Read more »

  • How Does Waterproofing Work?

    Waterproofing is the process of giving an object, such as a cable, waterproof or water resistant properties. How does waterproofing work for cables? It’s simple — the cable is reinforced with a thick and sturdy material that prevents water penetration, even under pressure. Commonly used water-resistant materials for cable jackets include thermoplastic chlorinated polyethylene (CPE),... Read more »

  • What is a Shielded Cable?

    With so many cable options unavailable, you may be wondering, “What is a shielded cable?” Shielded cables are electrical cables with insulating conductors that are surrounded by a conductive layer. Usually, the shield is covered with a jacket, while the shield itself can be made of braided copper strands, conducting polymer, or a spiraled and... Read more »

  • What is DFARS Compliance?

    Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) compliance refers to a series of cybersecurity regulations created by the Department of Defense (DoD) for suppliers and contractors who work externally. The goal behind these standards is to protect classified information and maintain a strong defense against security threats. Below, you’ll find more information on DFARS, how it... Read more »

  • Connector Plug vs. Receptacle

    What is an Electric Receptacle? Connectors, in essence, are shells that house contacts with wires and are used on electrical wiring harnesses. To define receptacle simply, each connector plug has an insert that’s specifically formatted for a mating socket or receptacle. Inserts are typically moisture-resistant and feature a hermetic seal to protect the plug, receptacle,... Read more »

  • What is a Hook-Up Wire?

    What is a hook-up wire? It’s a special type of wire that’s used primarily in low-current, low-voltage applications. If you need wiring for an enclosed piece of electronic equipment, there’s a good chance you need a hook-up wire. Hook-up wires vary in terms of conductors, jacket and insulation material, and voltage, so it’s important to... Read more »

  • What is an In-Line Fuse?

    Fuses are protective devices that are used for electrical and electronic components. What is an in-line fuse? What differentiates an in-line fuse from other types of fuses? An in-line fuse is secured inside a cable as opposed to a ceramic or glass cartridge. If you’re shopping for an in-line fuse, learn more about their functions... Read more »

  • What is HASS Testing?

    Highly Accelerated Stress Screen (HASS) is a screening method used to monitor the quality and uniformity of manufacturing by finding production flaws and defects in products. HASS is performed on a component after HALT (Highly Accelerated Life Testing), as testing is based on the results of the previous HALT. The stresses used during HASS testing... Read more »

  • How to Test Cables with a Multimeter

    What is a multimeter? It’s a multifunctional device that measures electronics and electrical components and can perform a variety of tests without requiring that users buy another unit. Essentially, it’s an amalgam of an AC/DC voltmeter, ammeter, and ohmmeter, so it can be used to measure voltage, current measured in amperes, and resistance. Wondering how... Read more »

  • What are Ozone-Resistant Materials?

    Ozone is a more powerful oxidant than oxygen. Ozone in the ozone layer protects the surface of the Earth from solar UV radiation exposure. Ozone in the troposphere (ground level) is formed when nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds react in the atmosphere in the presence of sunlight. In contained areas, ozone can... Read more »

  • What Does “Military-Grade” Mean?

    Nowadays, “military-grade” has become a selling point for many different types of products, from smartphone cases to portable coolers. For many electrical components, such as connectors and receptacles, cable assemblies, and more, whether or not they’re “military-grade” is especially important. When it comes to product development, “MIL-SPEC” means designed to MIL-STD (or military standards). Read... Read more »

  • What’s Special About NATO Power Plugs?

    Unlike your average electrical plug, NATO power plugs meet the requirements put forth under a STANdardization AGreement (STANAG). What does this mean? To put it simply, NATO plugs are military-grade and offer the highest possible reliability. Read on to learn more about what makes NATO slave cable plugs special, then shop for the component you... Read more »

  • What is a Cable Assembly?

    Electric cable assemblies are harness assemblies that house cables. The purpose of a cable assembly is to help the user keep tabs on the amount of current, the path of the current, and general safety. Cable assemblies house and organize different types of cables, which helps prevent confusion and potentially dangerous situations. You’ll find a... Read more »

  • What is MIL-PRF?

    Standardization is a process used by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to ensure products are reliable, uniform, interoperable, and cost-efficient. U.S. defense standards, also known as military standards, contribute to making standardization possible. There are different types of standards and specifications, such as MIL-PRF. What are MIL-F standards? Gateway Cable Company is going to... Read more »

  • What are NATO Electrical Connectors?

    NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) connectors adhere to military or technical procedures defined under a STANdardization AGreement (STANAG). Like U.S. defense standards (also known as MIL-SPEC), NATO standards outline the processes, terms, and conditions for the manufacturing of equipment like power connectors for military use. The difference is, however, that these standards exist so the... Read more »

  • What is HALT Testing?

    Highly Accelerated Life Testing, or HALT testing, is an effective and reasonably priced method of testing the strength and condition of an electrical component, such as cables or receptacles. HALT testing services subject a product to gradually higher stress levels to determine its weaknesses and design flaws. This process is completed during the design phase... Read more »

  • How Does Waterproofing Work?

    Waterproofing is the process of giving an object, such as a cable, waterproof or water resistant properties. How does waterproofing work for cables? It’s simple — the cable is reinforced with a thick and sturdy material that prevents water penetration, even under pressure. Commonly used water-resistant materials for cable jackets include thermoplastic chlorinated polyethylene (CPE),... Read more »

  • What are Ozone-Resistant Materials?

    Ozone is a more powerful oxidant than oxygen. Ozone in the ozone layer protects the surface of the Earth from solar UV radiation exposure. Ozone in the troposphere (ground level) is formed when nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds react in the atmosphere in the presence of sunlight. In contained areas, ozone can... Read more »

  • What is a Shielded Cable?

    With so many cable options unavailable, you may be wondering, “What is a shielded cable?” Shielded cables are electrical cables with insulating conductors that are surrounded by a conductive layer. Usually, the shield is covered with a jacket, while the shield itself can be made of braided copper strands, conducting polymer, or a spiraled and... Read more »

  • What Does “Military-Grade” Mean?

    Nowadays, “military-grade” has become a selling point for many different types of products, from smartphone cases to portable coolers. For many electrical components, such as connectors and receptacles, cable assemblies, and more, whether or not they’re “military-grade” is especially important. When it comes to product development, “MIL-SPEC” means designed to MIL-STD (or military standards). Read... Read more »

  • What is DFARS Compliance?

    Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) compliance refers to a series of cybersecurity regulations created by the Department of Defense (DoD) for suppliers and contractors who work externally. The goal behind these standards is to protect classified information and maintain a strong defense against security threats. Below, you’ll find more information on DFARS, how it... Read more »

  • What’s Special About NATO Power Plugs?

    Unlike your average electrical plug, NATO power plugs meet the requirements put forth under a STANdardization AGreement (STANAG). What does this mean? To put it simply, NATO plugs are military-grade and offer the highest possible reliability. Read on to learn more about what makes NATO slave cable plugs special, then shop for the component you... Read more »

  • Connector Plug vs. Receptacle

    What is an Electric Receptacle? Connectors, in essence, are shells that house contacts with wires and are used on electrical wiring harnesses. To define receptacle simply, each connector plug has an insert that’s specifically formatted for a mating socket or receptacle. Inserts are typically moisture-resistant and feature a hermetic seal to protect the plug, receptacle,... Read more »

  • What is a Cable Assembly?

    Electric cable assemblies are harness assemblies that house cables. The purpose of a cable assembly is to help the user keep tabs on the amount of current, the path of the current, and general safety. Cable assemblies house and organize different types of cables, which helps prevent confusion and potentially dangerous situations. You’ll find a... Read more »

  • What is a Hook-Up Wire?

    What is a hook-up wire? It’s a special type of wire that’s used primarily in low-current, low-voltage applications. If you need wiring for an enclosed piece of electronic equipment, there’s a good chance you need a hook-up wire. Hook-up wires vary in terms of conductors, jacket and insulation material, and voltage, so it’s important to... Read more »

  • What is MIL-PRF?

    Standardization is a process used by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to ensure products are reliable, uniform, interoperable, and cost-efficient. U.S. defense standards, also known as military standards, contribute to making standardization possible. There are different types of standards and specifications, such as MIL-PRF. What are MIL-F standards? Gateway Cable Company is going to... Read more »

  • What is an In-Line Fuse?

    Fuses are protective devices that are used for electrical and electronic components. What is an in-line fuse? What differentiates an in-line fuse from other types of fuses? An in-line fuse is secured inside a cable as opposed to a ceramic or glass cartridge. If you’re shopping for an in-line fuse, learn more about their functions... Read more »

  • What are NATO Electrical Connectors?

    NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) connectors adhere to military or technical procedures defined under a STANdardization AGreement (STANAG). Like U.S. defense standards (also known as MIL-SPEC), NATO standards outline the processes, terms, and conditions for the manufacturing of equipment like power connectors for military use. The difference is, however, that these standards exist so the... Read more »

  • What is HASS Testing?

    Highly Accelerated Stress Screen (HASS) is a screening method used to monitor the quality and uniformity of manufacturing by finding production flaws and defects in products. HASS is performed on a component after HALT (Highly Accelerated Life Testing), as testing is based on the results of the previous HALT. The stresses used during HASS testing... Read more »

  • What is HALT Testing?

    Highly Accelerated Life Testing, or HALT testing, is an effective and reasonably priced method of testing the strength and condition of an electrical component, such as cables or receptacles. HALT testing services subject a product to gradually higher stress levels to determine its weaknesses and design flaws. This process is completed during the design phase... Read more »

  • How to Test Cables with a Multimeter

    What is a multimeter? It’s a multifunctional device that measures electronics and electrical components and can perform a variety of tests without requiring that users buy another unit. Essentially, it’s an amalgam of an AC/DC voltmeter, ammeter, and ohmmeter, so it can be used to measure voltage, current measured in amperes, and resistance. Wondering how... Read more »