Choosing between a waterproof cable and a water-resistant cable seems simple—until a project fails field testing, an enclosure fogs up, or a connector corrodes after the first rainy season. Many buyers assume both terms mean “good for moisture,” but in engineering, the two categories follow different design rules, different materials, and very different performance limits. Waterproof cables protect against long-term immersion; water-resistant cables protect against occasional exposure. Mixing them up can lead to overheating, intermittent signal drops, safety risks, and costly redesigns.