Before knowing the different types of electrical wires and cables, we need to know the fact that people interchangeably use the terms ‘wire’ and ‘cables’, making them look the same.
But in reality, they are different; where the wire is a single electrical conductor and the cable is a group of wires twisted in a sheath. These are the main parts of electrical systems that carry power and data in every part of the modern world. Both wires and cables are components of our daily lives, that play a critical role in our homes, offices, and industries.
But not all wires and cables are made equal. They differ to match specific purposes and applications. By learning about the different types of electric wires and cables, you’ll better know about their roles and that would greatly help you to enhance your work effectively.
In this article, let’s look at the different electrical wire and electrical cable types in depth and use them in the right way.
Understanding Electrical Wires and Cables
As mentioned above, in everyday language, wire and cable are often used interchangeably. You can read them in detail to know the exact difference between wires and cables.
When choosing electrical cable types, you need to consider the size, colour, and application and while choosing electrical wire types, you need to consider size, colour, application, ampacity, and wattage. For example, common wire sizes are 10,12, and 14. A doorbell system that carries 1 Amps can use a 20-gauge wire, while an electric stove that requires 50 Amps will need a much thicker 6-gauge wire. This is simply because a higher number means a small size of wire.
In cables, the gauge number indicates the thickness of each individual wire inside the cable. If it’s a higher gauge number, then it should be a thinner wire. If you see a cable labeled as 10/3, it means the cable contains three wires, each with a thickness of 10 gauge.
Types of Electrical Wires and Cables
Here are a few types of electrical wires and cables
Types of Electrical Wire
Single Conductor Wire: This is one of the types of electrical wire with one metal wire inside and covered with a layer of protective insulation. These wires can be differentiated into different types of electrical wires including THHN wire (Thermoplastic High Heat-resistant Nylon-coated), THWN Wire (Thermoplastic Heat- and Water-resistant Nylon-coated), TW Wire (Thermoplastic Wire), and UF Wire (Underground Feeder Wire). These wires are commonly used in commercials, residential, and industrial electrical installations.
Copper Wire: What type of electrical wire do you think is used in your home? It’s copper wire – the standard one in the industry. Be it your home, businesses, factories, and more, they all use copper wires. Copper is known for carrying electricity so well, helping to reduce loss of energy and sending power over long distances. They have become so popular due to their excellence in conductivity and flexibility.
PVC Insulation Wire: These are types of wire covered with PVC, Polyvinyl Chloride, one of the 1st plastics discovered. These wires are extremely flexible and sturdy and widely used due to their ability to resist moisture, chemicals, and heat. They are popular because they provide good insulation to prevent electric shocks and short circuits. Most commonly, you can find these PVC insulation wires in homes, offices, electrical appliances, control panels, and industrial machines.
Specialty Electrical Wires: These wires are made with specialized insulation or shielding to meet unique requirements and applications. For example, marine wire designed to resist corrosion and moisture in boats and high-temperature wire made to withstand extreme heat in industrial furnaces, ovens, and other heating environments.
Types of Electrical Cables
Twisted Pair Cables: When a pair or group of pairs of wires are twisted together, they make a cable. The twisting protects the signal they carry from outside interference and helps prevent it from messing with signals in nearby cables.
Fiber Optic Cables: These are made of a thin strand of glass or plastic. They carry data signals in the form of light waves, allowing them to carry much higher bandwidth applications. The speciality is that they can send data much faster than traditional copper cables, and send them over very long distances without losing quality. These cables are used for internet and broadband connections, telephone networks, military, aerospace, and for medical equipment. To learn more about their real-world uses, check out our article on the Applications of Fiber Optic Cables.
Power Cables: It is one of the types of electrical cables with one or more electrical conductors that are held together with an overall sheath. Power cables are used for the transmission and distribution of electrical power, especially high voltages transmission, in places where overhead power lines can’t be used.
Control Cables: These send signals that control the working of machines or systems. It doesn’t carry high power but carries low voltage signals that help control devices like motors, sensors, or automation equipment. They are designed to send signals accurately. Using multiple insulated wires and special shielding, they protect the signals from interference.
How to Choose the Right Types of Electrical Wires and Cables?
Among many different types of electrical cable and wire, it’s important to choose the right one depending on many factors.
- Purpose
Decide what the wire or cable will be used for. Power supply? Lighting? Control signals or data transmission?
- Voltage and Current
It should safely handle the required voltage and amperage. For example, light circuits usually need 14 or 12 gauge wires while heavy appliances need 10 gauge or thicker wires.
- Environment
Where will the cable be used? Indoor or outdoor? Will it face heat, moisture, or chemicals?
Pick a wire with the right insulation (like PVC, XLPE, or Teflon) for that environment.
- Safety & Standards
Make sure they meet local safety standards and are certified by recognized authorities.
Final Note
In the electrical system world, there are different types of electric wires and cables that play an important part in the modern world to be powered and connected. The choice of these wires and cables depends on factors like power, application, environment, and other performance.
Zable Cable stands as a leading platform for wires and cables. We have an extensive range of top-quality wires and cables designed to meet your specific needs. With competitive pricing and uncompromising quality, we ensure we offer the best value for the price.
Explore now at Zable Cable and wire your world with confidence!
