Every powerful device that performs its task has a wire that does the lifting quietly and reliably. From lighting up homes to powering industrial machinery, a wire conducts electricity and makes sure of safety, efficiency, and performance.
But with so many types and range, coming up with the right wire selection is way more important. This is because wrong electrical wire selection can create problems with connections, short circuits, and sometimes end up in fire hazards.
It might be difficult to find the most suitable wire for your needs. That’s why we are here, to take you through the electrical wire selection guide that will help you make informed decisions in choosing the right one.
Basics of Electrical Wiring
Electrical wiring is the installation of cables that carry electricity to different devices. It’s important to make sure of reliable distribution of power across circuits. It helps in distributing power safely and efficiently throughout a building or space.
Wires are set up in a way that makes sure of a consistent power supply while balancing both safety and cost needs. When they are installed properly, they help in controlling the load and improving the way electricity is shared across devices.
They differ in types, each meant for a specific purpose. It’s best to know the different types of wires before starting any electrical project.
Basics of Wire selection
Before selecting the wire, you need to understand the usage. It can be for residential purposes, commercial purposes, or industrial purposes. Every application that needs wire will have different requirements in terms of voltage, capacity, insulation, and condition.
- Current Capacity
Guage – the thickness of a wire. It affects the amount of electrical current the wire safely carries. If there is a higher gauge number, the wire is thinner, carrying less current. On the other hand, if there is a lower gauge number, the wire is thicker, capable of handling more current. So knowing how much electricity flows through a wire will be helpful to choose a wire easily. This prevents overheating and any electrical hazards.
- Voltage
The voltage needs to match the requirements of the application. The wire’s voltage rating should be equal to or higher than the voltage of the electrical system where it will be used. If the wire isn’t rated for the system’s voltage, its insulation could break down, increasing the risk of shocks, short circuits, or fires.
- Size
How to select wire size? It can be of many sizes and understanding them is the best way to make the right wire selection. Smaller the wire gauge, larger the wire diameter. Depending on the size of the wire, you can find how much current can pass through it.
Electrical current is measured in amps. For standard non-metallic (NM) copper wires, the wire gauge and its amp rating help you choose the right wire size for your needs.
From the electrical wire selection chart, you can get a clear understanding, especially when using copper wires.
| Recommended Wire Gauge | Amp Rating | Application Type Examples |
| 16 AWG | 13 amps | Automotive, LED, Home |
| 14 AWG | 15 amps | General outlets like lamps, circuits, and light fixtures |
| 12 AWG | 20 amps | General-purpose home wiring, Kitchen, A/C, etc. |
| 10 AWG | 30 amps | Water heaters, dryers, ovens, large AC units |
| 8 AWG | 40 amps | Electric furnaces, hot tubs, and large HVAC systems. |
| 6 AWG | 55 amps | Large appliances like solar panel systems, and central air conditioning units. |
| 4–2 AWG | 70–95 amps | High-power equipment like residential service panels, high-current welding equipment, and large battery banks. |
- Material
Copper and aluminum are the common wire materials used. Both are easy to use and efficient.
Usually, copper wire is strong and durable and so is preferred over aluminum wiring. It’s less likely to corrode and doesn’t expand and contract like aluminum. Aluminum, despite being less durable and flexible, is safe when properly installed. They are used in commercial buildings, saving a lot of money.
Based on the cost, durability, flexibility, and installation, you can choose the right material for your needs.
- Resistance
Wire selection also depends on the environment and climate. So it’s important to consider how the wire will be used. The wires used indoors are different from the wires used outdoors.
Some wires can withstand high heat, some can withstand freezing temperatures, while some withstand both. It’s best to choose wires with temperature ratings and free reactivity that’s suitable for your application.
Consider,
- Heat Resistant wires for areas with high temperature
- Moisture resistance wires for damp and wet areas
- Chemical resistance wire for industrial or chemical-prone environments.
Pro Tips for Easy Wire Selection
Even within industrial cables, there are many types to choose from. If price and delivery time aren’t major issues, focus on the above key points to make the right choice.
- You can use online wire calculators to find what would suit your setup
- Consult professionals to make sure which wire can protect the electrical signal well
- Consider purchasing wires from trusted suppliers to get the right ones.
You can explore Zable Cable, manufacturer of wires and cables to find the right wire for your preference and needs. Keep these basics in mind, along with the earlier tips, and your cables and equipment will work well together in any industrial setting. Contact us for any inquiries needed.
