Everything About Electrical Cables
Proper wire and cable installation are critical for ensuring a steady electricity supply and passing electrical inspections indoors or outdoors. Each wire and cable must be carefully installed from the fuse box to the outlets, fixtures, and appliances. The National Electrical Code and local building codes regulate the installation of wires and cables, as well as the types of wires and cables used in various electrical applications.
Color, label information, and applications are all factors that will influence your choice of electrical wiring. Power cables can be positioned as permanent wiring within structures, buried in the ground, run overhead, or be exposed. Portable devices, mobile tools, and machinery all use flexible power cables.
These are designed and manufactured based on the voltage, current to be carried, operating maximum temperature, and application purpose specified by the customer. The following are the different types of electrical cables according to voltage usage.
Low voltage cables
Electric panel cables
Flexible cables are used for electrical wiring cabinets. These electric cables are ideal for home use, public installation, and internal wiring of electrical cabinets, switch boxes, and small electrical appliances.
Power cables
These are the energy cables used for industrial and public buildings. In addition, power cables are commonly used in applications for power transmission in all types of low voltage connections, industrial use, and variable frequency drive (VFD).
Armored Cables
Cables reinforced with aluminum or steel for mechanically aggressive installations. Armored cables are also commonly found in areas where rodents are present and in installations in buildings where there is a risk of fire and explosion (ATEX).
Rubber cables
The applications for extra-flexible rubber cables are numerous. Rubber cables can be found in both fixed industrial installations and mobile services. Welding cables should have a rubber sheath to transmit high currents between the welding generator and the electrode.
Halogens-free cables
High-Security Halogen-Free (LSZH) Cables with low smoke and corrosive gas emission in the event of a fire are suitable for use in the wiring of electrical panels and public places, installations of all types in public areas, individual derivations, emergency circuits, public distribution networks, and mobile service.
Control cables
Since control cables for fixed or mobile installations are primarily intended for small household appliances, they should be highly flexible. For example, the interconnection of machine parts used in manufacturing, signaling, and control systems, the connection of motors or frequency converters, signal transmission where the voltage induced by an external electromagnetic field may affect the transmitted signal, or power supply connections to avoid electromagnetic interference.
Instrumentation Cables
These are flexible and shielded cables used in industrial installations to transmit signals between the equipment and are designed specifically for optimal data transmission in environments with high levels of electromagnetic interference.
Special Cables
Electric cables are available for various applications, including temporary light garland installations at trade shows and overhead cranes, hoists, and lift connections. Also, they are used for applications for lighting, purification, and cleaning systems in submerged pumps and drinking water areas like aquariums, purification systems, drinking water fountains, or swimming pools.
Aluminum cables
These power transmission cables are suitable for permanent installation indoors, outdoors, and underground.
Medium Voltage Cables
RHZ1
RHZ1 medium voltage cable with XLPE insulation halogen-free and non-flame and fire propagating. Therefore, they are ideal for the transmission and distribution of energy in Medium Voltage networks.
HEPRZ1
Medium Voltage cable with HEPR insulation is halogen-free and does not propagate flames and fires. Ideal for energy transportation and distribution in Medium Voltage networks.
MV-90
American standard medium voltage cable with XLPE insulation. Energy transportation and distribution in Medium Voltage networks.
RHVhMVh
Medium voltage copper and aluminum cables are used for specialized applications. They are particularly recommended for installations where there is a risk of hydrocarbon-type oils and chemical agents or their derivatives.
Five main types of wire:
Triplex Wires
Triplex wires are typically used between the power pole and weather heads in single-phase service drop conductors. They are made up of two insulated aluminum wires wrapped around a third bare wire that serves as a common neutral.
Main Feeder Wires
The wires connecting the service weather head to the house are the main power feeder wires. They are made of stranded or solid THHN wire, and the cable installed is 25% larger than the required load.
Panel Feed Wires
Panel feed cables are typically made of black-insulated THHN wire. These provide power to the main junction box and circuit breaker panels.
Non-Metallic Sheathed Wires
Most homes use non-metallic sheathed wire, or Romex, with 2–3 conductors with plastic insulation and bare ground wire. Then, another layer of non-metallic sheathing is applied to the individual wires. This type is preferred for in-house wiring because it is less expensive and comes in 15, 20, and 20 amps ratings.
Single Strand Wires
THHN wire is also used in single-strand wire, though other variations exist. Each wire is distinct, and multiple cables can be quickly drawn together through a pipe. Single strand wires are the most popular layouts that use lines to contain wires.
Kabeltec has a large selection of cable and wire products. Learn more about electrical cables and wiring from our store today. More high-quality cable and wire products can be found at Kabeltec; visit now!
