When you need to describe wiring, you first must comprehend some basic terms. While the electrical wire is nothing but a conductor, the material of home electrical wiring is copper or aluminium. But, on the other hand, when two or more wires are combined in a single jacket, it forms a cable. So, as you read ahead, you can check out the various types you can think of for your house.
1. NM / Flexible Cable
Most of the time, when you observe house electrical wiring, you will come across flexible / NM cables. As such cables comprise three or more wires, these are wrapped into a sheath. Further ahead, depending on the wire gauge and the circuit, the cable is available in different colour shades of the sheath. But, when you see a cable with grey sheathing, then these are used as an underground cable.
2. Armoured Cable
In some regions, the house owners are not allowed to use certain flexible/ NM cables because they have to follow local ordinances. Instead, they can use AC wiring, which is also referred to as BX. While such types of electrical wiring have flexible metallic sheathing, they offer more protection to the conductors within the sheath. Moreover, the electrician is not permitted to use armoured cables across commercial buildings.
3. Underground Feeder Cable
If you’re wondering what an underground feeder cable is all about, then these fall under the most popular electrical wiring for a house, NM cables. Such cables are designed for moist locations and can be buried into the ground directly. Way ahead, electricians use such cables to enable current flow to outdoor fixtures. But, in comparison with the NM cables, the UF type has solid plastic and an outer sheathing that is grey in colour.
4. Low-Voltage Wires
When you have circuits that run at a voltage less than 50 volts, then you must ideally use low-voltage cable wires. Usually, you will find such home electrical wiring in items that work with less electricity. These items include landscape lighting, doorbells, thermostats, and sprinkler systems. Above all, as you start using such kinds of wires, you can use them fearlessly because you will not experience any shock. However, when you are not using the items, it’s always better to switch them off for a period of time.
5. Solar Cables
When you come across solar cables, these are designed to connect photovoltaic power supply systems. As such cables are known for high mechanical strength, they can withstand extreme climatic conditions. Since these cables can operate for a maximum time span of 20,000 hours at a temperature as much as 120°C, they can last up to 30 years. As far as the overall design is concerned, these cables have fine copper strands which are enclosed in an ozone resistant and a flame retardant UV sheath.
6. Phone and Data Wires
Among the types of electrical wiring, you may observe phone and data wires that fall under Category 5 cables. These cables have around four to eight wires which are usually wrapped together. As the electrician uses such wires, they are very much efficient while transmitting data. Additionally, electricians prefer using the Ethernet cable owing to the high capacity and the overall quality. Even when such wires don’t run on high voltage, you must not lay them closer to household wiring. Hence, you must avoid touching the wires and treat them very carefully.
Finally, before you purchase the right cables for your house, you first need to check the wire insulation. You will not face any issues when the wires are made from metals like Aluminium and Copper. Once you decide to buy the cable, you need to look for a mark that signifies its quality. You should also consider the voltage regulation factors and the short circuit rating before selecting a cable size. In the end, you must consider buying cables of the most popular brand. If you choose a cable that is quite cheap, then it may not be safe to use.
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