Wiring and remodeling is naturally essential as a project in home improvement. Now most of us prefer aesthetic style, so the line of concealed installation is the preferred way of most families. However if you opt to use inferior quality wires, the risk aspect is exposed regardless. It means that the material used in the conductors should be of a high standard which is why attention during purchase has to be placed on the fact that the product has to be of quality. Next we share with you the basics of household electrical wire and selection techniques.
Types of Household Cables
Copper wire is the most widely used wire in house wiring. Copper core can be divided into the following three types, of which the main household wire with BV wire and BVR:
- BV wire: Single core copper wire. Suitable for power supply, lighting, sockets, etc. Because of its high hardness, it is easy to be wired and fixed in a straight line.
- BVR wire: Stranded copper wire, softer than BV wire. It is easy to bend and is used in applications where multiple bends are required, such as internal connections in distribution boxes.
- RV wire: A softer, multi-stranded copper wire. For the same diameter, RV has more strands of copper wire than BVR, and each strand is finer. Furthermore, NYAF has characteristics similar to RV Cable.
Romex (NM-B) Cable:
- This cable is often utilized for residential electrical wirings which are done indoors. It contains one or more conductors which are solid copper, as well as neutral and ground wire, all enclosed in a PVC jacket. Applicable to walls, ceiling and floors.
UF (Underground Feeder) Cable
- For outdoor projects we usually use UF cable. It is perfect for underground installations such as garden lighting or powering an outdoor shed. This cable is resistant to moisture and can be buried directly into the ground without the need for additional conduit.
BX or AC Cable (Armored Cable)
- It has a flexible metal jacket that protects the internal wires. It is suitable for indoor applications, especially in commercial environments or where cables may be exposed to physical damage.
THHN/THWN
- The THHN/THWN wire comes with a single conductor that has thermal plastic insulation. The insulation can withstand heat and moisture. This is a versatile and indoor electrical wiring cable which can be installed in conduits. It works well in both dry and humid areas.
Low Voltage Cable
- For projects such as landscape lighting or doorbell systems, we have a selection of low voltage cables. For example, YJV Low voltage cables are perfect for applications with lower power requirements. Low voltage cables have smaller conductors and thinner insulation. This design reduces weight and makes installation easier.
Understanding Wiring Colors and Sizes
Wiring colors follow standard codes to indicate their purpose. Usually, black or red wires are used for circuit carrying current, commonly called the hot wires. White wires are connected to the neutrals, which ensure the circuit is completed. Green or bare wires serve as the ground wires and operate to enhance safety by shunting away any excess current.
Wiring size, or gauge, determines how much current a wire can handle. Thinner wires with a larger gauge number carry lower current. For example, there are wires which are wired in a 12-gauge, middle range which can support higher load as compared to a 14-gauge wire. It is important to use the correct gauge to avoid excessive heating of the electrical cables which results in efficient working.
Understanding Maximum rated voltage and current-carrying capacity
Maximum Rated Voltage
Most household cables are designed for low voltage applications, typically up to 240V AC in a residential environment. this includes wiring for lighting, outlets, and appliances.
Current-Carrying Capacity
Current carrying capacity (also known as ampacity) depends on several factors:
Wire Gauge (AWG): A smaller gauge wire (e.g. 12AWG) can carry more current than a larger gauge wire (e.g. 14AWG). For example, 12AWG copper wire can safely carry about 20-30A under normal conditions, while 14AWG copper wire is rated at about 15A.
Insulation: Different types of insulation have different heat resistance, which affects the amount of current carried. For example, PVC insulated cables have different ratings compared to specialized heat resistant cables.
Environmental factors: Temperature, cable bundling and whether the cable is in free air, in a duct or buried can have a significant impact on the amount of current it can safely carry. Cables in ducts or tightly packed spaces may have reduced current carrying capacity due to heat buildup.
Continuous Load: Ratings are usually based on continuous (100% load factor) operation to ensure that cables do not overheat under normal use.
Specific Examples
NM-B (Romex): A common household cable with ratings like 15A for 14AWG and 20A for 12AWG, suitable for standard residential circuits.
Service Entrance (SE) Cable: Used for main electrical feeds into a home, can handle higher currents and voltages, often rated for up to 600V and carrying significant amperage for the entire house.
Top 5 things to consider when choosing homehold cables
- Product Certification:
Confirm that the electrical wire for house has passed the necessary safety certifications, such as China 3C certification, which indicates that the product complies with national safety standards and ensures basic electrical safety.
- Applicable environment and specifications
Select the appropriate household cable size for the purpose, e.g. hard wires (e.g. BV) are usually recommended for wires under 10 square millimeters, and soft wires (e.g. BVR) can be selected if more flexibility is needed.
Consider the power consumption of the family, choose the appropriate cross-section of wire, such as 2.5 square millimeters for general sockets, 4 square millimeters for high-power appliances, and at least 6 square millimeters for the entry line.
- Conductor material and structure:
Prefer oxygen-free copper conductor, because of its good conductivity, reduce energy consumption. Pay attention to the conductor structure, home improvement more solid conductor, because of its fixed installation needs.
- Length and Wiring:
Accurately calculate the length of wire needed, consider the complexity of the wiring path, and allow for appropriate margins, but avoid excessive waste.
- Formal channel purchase and brand selection:
In order to ensure the quality, it is recommended to buy from regular stores or famous manufacturer brands. Avoid counterfeit products and ensure quality and after-sales service. For example, ZW CABLE manufacturer has stricter quality control and service, which provides a series of high quality household cable products are exported to all over the world and received many favorable comments.
We encourage you to use this knowledge for your home program in order to enhance the safety and efficiency. Of course, should you have any questions regarding the product let one of our representatives know!
