Any construction or renovation project cannot do without electrical wires. Making a right choice can save you time and money. Among the many wire types, TFFN and THHN are most frequently mentioned and used. While named similarly they have differences in use and characteristics. By reading this blog, you will be fully aware of TFFN and THHN wires and take a stand on which is better for your wiring job.
What is TFFN Wire and Its Common Applications?
The TFFN cable stands for Thermoplastic Flexible Fixture Nylon and is meant to be a wire for indoor electrical installations. Good insulation is provided by the thermoplastic material, while its superior flexibility in comparison to TFN cables makes it easy to route through tight spaces; In addition, the nylon coating makes it particularly convenient for fixture connections.
what is TFFN wire used for?
Lighting fixture connections:
TFFN cables are also known as fixed wires. It has excellent flexibility and insulation and is often used for internal wiring of lighting equipment. Whether it’s a narrow space or a complex curved path, it can handle it with ease.
Household appliance connections:
TFFN wires often play a behind-the-scenes role in connecting household appliances. Its oil-resistant properties come in handy in places like kitchens or laundry rooms, where it is prone to contact with grease and moisture.
Control circuits:
Control circuits require wires to be flexibly routed in tight spaces to connect components such as sensors, relays, switches, and controllers to guarantee precise signal control and feedback.
From switchboards to switches and circuit breakers in fixed wiring, TFFN wire carries signals efficiently and without interference.
What is THHN Wire and Its Common Applications?
THHN Wire, known as Thermoplastic High Heat-resistant Nylon-coated Wire, is a type of wire that is insulated with thermoplastic material and coated with nylon. In the acronym, “T” stands for thermoplastic, “H” for high heat-resistant, and “N” for nylon-coated. A common choice in electrical systems, THHN cable shares similarities with THWN Wire, which is more resilient to moisture. It should be noted that NM-B wires are also classified as THHN cables and they are made specifically for dry indoor environments very common for home wiring.
what is thhn wire used for?
THHN cable is widely used in electrical systems in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. It is used to carry low-voltage DC current and is suitable for indoor and outdoor installations, as well as dry and wet environments. Thhn nylon sheathed cables are commonly used in the United States and Europe, which can effectively solve fire accidents caused by defects in ordinary wires and cables.
TFFN or THHN? A Detailed Wire Comparison
- Wire Gauge: TFFN vs THHN Wire
TFFN 16 AWG wire and 18 AWG are typically the only wire gauges available in the TFFN cable type for more delicate applications.
While THHN cables feature a wider selection of wire gauges. Ranging from THHN 16 AWG to 4/0 AWG, it meets the demand for wire gauge in different scenarios.
- Temperature Resistance Performance: TFFN vs THHN Wire
TFFN can withstand temperatures up to 90°C in dry locations. It is not normally used in wet locations. It is suitable for indoor use without extreme heat or harsh conditions. The nylon jacket provides moderate protection against chemicals, but TFFN is generally not recommended for outdoor or high temperature applications.
THHN wire is designed to withstand higher temperatures and harsher environments. It can withstand temperatures up to 90°C in dry locations and 75°C in wet locations. In addition, the nylon coating enhances resistance to oil, gasoline, and chemicals, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations. THHN wire is commonly used in industrial environments, conduit systems, and where exposure to volatiles or extreme conditions is possible.
- Flexibility Performance: TFFN vs THHN Wire
When it comes to flexibility, TFFN cables are more flexible than THHN wires at the same gauge. Often, electricians prefer using TFFN cables for lighting fixtures, appliances and control circuits. For instance, in case of luminaries & switches connection there is need for a wire to pass through small holes in walls or ceilings as well as around any other objects situated on the way. In these applications, the ease of installation of TFFN cables is a priority.
In a structure, electrical wiring may be located near metal framing or structural members that can have sharp edges. The insulation of wires is protected from damage by placing soft protective tubing such as flexible plastic tubing between them and these sharp surfaces during installation or maintenance.
On the other hand, THHN concentrates more on heat, corrosion and electrical resistance rather than extreme flexibility. Thus, when there is frequent bending required for an application; handling and laying out THHN cables may be a bit difficult compared to that of TFFN ones.
How to choose the right building wire?
What are our actual needs?
Is the environment used in the construction project indoor or outdoor? Does the wire need to be resistant to heat, cold, moisture or UV rays? For example, THHN wire was selected for the construction of a high-rise residential building. Because its nylon coating provides additional abrasion protection, it’s suitable for running through conduit wiring. And TFFN was chosen for a workshop renovation project that required flexible wiring, because it’s better suited to bending and adjusting in tight spaces.
Which brands and products are our top choices?
Brand and quality are equally important when choosing wire. ZW Cable is market-oriented; it specializes in the development, design, manufacture and sale of wire and cable products in the construction sector such as THHN, THWN-2 and TFFN series of nylon-sheathed wires. What makes its cables great is that they not only have the best performance, but also effectively reduces electrical accidents caused by wires, fully guarding your family’s electrical safety.
