Many electrical wires run through your home, from powering your lights and appliances to connecting your computer and phone lines. Therefore, it is essential to understand the types of wires and how they work to pass an electrical inspection and maintain electricity flowing safely through your home.
8 types of electrical wires and cables are described in this article, along with the difference between electrical wires and cables. Without further ado, let’s begin!
Electrical Wire vs. Electrical Cable
Do you also conflate the terms “electrical wire” and “cable”? Technically, a cable is a collection of wires sheathed, while a wire is a single electrical conductor.
A neutral wire, ground wire, and hot wire—all twisted or joined together—are at least present in all types of electrical cables.
Copper or aluminium are commonly used to make electrical wires. They are normally covered in a thin color-coded coating of thermoplastic. They may be either bare or insulated. The number of wires in a cable will vary depending on its intended use.
8 Types of Electrical Wires & Cables in Your Home & How They Work
As a homeowner or DIYer, it’s important to know these 8 types of electrical wiring and cabling and how they help keep your home safe, efficient, and functioning.
- Non-Metallic/NM Cable
Non-metallic/NM cable connects lights and outlets in modern homes. At least two identical gauge thermoplastic insulated wires are contained within its sheathing, while various lines may have varying gauges. This type of wiring is easy to install and can be used in almost any application.
- Armored/BX Cable
Armored/BX cable is an electrical wiring made up of two or three insulated wires encased in a steel or aluminum sheath. This type of wiring is used in applications that require extra protection from physical damage, such as in garages, commercial buildings, and basements.
- Underground Feeder/UF Cable
Underground feeder/UF cable is a type of wiring used to connect electrical devices that are located underground, such as direct ground burial. This type of wiring is more durable than other types of wiring and is ideal for significant circuit wiring, outdoor applications, and wet locations.
- Metal Clad Cable
The metal-clad cable connects switches and outlets. They resemble AC cables. However, the wires are covered in plastic rather than paper. And because its metal wrapping cannot serve as a ground, it has a green grounding wire. They are often used in areas requiring extra protection, like in damp locations, basements, etc.
- THHN/THWN Wire
THHN/THWN wire is an electrical wiring that connects circuit breakers, switches, and outlets. It comprises two or three insulated wires encased in a plastic sheath. This type of wiring is often used in residential applications, as it’s easy to install and economical.
- Low-voltage Wire
The low-voltage wire is a type of electrical wiring ideal for connecting low-voltage devices requiring 50 volts or less power. For instance, doorbells, sprinkler systems, etc., are powered through low-voltage wires. These wires can be made of copper or aluminum.
- Coaxial Cable
Coaxial cable connects applications requiring a higher quality signal transmission, such as televisions and other audio-visual devices. It has a dielectric or non-conducting insulator over a central wire conductor. A thin plastic layer is placed on top of the insulator to provide protection, encircled by mesh or a metal sheath.
- Phone and Data Wires
As the name suggests, this type of wiring is often used in applications requiring a higher quality signal transmission, such as in modern homes with internet and telephone connections. Phone and data wires are made up of two or three insulated wires encased in a plastic or metal sheath.
So there you have it – The 8 types of electrical wires used in your home and how they work. You shouldn’t attempt to DIY several things around the house. Electrical work is the most crucial of them all. It’s always best to consult a professional electrician.
Author Bio
Jeson Pitt works with the marketing department of D&F Liquidators and regularly writes to share his knowledge while enlightening people about electrical products and solving their electrical dilemmas. He’s got the industry insights that you can count on along with years of experience in the field.