A fundamental part of our daily life, cables are responsible for northern electrical current, through circuits, in different types of electrical installations. For this, there are several wire types that meet the most varied applications, being able to increase the security of the residence.
For more detailed information on the types of electrical wires and cables, their main features and applications, keep following the post. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know before you start installing your home or commercial environment. Follow!
Main differences between cable and electric wire
Extremely important in electrical installations, wires and cables are responsible for the safe conduct of the current to a point of demand inside the premises. Without the different types of electrical wire, there would be no transmission, distribution and generation of electricity.
Although they have the same purpose, cables and electrical wires are produced differently. Internally, the wires are manufactured with only one conductor, so they are considered more rigid and solid. The cables have several interlaced conductive wires, making them more flexible.
Electric wires
Because these types of electrical wires are internally formed by only one conductor, the larger the transverse, the less flexible they will be. The applications of these materials are very specific. This is because they cannot be subjected to more accentuated curves, since they have low malleability.
Another issue of this alternative is how much it is necessary to perform a rigid wire splicing with flexible wires. It is recommended to use seam gloves or appropriate devices to prevent heating and bad contact of this seam.
These wire types for residence are widely applied in aerial networks, in which a high-strength conductor is required. In this way, it is possible to prevent them from breaking between one pole and another, because of the weight of the wire itself. They are also widely used in telephone applications and abrasive areas.
Solid wire
Usually manufactured with copper, these wire types of wire are used for the insulation of PVC wire, which is a type of plastic. In the market, they can be found in options that support up to 750V and their applications are made in electrical boards, showers, outlets and residential installations.
The main feature of this option is the little flexibility, so the wire should not be folded many times during installation. In addition, it can be found in thicknesses ranging from 1.5 mm² to 10 mm².
Electrical cables
Electrical cables are composed of small interlaced conductors, making them more flexible. In addition, they support closed angles within electrical installations, and their malleability allows them to be subjected to sharp curves and bends, without harming the quality of the material.
The types of electrical wires and cables are classified according to their cross area. Thus, the greater the amount of electric current driven by a cable, the conductor has a larger cross-section. Note below, the main classes of cables used:
- Class 03: 7 conductors, rigid classification;
- Class 04: 45 conductors, flexible rating,
- Class 05: 75 conductors, extra flexible rating.
Technically, an anchored cable is formed by twisted wires, which may or may not be insulated. In the ABNT NBR NM 280 standard, the chaining classes are determined with all degrees of flexibility.
Flexible cable and hard cable
This option is usually made of copper and has PVC insulation. On the market, this cable can be found in two levels of insulation: 750V and 1KV. Its applications range from residential to industrial installations.
Cable PP
This type of cable has great flexibility because it is manufactured in the same way as the most flexible materials. The big difference between them is that, in general, this alternative is formed by two or more cables and also has conventional PVC protection, mechanical protection and another layer of insulation.
Parallel cables
Parallel cables are suitable for the installation of lighting appliances and objects such as chandeliers and lamps. Considered flexible, these cables are formed by copper wires and count thicknesses ranging from 2×0.5 mm² to 2×4 mm².
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