Cabling and wiring products have firmly entered human life, as they perform many functions: from transporting electricity to transmitting various signals. Without wires and cables, it is impossible to imagine the normal functioning of industrial enterprises, the operation of household appliances and lighting equipment, the transmission of telephone signals, the performance of the Internet, and so on.
What are cables and wires, by what criteria are they classified? Every electrician, engineer or home master should know the answers to these questions when performing electrical work and repair manipulations.
Introductory information
Before studying the classification of cable products, it is necessary to consider the differences between wires and cables.
A cable is a product consisting of several (or one) conductive wires woven together in their own insulation, enclosed in one or more common protective sheaths.
Also, bonded products can have in their design a special shell with increased protective properties, which is called armor. Cables with such a protective layer are called armored, and products without such insulation are called bare.
A wire is a product that consists of one without insulation or one or several veins (wires) with insulation, which are enclosed in a lightweight protective sheath not made of a metallic material. These cable connections are not intended to be laid underwater or underground.
Cord - a variation of the wire, which consists of several flexible or super-flexible veins with a cross section of up to 1.3-1.5 mm2, laid on top of each other in parallel or specifically intertwined with each other. A special cover for protection and a sheath of non-metallic material are usually applied over the conductor elements of the cord.
Important! The main difference between the above concepts is their technical properties and design.
The cable has increased bandwidth and a reinforced complex structure, respectively, it can be used to transmit, for example, a large current in strength and voltage over long distances and in aggressive conditions. And the wire and cord have a simplified lightweight design and are intended for connecting elements of a conductive network or powering household appliances.
All such electrical products differ from each other in the following ways:
- the material from which the protective and insulating-protective layer (s) is made;
- characteristics of the shielding element installed in the structure;
- technical parameters, which are expressed in physical quantities;
- material of manufacture and number of conductive wires;
- conductivity;
- the total cross-section of the cable product, the cross-sectional shape and diameter of the conductor cores, and others.
It is these features that formed the basis for the classification of products according to the field of application.
Classification of cables by application
Any cable and wire products are divided into types, based on their purpose.
Depending on the application, the following types of cables are distinguished:
- Power cable products;
- Communication cables;
- Control electric cables;
- Control cable;
- RF cable products;
- Special purpose cables.
Important! During electrical installation work, it is necessary to know the type of cable required for a particular situation, since their electrical properties and design features are different. Accordingly, for example, when laying power lines, the use of a communication cable is unacceptable.
Power cables
This type of product is intended for the transportation and distribution of electricity in stationary installations. It is used for the organization of power lines, installation of wiring of premises, power supply of industrial equipment and other things.
The core is usually made of aluminum, copper-aluminum alloy, copper. The material of the insulating layer can be rubber, PVC, paper tape, cross-linked polyethylene and others. The protective shell can be plastic, aluminum or lead alloy. Operating alternating voltage range - from 660 V to 450-500 kV.
Popular representatives: AVBShv, VVG, AVVG, VVG-P, AVVGng and other variations.
Communication cables
The organization of wire telecommunication and signaling system is carried out by means of communication cables. They are divided into two groups:
- High-frequency cables are used for laying communication lines over long distances;
- Low-frequency products are used for mounting local communication lines.
The copper communication cable is the most popular representative of this product class, having conductors made of copper composition. They are insulated mainly from plastic, paper or polyethylene, and a combination of these materials is also possible. The protective sheath can be made of lead, plastic, steel and aluminium.
Common brands: CCI, TPV, TZK, TZG, KMB, KMG, MKSG and others.
Control cable
Connection of household appliances and electrical equipment, control over the operation of objects, organization of signaling mechanisms are carried out by means of control type electrical cables.
The conductor element in such products can be made of bimetal (aluminum-copper), aluminum or copper. The insulating layer is PVC plastic, various variations of polyethylene and occasionally rubber material.
Representatives: KVVG, AKVBbShv, KVVGEng, AKVVGEng, KSPV, KSPVG, KVK, KVK-t, KVK-V and others.
Control cables
Conductor products used to transport low-power signals from sensors to control devices, as well as to control mechanisms at a distance, are called control cables. They can be either flat or rounded.
The cores in these electric cables are made only from copper, they can be shielded, but the insulating layer can be made from any substance: rubber, PVC, polyethylene material, fluoroplast. The shell is made of plastic, on top of which armor is often applied in the form of steel wires.
Popular modifications: KPV (single-core copper electric cable), KRShS, KRSHU, KGVV, MERSH-M and others.
RF cables
Transportation of various signals, pulses and information of a digital type in various ranges is carried out using radio frequency cables.
The conductor element is made of copper composition, the insulation is made of PTFE or polyethylene. The insulation can also be semi-airy due to the use of porous plastic or cordels (filler). The insulating layer is usually covered with an outer conductor element and a protective polyethylene or plastic sheath.
Popular brands of this class: RK, RD, RS and their subspecies.
Electrical cables for special purposes
There is also cable products of a narrow focus (special purpose), which can be used to organize the operation of equipment on assembly lines, conveyors, transport systems and other mechanisms. The design of such cables can be any - it all depends on the input parameters.
Types of wires by purpose
Wires according to the scope of application are divided into the following types:
- installation wiring products are necessary for distributing electricity and connecting various consumers to the network (the most popular brands: APV with a small cross section - single-core aluminum cable, different variations of PVS);
- winding wires are used for winding sections and elements of electrical mechanisms, measuring instruments and control devices (PEL brands - single-core copper wire, PEV, PLBD, PSD and others);
- insulated and uninsulated wires are used to transport electricity through overhead power lines (marking - M, A, AC and their variations);
- mounting wires are used to connect radio components and elements of electronic equipment to each other (brands MGTF, MGSHV, MLP, MSTP and others).
Technologies using electricity are impossible without conductors of electric current. All electrical and electronic devices contain them in one form or another, as well as electrical networks used to exchange electricity and information. Depending on their design features and purpose, conductors are called "wires" and "cables".
Differences between cable and wire
Conductor losses should be kept to a minimum. Therefore, for their manufacture, the cheapest metals with the best electrical conductivity are used - copper and aluminum. And since the conductors must connect the various points of various electrical and electronic devices, they must be convenient for installation. And the most convenient conductor is aluminum or copper wire.
According to modern concepts, the current inside the conductor is comparable to a pipe filled with moving balls. Balls are electrons. Moreover, they are distributed over the cross section of the pipe - that is, the conductor - unevenly. Closer to the pipe walls, their number is much greater than near the center. To make the installation as easy as possible, and to minimize the losses in the conductor, it is made in the form of a bundle of thin wires, called "cores".
Aluminum and copper are soft metals. Long conductors of them are easily stretched and torn under the influence of an external force. For reinforcement, a steel cable is used, which is located inside as a core that perceives forces. This is how the conductors of overhead power lines are arranged.
Wire and cable differ both in their purpose and in their design. Cables always have either outer insulation or some other layers, such as protective steel tape braids, a screen, etc. They were originally designed to transmit data and electricity. Wires are either part of a structure, such as in transformers or motors, or they are connectors that carry signals or currents for individual electrical or electronic devices.
The wire does not have complex insulation and is completely without it. For the transmission of electricity, bare wires are used in overhead power lines for various voltages. In electrical machines, enameled wire is used in the windings. Bare wires are grounded.
Types of cables and wires
Wires and cables are very diverse and adapted to different industries. Cable and wire are classified according to their purpose, as well as according to the insulation material. In this case, the cable and wire happen:
- power. The cable can use cross-linked polyethylene for insulation. Another type of insulation in the power cable and wire can be polymer compounds without halogen-containing components. This is done to reduce the emission of smoke and toxic gases in case of accidents, followed by significant heating of the cable and wire, which increases the level of safety in electrical installations.
The power wire is used for voltages up to 700 Volts in both industrial and civil facilities for the installation of electrical installations. Conductors can be either single-wire or multi-wire. The wire is laid in construction sites openly - on the walls and hidden - under the plaster. An example of such a wire is shown in the image below:
- Heat resistant and fire resistant. For wires and cables, there is a parameter called the "temperature index". It indicates in degrees Celsius the temperature regime of the space in which the wire or cable is laid while operating normally. For heat-resistant wires and cables, this index begins with the value "+70". It increases with the heat resistance of the product, reaching the value "+600".
- Installation. This wire is used to connect electrical equipment in electrical networks for one purpose or another, which is illustrated by the table shown below:
- Special Purpose. This group includes wires and cables used on river and sea vessels, railway locomotives and wagons, motor vehicles, aviation, mines, radio installations, elevator equipment, and heating systems.
- used in the oil and gas industry.
Cable and wire happens:
- control, for management and communication;
- for industrial interface.
The wire happens:
- insulated self-supporting with one or four conductive cores, used for overhead power lines 0.6 - 35 kilovolts:
Such power lines are built in places with special climatic conditions and to save space occupied by the power line.
- Not isolated. This wire is used for overhead power transmission lines:
Contact and flexible wires also belong to the group of uninsulated. Contacts are used to create an overhead electrical network for railways and urban electric transport. Flexible - for special highly flexible connections, such as brushes for electric motors.
- Winding. These wires come with different types of insulation - enamel, paper, fibrous, enamel-fibrous, film and plastic. They are used for the manufacture of windings of electrical machines.
- Output, connecting and mounting. Lead wires insulated with silicon - organic rubber or polyethylene are connected to the power grid by various electric motors and other devices. The connecting wires contain either copper or tinned copper strands insulated with PVC and are designed for use with various household electrical appliances. Mounting wires are used for connections inside electronic and electrical equipment.
Rasim November 16, 2017 at 12:37 pm
Find out the main types of cables and wires used for installation in a private house or apartment. When buying, installing, operating and repairing, careful information about them is necessary.
Purpose
It is used for transmission and distribution of electric current, operating voltage - 660-1000 V, frequency - 50 Hz.
The number of cores can vary from 1 to 5. The cross section is from 1.5 to 240 mm2. In domestic conditions, a cable with a cross section of 1.5-6 mm2 is used, in the construction of a private house - a cable with a cross section of up to 16 mm2. The cores can be either single or multi-wire. There are no restrictions - you can also put a cable with a cross section of 10 mm2 in the apartment.
Power cables
Among the most popular types of cable products in recent times are cables. VVG and its modifications.
VVG denoted power cable with insulation TPG from PVC, shell (cambric) of PVC, copper core material, not having external protection.
VVG it is used in a wide temperature range: from -50 to + 50 "C. Withstands humidity up to 98% at temperatures up to +40 °C. The cable is strong enough to break and bend, resistant to aggressive chemicals. When installing, remember that each cable or wire has a certain bending radius. This means that for a 90 °C rotation in the case of VVG the bending radius must be at least 10 cable diameters. In the case of a flat cable or wire, the width of the plane is considered.
The outer shell is usually black, although white can sometimes be found. Does not spread fire. Insulation TPG marked in different colors: blue, yellow-green, brown, white with a blue stripe, red and black. The cable is packaged in coils of 100 and 200 m. Sometimes there are other sizes.
Sectional VVG cable
Varieties VVG:AVVG- the same characteristics, only aluminum is used instead of a copper core. Conductor, insulation made of PVC-plastic compound, sheath made of PVC- plastic compound.
VVGng - cambric with increased incombustibility
VVGp- the most common variety, the cable section is not round, but flat.
VVGz- space between insulation TPG and cambric filled with bundles of PVC or rubber compound.
NYM does not have a Russian decoding of the letter designation. This is an insulated copper power cable. TPG PVC, outer shell made of non-combustible PVC. Between the insulation layers there is a filler in the form of coated rubber, which gives the cable increased strength and heat resistance. Stranded conductors, always copper.
NYM cable
1 - copper core; 2 - PVC sheath; 3 - longitudinal non-combustible sealing; 4- PVC insulation
The number of cores is from 2 to 5, the cross section is from 1.5 to 16 mm2. Designed for lighting and power networks with a voltage of 660 V. It has high moisture and heat resistance. Can be used for laying outdoors. Operating temperature range - from -40 to +70 "C.
Disadvantage: does not withstand sunlight well, so the cable must be covered. Compared with VVG of any kind is more resistant and easy to use. However, it happens only with a round section (it is inconvenient to lay it in plaster or concrete) and is much more expensive VVG. Bending radius - 4 diameters of the cable section.
wires
The most popular wire brands PBPP (PUNP) And PBPPg (PUGNP). Pronounce letter combination PBPPg difficult, so it is often called PUNP or PUGNP.
PBPP (PUNP) refers to the installation, or assembly. Flat wire, with copper single-wire conductors, covered with insulation made of PVC, the outer shell is also from PVC.
The number of cores is 2 or 3, the cross section is from 1.5 to 6 mm2. It is used when laying stationary lighting systems, as well as for mounting sockets, although it is preferable to use it specifically for lighting. Rated voltage - up to 250 V, frequency - 50 Hz. Temperature range of operation - from -15 to +50 "C. Bending radius - not less than 10 diameters.
PBPPg (PUGNP) differs from PUNP veins - they are multi-wire. That is why the letter "g" is added to the name of the wire - flexible.
All other characteristics correspond PUNP, only the minimum bending radius is 6. A distinctive property is flexibility, therefore PUGNP lay in places where the wiring makes frequent bends, or to connect to the network of household appliances. Wires of these brands are sold in coils of 100 and 200 m. The color is usually white, black is less common.
To variety PUNP applies wire with aluminum conductors APUFP. It has exactly the same characteristics as PUNP, adjusted for the core material. The only difference is APUFP cannot be multiwire, and therefore flexible.
Note
General wire brands PUNP, PUGNP and APUNP perfectly proved to be exactly as household wires. In half the cases, the master has to deal with them. However, it should be remembered that these brands of wires are highly specialized, and you should not use them instead of power cables (such as NYM or VVG).
Attention!
The popularity of wires PUNP And PUGNP based primarily on price. However, there is a catch in this. The fact is that recently a discrepancy has been noticed between the declared wire cross-section and the actual one. After checking, it turned out that the wire marked PUGNP 3 × 1.5, in fact 3 x 1 - that is, the actual cross section of the core is smaller. The same applies to isolation. When buying wires of this brand, it is necessary to measure the cross section of the cores and the thickness of the insulation.
400 Hz. The wire is resistant to aggressive chemical environments, non-flammable, has a wide temperature range of operation - from -50 to +70 "C. Moisture resistance - 100% at a temperature of +35 "C. The bending radius during laying is at least 10 diameters of the wire section. Resistant to mechanical damage and vibration.
APPV has the same characteristics as PPV, except for the core material - it is aluminum.
AR- aluminum single-core wire with insulation made of PVC. The wire is round, single-wire with a cross section of 2.5 to 16 mm2 and stranded - from 25 to 95 mm2.
The wire is used in almost all types of installation of stationary lighting and power systems. It is laid in voids, pipes, steel and plastic trays. Widely used in the installation of switchboards. Chemically resistant, operating temperature - from -50 to +70 "C. Moisture resistance - 100% at a temperature of +35 "C. Bending radius - not less than 10 diameters. Resistant to mechanical damage and vibration.
Appearance and characteristics PV 1 coincide with everything AR, except for the core material: instead of aluminum - copper. The core cross section starts from 0.75 mm2.
In addition, the core becomes multi-wire not from 25, but from 16 mm2. More flexible than AR.
Wire specifications PV 3 match the properties AR And PV 1. Scope - installation of sections of lighting and power circuits where frequent bending of wires is necessary: in switchboards, when installing a large number of electrical devices.
It is also used for laying electrical circuits in cars. Bending radius - not less than 6 wire diameters.
Note
Wire marks AR, MF 1 and MF 3 They have a wide variety of insulation colors, so they are very convenient to use for mounting various types of switchboards.
PVA- stranded copper wire with PVC insulation and sheath. The sheath penetrates into the space between the cores, giving the wire a round shape and density.
The core is multi-wire, their total number ranges from 2 to 5, the cross section is from 0.75 to 16 mm2. Rated voltage - up to 380 V, frequency - 50 Hz. The core insulation is color-coded, the sheath is white.
The wire is used when connecting various electrical devices, from household appliances to garden tools. Due to its flexibility and lightness, it is also used for lighting and even mounting sockets. PVA is a household wire used for the manufacture of extension cords, cords for any kind of equipment and repair of electrical networks. It is non-combustible (does not spread combustion with a single gasket), heat-resistant: temperature range - from -40 to +40 ° C (PVA U option) and from -25 to +40 "C. Due to its design, it is resistant to bending and mechanical wear. PVA can withstand at least 3000 kinks.
SHVVP- copper or copper-tinned flat wire. Core insulation and PVC sheath
Lived multi-wire, increased flexibility. The number of cores is 2 or 3, the cross section is from 0.5 to 0.75 mm2. Voltage - up to 380 V, frequency - 50 Hz. It is used as a cord for connecting lighting fixtures and household appliances of low power, such as soldering irons, mixers, coffee grinders and radio-electronic devices.
Note
SHVVP- the wire is exclusively for domestic use, it is not used for wiring lighting or sockets.
Cables for information transmission
In addition to electricity, cables transmit information signals. Recently, many new types of information conductors have appeared. If 10-15 years ago there were only telephone and antenna cables, now, with the development of computer technology, there are much more types of information conductors. Most of them are too specialized and are of interest only to narrowly specialized specialists. For a home master, it is enough to know and be able to use only a few types. We will consider them.
Antenna cables
Today, the most commonly used RG-6, RG-59, RG-58 or Russian analogues of the series RK 75.
RG-6- a coaxial cable for the transmission of high-frequency signals for electronic equipment, television or radio.
Consisting of a central 1 mm2 copper core, PE foam insulation surrounding it, aluminum foil screen, tinned copper braid outer conductor and sheath PVC. Widely used to transmit cable and satellite TV signals. It has many technical characteristics regarding the frequency of the transmitting signal, resistance, shielding, etc. For example, the designation in the cable name RK 75 means that the resistance of the conductor is 75 ohms.
This cable is ideal for transmitting a video signal from an antenna or camcorder to a receiver (TV) and distributing the video signal to multiple sources.
Each conductor is insulated PVC or propylene. The outer shell is also PVC. The cable can be optionally equipped with a moisture-proof polypropylene sheath. There is a breaking thread in the twisted pair design. With its help, the outer sheath is easily removed from the cable, opening access to the conductive cores.
RG cables have many varieties and differ from each other in some characteristics, such as conductor resistance, resistance to temperature and shock loads, signal attenuation time, screen type, etc.
Computer cables (twisted pair)
Used to build computer networks. The cable that computers use to connect to the Internet or to each other is just a twisted pair cable (Figures 4.44 and 4.45). Consists of one or more pairs of wires intertwined in pairs, which is done in order to improve.
Twisted pair cable with a connector for connecting to a computer, protected by a PVC sheath
Depending on the type of cable, various protection options are possible: UTP, or unprotected, without a common shield for pairs of wires.
Coaxial cable with ferrule
FTP, or foil, with an aluminum foil screen; STP, or protected, with an overall copper mesh shield, in addition, each twisted pair is surrounded by a separate shield.
Tip RJ-45 to connect to a computer S/FTP, or foil, shielded with a common foil shield, in addition, each pair is additionally enclosed in a shield. In addition, twisted pairs are categorized according to the number of pairs combined in one cable. The most common type used for computer networks is the category CAT5e. It consists of 4 pairs of wires of different colors. Data transfer rate - up to 1 Gb / s when using all pairs.
You can see such a cable used as a category telephone wire. CAT1 or CAT2, that is, consisting of 1 or 2 pairs of wires.
Telephone cables and wires
TPPep: 1 - vein; 2- polyethylene insulation; 3 - core; 4 - fastening winding; 5 - belt insulation; 6-screen
Telephone conductors are divided into 2 main types. The former are intended for laying several (up to 400) subscriber lines. The second type is used for wiring in a single apartment or house.
TPPep- the main type of cable for laying a line designed for a large number of subscribers.
The cable consists of two wires twisted in pairs. TPG made of soft copper wire, cross section 0.4 or 0.5 mm2, covered with polyethylene insulation. In some types of cable, the pairs are grouped into groups of 5 or 10 pairs. The outer shell is also polyethylene or vinyl. The letters "e" and "and" in the name indicate a film screen. There are varieties of cable armored with tapes, or filled, in which the space between the sheath and the cores is occupied by a hydrophobic sealant.
In a word, this is a cable for conducting telephone communications in an apartment building, it is intended for laying in almost all conditions: underground, in cable channels or by air.
To conduct a telephone line to an individual subscriber and wiring indoors, the following two types of telephone wires are used.
TRV - one- or two-pair telephone distribution wire.
This is a flat wire with a divided base, a copper core, single-wire, with a cross section of 0.4 or 0.5 mm2. Number of cores - 2 or 4. Insulation made of PVC. Designed for conducting telephone lines indoors.
It is operated at temperatures from -10 to +40 °С. Humidity should not exceed 80% at a temperature of +30 °C.
TRP- according to the characteristics coincides with TRV. The only difference is the isolation TRP it is made of polyethylene.
Possessing increased resistance to the influence of the external environment. These places include baths, stoves and cellars. In general, wherever it is too hot, humid or cold, and besides, there is a possibility of mechanical damage. It is clear that PVA or VVG in such places it is impossible to install, not to mention PUNP or SHVVP.
RKGM - power mounting single-core wire of increased heat resistance, flexible.
Copper conductor, multi-wire, section from 0.75 to 120 mm2. Silicone rubber insulation, fiberglass sheath impregnated with heat-resistant enamel or varnish.
This wire is designed for rated voltage up to 660 V and frequency up to 400 Hz. Resistant to vibration, high humidity (up to 100% at a temperature of +35 °C), heat-resistant (operating temperature range from 60 to +180 °C). In addition, the wire is protected from the harmful effects of varnishes, solvents and fungal mold. An ideal conductor for rooms with high temperatures (boiler rooms and stoves), suitable for electrical installation in baths, saunas, oven connections.
PNSV - heating single-core wire. TPZh single-wire steel, blued or galvanized steel.
Core cross section - 1.2; 1.4; 2 and 3 mm2. PVC or polyethylene insulation. Rated voltage up to 380 V, frequency 50 Hz. The wire is thermally stable: operating temperature range - from -50 to +80 °С, resistant to alkalis and moisture resistant (tolerates immersion in water). It is used as a heating element: in domestic conditions, with the help of PNSV, warm floors are mounted.
Runway - single-core copper wire.
The core is multi-wire, enclosed in polyethylene insulation, the sheath is also made of polyethylene or PVC.
The cross section of the core is from 1.2 to 25 mm2. Rated voltage - 380 or 660 V, frequency 50 Hz. The wire is resistant to pressure changes. Operating temperature range - from -40 to +80 °С. It is used for engines of artesian wells immersed in water under high pressure conditions.
LED cable
LED cable is a very interesting power option. Additional wires with LEDs of different colors connected in series are placed under the transparent outer shell along the power TPGs. They are located at a distance of 2 cm from each other, they burn with a constant sufficiently strong light.
Such a cable performs not only decorative functions, although it can be used to create entire light patterns. In addition to aesthetic purposes, it is very convenient for attaching to portable electrical mechanisms. Most often, the LED cable is used to connect stage equipment.
It is useful in that when it breaks, it is not necessary to look for the place of damage: the diodes in this area will stop glowing. In addition to power conductors, there are computer luminous cables.
With the help of such conductors, you can create very interesting design solutions.
Electroluminescent cable
In addition to LED cables, there are electroluminescent ones. They glow evenly along the entire length. With the help of such cables, you can create luminous inscriptions and even whole paintings.
It's a great alternative to the flexible neon tubes that these kind of designer jewelry is usually made from. In addition, the electroluminescent cable is cheaper than neon tubes and is not limited in length.
It is used for conducting lines indoors and in telephone sets. Highly flexible wire.
PRDP- a flat wire with a separating base and single-wire copper conductors with polyethylene insulation and sheath. There is a modification FRP, the shell of which is made of PVC.
Special types of cables and wires
For the installation of electrical systems in places where the conditions are very different from the usual, special cables are used.
Compared with TRV the wire is more resistant to the external environment and can be laid outside buildings.
STLP- telephone flat cord with copper stranded conductors.
Polyethylene core insulation. Isolated TPG sheathed in PVC. The number of cores is 2 or 4, the cross section is from 0.08 to 0.12 mm2.
Large apartment repairs necessarily include the replacement of electrical wiring. There are two main reasons for this action.
The first is the age of this very wiring. As a rule, overhaul or any major repairs are carried out in 15-20 years after the delivery of the apartment. During this time, even a properly made home electrical network ages and wears out. So, it potentially becomes a source of danger for the inhabitants of housing.
The second reason is the redevelopment and extensive renovation of individual premises with the addition of new electrical appliances. Inserts and other connections of new wiring with the old one are highly undesirable. Due to a mismatch in the characteristics of the cable or the materials in it.
So, the question - whether to change the wiring, is considered resolved, it remains to deal with its practical implementation. And you need to start with the choice of cable.
Cable for electrical wiring in the apartment - 300 brands and 5000 varieties
Which side to start from? A person who is far from electrical installation will grab his head. And there is something to grab. Because there are not just a lot of cables and wires, they literally cannot be counted, like Donov Pedro in Brazil. Even professional electricians sometimes "drown" and get confused in the abundance of manufacturers and products.
The choice of wire for electrical wiring in an apartment is not only a matter of the cost of repairs. Much more important is the point that the wiring should ensure the “delivery” of electricity to any corner of the apartment and be safe, that is, not “bite” with current. And also be fire resistant and reliable.
Attention! The key to reliable electrical wiring is finding the right electrician. A specially trained master should deal with electricians and choose a cable for wiring in an apartment! Who has a permit for electrical work and practical experience.
We will briefly talk about cables and wires, their cross-section, marking, materials and types. We will explain what is suitable for home wiring and what cannot be used. So that you are aware of what your electrician is doing and why.
Characteristics of wires and cables to pay attention to when choosing
We will immediately stipulate that we are talking about a household power cable or wire with a voltage of 220/380 V for transmitting electric current in a home network. We do not consider all other types like heating, television, computer and others now.
The general list of characteristics looks like this:
- core material;
- design;
- section;
- thickness of core insulation;
- shell thickness;
- marking;
- lived coloring;
- package;
- certificate;
- product condition.
1. Material and design
According to the composition of the vein, cable products are divided into copper and aluminum. Copper products are more reliable, resistance is lower, current indicators are higher, heating is less when compared with aluminum of equal cross section. In addition, copper oxidizes less, is more ductile, which means that the cable lasts longer without loss of properties and characteristics.
Attention! It is forbidden to do wiring in an apartment with an aluminum cable in accordance with the requirements of the PUE (rules for electrical installations).
By design single-core (single-wire) and multi-core (multi-wire) cables and wires are produced. Single-core varieties are more rigid and inflexible, especially with a large conductor cross section.
Answering the question “which wire to use for wiring under plaster”, we can say that theoretically a single-core single-wire copper cable is also suitable. Plaster will create additional protection for such a conductor. But in fact, no one is laying a home electrical network with a single-wire wire.
Stranded single-core cable is softer and more ductile. It tolerates kinks and turns well and is suitable for both open wiring and hidden under plaster. It is the three-core single-wire that is now used for laying in apartments.
Attention! Do not confuse cables where each strand consists of a single conductor with wires where the strand is made of several conductors. Multi-wire cable products are prohibited for fixed laying in an apartment due to a high fire hazard. More about them in the block"what wires can not be used for electrical wiring in the apartment"
2. Cable cross section for wiring in the apartment
It is measured in "squares", that is, square millimeters and shows the throughput. For a copper cable, one “square” passes 8-10 Amperes of current, for aluminum it is only 5 A. For safe operation, the conductor should be selected with a margin of bandwidth, which ensures that the wire is heated within the permissible value, or, more simply, so that the load does not “float” insulation. In addition, with hidden wiring, it must be borne in mind that it is less cooled, which means that the section margin should compensate for this.
Attention! Do not confuse the cross section of the cable with its diameter, these are two big differences! The diameter can be measured with a ruler, or better with a caliper. And then substitute it into the formula and calculate the cross-sectional area.
Also remember that the choice of cable for wiring in the apartment always comes with rounding up. If the calculation results in 2.3 "squares", a cable of two and a half is selected, and not two "squares".
Ideally, the cross section should match the marking on the cable tag, but in fact it often differs downwards. Small discrepancies are acceptable because the cable is certified by resistance, not core cross-section. If the differences are significant, it is a marriage. An experienced electrician will see it visually, and you can measure the diameter of the core and calculate the cross section for interest or help a friend who decides to buy a cable for residential wiring on his own.
Some electricians advise taking a cable with a rating higher than the calculated one. For example, 4 "squares", instead of 2.5, to cover the "lack" of the section, if any. But, then you will have to calculate the protection of the wiring accordingly and install the correct machines and RCDs.
Advice! We recommend for electrical wiring in the apartment the cross section of copper wires from 1.5 to 2.5 square meters. mm. Let two and a half "squares" into sockets and one and a half - for lighting.
3. Thickness of core insulation
Each core in a multi-core or single-core cable is insulated with conventional or low-flammability PVC compound, polymers and cross-linked polyethylene are also used. The thickness of the insulation is regulated by GOSTs and it should be sufficient. For household cables (rated voltage up to 660V) with a cross section of 1.5 and 2.5 mm 2, the thickness of the insulating layer according to the standard is 0.6 mm. Deviation is allowed, but the insulation should not be thinner than 0.44 mm.
Simply put, there is a gap in thickness where the insulation must “fit in” so that the wiring serves reliably and there are no problems during installation. Whether the manufacturer violated the technology - you can’t determine without a micrometer if you don’t fiddle with cables every day. Therefore, if there is no experienced electrician nearby, you need to buy only in trusted stores and cables of famous brands.
4. Shell thickness
The sheath covers the cable over the insulated cores, fixes them and protects them. It is made, like the core insulation, of PVC compound or polymer, but has a greater thickness. For multi-core cables, the thickness is 1.8 mm, for single-core cables - 1.4 mm. Smaller deviations are also possible, but insignificant.
The insulating shell is a mandatory element. For any residential wiring cable, even with a minimum power, double insulation is “registered”. That is, first on the core, and then on top of it. This ensures the safety of people and protects the conductor itself from damage.
5. Marking
This is an inscription on the cable sheath for wiring in an apartment. It contains all the information you need to make a selection. The inscription is printed or squeezed out during the manufacture of cable products. It should be clear, contrasting, well readable.
The labeling states:
- The brand of the product (cable or wire), in which the main properties and characteristics are encrypted.
- Manufacturer's name.
- Year of issue.
- The number of lived
- Section.
- Voltage rating.
The inscription is applied along the entire length of the conductor at small intervals.
On the price tag and in the catalogs of online stores, they usually do not indicate the year of issue and the manufacturer and write the marking in the form VVGng(ozh)-0.66 kV 3x1.5 or VVG, VVGng cable 3x1.5.
Deciphered as a three-core copper cable with a core cross section of 1.5 "square" (3x1.5), single-wire core (OJ). Insulation and sheath made of PVC compound (VV), flexible cable (G), non-combustible (ng). Rated voltage 660 volts.
Remember! The letter designation of the cable brand begins with the material of the core, for aluminum the letter A is always put, for copper — the letter is not indicated, therefore all cables of the VVG brands of all modifications have a copper conductor.
6. Coloring of cores
You need to know about the coloring that it is either solid color, or a strip is applied on the sheath along the entire cable with a width of about a millimeter. This is the standard. Everything else, in the form of smudges, spots, stripes across - from the evil one. And he says that incomprehensible people made the cable in some basement.
According to the colors of the veins, there is a table that any experienced electrician knows. It is written there what shade the main conductors are indicated - phase, zero, grounding. This was done for ease of installation, in order to see where which conductor to connect. Phase and working conductors may differ in color, but the “earth” is always “painted” in yellow-green color.
7. Packing
Standard for all types is a bay or a drum. Coils go for sale in stores, they are wound on drums for wholesalers, builders and other large buyers. In any case, a label with a description is attached to the cable.
The content of the tag repeats the information of the inscription on the shell with some additions. It states:
- manufacturer's name or trade mark
- brand (designation) of products
- GOST or TU
- Release date
- number of segments with their length
- drum number
- conductor weight
- mark of conformity
- OTC mark.
If you came to buy a cable for wiring in an apartment with a whole bay of 100 m, you will receive a tag along with it. But if a piece is cut off for you, then the label will not be given away, you can just look at it.
8. Certificate
It is necessary to confirm that the cable is of high quality. Typically, products have 2 documents - a certificate of conformity, which is responsible for the suitability of the cable as an electrical installation material, and a fire safety certificate. You can ask the seller to review them. Documents must be filled out indicating GOSTs for the cable and have a valid deadline, for example, until the end of the current year. As a rule, the documentation indicates TU (technical specifications) according to GOST and for cable products this is tantamount to compliance with GOST.
9. Condition
This is the appearance of the power wire. Pay attention to how the cable looks, because behind the bruises, strong kinks, and compression, there is an internal defect. The veins can be broken and even closed to each other. It is clear that it is impossible to lay such material, therefore, do not be too lazy to inspect the cable in the store, even before paying for an independent purchase.
What cable is needed for wiring in the apartment
We have already said that the wiring in the apartment "requires" 2 cable sections.
For sockets, you need to take a cross section of 2.5 mm 2, because the included load can reach 3-4 kilowatts. A cable of two and a half "squares" is just designed for a maximum power of up to 5.9 kilowatts and a current of up to 27 amperes. This does not mean that you need to "load" the cable line to the limit. The choice always comes with a margin of the planned load by a third. Moreover, the cable lying under the plaster cools less and this is also taken into account when selecting.
For the lighting circuit, a cross section of 1.5 mm 2 is used. The load here is much less, but even if you decide to arrange illumination in the apartment, the current and power reserve will be more than enough.
Important information! Since modern electrical safety rules require that household electrical appliances be grounded and special sockets installed, a three-core cable is used for installation. In which, there is a working phase conductor, zero working and protective zero.
Which cable does the online store recommend for hidden wiring in a house or apartment
Recall that the marking contains the main characteristics of cable products. The letter designations indicate the materials of the cores, insulation, sheaths and flexibility, the digital designations indicate the number of conductive cores and their cross section.
VVG cable
The most common domestic cable for electrical installation in an apartment. It has single-core copper conductors, insulation and sheath made of PVC compound, it is used in rooms with normal and high humidity. Designed for voltage up to 660 volts. Refers to flexible unarmoured power wires. It can include from 1 to 5 cores, with a cross section from one and a half to 240 "squares". The shape of the conductor is round, flat or triangular.
VVG cables are available in several modifications:
- VVG - the main type with vinyl insulation and sheath;
- VVGng - non-combustible power wire, self-extinguishing core insulation, that is, combustion does not spread;
- VVGng-LS - also has self-extinguishing non-combustible core insulation (ng) and a sheath with low smoke emission;
- VVGng FR-LS - in addition to incombustibility and low smoke, this type of cable received additional fire protection from mica tape.
All brands with the prefix ng can be mounted in bundles, that is, lay several cable lines in one corrugation, pipe or pit.
| For sockets | For switches |
| VVGng 3x2.5 | VVGNG 3x1.5 |
| VVGng-LS 3x2.5 | VVGng-LS 3x1.5 |
Conventional VVG is cheaper, but not suitable for bundled gaskets and the jacket is less fire resistant and fuming. And the VVGng FR-LS brand is professional and is used in conditions of increased fire hazard at enterprises and is much more expensive.
NYM cable
European standard copper cable developed in Germany. It is produced at Russian factories and complies with EU and GOST standards. It is similar in design to the VVGng cable, rated voltage is 660 V. A single-wire stranded NYM cable with a cross section of 1.5-10 mm2 and a multi-wire cable with a cross section of 16 mm2 or more are produced. Number of cores 1-5, PVC insulation and sheath, incombustibility is ensured by a rubber filler between the core insulation and the cable sheath.
Note! In stores you can find cheap cables marked NUM. This "typo" says that you have a copy with reduced performance. By buying it, you risk getting low-quality products. We advise you to refrain from dubious savings on security.
VVGng and NYM cables have similar characteristics and advantages of use:
- Quality performance. Cores, insulation, sheath comply with GOST and this makes the cable reliable.
- Convenient installation and easy cutting. The round cable is easy to install due to the absence of twists, it is easier to seal it during input.
- High fire resistance and safety. Compliance with standards ensures safe operation of the cable under load, and special insulation allows it to be laid in bundles, without the risk of ignition from mutual heating.
- Self-extinguishing and low smoke. The sheath material is self-extinguishing and slows down combustion. It also provides low smoke without dangerous halogens. If the protection works with a delay, then the damage from fire will be minimal.
- Large selection of options in stamps at a price for any budget.
Which wire is not suitable for wiring in an apartment
And one more important point. We understand that for most people "wire" and "cable" are synonymous. In fact, these are different types of cable products. The main difference is that the cable always has a very strong two-layer insulation, with the first layer over the conductive cores and the second one covering the entire bundle. Even if there is only one core in the cable, the insulation is always double. Wire is a weaker construction with light insulation.
Note! Making wiring in an apartment with a wire, even stranded or stranded, is a very bad idea.
The main trouble with wires is their poor resistance to prolonged heating under constant load and high flammability. Therefore, they do not meet the requirements of the PUE for wiring in residential premises.
PVC wire
| PVA |
This is a connecting copper wire with vinyl insulation and sheath. Used to connect household electrical appliances to the home network, for the manufacture of extension cords. The number of conductors is 2-6, the core structure is multi-wire, the cross section is 0.75-10 mm2. Designed for a voltage rating of 380 V.
Attention! No need to take the PVA wire for wiring on the advice of friends or from savings.
- Firstly, PVS have a multi-wire core design. And this means that all the ends for the connection must be tinned and must be soldered. This takes a lot of time and requires high quality core processing and a lot of experience from an electrician.
- Secondly, the multi-wire core construction is a factor of increased fire hazard. Such a wire heats up more, which means that the insulation wears out faster, which is dangerous and can result in a short circuit.
- Thirdly, the PVA wire cannot be laid in a bundle, like a cable. Only with the distance between the threads. That is, ditch the walls for each line separately.
So, the savings are very doubtful and symbolic. The low price of the wire will be "eaten" by the high cost of installation. And the quality of the wiring leaves much to be desired.
Wire SHVVP and PVVP
| SHVVP, PVVP |
Mounting cords or cables with single and stranded copper conductors. Used to connect electrical equipment and household appliances. They have a short service life, the stranded type requires processing of the ends and soldering during installation. They are not suitable for fixed wiring due to the lack of non-combustible insulation and poor performance.
Wire PUNP
Attention! PUNP has been banned for wiring since 2007 due to its unreliability.
Although there are "craftsmen" among both customers and unfortunate electricians who use it. Motivating this by the fact that "it is he who stands in all the old apartments."
But the "citizens" forget that since the days of the USSR, the equipment of home electrical equipment has changed a lot and its power has increased. Therefore, PUNP was banned - it is low-power, with poor insulation and does not hold modern loads.
The online store site offers only high-quality cable for electrical wiring in an apartment or house. A complete list of brands and types in the section:
Come and choose your cable!
Also, ask any questions. Funny and naive in the first place! They are the most correct! Because it's better to make electricians laugh than firefighters, agree?
We always answer questions and talk about all the intricacies of installation. We quickly select a complete set for the device of apartment wiring from cable to sockets and switches. We take into account your wishes and budget.
Call, ask! Phones
Today, few people imagine their life without the use of electrical appliances. However, electricity is not only the key to a comfortable life, but also a source of danger. When thinking about electrifying your own home or about repairs that involve changing wiring, you need to carefully consider the issue of fire safety.
In addition, it will be important to choose the best wires for electrical wiring, taking into account specific conditions. The nuances of choice and varieties will be discussed below.
Varieties
Consider the types of wires and their purpose for internal and external (street) conduction of the electrical network. The material for the manufacture are copper and aluminum.
Today, preference is given to wires with copper conductors, since this metal has much less resistance. Copper wire is able to give more power and pass more current than aluminum, despite the same cross section.
In addition, the service life of the copper product is longer. However, aluminum is a cheaper metal, so relatively recently it has been widely used in the arrangement of wiring in residential buildings.
The number of veins also serves as the basis for the selection of varieties. Allocate single-core and multi-core wires. The former are rigid and do not bend well, the main direction of their use is the creation of simple hidden wiring.
The latter are able to bend repeatedly, have a high degree of softness. They are used as cords for connecting a wide variety of household appliances, to create extension cords. Suitable for exposed wiring. The main safety requirement for stranded wires is the presence of a double braid.
It is important to remember that the connection of different metals by twisting is strictly prohibited. Oxidation will occur, or heating and loss of contact. It is correct to do the wiring with only one type of wire (in terms of the material of manufacture).
As for the main types of wire insulation, there are several of them: rubber, PVC (the most popular option), paper (very rarely used) and fluoroplastic (the most reliable).
Hidden wiring
Marking electrical wires allows you to understand their characteristics. The abbreviation may contain letters indicating the material and numbers indicating the cross section and number of cores.
Marking of non-armored aluminum wire will be AVVG (VVG). In the absence of the letter "A", we can conclude that we have a copper wire. Hidden wiring in a dry living space or office can be made from wires of the AVVG brand.
The letter "G" means the absence of protective insulation, literally "bare" wire. Non-combustible modifications are designated as VVGng. Reduced smoke emission VVGng-LS.
You can also use SHVVP - a flat copper wire of a stranded type. The cross section of this variety is not more than 0.75 mm2.
outdoor wiring
Wooden houses, as well as retro-style interiors, involve outdoor wiring. The type of wire here depends entirely on the material of the walls.
Only wires of non-combustible brands should be used, for example, the already mentioned VVGng. Perhaps the design of the premises will make the color of the walls and wires inadequate to each other. In this case, you can use the cable channel.
street mounting
An underground electrical wire can be connected to the building, but a prerequisite for this is the use of an armored cable. The designation is as follows - AVBBSHV (VBBShV).
Reservation is carried out due to a special steel tape, which is located on top of the second layer of insulation and has its own protective rubber braid. Thus, a high degree of protection against mechanical influences and groundwater is achieved.
The armored wire is able to conduct electricity to the house for a long time and reliably. For wall mounting, wiring uses varieties of the AVVG brand of different sections. Wires are not afraid of precipitation and the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.
In conditions of high humidity
If the room is operated in conditions of high humidity, for example, if it is a bathhouse, basement or barn, then a special wire is required to create an electrical network.
The best option would be a heat-resistant cable with protective silicone insulation. Among these, the PVKV and RKGM brands stand out. The main requirement for arranging the network is high-quality grounding not only of the wiring itself, but of all devices.
Dimensions and calculation of the wire section
There are many types of wire sections, a specific brand is chosen taking into account the device that will be connected using this wire. It is extremely important to correctly calculate the cross section.
The action plan should be as follows. First you need to calculate the sum of the capacities of all consumers inside the house and outside it (street lighting, for example). The resulting value will allow you to select the main cable leading from the power line through the meter to the house.
Then the total power for each room or individual area is calculated. The wires from the main switchboard must match the value obtained. The wiring for each section is carried out depending on the specific consumer, whether it is a simple light bulb or a TV.
In general, you can find out the required wire cross-section, based on the power of the consuming device, from a special table. It is easy to find on the net or in any good reference book on the subject of electricians. When making calculations, rounding up is carried out to provide some margin in case of unforeseen circumstances.
How to make a choice
The question of which wires to choose should be decided by an electrician. But if you have some experience and basic knowledge, you can make the right choice yourself. The main thing is that the cross section of the purchased wires fully corresponds to the power consumption. Installation of open wiring involves a combination of wire color and wall material.
There are wires, the operation of which is not recommended for reasons of fire safety. Among them: PUNP, PUVP, PBPP and PUGP. Outwardly, they differ little from less dangerous counterparts, so you need to be extremely careful, but it is better to entrust the matter to a specialist.
It will not be superfluous to check the certificates for products from the manufacturer. Conscientious sellers must have documentation without fail.
Be guided not only by viewing a photo of wires from a catalog or scraps at an exhibition stand. Check the markings on the bay itself. Then there will be much more guarantees for the purchase of the necessary products. If any designations are missing, it is better to refuse to purchase such a product.
The electrification of the premises, carried out with careful preliminary calculations and without saving on materials, gives a durable and safe result. The excellent quality of the wires, the required cross section and the observance of elementary safety rules during installation and operation will allow you to achieve a high level of comfort in your home.
Photo of wires of different types
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