Electricity needs a medium to get transported from one point to another. This is where an electrical cable or electrical wire comes in. An electrical cable is basically a group of electrical wires. Cable groups further to create a cable tree, which helps connect a bunch of terminals. In this article, you will find out all you need to know about electrical cabling and the types of cables.
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Electrical cabling: Types of electrical cables
The electrical cable is used based on its capacity or volts. Here are the basic categories of electrical cables:
Low voltage cables
Low voltage cables can bear up to 750 V. These are used in thermoplastic and thermoset coatings.
Low to medium voltage cables
Low to medium voltage cables can bear up to 1000 V. Usually, these cables are used in industrial powerhouses or power installations. These cables are always measured according to international standards like UNE, IEC, BS, etc.
Medium voltage cables
Medium voltage electric cables have the capability of 1 kV to 35 kV. These are used to distribute electricity. In the electrical substations, medium voltage cables are found.
High voltage cables
High voltage cables can bear electricity beyond 36 kV. These cables are used in electricity-generating plants.
Electrical cabling: Types of electrical cables based on their uses
Here are the detailed types based on the use of cables:
- Low voltage cables
- Flexible cables for electrical cabinets
- Energy cables or power cables
- Armoured cables for mechanical aggression
- Rubber cables
- Fire resistant cables
- Control cables
- Instrumental cables for transmission of signals between industrial electrical installations
- Solar cables for photovoltaic solar panels
- Medium voltage cables
- RHZ1 for transporting energy in medium voltage panels
- HEPRZ1 for energy transportation
- MV 90
- RHVhMVh
Electrical cabling: Components
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An electrical cable has a few common components. These include:
- Electrical conductor: It is the channel through which the flow of electricity occurs.
- Insulation: Insulation is a cover that prevents electricity flow to avoid accidents.
- Auxiliary elements: It ensures the longevity of the cable.
- Outer surface: The outer surface is also called the outer sheath, which covers all other parts. It works as a safety guard or a protection guard.
Electrical cabling: Colour code
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An electric cable is a group of wires that helps to keep the constant flow of electricity. These wires follow a colour code to maintain safety. Here is the detailed information on the colour code of the electrical cable:
- White wire: Usually, it indicates a neutral line.
- Green wire: It indicates ground wire or earthing wire.
- Black wire: It indicates hot wire, which is used in switches and outlets.
- Red wire: Hot wire for hardwired smoke detector
- Blue or yellow wire: Hot wire for conduit.
Electrical cabling: Types of insulation options
Any electrical cabling needs good insulation outside the wires so that the current does not leak in any situation. Insulations are usually of two types: thermoplastic and thermoset.
- Thermoplastic insulation options
- Polyvinyl chloride
- Polyurethane
- Polyolefins
- Polyethylene
- Thermoset insulation options
- Ethylene propylene
- Silicone
- Natural rubber
- Ethyl vinyl acetate
- Neoprene
Electrical cabling: Types of electrical cables for houses and buildings
In houses and buildings, a few specific types of electrical cables are used. Here are those electrical cables:
NM B cable: It is used in all kinds of indoor residential electrical wiring systems. It is used behind walls.
UF cable: Uf means underground feeder, which is used for any underground electrical supply and damp areas.
AC: It is also known as BX. This is an expensive option and it is usually used in old constructions.
Metal clad cable: This cable is wrapped in plastic.
FAQs
What is the colour code of the electrical cable?
Colour code is used to find out the right wire when required, and it is used to prevent any kind of damage. According to the colour code, white, black, green, red, blue, yellow, etc., are used to identify different wires.
What are the types of electrical cables?
There are mainly four types of electrical cables which are low voltage cables, low to medium voltage cables, medium voltage cables, and high voltage cables.
What are the IEC electrical deeds?
The International Electromechanical Commission, also known as IEC, is the most used standard in the electrical field and it works on preparing all kinds of electronic and electrical standards.
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