It may be to extend a power outlet. Or, it may be to add an underground circuit cable to the swimming pool. Whatever the reason, it is common for people to buy electric wires for residential units.
However, the questions that arise are: Are all electric wires the same? What size of wire is best for home wiring? Can a 2.5 mm cable be used for 32 amp?, Does wire size affect the electric bill?
Given that not all types of wires are well-matched to all purposes, many might be confused about which wire best suits a home’s electrical needs. This article discusses how one can select the right wire for a home.
Selecting the Right Wire for a Home: Factors to Check
Wire selection is a crucial part of any electrical assembly. One must keep safety, utility, and comfort in mind. But, finding the right wire among thousands of available types is difficult.
So, here are the factors mentioned below that help to determine the right wire for a home.
Size of the Wire:
A wire’s size largely depends on two factors – length and thickness. To determine the required thickness, one should consider the wire’s carrying capacity and the current load the wire will conduct.
The length people need for the wire can also impact the thickness of the wire they require. After all, no conductor is ideal. The longer the wire, the more voltage one may lose through heat or resistance.
The Flexibility of the Wire:
Different types of wires offer various levels of flexibility. Depending on their needs, people have to choose the flexibility level. For example, solid core wires have no flexibility in low-thickness wires. It gets more flexible with higher thicknesses.
Coarsely-stranded wires come with moderate flexibility. It takes the specific shape that one requires. The finely-stranded wire is highly flexible. Hence, it can assume any shape.
Type of Wire Insulation:
The environment of the appliance or the situation in which one will use the wire decides the wire insulation type. For example, if the voltage in high thick insulation is needed. It helps reduce the risks of shock.
Also, regulatory considerations, abrasion resistance, temperature, exposure to sun, coating, etc., are the other factors that determine the wire insulation.
So, when one plans to select the right wire for residential purposes, one should make sure to remember these points. They must discuss with their hired professionals which size, flexibility, or insulation type is ideal.
Types of Electric Wires Used at a Home
A home’s electrical system includes both wires and cables. A wire is a conductor. On the other hand, a cable is a combination of more than one wire. The various types of electric wires and cables one can see at homes are Low-voltage wires, NM or flexible cables, Phone, and data wires, Solar cables, Underground feeder cables, BX cables, etc. Depending on their requirement, one should get the specific type of wire or cable from a reliable source.
Does Wire Colour Matter?
Wire colour does not directly affect the wire’s functionality. Still, it is important. There are various types of wires in our home. It might be neutral wire, earth wire, or others. Colours help to differentiate them. Some companies also add colours to the wires as different codes for the circuits.
Aluminum vs. Copper: Which Wire Should We Choose?
This is a common question regarding electric wire selection. Copper is known to be the most conductive metal. But, it can also be heavy and costly. For high-voltage electrical applications, aluminum wire is an ideal option. It’s a standard conductor that typically requires a thicker wire. However, it is lighter and less costly than copper wires.
Final Words
Even if the right type of wire is found, the buyer must check its quality. Most electric wires come with a mark signifying their quality. Also, one shouldn’t forget to check short circuit ratings, voltage regulation factors, etc. We suggest not going by cheap options always. Often, paying a little more initially can save one from future hazards and high repair costs. What if one can’t manage time to check the quality of the wires? They should rely on L&T-SuFin. It has a wide range of various electric wires and other items. The wide collections allow one to select the right type of wire for a home and the site’s logistics and financial support also makes buying easier.