Beatrice Lang
There are several different types of electrical cables, each with specific purposes and applications. Electrical cables are used to connect two or more devices, enabling the transfer of electrical signals, power, or both. They are made up of one or more conductors with their own insulations and optional screens, individual coverings, assembly protection, and protective coverings. The most common types of electrical cables include NM cables, which are used in residential spaces, and UF cables, which are ideal for outdoor use. Other types of electrical cables include Ethernet cables, DVI cables, AC cables, MC cables, network cables, coaxial cables, and ribbon cables.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Transporting electrical energy from one point to another |
| Voltage | Low voltage (up to 750V or 1000V), medium voltage (1kV to 36kV) |
| Material | Copper, aluminium, synthetic polymers, rubber, nylon, polyethylene |
| Configuration | Single-core, multi-core, armoured, screened, belted, fibre optic, coaxial |
| Application | Domestic, industrial, public installations, underground, overhead, variable frequency drive (VFD) |
| Flexibility | Flexible, extra flexible, rigid |
| Protection | Fire-resistant, water-resistant, oil-resistant, gas-pressurized, thermoplastic sheath, metallic sheath |
| Conductors | Single conductor, multiple conductors, twisted or bonded |
| Connectors | USB, USB-A, USB-B, USB-C, Mini-USB, Micro-USB, Lightning (Apple) |
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What You'll Learn
- Cable design: cables are designed to minimise electromagnetic pickup and transmission
- Cable insulation: cables are insulated using materials like plastic, cloth, rubber or paper
- Cable protection: armours are mechanical protections that safeguard cables from external damage
- Cable colours: colours like black, brown, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, etc. are used for identification
- Cable types: there are several cable types, including NM, UF, AC, MC, Ethernet, coaxial, and ribbon cables
Cable design: cables are designed to minimise electromagnetic pickup and transmission
There are several types of electrical cables, each designed for specific applications. The cable that is used for the transmission and distribution of electrical power is known as the electrical power cable. These electrical power cables are used to transmit electric current to homes from power stations, and they are made of three main components: a conductor, dielectric, and sheath. The conductor provides the conducting path for the current in the cable, the dielectric or insulation withstands the service voltage and isolates the live conductor from other objects, and the sheath protects the cable from moisture and external influences like chemical or electrochemical attacks and fire.
Electrical cables are also used to transmit electrical signals, and these cables are designed to minimise electromagnetic pickup and transmission. One way to do this is by twisting the signal wire and the returning signal wire together and shielding them with aluminium foil or aluminium Mylar foil. This type of cable can be used for computer networking and audio-video networking. Another way to minimise electromagnetic interference (EMI) is by using common-mode chokes on the signal wire pair, so that it only has a ground connection at one end, preventing ground-loop pickup. Coaxial cable can also be used to prevent B field pickup.
The design of the cable's materials and cover is also important in minimising electromagnetic pickup and transmission. For example, control cables have PVC insulation and a sheath that is thinner than other cable types, making them suitable for wiring in tunnels, indoors, pipelines, or cable trenches. They are also moisture-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and damage-resistant, with a long-term permitted operating temperature of 70°C. Rubber cables are insulated and sheathed with rubber or elastic materials, making them suitable for use in harsh environments that suffer wear and corrosion, such as construction, mining, and manufacturing.
In addition, the colours of electrical cables can also play a role in their function and safety. The International Electrical Commission Standard IEC 60446 governs the colours of electrical cables, and the allowed colours for the identification of conductors include black, brown, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, grey, white, pink, and turquoise. It is recommended to use only one blue conductor to avoid confusion, and the protective or earthing conductor should be yellow and green.
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Cable insulation: cables are insulated using materials like plastic, cloth, rubber or paper
There are several types of electrical cables, including control cables, medium-voltage cables, and armoured cables. The insulation of these cables is an essential component that determines their longevity and effectiveness. Insulation is a non-conductive material within a cable's construction, protecting the wire from environmental hazards such as water, heat, chemicals, and physical damage. Cable insulation materials include plastic, cloth, rubber, and paper, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Plastic, or more specifically, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), is a widely used and cost-effective cable insulation material. It is versatile and can be found in various applications. Plastic-sheathed wire has largely replaced older fabric-insulated wiring, which was commonly used in North America from the 1950s to the mid-1970s.
Cloth or fabric-insulated electrical wires are still produced and sold by various vendors, especially for older buildings. However, it is crucial to inspect their condition regularly for any damage or deterioration, such as frayed insulation or crumbling rubber conductor insulation. Some older cloth-covered electrical cables may even contain asbestos, requiring extra care during removal or building demolition.
Rubber has been used as cable insulation for a long time and remains prevalent in domestic and industrial applications. Rubber-insulated cables offer excellent flexibility across a wide temperature range and superior resistance to abrasion and weathering. They are suitable for harsh environments and portable electrical appliances. Natural rubbers have been largely replaced by synthetic rubbers, which can be modified with various additives to enhance their properties.
Paper is also used for cable insulation, especially in high-voltage and submarine HVDC cables. Paper insulation for cables can be produced according to customer specifications or IEC standards, ensuring compliance with modern requirements.
The choice of insulation material depends on the specific application and performance requirements of the cable. Other factors, such as flexibility, electromagnetic interference, and resistance to solar radiation and extreme temperatures, also play a role in selecting the most suitable cable for a particular use case.
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Cable protection: armours are mechanical protections that safeguard cables from external damage
Electrical cables are classified into several types, each with distinct purposes and applications. For instance, NM cables, which are non-metallic and characterised by flexible thermoplastic sheathing, are commonly used in indoor residential electrical wiring.
Armours, in the context of electrical cables, refer to mechanical protections that safeguard the cables from external damage. These protections are crucial in preventing potential issues caused by external factors, such as animals, blows, or compression. Armours enhance the durability of the cables and ensure their safe operation, even in harsh or high-risk environments.
One example of armour protection is metallic armoring, which provides shielding against physical damage and external impacts. It also improves durability and is commonly used in industrial applications. Additionally, aluminium tape armour and steel tape armour offer excellent protection against shocks, compression, and rodents. This type of armour is well-suited for environments with electromagnetic fields.
Aluminium wire armour and steel wire armour are other forms of mechanical protection that provide good cable flexibility while also being able to withstand tensile loads. For further protection, aluminium wires can be combined with counterspila tape armour, and steel wires can be paired with counterspiral steel tape armour. This additional layer of galvanised steel tape enhances the mechanical protection offered by the steel wires.
In installations where there is a risk of mechanical aggression or the presence of rodents, cables with aluminium or steel reinforcement are often used. Similarly, in premises with a risk of fire and explosion, armoured cables are essential. To address the issue of rodents chewing on underground cables, an outer layer of steel tape can be applied to provide protection and deter rodents.
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Cable colours: colours like black, brown, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, etc. are used for identification
Electrical cables are available in a variety of types, each designed for specific purposes and applications. While the terms wire and cable are often used interchangeably, a wire is technically a single electrical conductor, whereas a cable is a group of wires encased in sheathing.
Cable colour coding is a standardised system used to identify different conductors and components within electrical cables. This system helps ensure safety, proper installation, and clear communication between electricians. Each colour represents a specific function, such as live or phase conductors, neutral conductors, grounding conductors, and so on.
The colours of electrical cables are governed by the International Electrical Commission Standard IEC 60446. The colours allowed for identification of conductors include black, brown, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, grey, white, pink, and turquoise. For example, a brown conductor typically indicates a live or Phase 1 connection, carrying the current for the first phase. A blue wire, on the other hand, serves as a neutral wire, providing a return path for the current and completing the circuit.
In addition to the standard colours mentioned above, there are variations depending on the specific application and region. For instance, in audio systems, four-core cables may use red, black, white, and green wires to transmit audio signals between devices. Furthermore, there are also cable colour standards for motor vehicles, with low-voltage cables in road vehicles standardised according to DIN 72551.
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Cable types: there are several cable types, including NM, UF, AC, MC, Ethernet, coaxial, and ribbon cables
There are many types of electrical cables, each designed for specific applications and environments. Some of the most common cable types include NM, UF, AC, MC, Ethernet, coaxial, and ribbon cables.
NM (Non-Metallic) cables are a type of electrical wiring used in residential and commercial buildings. They are called "non-metallic" because they use a rubberized or plastic sheathing instead of a metal conduit. NM cables are typically used for branch circuits that power lighting fixtures, outlets, and switches.
UF (Underground Feeder) cables are designed for underground applications. They are used to distribute power from an existing building to outdoor equipment such as lighting fixtures, pumps, and outbuildings. UF cables are suitable for direct burial due to their durable rubber sheathing, which protects them from moisture and physical damage.
AC cables are primarily used for connecting appliances to the mains electricity supply. They are often referred to as power cords and can have different prong configurations, such as 2-prong or 3-prong connectors. AC cables are colour-coded for safety, with brown wires indicating live wires, blue wires indicating neutral, and green/yellow wires serving as earth wires.
Coaxial cables, or coax, are commonly used for transmitting high-frequency electrical signals with low losses. They are designed with an inner conductor surrounded by a concentric conducting shield, separated by an insulating material. Coaxial cables are widely used in applications such as cable television signals, broadband internet networking, and connecting radio transmitters and receivers to their antennas.
Ribbon cables are flat cables with multiple conducting wires running parallel to each other. They are commonly used for internal peripherals in computers, such as hard drives, CD drives, and floppy drives. Ribbon cables are easily identifiable by their colourful wires, which aid in connecting the correct circuits during installation.
These are just some of the many types of electrical cables available, each designed for specific applications, environments, and performance requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many types of electrical cables, but here are some of the most common ones:
- Non-metallic sheathed cable (NM Cable): used in residential and commercial buildings for wiring and powering outlets, lighting fixtures, and appliances.
- Underground feeder cables: used for in-ground and outdoor lighting installations.
- Armoured cables (AC): electrical wires protected by a flexible metal sheath, often used to power large machinery.
- Power cables: used to carry electricity from one place to another, often made of copper or aluminium wires covered in protective insulation.
Power cables can be either underground or overhead, depending on the situation. They include:
- Belted cables: three conductors bundled together and covered with an insulating paper belt.
- Screened cables: suitable for voltage ranges up to 33KV and can be oil-filled or gas-pressurized.
Electrical wires are typically made of aluminium or copper and can be either bare or insulated. The most common types of electrical wires used in residential applications are usually nylon-coated thermoplastic with high-heat resistance, labelled as THHN/THWN.
Computer cables are used to connect various accessories and devices to a computer. Some common types include:
- USB (Universal Serial Bus) cables: used for charging phones, connecting keyboards, transferring files, and connecting accessories.
- MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) cables: used to connect musical instruments like keyboards or synthesizers to a computer.
