Beatrice Lang
Electric cables are used to connect devices and enable the transfer of electrical signals, power, or both. They are made up of one or more wires bundled together, each with its own insulation and protective covering. The type of cable used depends on its purpose, and it is important to use the correct type and size of cable to avoid electrical faults and fires. This article will explore the different types of cables available and provide guidance on how to be economical with electric cables, including installation, maintenance, and eco-friendly options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cable type | NM-B, UF, etc. |
| Gauge | 14, 12, 10, etc. |
| Number of wires | 2, 3, 4, etc. |
| Grounding | Indicated by the word "GROUND" or the letter "G" |
| Voltage rating | 600 volts for residential use |
| Safety certification | UL |
| Length | Shorter lengths reduce electromagnetic pickup and transmission |
| Routing | Route cables away from electromagnetic fields |
| Cable design | Shielding, coaxial geometry, twisted-pair geometry |
| Cable fastening | Trunking, cable trays, cable ties, cable lacing, strain relief devices |
| Installation | Clip cables to the wall, or conceal them above the ceiling, below the floor, or behind walls |
| Flexibility | Stranding smaller wires together, using Arctic Flex, or bunching small wires before concentric stranding |
| Material | Copper, aluminium, steel, tin, gold, silver, rubber, cloth, paper, plastic, polyethylene, biocomposite plastic, PVC, halogen-free jacketing, phthalate-free plasticizers, bio-based plasticizers |
| Eco-friendliness | Recyclable, biodegradable, non-hazardous, low smoke, low greenhouse gas emissions |
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What You'll Learn
Use flexible cables for tight spaces
Flexible cables are a great solution for tight spaces as they are designed to withstand physical stress and tight bending. They are commonly used in electronics, machines, and automotive applications. Their flexibility allows them to easily bend and fit into small areas, making them space-efficient.
There are various types of flexible cables available, including those with single, double, or triple flexible core units. Some flexible cables, such as ÖLFLEX® FD or ÖLFLEX® CHAIN, can withstand millions of bends without breaking or losing their current or data transmission properties. This makes them ideal for applications with high levels of stress and minimal space.
When selecting a flexible cable, it's important to consider the bending radius, which is the minimum distance between the centre of a curved cable and its outer surface. Bending a cable beyond its specified radius can cause damage. Different cables have different bending radii, with some optimised for torsion and others only suitable for occasional bending.
Flexible cables also offer a wide range of operating temperatures, making them suitable for applications with high heat requirements. Additionally, their lightweight construction makes them easier to manoeuvre in tight spaces.
To effectively manage flexible cables in tight spaces, consider the following:
- Utilise furniture: Run cables through the back of your desk or underneath a chair or table to keep them out of sight and out of the way.
- Attach to walls: Use tape or cable hooks to attach cables to walls or furniture, preventing them from lying on the floor and creating a tripping hazard.
- Colour-coordinate: Use coloured tape to identify different cables, making it easier to manage and replace them when needed.
- Use protectors: Shield cables with protectors to avoid creating large obstructions in the middle of the floor, making it easier to manoeuvre in a tight space.
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Choose cables with the right voltage rating
Electric cables are used to connect two or more devices, enabling the transfer of electrical signals, power, or both. They are extensively used in building wiring for lighting, power, and control circuits. Each cable carries an electrical current and has a voltage limit. Within each cable are 'cores' made of copper wires, which are coated with colour-coded insulation.
The most common types of electrical wires used in residential applications are usually nylon-coated thermoplastic with high-heat resistance. Wires are labelled with the material, maximum voltage rating, and gauge. The maximum voltage rating indicates the maximum voltage the wire can carry. For example, a common voltage rating for residential use is 600 volts, while the average household voltage is 120 to 240 volts.
It is important to choose cables with the right voltage rating to ensure safety and avoid electrical fires. If a cable is subjected to a voltage higher than its maximum rating, it could burn out and spark a fire. For example, if a cable has a maximum load of 100 volts and 300 volts are sent through it, it could lead to a dangerous situation.
To determine the right cable for your project, consider the type of cable, the gauge of the individual wires inside, the number of wires, grounding, and the voltage rating. The voltage rating should be chosen based on the specific requirements of your project, ensuring that it is suitable for the voltage you intend to use.
Additionally, it is essential to follow local building regulations and safety precautions when installing electrical cables. Consult a competent person registered with an electrical self-certification scheme if you have any doubts or questions.
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Opt for eco-friendly insulation and jacketing
Electric cables are an assembly of wires bundled together to carry electric current. Cable jacketing is the outer layer that protects the wires from moisture, chemicals, and mechanical hazards. Cable insulation is the non-conductive covering attached to bare wires to separate conductors from each other and protect against current leakage.
The most common type of insulation is Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). It is low cost and durable, but it emits toxic gases and acids in large quantities. To make PVC softer, more flexible, and easier to extrude, plasticizers are added to the polymer. However, there are now many companies that produce eco-friendly insulation and jacketing materials. Some of these materials are entirely recyclable and omit up to 40% less greenhouse gas.
Some eco-friendly alternatives to PVC include:
- Polyethylene (PE): This is primarily used in the packaging industry but can also be used as a wire and cable insulator and jacketing material when mixed with additives to make it softer and more flexible.
- Polypropylene (PP): This material is similar to polyethylene, but with improved thermal properties. It is reasonably economical and can be foamed to improve its electrical properties. However, it is susceptible to degradation from heat and UV radiation and is therefore not recommended for outdoor use.
- Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE): CPE is a lower-cost, more environmentally friendly alternative to chlorosulfonated polyethylene. It has similar chemical, flame, and UV resistance properties but is also suitable for both wire insulation and final cable jacketing.
- Polyurethane: This material is highly desirable for its ruggedness, durability, and flexibility. However, it is highly flammable and has poor electrical properties, making it more suitable for final cable jacketing than insulation.
In addition to these materials, biocomposite plastic is also being used to create "Green Cables" that are more sustainable. These cables are biodegradable and made from modern materials such as halogen-free jacketing, which creates less smoke and is safer for the environment.
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Ensure cables are securely fastened and organised
To ensure cables are securely fastened and organised, there are several methods you can use. One common method is to use trunking, which can be nailed or screwed to the wall. Plastic trunking is available and can be painted to match your decor. Alternatively, you can use cable trays, cable ties, or cable lacing. If you are installing cables in a tight space, you may want to use Arctic Flex cables, which are designed to withstand temperatures as low as -20°C.
If you are installing cables behind a wall, you will need to cut a notch in the nogging and feed the cable through. You can protect the cable by screwing on a square steel plate or hammering on a cable safe plate. Then, cut a plasterboard repair patch to fit the hole and nail it to the nogging on each side. Fill the gaps around the edges and sand the filler when it's dry.
If you are installing cables beneath a floor, it is best to clip them beneath the joists. Keep them above any thermal insulation and well away from where people are likely to walk. You can also clip them to the sides of the joists or lay them on the ceiling.
For a neater finish, it is generally recommended to conceal cables rather than mounting them on the surface of the wall. Cables can be run above the ceiling, below the floor, or behind walls. If you choose to run cables behind a wall, you will need to cut the plastic capping or conduit to length with a hacksaw and feed in the cable. The capping can be fixed to the wall with masonry nails, while the conduit snaps into clips nailed to the wall. The cable will be held firm by the plaster when you fill the channel with patching plaster or filler.
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Use the right cable type and size
Using the right cable type and size is of utmost importance for electrical safety. Each cable carries an electrical current and has a voltage limit. If a cable with a maximum load of 100V is subjected to 300V, it could burn out and cause an electrical fire.
The type of cable used depends on its purpose. For example, cables with aluminium or steel reinforcement are suitable for installations with a risk of mechanical aggression, whereas armoured cables are used in places with a risk of fire and explosion. If you require flexibility in the wiring, Arctic Flex cables can withstand temperatures as low as 20°C and are ideal for tight spaces.
The gauge of a cable indicates the electrical wire sizing. The most common gauges are 10, 12, and 14. The wire gauge and diameter are inversely related, meaning that as the gauge number increases, the diameter of the wire decreases. Therefore, when using longer lengths of wire, it is advisable to increase the gauge size to ensure sufficient electricity passage.
The number of cores within a cable ranges from two to four, depending on its purpose. Each core is individually sleeved, then wrapped together with a layer of plastic sleeving and protected by a final outer layer. The cable's outer layer may be made of materials such as nylon-coated thermoplastic, polyethylene, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC is a common type of insulation due to its low cost and durability, but it poses environmental and health hazards by emitting toxic gases and acids. To address this issue, companies are developing eco-friendly insulation materials that are entirely recyclable and produce less greenhouse gas.
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Frequently asked questions
Electrical cables are made of one or more wires bundled together, coated in insulation and protective coverings. The most common type of insulation is PVC, but this is not environmentally friendly. More sustainable options include biocomposite plastic and phthalate-free plasticizers.
If you have old wiring in the form of rubber insulation, a two-core (multi-strand) covered with an outer lead sheath, or red and black cables, these are signs that your wiring needs to be replaced. If there is any damage or tears to the insulation around the cables, this could lead to an electrical fire, so it is important to get a registered electrician to do a visual inspection.
If you want to install a new electrical cable, it is important to consult a competent person who is registered with an electrical self-certification scheme. You can clip cables to the surface of your wall, but it is safer and neater to conceal them above the ceiling, below the floor, or behind walls.
Stranding the wires makes electrical cables more flexible. This involves bunching small wires together before concentric stranding. Alternatively, you can use Arctic Flex cables, which are designed to withstand temperatures as low as -20°C.
