Types of Wires and Cables

Understanding the different types of wires and cables is essential for anyone involved in electrical installations, whether you’re a homeowner, engineer or electrician. Choosing the right wire or cable ensures safety, efficiency, and longevity for your electrical systems. Let’s explore the main electric wire and cable categories, their unique features, and how to select the best option for your needs.

Building Wires or Electrical Wires

Building wires are the foundation of every residential or commercial electrical circuit. Wires are meant to carry current safely in mains, sub-mains, power point circuits. 

• ADVANCE FR: Advance FR (Flame Retardant) PVC insulated with advance formulation of special ingredients with extra fire fighting properties & higher oxygen and temperature index than those of normal PVC. India’s leading wire made with 100% electrolytic grade copper having 99.97% purity gives 101% conductivity, reduced heat generation and saves considerable power resulting in reduced electricity bills as compared to normal wires available in market.
• COPAPRO FR:  Copapro FR wire insulation is specially added flame resistance molecules that helps in self-extinguishing when source of fire is removed with minimum affect. Copapro FR is made with 100% electrolytic grade copper having 99.97% purity gives 101% conductivity.
• Advance EFFR (Xtra flexible flame retardant): Advance EFFR is insulated with an advanced formulation of special ingredients with extra firefighting properties and a higher flame resistance than those of normal PVC. Advance EFFR wires is made with 100% electrolytic grade copper having 99.97% purity gives 101% conductivity.

While choosing wires, it is mandatory that wire is made as per IS: 694 standard and has ISI logo printed on wires. Copper should be of 100% electrolytic grade with higher purity of 99.97% and FR properties. All these features are available in Anchor Wires with additional features like RoHS, HIR, AR, AT, S-Mark & CE.

Industrial Cables

Industrial cable is mainly used in industries and irrigation pumps where higher flexibility and durability is required depending upon the installation conditions.

• Multi-core cable: These cables have multi cores apart from single core as available in building wire. Multicore cable are usually used in industrial applications where typically machines requires multiple cores to provide electricity to machines having higher load.
• 3CF Submersible cable: This refers to three-core flat cables, commonly used for supplying electricity to submersible pumps which goes inside earth crust to fetch water. 3CF cables have robust insulation and resistance to moisture which works in harsh conditions.

Modern infrastructure relies heavily on communication cable to transmit data and signals. The most widely used types are:

• Telephone cable: Anchor telephone and switchboard cables, designed for voice clarity and elimination of cross talk, are most suitable for indoor use in offices, residential societies, hotels and industrial complexes for connection of telephone and EPABX systems.
• CAT 6 LAN cable: Used for providing high-speed internet and building local area network, CAT 6 network cable supports faster data transfer speed.
• CCTV cable: Closed Circuit Television Cable is the composite structure of video & audio wires intended to install CCTV camera for surveillance purpose. CCTV cables are used to transit signals from CCTV camera to the receiver with minimum distortion.
• Co-axial cable: Co-axial cables are used to transit TV signals (video & audio) from cable operator place to residences or in DTH systems.

Keep these important considerations in mind while choosing right wire or cable:

• Copper Quality: Always choose wires composed of 100% electrolytic grade copper with 99.97% purity for higher conductivity and efficiency.
• Insulation: FR PVC insulation is essential for reduced toxicity and firefighting properties.
  FR PVC emits less toxic smoke and does not support combustion. It acts like self-extinguisher in case of fire.
• Construction: Annealed bunched conductors offer higher flexibility and cohesiveness to conductors ensuring no surges and short circuits.
• Standards Compliance: Ensure the wire meets the IS:694 standard as per BIS, which certifies that it meets national safety and performance benchmarks.

Wire sizing is crucial for both safety and performance. Here’s a quick guide on ideal installation:

• As per electrical rulebook & guidelines, for point wiring should start from 1.5 sq.mm.
• Size of wires & cables should be according to recommendation of electrical expert depending upon usage.

Selecting the proper type & size of wires and cable is an important aspect of any electrical installation. Having clear information-like quality of raw material (Copper & FR PVC), features like copper purity, annealing, bunching important for flexibility and cohesive conductors, required specification & standards will help you choose right wire or cable. Safety always matters the most.