Cable, wire, cord - all these are specialized products that come in a large assortment. And there are many varieties of such products depending on their purpose, scope of application, components, used core material and coating.
Basically, these are household wires, although other variants are also allowed. Before you purchase this or that cable, it is necessary to understand all the differences in parameters, properties, characteristics.
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Power cables
There are different kinds of cables that are used to bring electricity to the building. Most often used VVG and its variants. Below are the different varieties of this type of cable.
VVG is a soft power wire. The outside of the product has a black color, although sometimes there are white variants. This is a non-flammable multicore cable. As a standard, the products are packaged in a large meter. The veins inside are from 1 to 5. In diameter they are from 0.15 to 24 cm.
VVG are used when the electric current has a voltage of up to 1000 V. In domestic conditions, those types of copper cables with a core diameter of 0.15-0.6 cm are used.
The operating temperature is in the range of -50...+50°С. If the index will be +40 ° C, the product will withstand humidity even up to 98%. It is resistant to chemicals. Has strong bends during installation, so that the cable does not break, does not fracture.
There are such types of power cables of this type:
- AVVG. It comes in multi-core or single-core aluminum.
- VVGng. It is not just non-flammable, and has increased characteristics in this area.
- VVGp. This is a flat protected wire.
- VVGz. Inside between the layers there are more harnesses, which are made of rubberized material.
NYM is another kind of power copper cables. The outer layer is made of PVC, which does not catch fire. Between the insulation layers there is a rubber filler, which makes the product more durable and heat resistant.
There are only copper cores inside. There are no single-wire versions. The diameter of the cores is 0.15-1.6 cm. This kind of cable is used for lighting wiring or in other networks where 660 V is used. The product is used for laying outdoors because it is resistant to moisture and temperatures. Permissible values -40 ... +70 ° C.
But it should be borne in mind that such a product is poorly able to withstand direct sunlight, so it is better to at least cover it. When you need to bend the cable, the diameter of this turn should be at least 4 cross-section of the product. If you compare NYM with VVG, the first is resistant to environmental conditions and more comfortable. But it costs more and is only available rounded, so it will not be possible to lay it in the walls.
In terms of flexibility, copper wire type KG is one of the best. It is designed for AC up to 660 V or DC up to 1000 V. There are 1-6 wires inside, the outer sheath is rubberized.
The product is suitable for temperatures of -60...+50°С. As a standard, such cable is used to connect devices (welding, generator and other devices). There is a modification of KGng, in which the insulation does not support combustion. This is the only difference of such a variation of KG-cable.
VBNSHV is not just a single- or multi-wire copper cable, but it is also armored. There are up to 5 wires, and their diameter - from 0.15 to 24 cm. To armor the product, an additional braid is used. A pair of tapes are wound one on top of the other, overlapping the gaps. And they are already covered with a special PVC with reduced flammability.
The product is suitable for temperatures -50 ... +50 ° C, can withstand humidity up to 98%. But if you need to bend the cable, the radius must be at least 10 times the diameter of the product. The types (designations differ) are as follows:
- AVBBSHV. Inside the cores are made of aluminum.
- VBBShvng. Not flammable.
- VBBShvng LS. Not only it does not burn, but also does not let in smoke and gas.
Use this option for laying in the ground, in the air, in the pipes, but do a special protection against sunlight.
Electrical wires
In the directory of cables and wires you can study all the detailed information about such products. Popular are PBPP, PBPPG (although they are also called PUNP). Which wires are available is discussed below.
PBPPP is a copper wire, and the cores have 1 wire each. Called installation wire, it has a flat shape.
As a standard, there are 2-3 wires each. Their diameter is 0,15-0,6 cm. Such single-wire copper wires are suitable for mounting sockets, but it is best used for fixed lights. The voltage is up to 250 V. They withstand temperature of -15...+50°C. When bending the product, you must make a radius as large as 10 wire diameters.
PBPPg is different in that its cores are made of several wires, so it is a flexible wire. This product should have a bend radius for installation, as 6 wire diameters. That's why PBPPg is used in places where appliances will be attached, or in areas where the laying of the wire involves frequent turns. PBPPg of both grades can be purchased with both white and black coatings.
APUNP is also a modification of PBPP. The cable has aluminum cores inside. It is single-wire, so it too is not flexible.
PPV is a wire with a copper core. It has a flat shape, there are special jumpers for separation. The wires are also made of 1 wire. Diameter ranges from 0.075 to 0.6 cm. Inside there are 2-3 wires.
The voltage is a maximum of 460 V. The product withstands mechanical loads and environmental factors. Suitable for use at such temperatures: -50 ... +70 ° C, and the humidity is allowed up to 100%.
PPV grade is used when it is necessary to lay power lines, as well as when installing lighting devices. APPV the same properties as PPV, but it has aluminum cores inside.
APV is also an aluminum version. The cores are only 1 piece each. The product is rounded, the core is single and multi-wire. In the first case, the diameter will be 0,25-1,6 cm, and the second - 2,5-9,5 cm. Such product withstands mechanical loads, different chemical environment and temperature of -50...+70°С. It is used for lighting networks, shields. Such cables are laid in pipes.
PVS is a wire with copper conductors. The product rounded shape in section, is characterized by density. The wires are created from several wires, the diameter is 0.075-1.6 cm.
The operating voltage is maximum 380 V. Sold only in white, but with different colors of the designation. The product does not support combustion, withstands temperatures -40...+40°C. Wire can withstand up to 3 thousand kinks. Standardly used in the repair of networks, for the manufacture of extension elements.
These are the main electrical wires and their types.
Cords
Cords are both a hybrid between a cable and a wire, which has several strands inside. It is characterized by flexibility, resistance to kinks, so it is suitable for long use.
Cords are designed to connect power sources to appliances that can be carried from place to place: table lamps, kettles, etc.
Professional tools are also connected with cords. But they are then called power cords.
Installation cords
Different kinds of wires and cables for electrical wiring make it possible to perform installation work even in the most unsuitable conditions. VVG, PVS, PBPP are not suitable for such cases, and then the following electrical cables, wires and cords are used:
- RKGM is a wire with 1 strand of copper. It includes several wires. The diameter ranges from 0.075 to 12 cm. There is a special rubberized sheath, fiberglass layer. The latter is impregnated with a varnish that can withstand different temperatures. The product is used at values of -60 ... +180 ° C and voltages up to a maximum of 660 V.
- PNSV also has only 1 core. Characterized as a heating element, diameter from 0,12 to 0,3 cm. Withstands voltages up to 380 V. Resistant to alkalis, high humidity, temperature -50 ... + 80 ° C and can even withstand immersion in water.
- VPP - copper wire. Working voltage - up to 380 V and temperature - within -40...+80°С. Such cables are used at high pressure. For example, for a motor in an artesian well.
Mains cables
Network cables are used not only to transmit electrical energy, but also for information impulses. While about 10 years ago only antenna and telephone cables were used, with the advent of computers and other similar devices more conductors were created. And many products are quite highly specialized.
The following types of network cables are distinguished:
- Coaxial. Has a metal conductor, the top is made of a braid of plastic, and then there is an additional layer of copper or aluminum, after which comes the protective coating. The diameter of the product is 0.7-1 cm, so it is not flexible. Another disadvantage is a strong susceptibility to external electromagnetic influence.
- Twisted pair. This conductor can be either single-core or multi-core. In this case, the cores of 2 pieces are intertwined with each other. This makes the connection better. The diameter is 0.5 cm each.
- Fiber optic cables. They make it possible to transmit information over a distance of up to 100 km. The cost of cables is high, so they are used in large firms.
Twisted pair and fiber optic cables were created later than coaxial cables (They were developed back in the 90's.).
Telephone wires and cables
Telephone cables and wires come in 2 types. One is used for laying multiple lines (up to 400), and others - to distribute already on apartments.
A few examples:
- TPPet. Used for a large number of subscribers. Has two wires that are intertwined. Soft copper wire is used. The insulation is made of polyethylene, as is the outer layer.
- TRV. This is a distribution cable. Can be 1-pair or 2-pair. It has a flat shape, the base is divided. Inside the copper core with 1 wire. The product is used inside buildings.
- TRP (noodle wire). The characteristics are similar to the previous one, but it has a polyethylene coating, so it is also resistant to environmental factors. This makes it suitable for outdoor use.
These are the main varieties of telephone cables.
Antenna cable
Used not only to transmit electrical current, but also signals with information. Today are most often used options such as RG-6, RG-58, RG-59, as well as their Russian counterparts (RK75). There are many variants, which differ in characteristics and properties.
The most popular coaxial antenna cable is RG-6. It is used for high-frequency signals in TV, radio and other electronic equipment. Inside, the core is made of copper with a diameter of 1 mm. It is topped with polyethylene, aluminum foil, and an outer conductor of copper. The outer layer is made of PVC.
Such a product is used to transmit information cable and satellite television.
Optical cables
Optical cables are used for outdoor and indoor lighting. It is the power type, which has a transparent coating on the outside. At the same time every 20 mm are auxiliary wires, which are connected to the LEDs with different shades.
With such a cable can be built an interesting picture because of its decorative properties. In addition, if it breaks, you will not have to look for the location of the damage, as the diodes will stop working there. This is handy for portable electrical appliances.
Electroluminescent cables are another variety. They are distinguished by the fact that they glow evenly along their entire length. They are used to make inscriptions and paintings.
As an option - neon tubes. They are flexible and also serve as decoration.
Acoustic cable
In order for the speakers to work well, it is necessary to select the appropriate cables as well. The sound quality is influenced by the internal structure of the wires, the type of material used inside, the insulation.
Such varieties are used:
- TRS. Copper is used, which is obtained by the method of coarse refinement. This is the cheapest version of wires.
- OFC. An oxygen-free copper is used for manufacturing. The product has a good conductivity, belongs to the medium price category.
- PCOCC. The wire is made of pure copper by the Chinese technology of drawing.
These are the main variants of such products.
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