One of the most important components of any power system is the electrical conductor. These conductors permeate all buildings, structures, machines and mechanisms. They are the channel for the transmission of electricity and information signals. Currently, our country produces almost 20 thousand various kinds wires and cables. The range of their sizes is very wide: from the thinnest to connect electronic devices to huge cables that can carry thousands of kilovolts of electricity.

The range of electrical conductors for household needs is not so large, but it also requires certain knowledge, since the power supply of various devices requires appropriate wires and cables. First of all, it is necessary to understand such terms as cable, wire, cable core, insulation and cord.

Lived

Residential called the metal core of each electrical conductor. It can be single or consist of several wires. The core, which consists of a single wire, is usually called single-wire, and if there are several wires in it, then it is called multi-wire, it is very flexible. The shape of the section can also be different, which can be both flat and sector. You should not confuse such concepts as a stranded core and a stranded cable, which will be discussed below.

The cores are made from different conductive materials. It can be aluminum, copper or aluminum copper. In accordance with the latest PUE requirements aluminum conductors should be replaced with copper ones. AT recent times When underfloor heating was developed, nichrome conductors began to be used. This alloy has a high resistance, which allows the conductor to become very hot, similar to the heating of the coil in an incandescent lamp.

Cross-sectional area of ​​the core- one of its most important characteristics, which is always indicated by the manufacturers of all electrical conductors. Sometimes you have to measure the cross section yourself, for which you can use a caliper or a simple tape measure.

It is necessary to measure the diameter of the core, and then, using the formula for determining the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe circle known from school geometry: S \u003d πr², where r is the radius, that is, ½ of the measured diameter of the core, and the number π is 3.14, determine its cross-sectional area. The cross section is usually measured and denoted in mm².

For stranded conductors, self-determination of the cross section is somewhat more complicated. It is required to clean all the cores from insulation, wind them around for a round section, which can be a nail large diameter or a screwdriver, in the form of a spiral, measure the length of this spiral, and the diameter is determined by dividing the measured length by the number of wound turns. There is another way when you measure the diameter of a single wire, multiply it by total lived, and the cross section is calculated using the formula S \u003d 0.785d², d is the measured diameter of one wire.

Insulation

You should have an idea about isolation, the material of the conductor of electrical energy, which prevents its flow. Insulation is a dielectric applied to conductors intended to conduct electric current. Dielectrics include materials such as ceramics, glass, polyvinyl chloride, celluloid. Now materials are used for insulation, designed not only to perform their main function - protecting a person from electric shock, but also protecting cables from mechanical damage and negative impact high humidity or high temperatures.

The wire

When a core or several such cores used to conduct electric current make a connection between a source of electricity and a consumer, then it is called by wire. Wires are different: bare or insulated. If, in addition to its own insulation covering each core, the wire has an additional sheath that protects it from all kinds of environmental influences, then it is protected.

Examples of such wires: APNR and PRHD. Protected wires and appearance, and in many respects similar to the cable. In everyday life, in most cases, an insulated wire is used, and uninsulated (bare) wires are used in places where a person does not have access to them for their safety, for example, when laying overhead lines. The most common brands in everyday life are PV, PV-3, APPV, PPV.

Cable

The main difference between a cable and a wire is that it contains either one or several insulated cores, which have another protective sheath made of materials such as polymers, rubber, or even metal.

Cables can be protected not only by external insulation, to protect them from different kind external influences different fillers are used. For example, a cable covered metallic years, twisted into a spiral, is called armored, it can be laid in the ground.

Cord

A cord is a wire that includes several stranded wires. Each of them has its own insulation, and on top they are covered with plastic or rubber. Previously, this coating was made of synthetic fabric. The use of electrical cords found in everyday life for connecting equipment to the power supply.

Flexibility allows you to bend and twist them without fear of damaging the insulation or breaking the cores. For household appliances whose connection to the earth network is prerequisite them safe work (washing machines, electric kettles, etc.), use cords with three or more cores. For lighting fixtures(chandeliers, sconces, floor lamps) it is enough to use two-wire cords.

The use of electricity in our lives has become so familiar and obligatory that we can no longer imagine life without electrical appliances. But we must not forget that electricity in the house is not only a comfort factor, but also a source of increased danger.

Therefore, when planning to electrify a new house or change the wiring in an old one, you should carefully approach the issues fire safety. This will contribute to the long and trouble-free operation of the electrical network of your home. Further in the article, we will consider in detail what are the installation wires and cables and their purpose.

We will consider cables suitable only for electrical wiring inside or outside the premises. All other types of electrical cables are the topic of a separate article. What is the difference between a cable and a wire, find out.

Electrical cables can be:

• Aluminum
• Copper

Currently, preference is given to an electrical cable with copper conductors. The resistance of this metal is much less than that of aluminum.

Accordingly, with the same copper cord, it is able to pass more current, therefore, give more power. In addition, the copper cable lasts longer.

Nonetheless, aluminum is cheaper than copper so not too long ago aluminum wiring installed everywhere. And now those who want to save money and do not really care about security use it.

In addition to the metal of the conductive core, electrical cables are divided into:

• Single core. Rigid and not flexible, they are good for concealed wiring simple configuration. They do not need to be changed often, they are quite reliable and durable.
• stranded. Soft, designed for constant kinks. Very plastic, they are suitable for electric cords of any household appliances, extension cords, carrying. Such a power cord is used when conducting open-type electrical wiring. The safety requirement for such wires is double insulation. That is, each core is isolated separately, and then enclosed in a common shell.

IMPORTANT! Do not connect wires from different metals simple twist. If you feel the need to use both copper and aluminum wire, make the connection only through the terminal block. Otherwise, the galvanic couple formed by direct twisting will oxidize and either heat up or lose contact.

by the most right decision will be make electrical wiring from identical cables- either only copper or only aluminum.

For hidden wiring: technical specifications

From the marking of the power cable, you can immediately understand its characteristics. The letters in the abbreviation indicate the materials from which it is made, the numbers indicate the number of cores and the cross section. Abbreviations type AVVG or VVG - marking of a wire or cable unarmored, or as the masters put it, "naked". The letter A indicates that the core was aluminum. If it is missing, then the wire is copper.

For outdoor installation

Underground access to the building is carried out only with the help of armored electrical cables AVBBSHV or VBBSHV. Steel tape-armor on such power cables passes over the second insulating layer and has its own protection - a rubber coating.

Such protection of conductive elements from ground water and mechanical influences ensures the durability and reliability of the electrical supply.

For mounting outdoor wiring on street-side walls or roofs optimal types of wires / cables AVVG or VVG. These brands have excellent insulation that can withstand low and high temperatures, ultraviolet radiation.

In rooms with high humidity

For rooms with high humidity- bathhouses, sheds, basements and other outbuildings special wiring required. This is especially true for objects where not only humidity is increased, but also temperature.

It is best to use heat-resistant electrical cables with silicone protective insulation. PVKV or RKGM brands.

IMPORTANT! When installing electrical wiring in damp rooms, do not forget to take care of grounding the wiring itself and all electrical appliances.

Dimensions and section calculation of aluminum and copper

This is the most important point when choosing the right cable. For the correct calculation, you need to take a few simple steps:

• Calculate the total power of all electrical appliances in the home. This figure will allow you to determine the characteristics of the electric main running from the support to the house.
• Calculate the total power of appliances for each room. This allows you to choose the desired cross-section of the power cable that will be laid in each of the rooms.
• Lead the incoming cable to the terminal block and through make by premises, taking into account the cable cross-section for each room separately.

The cable cross section from power is calculated according to a special table which can be found in any electrical guide. When calculating, round up and add 20-25% margin.

So, for example, a cable with a diameter of about 1.8 mm (section 2.5 mm) will withstand:

• Copper: 21 amps (4.6 kW at 220V)
• Aluminum: 16 amps (3.5 kW at 220V)

This difference clearly shows the advantage of a copper electrical cable over aluminum.

This video discusses in detail how to correctly calculate the cross section of an electrical cable or wire when repairing or replacing electrical wiring:

Choosing what to prioritize when buying

The choice of the desired brand of electrical cable is determined only by the decision of the electrician. The main requirement is an exact match of the section potential power consumption.

When choosing equipment for open wiring, the color of the wire can play an important role. If you plan to install wires using cable channels, you should remember the type and standard color of the cable insulation, depending on the brand:

When buying, be sure to attach importance to all inscriptions that indicate:

• GOSTs
• manufacturer
• brand

There should be a tag on the bay, where there is all this data. In addition, along the entire length of the wire, right on the insulation, its brand and cross section are indicated. If you do not find at least one of the items listed, you cannot buy such an energy cable.

There are several brands of cables that are prohibited for use due to fire hazards. It:

• PUNP
• PUNGP
• PUVP
• PBPP

Their cost compared to, say, VVG, is much lower, and only a specialist can distinguish the forbidden wire from the right one by appearance. That's why Please check all labels carefully before purchasing. on the bay and insulation of the electric cable.

Some unscrupulous manufacturers reduce the cost of production, and hence the selling price, by unauthorized reduction of the cross-section of conductors and reduction of the thickness of the wire insulation. Also, semi-underground factories sell copper-plated aluminum under the guise of a copper cable.

Therefore, before choosing and purchasing an electrical cable for your home, carefully check all manufacturer's certificates and do not buy goods from little-known enterprises.

If, when electrifying a room, you carefully approach the calculations and do not save on materials, the electrical wiring will be durable and safe. The proper quality of cables, the correct calculation of their cross-sections and compliance with safety regulations during installation are the key to comfort, fire safety and reliability of your home.

Useful and interesting video about the types and classification of power electrical cables and household wires:

The outer diameter of the cable determines the choice of cable support structures, since the space in which the cable will be laid may be limited. Previously, designers had to look for this data in a table of cross-sections and diameters of wires/cables. However, such a procedure took a lot of time, given that several types of cable can be laid in one cable duct.

Online cable diameter calculator

Using this service, you can get a diameter calculation in a matter of seconds.
For example, to determine the diameter of the VVGng cable, we write the brand in the search bar, indicate the number and cross section of the cores. The result of the request will be displayed on your screen.
You can also find out the outer diameter of the wire by brand sizes.

Service information is for reference and informational purposes and is based on data from manufacturers. The minimum calculation error allowed by the manufacturer is possible.

What is the outer diameter of the cable:

In the figure we see a cross section of the VVGng cable, which consists of 5 cores, insulation and sheath.

D is the outer diameter of the VVGng cable.

Cable diameter table:

An example of a table for calculating the diameter of the cable VVGng and VVGng (A) -LS

Round conductor cable VVGng 1*1.5

5.0

5.4

VVGng(A)-LS 1х1,5(ozh)

6.0

6.3

The modern cable industry has a wide range of various wires. And each type of wire is designed to solve a certain range of tasks.

By contacting the electrical installation at your own site or in own apartment, you can very soon notice that the cables and wires used in the installation are predominantly copper, less often aluminum. There are simply no other materials with all the variety. Further, you can see that the structure of the cores of these cables is also different: the core can consist of many wires, or it can be solid. The structure of the cores affects the flexibility of the cable, but does not affect its conductivity.

It seems that the spectrum ends there. But where, then, such a variety of brands? VVG, NYM, SIP, PVA, ShVVP - how do they differ from each other? For the most part - the properties of insulation.

In this article, we will consider the main common types of electrical wires, dwell on their characteristics, and note their areas of application.

For the electrification of residential buildings, different, mainly copper, cables are used, but in last years most often you can find the VVG cable, including its modified versions.

Cable marking VVG means: external insulation made of polyvinyl chloride, core insulation - also made of polyvinyl chloride, cable cores are flexible. Although the flexibility of the VVG cable is relative, because up to a cross section of 25 sq. mm. inclusive, its cores are made solid, not multi-wire.

Cable insulation is resistant to aggressive environments, while it is quite durable and does not support combustion. The cores can be either single-wire or multi-wire, depending on the modification of the VVG cable.

The main purpose of this cable is the transmission and distribution of electricity in networks with voltages up to 1000 volts at an industrial AC frequency of 50 Hz. For laying home networks, a VVG cable with a cross section of up to 6 sq. Mm is used, for the electrification of private houses - up to 16 sq. Mm. During installation, bending is allowed along a minimum radius of 10 wire sizes in width. The cable is supplied in coils of 100 meters.

Among the varieties of VVG cable there are: AVVG - with an aluminum core, VVGng - with a refractory sheath, VVGp - flat section, VVGz - with the addition of PVC or in rubber insulation also between individual cores.

VVG - the most common copper cable for internal installation. It is laid openly, in boxes, laid in strobes. VVG insulation provides it with a long service life - 30 years. The number of VVG cable cores can meet the needs of both a three-phase and a single-phase network: from two to five.

The most common color for the external insulation of VVG cables is black, but recently white VVG has completely ceased to be a rarity. The color of the insulation of individual VVG conductors corresponds to the standard marking: for the PE conductor it is yellow-green, for the N conductor it is blue or white with a blue stripe, and the insulation of the phase conductors is most often performed in pure white.

Modifications of the VVG cable marked "NG" and "LS" differ, respectively, in the inability of the insulation to spread combustion and the low level of smoke emission when exposed to fire. There is also a modification of the VVG, which is distinguished by the ability to fully resist open fire over a specified period of time in minutes. This modification is referred to with Latin letters F.R.

In everyday life, there is practically no cable similar in characteristics to the VVG cable, but having aluminum cores - AVVG. Its unpopularity is justified by the restriction on the use of aluminum in distribution networks, as well as the shortcomings of aluminum cable products.

In addition, there is a foreign analogue of the VVG cable, manufactured according to the international DIN standard. This is a NYM cable. It differs from VVG in slightly improved characteristics, in particular, in that it has a special self-extinguishing internal filler that provides sealing of joints.

Solid-wire copper conductors have PVC insulation, the outer sheath is also made of PVC, does not support combustion, is resistant to impact aggressive environments. From one to five cores with a cross section from 1.5 to 35 sq. mm. located tightly inside the white protective shell. The conductors are sealed with halogen-free coated rubber to provide heat resistance and strength to the cable. This cable is applicable in a wide temperature range from -40°C to +70°C, moisture resistant. Core insulation colors: brown, black, grey, blue, yellow-green.

The NYM cable is designed for installation of power and lighting networks in industrial and residential buildings with a maximum voltage of up to 660 volts (300/500/660). The cable can be laid both indoors and outdoors, however, taking into account the fact that sunlight damages the cable insulation, therefore, when installed outdoors, it must be protected from sunlight, for example, by placing it in a corrugation.

During installation, bending along a radius of at least four cable diameters is allowed. It is delivered in bays from 50 meters.

Unlike VVG, the NYM cable always has only copper and only solid-wire cores (mono-cores). It is quite convenient for conventional installation, since it has a perfectly round cross section, but for the same reason it is somewhat inconvenient to lay it in plaster or concrete, otherwise it is similar to VVG.

Video cable production:

How to distinguish a quality cable when buying it:

SIP stands for "self-supporting insulated wire". This means that the SIP is able to withstand the impact of significant mechanical loads. If we take into account the fact that the SIP insulation is made of cross-linked polyethylene, which is immune to moisture and direct sun rays, then the scope of its use becomes obvious: it is a street cable for power transmission lines and. It is slowly replacing the previously widely used non-insulated aluminum wires A and AS.

SIP is an aluminum cable, the cores of which do not have a common insulation. The minimum cross section of SIP cores is 16 square meters. mm., and the maximum - 150 sq. mm. The marking of this wire does not directly indicate the number of cores - only the nomenclature number is given, in which all data is encrypted.

For example, SIP-1 is a cable of three cores, one of which is a zero carrier. SIP-2 is a cable of four cores, one of which is a zero carrier. And SIP-4 has four current-carrying cores, the mechanical load on which is evenly distributed.

Since SIP is a very specific cable, the entire range of special fittings is produced for installation using it: branch and connection clamps and anchor brackets.

PVA - copper wire in vinyl insulation connecting. The sheath is made in such a way that it fills the space between the cores, which gives the wire high strength. The number of cores is from two to five, and the cross section of each is from 0.75 to 16 sq. mm.

Operating temperature range -25°C to +40°C, chemical resistant, 100% humidity allowed environment. The wire withstands multiple kink cycles, up to 3000 times guaranteed. Sheath color is white. Core colors: red, black, orange, blue, grey, brown, green, yellow, yellow-green.

PVA wire is widely used in everyday life as various household appliances, such as electric kettles, as well as in extension cords. It is designed to operate in AC circuits with a frequency of 50 Hz with a voltage of up to 380 volts, so the PVA wire is also used in networks where a flexible wire is required for wiring lighting systems, sockets, etc. Flexibility is one of the most important advantages of this wire.

PVA insulation, both internal and external, is made of polyvinyl chloride. The internal insulation of the cores, like that of VVG, has a standard marking. But PVA cores are multi-wire, so this is a very flexible cable. It is only necessary to take into account that the PVA cores during installation must be terminated or tinned.

Taking into account the fact that outer layer The vinyl of round PVA has a thickness of up to several millimeters, this cable is great for cords. That is, for their "connection" to the network. That is why it is called a connection.

PVA relatively well withstands mechanical stress. The cross section of its veins varies from 0.75 to 16 square meters. mm., so this cable can be used for the manufacture of any extension cords and carriers that are not used in conditions low temperatures. Indeed, in the cold, the PVA shell, unfortunately, simply bursts.

ShVVP - a cord in a vinyl cover, with veins in vinyl isolation, flat. In general, this cable is similar to VVG, but, unlike the latter, ShVVP has flexible stranded copper conductors. Therefore, he, like PVS, often. However, the insulation of the SHVVP is not characterized by increased strength, and the responsible loaded lines are not performed with this cord.

Accordingly, the sections of the ball screw screws are only small: 0.5 or 0.75 square meters. mm. with the number of cores equal to two or three. The wire is flat. This wire can be used at temperatures from -25°C to +70°C, and can withstand humidity up to 98%. Easily bears influence of chemically aggressive environments. Sheath color white or black. Core color: blue, brown, black, red, yellow.

In addition to weak extension cords (which, by the way, often cause trouble in the household of people who are new to electricity), ball screws are most often used in automation, to power low-current systems.

It is also used to connect household appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, personal hygiene appliances, etc. to the network. It is capable of operating in AC networks with a frequency of 50 Hz at voltages up to 380 volts. Very flexible, which is very important in everyday life.

The main function of the SHVVP wire is a connecting cord: at one end there is a device, at the other there is a plug.

KG is a flexible copper rubber cable with multi-wire conductors, the cross section of which varies from 0.5 to 240 square meters. mm. The number of cores can be from one to five. The core insulation rubber is based on natural rubbers.

The working temperature range of the cable is from -60°C to +50°C at humidity up to 98%. Cable insulation KG allows you to lay it in the open air and even in the open sunlight. The cores are always stranded, which makes this cable flexible. Color coding lived: blue, black, brown, yellow-green, gray.

CG is most often used in industrial plants, where it is necessary to provide a flexible movable cable entry.

The KG cable is designed to power portable mobile devices such as heat guns, welders, floodlights, etc., from an alternating current network or from generators with a frequency of up to 400 Hz at a voltage of up to 660 volts, or a direct voltage of up to 1000 volts.

During installation, bending along a radius of at least eight outer diameters is allowed. Usually supplied in coils of 100 meters or more. There is a modification of KGNG - in non-combustible insulation.

It is very important that the rubber insulation of this cable partially retains its properties even in severe frost, and the KG almost always remains flexible, especially when it comes to modifying the HL. Therefore, it is often used to make extension cords that operate in a variety of harsh conditions.

Power armored cable with copper conductors, which can be either single-wire or multi-wire. From one to six cores with a cross section from 1.5 to 240 sq. mm. have PVC insulation and PVC sheath. The peculiarity of this cable is the presence of a layer of steel two-tape armor between the cores and the sheath.

The cable easily withstands temperatures from -50°C to +50°C with humidity up to 98%. PVC insulation provides resistance to aggressive environments. Sheath color is black. The color of the core insulation is either solid or a combination of the main marking colors with white.

Armored VBBShv cable designed for laying power supply networks of detached buildings and structures, as well as electrical installations, both underground and in pipes in the open air (for protection from sunlight). The maximum AC voltage is up to 6000 volts. For direct current, traditionally single-core modifications of this cable are used.

During installation, bends of a radius of at least ten outer diameters of the cable are allowed. It is delivered traditionally in bays from 100 meters. There are modifications: AVBBSHv - aluminum conductors, VBBSHvng - non-combustible version, VBBSHvng-LS - non-combustible version with low gas emission at elevated temperatures.

Flat mounting wire with single-wire copper conductors in PVC insulation and PVC sheath. There may be two or three cores, with a cross section from 1.5 to 6 sq. Mm. Operating temperature range from -15°C to +50°C, permissible humidity 98%. Resistant to aggressive environments. Sheath color white or black, core color: white, blue, yellow-green.

Designed for installation of lighting systems and wiring of sockets in buildings, with a maximum AC voltage of industrial frequency of 250 volts. During installation, bends with a radius of at least ten times the width are allowed. Supplied in coils of 100 and 200 meters.

Modification PBPPg (PUGNP) - stranded conductors, during installation it is allowed to bend along the radius of at least six times the width. APUNP modification - aluminum solid-wire (only solid-wire) conductors.

Flat wire with single-wire copper conductors in PVC insulation with separating inserts between the conductors. Lived can be two or three. The cross section of the conductors is from 0.75 to 6 sq. mm. The wire is allowed to operate in the temperature range from -50°C to +70°C.

The insulation is resistant to aggressive environments and vibrations, does not support combustion, and the permissible ambient humidity is 100%. The color of the insulation is traditionally white, no additional protective sheath is required.

PPV wire is intended for installation of stationary lighting systems and household electrification networks, which are laid inside buildings. The maximum voltage is 450 volts at alternating current frequency up to 400 Hz. During installation, bending with a radius of at least ten times the width is allowed. Supplied in coils of 100 meters. Modification APPV - with aluminum conductors.

Aluminum single-core wire of round section in PVC insulation. There are both multi-wire and single-wire. A multi-wire conductive core can have a cross section from 25 to 95 sq. mm, and a single-wire - from 2.5 to 16 sq. mm. The operating temperature range is quite wide - from -50°C to +70°C.

The insulation is resistant to aggressive environments, and the wire itself is resistant to vibrations. Humidity up to 100% is allowed. White insulation.

APV wire is used during installation switchboards, power networks, lighting systems, electrical equipment, such as machine tools. Can operate at voltages up to 750 volts at alternating current with a frequency of up to 400 Hz, or at DC with voltage up to 1000 volts.

Gasket is allowed in enclosed spaces, or outdoors, but with a prerequisite - with protection from direct sunlight, in a pipe, in a corrugation, in a special channel, etc. During installation, a bend with a radius of at least ten times the wire diameter is permissible. Supplied in coils from 100 meters.

Copper single-core wire of round cross-section in PVC insulation. The minimum number of wires in the core is one, the minimum cross section of one wire is 0.5 sq. mm. A stranded core can have a cross section from 16 to 120 sq. mm, and a single-wire - from 0.5 to 10 sq. mm.

The range of permissible operating temperatures is from -50°C to +70°C, the insulation is resistant to chemical attack, the wire is resistant to mechanical vibrations, the permissible humidity is up to 100%. The color of the insulation can be different: red, white, blue, black, yellow-green.

Used for electrification various fields, starting with the installation of switchboards and lighting systems, ending with the winding of transformer windings for domestic needs. The wire is designed for voltage up to 750 volts at alternating current with a frequency of up to 400 Hz, and up to 1000 volts at direct current.

Lay either indoors or in external conditions, but in protective pipes, corrugations, or in cable channels. Open laying is unacceptable in conditions of constant presence of the wire under the influence of sunlight.

The bending radius is at least ten times the wire diameter. Supplied in coils from 100 meters. The APV wire is a modification of the PV1 wire, but only with aluminum as the core material.

Copper single-core wire of round cross-section in PVC insulation. A stranded wire core can have a cross section from 0.5 to 400 sq. mm. The range of safe operating temperatures is from -50°C to +70°C, the insulation is resistant to aggressive environments, the permissible humidity is up to 100%. The color of the insulation can be different: red, blue, white, black, yellow-green.

It is used for electrification in various fields: installation of switchboards, wiring of lighting systems, electrical wiring for powering equipment in industrial workshops, etc., that is, where multiple bending is required. The wire is designed for voltage up to 750 volts at alternating current with a frequency of up to 400 Hz, and up to 1000 volts at direct current.

The PV3 wire is laid either indoors or outdoors, but in protective pipes, corrugations, or in cable ducts. Ideal for laying wiring through risers in houses. In addition, this wire is popular in car tuning. Open laying is unacceptable in conditions of constant presence of the wire under the influence of sunlight. The bending radius is at least five times the wire diameter. Supplied in coils from 100 meters.

We hope this article has helped you get general idea about the most common electrical wires, their characteristics and applications, and now you can easily choose the right type of wire for your needs.

According to Wikipedia, a cable is a construction of one or more conductors enclosed in a sheath. For the uninitiated, the differences between a cable and a wire are absolutely not noticeable, but they are. In life, sometimes there are moments when it is necessary to determine exactly what their differences are.

Cable

In order to understand the difference between a cable and a wire, they need to be considered in detail. We already know what a cable is. For a more detailed study, it's time to get acquainted with its classification and varieties. First of all, they are divided into application groups:

• power;
• mounting;
• communications;
• management;
• radio frequency;
• optical.

Power are designed to transmit electricity. They are laid permanently and are used when connecting mobile electrical consumers.

Mandatory elements included in the cable are:

1. conductive core;
2. her isolation;
3. shell.

Made from copper and aluminium. Supply voltage - up to 750 kV. Have long term operation (30 years). Best insulation- made of cross-linked polyethylene.

Mounting devices are used for inter-device installation electrical devices. Supply voltage - up to 500 V. The main material of current-carrying conductors is copper. They are stable in performance at elevated temperatures.

Communication cables are used in signaling and wired communications. For example, a corrugated cocoon-shaped waveguide is used in radio engineering and radar systems. Widely used for long-distance, inter-regional and city communications.

Control cables are used for control and lighting circuits in machine tools and other mechanisms with voltage up to 600 V.

Radio frequency and optical media transmit energy and signals at certain radio frequencies or in the optical range.

In addition to groups, these electrical conductors have a number of other features by which they are classified. This includes parameters such as insulation, shielding, the number of current-carrying cores and their material from which they are made. There are a number of other signs of cable subdivision. The classification of electrical products is described in detail in the ISO 11801 2002 standard.

The wire

From GOST 15845-80 it follows that a wire is a cable connection containing one or more wires, or insulated cores, over which there is a light non-metallic sheath. The same GOST indicates that the wire is not laid in the ground, which is how it differs from the cable.

Wires are represented by a wide range of classification:

• by conductivity;
• section (diameter);
• material;
• type of insulation.

There are a number of other features by which these electrical products are classified.

Types of wires basically predetermine their area of ​​use. They can differ from each other in many ways. There are winding, assembly, automotive, connecting, insulated and others. They are not isolated, for example, in overhead power lines (power lines). More detailed information this can be easily found on Internet sites and in numerous videos.

Wire and cable have some similarities in appearance. But there are differences between them, and they are clearly visible to a specialist.

The difference between cable and wire

To understand what is the difference between any cable and wire, it is enough to have basic knowledge in the field of electrical engineering.

Insulation

The first difference is interpreted by GOST 15845-80. He clearly defined that the wire does not have a separate insulation for each current-carrying core. A conductor or a strand of several conductors may be enclosed in some kind of insulating sheath, or may not have it at all. The same GOST determines that in the cable each current-carrying core has its own insulation.

Thus, one of the main differences between the products under consideration will be the presence of insulation on each current conductor and a common insulating sheath. If each conductor is in separate insulation, then we have a cable. If there is no insulation, or several uninsulated conductors are enclosed in an insulating sheath - a wire.

Marking

Knowing how to read brands of electrical products, you can also determine the difference between them. What is the difference between a cable and a wire in the marking? Visually - letters and numbers. It really looks like this. There is an inscription on the insulation - AVVGng 3 * 2.5. After decoding it, we see that we have a cable in front of us. It consists of three aluminum conductors. Each with a section of 2.5 mm², is in polyvinyl chloride insulation (PVC). All current-carrying conductors are enclosed in a common sheath, also made of PVC. NG means that it does not support combustion.

A diverse number of letters in the marking characterizes the product in many of its parameters. The presence of the letter B in the brand means that the cable is armored, Ш means protection in the form of a hose, R - rubber protection, E - the presence of a screen. By the presence of letters in the marking, it is easy to recognize the type of product, and determine the possibility of its use in a particular case.

Electrical wires also have their own markings. It is practically no different from cable marking. The fact is that in electrics, marking standards correspond to GOST and are identical for all products. If PuGV is written on the insulation of the product, this means that we have an installation wire with increased flexibility in PVC insulation. More detailed information about marking wires can also be taken from electrical reference books or from Internet sites.

Application conditions

Cable, unlike wire found more wide application under special conditions. Having increased protection against mechanical and aggressive damage, it is laid under water. All underground communications are carried out only by him. In addition, they are used in mines, fire hazardous rooms, rooms with increased corrosive activity and other places.

Wires are used only inside electrical distribution devices. Outside of these, it is recommended to use cables or conductive bars. As an example, consider the wire PV-3. This is a mounting copper wire with a stranded core. Suitable for use in baths and bathrooms. Does not burn. Has found wide application in the installation of residential electrical wiring. It has increased flexibility, which is different from other wires.

Life time

Generally, cables are more durable than wires. This is primarily due to the presence of a minimum of double insulation. In addition, some of them are made in an armored shell, which also increases the service life. It is generally accepted that average term This product has been in service for 30 years. The wire lasts about half as long.

Voltage

AT various sources there is a discussion of the issue of the difference between a cable and a wire in terms of voltage. Should this parameter be taken into account? The answer is unequivocal - yes, it is worth it. Based on the fact that the cables have at least double insulation of current-carrying cores, it becomes clear that large currents and high voltages can be passed through them.

Therefore, in technical specifications products indicate what maximum voltage they are designed for. If they reach hundreds of kilovolts for cables, then wires, as a rule, are limited to a maximum of only one kilovolt.

The difference between cable and wire is popularly discussed in this video:

Choice between cable and wire

When planning a construction or repair, you can independently decide what you need to buy - wire or cable. It becomes possible to pre-calculate the required footage of electrical communications. This is necessary in the first place in order not to overpay extra money. Knowing the differences between a cable and a wire and installing in right place exactly what needs to be installed increases the safety of the entire electrical system. This means that security, primarily fire protection, of the facility as a whole, whether it is an apartment or a cottage, is increased.