When building electrical connections in your home, making the right decision is crucial. The electrical cables in your home are responsible for transmitting power, and by selecting the incorrect cable, you run the risk of creating a safety hazard, starting a fire, or damaging your electronic devices.
We'll go over the variables you should take into account while choosing electrical wires for your home.
Tips to Select the Right Electrical Cable
- Understand the types of cables
Understanding the many types of electrical wires is crucial before you start purchasing. The most typical kinds of electrical wires are listed below:
Non-metallic sheathed cable (NM)
These cables work best when used inside and are widely used for wiring in residences. The most common variety is the 14/2 NM cable, which comprises two bare-copper ground wires and two 14-gauge wires (black and white). Usually, they are color-coded.
Armored cable (AC)
These cables are suited for use in locations where there is a risk of damage to the cable because they include a metal sheath that offers additional protection.
Underground feeder cable
These cables can be buried underground and are made for outdoor use. They are typically employed for outdoor applications such as pumping and illumination.
Low voltage cables
These are often used for low voltage applications like landscape lighting.
Flexible electrical cable
Flexible electrical cable is very useful for electricity transmission. Flexible electric cable bends easily at the edges.
- Establish the required loads
The quantity of electricity that the cable will transport is referred to as the "load requirement.
To calculate the required load, you must be aware of the power requirements of the equipment that will be connected to the cable. For instance, a cable with a higher load capacity is needed for high-power appliances like electric heaters, air conditioners, and ovens.
- Think about the Cable Length
When choosing electrical cables for your home, the cable's length is a crucial consideration.
The voltage loss increases with cable length, which can cause inefficiencies and safety risks. It is preferable to consult an electrician to establish the proper cable size if you need to install a long connection.
- Insulation must be checked
Select a three-layered electric wire. The first layer of the three layers provides water resistance; the second layer provides heat or high temperature resistance, and the third layer provides fire retardant properties. Additionally, the insulation should be capable of withstanding a temperature of +100 °C without melting. The safe and secure operation of your home's electrical system depends on this component.
- Check the cable ratings
Electrical wires are coded and rated according to their insulating qualities. Voltage, current, temperature, and other variables are used to base the codes. To maintain safety and avoid electrical fires, choose cables with the right grade for your application.
- Select the proper cable gauge
The cable's gauge, or thickness, is essential to the cable's ability to transport current.
The thinner the wire is and the less current it can carry, the higher the gauge number. The amount of heat that a cable can withstand also depends on its thickness. Choosing the appropriate cable gauge for your application is crucial.
Conclusion
Remember that the safety and efficiency of your home depend on the electrical cables you use, so if you're unclear about which cable to select, don't hesitate to speak with an electrician. You may choose the proper electrical wires for your home and avoid safety risks by adhering to these recommendations.
For your location, whether it be a house or office, Znergy Cable offers the highest quality wires and cables. The wires are created with the property's standards and construction in mind, as well as any environmental, electrical, or mechanical requirements.
Znergy Cable is one of the leading electrical cable manufacturers in Australia. We have a wide range of MV and HV cable for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
