Home wiring refers to the electrical system installed within a residential property. It consists of a network of wires, cables, switches, outlets, and other components that deliver electricity to various fixtures and appliances throughout the house. Properly installed and maintained home wiring ensures safe and efficient electrical power distribution. Choosing the correct House Electrical Wire involves considering several factors, including the electrical load, wire size, insulation type, and local electrical codes. A brief guide to help you make the right choice of Home Electrical Wire:
Determine the Electrical Load
Start by calculating the electrical load or the total amount of power to be used in each circuit. Consider the number of outlets, lighting fixtures, and appliances likely to be connected to each circuit. It will help you determine the capacity or amperage rating required for the House Wire.
Check Local Electrical Codes
Acquaint yourself with the local electrical codes and regulations. These codes specify the minimum requirements for Wire for House Wiring size, insulation, grounding, and installation methods. They ensure safety and adherence with the applicable standards. Check with your local building department or consult a licensed electrical contractor to understand the requirements.
Determine Wire Size
The circuit amperage rating and the wire run length the wire run determine the wire size. You can refer to the National Electrical Code (NEC) or consult an electrician to determine the appropriate wire size. The wire size is usually specified in terms of American Wire Gauge (AWG). The larger numbers indicate smaller wire diameters. For example, 14 AWG is smaller than 12 AWG.
Select the Insulation Type
Different insulation types are suitable for different environments and applications. The most common insulation types include:
Select the insulation type that aligns with the specific requirements of your installation. Refer to local codes and consult with an electrician if needed.
Consider Special Requirements
Certain applications may require specialized wiring. For example, if you have high-temperature environments, you may need Home Wiring Cable with insulation capable of withstanding elevated temperatures. Additionally, low-voltage applications such as doorbells or security systems may require specific wiring designed for low voltage.
There are several common types of House Wiring Cables and wires. Some of the most popular types:
Non-Metallic Sheathed Cable
It is the most common type of electrical wire used in residential construction. It comprises two or more insulated wires (conductors) and a bare copper ground wire encased in a plastic sheath. NM cable is used for general-purpose wiring, such as lighting circuits, outlets, and appliances.
Armored Cable
Armored cable is a flexible metal-clad House Wiring Cable that provides extra protection compared to NM cable. It contains insulated wires wrapped in a flexible metal sheath. AC cable is typically used in exposed areas or where additional physical protection is required, such as basements or outdoor installations.
Underground Feeder Cable
UF-B cable is designed for underground installations and is suitable for direct burial or running through a conduit. It has insulation and a protective jacket that makes it resistant to moisture and sunlight. UF-B cable is used for outdoor wiring, including outdoor lighting, sprinkler systems, and underground circuits.
Individual Wires in Conduit
In certain situations, individual wires are used instead of sheathed cables. These wires are typically installed in conduit, which provides additional protection. The most commonly used individual wires for home wiring are THHN (Thermoplastic High Heat-Resistant Nylon) and THWN (Thermoplastic Heat and Water-Resistant Nylon). They are available in various colors and are suitable for dry and wet locations.
Low-Voltage Wiring
Low-voltage Electrical House Wiring is used for applications that require lower voltage levels, such as doorbells, thermostats, and security systems. These wires are typically smaller in diameter and have different insulation types when compared to standard electrical wires. They are designed to carry low-voltage signals safely.
Coaxial Cable
Coaxial cables are primarily used for television (TV) and internet connections. They consist of a central conductor, insulation, a metal shield, and an outer jacket. Coaxial cables provide better signal quality and are less susceptible to interference.
If you’re uncertain about any aspect of choosing the right electrical wiring for your home, it’s advisable to consult a licensed electrician. They can assess your specific needs, consider local codes, and provide expert guidance on selecting the appropriate wiring for your home. It’s important to note that the availability and use of types of electrical wires may vary depending on local electrical codes and regulations. KEI, established in 1968, is among the most reputed names and an undisputed industry leader in household electrical wiring and various other wire and cable solutions. Visit the KEI website https://www.kei-ind.com/ for details of the products or mail us at info@kei-ind.com for queries on custom products.
Armor-Clad (AC) Cable: AC cable includes THHN-insulated conductors with 16-gauge aluminum bond wire placed inside the armor to act as a grounding conductor.
Automotive Cable: This is a general-purpose thermoplastic (GPT) wire, also referred to as primary wire. Normal applications are within motor vehicles with limited exposure to fluids, physical wear and abuse.
Bayonet Neill-Concelman (BNC) Cable: BNC cables are small, quick-connect/disconnect radio frequency connectors used for coaxial cables.
Category Cable: This is used for phone systems and data networking systems. Cat 5e is the most common variety of category cable that’s used for computer networking on internet service installations. The conductor pairs are twisted together to prevent cross-talk and interference from other paired conductors in the cable, as well as external interference. The higher the megahertz (MHz) capability, the more twists per foot.
Coaxial Cable: This is a metallic cable that carries television and video signals. It connects to video equipment and features a central conductor with a dielectric insulator, metallic shield and plastic jacket.
Doorbell Wire: Doorbell wire is used to connect a wired doorbell or video doorbell to a home’s electrical system. 18-gauge wire is the variety most often used.
Dual Armored Cable: This is a durable cable that offers protection without employing electrical conduit, elbows, offsets (which can be expensive) or conduit couplings. For areas where the cable may be exposed to moisture, metal-clad armor prevents corrosion.
Flexible Cord: Typically used for industrial machinery, washing machines and large appliances, portable tools, equipment, and extension or power cords, flexible/power cord has its own naming convention based on a letter code, with a common option being SJEOOW.
Lamp Cord: Used with lamps, small appliances, radios and other similar products that don’t exceed 300 volts, lamp cord is available between 18- and 12-gauge sizes in a variety of colors.
Landscape Lighting Low-Voltage (LV) Cable: This underground cable is suitable for outdoor accent lighting, landscape lighting and security lighting. Applications shouldn’t exceed 150 volts. It’s used for direct burial, is suitable for sunlight and is available between 16- and 8-gauge sizes.
Metal-Clad (MC) Cable: MC cable is used heavily in commercial electrical work, for running through concrete or in other commercial environments. Individual THHN wire conductors are run through an aluminum interlocked armor. It includes a grounding wire.
Mobile Home Feeder: This connects a mobile home to a supply of electricity where permanent wiring is required, and it’s suitable for direct burial and underground service entrance cable. It includes four RHH or RHW-2 conductors, with a white stripe for neutral and a green ground conductor. It’s sunlight-resistant.
Network and Data Cable: This comes in three types — fiber-optic, twisted-pair and coaxial cable — and is used to connect multiple networking devices or computers in a network.
NM-B: This is a non-metallic sheathed cable that’s used as a residential building wire for branch circuits for outlets, lighting and other residential applications. NM-B is available between 14 AWG and 6 AWG with two or three conductors.
Preassembled Whips: These are pre-cut lengths of armored cable designed to increase jobsite productivity. Assembly comes with pre-stripped THHN conductors and pre-installed zinc die-cast, snap-in fittings.
Residential Grounding Wire: This is bare copper wire that’s available in 4-, 6- and 8-gauge solid and stranded construction. It’s used to ground the residential electrical system, usually at the meter before it enters the dwelling. It’s also used for grounding the perimeter surface around pools.
Service Entrance Cable: This includes individual conductors rated XHHW-2 or THHN/THWN and feeds power from a main breaker to a subpanel. It can be exposed to direct sunlight and used in wet or dry locations.
Speaker Wire: Made of copper and designed to transport a low-voltage electrical current, speaker wire has a variety of wiring uses, including doorbells, thermostats, home security sensors, landscape lighting and other low-current systems.
Sprinkler Wire: Multi-conductor sprinkler wire is suitable for direct burial on applications up to 30 volts. It’s used in central controls for underground sprinkler systems and is available in 18-gauge construction with up to 25 conductors.
Submersible Pump Cable: This includes THWN copper conductors that are heat-, moisture-, oil- and gasoline-resistant. It’s suitable for temperatures below 75 degrees Celsius with two or three conductors. It’s used for power and circuits for submersible pump systems.
Thermostat Wire: Used in heating and air conditioning systems, along with bell and alarm systems, thermostat wire is available in 20- or 18-gauge sizes with up to 10 conductors.
Underground (UF-B) Wire: A copper wire used for underground purposes, including direct burial, it comes in a gray jacket and can be used for deck lighting, outdoor water features, landscape lighting and air conditioner compressors.
Underground Residential Distribution (URD) Cable: Used for secondary distribution and underground service applications at 600 volts or less, it’s suitable for direct burial or placement in ducts. It’s acceptable in wet locations in triplex or quadruplex. Conductors are stranded, compressed aluminum. The neutral conductor has a yellow, triple-extruded stripe.