What types of electrical wires are there? What types of electrical wires are suitable for home use?

2025-09-09 Leave a message

Electrical wires are essential to our lives and are integral to every household. So, what types of wires are there? It's important to understand that while there are many cable and wire specifications, you can't just choose the right wire for every situation. Instead, you need to consider the wire's performance and the environment in which it will be used. So, what types of wires are suitable for home use? Let me briefly introduce them.


What types of wires are there?


Based on their use, they can be categorized as bare wire, insulated wire, heat-resistant wire, shielded wire, power cable, control cable, communication cable, and radio frequency cable.


Common types of insulated wire include: PVC insulated wire, PVC insulated flexible cord, nitrile-PVC blend insulated flexible cord, rubber insulated wire, agricultural underground direct-burial aluminum-core plastic insulated wire, rubber insulated cotton yarn textile flexible cord, PVC insulated nylon sheathed wire, and PVC insulated flexible cord for power and lighting.


Cable trays are suitable for indoor and outdoor overhead installation of power and control cables in general industrial and mining enterprises. They can also be used for indoor and outdoor installation in telecommunications, radio, and television sectors.


Common electrical accessories include cable terminal boxes, intermediate cable boxes, connecting pipes and terminals, steel plate terminal troughs, and cable trays.


Cable intermediate joints are devices that connect the conductors, insulation shields, and protective layers of cables to form a connection.


What types of electrical wire are suitable for home use?


① BVR wire, also known as PVC insulated multi-strand copper core flexible wire


Advantages: Because the wire is relatively flexible, it is often used in mobile and temporary power distribution locations, making it easy to install, drag, and move.


Disadvantages: Short service life and rapid oxidation; after exposure to high temperatures, the surface can oxidize severely, significantly reducing the effective cross-section; prone to core breakage and localized overheating.


② BV PVC Insulated Single-Core Rigid Wire


Advantages: Long service life; due to its low outer diameter/cross-sectional area ratio, it is less susceptible to oxidation and is resistant to short-circuit current surges. Disadvantages: The wire is relatively rigid, making it difficult to straighten after bending, and can be easily damaged by repeated bending and straightening.


BVV2×2.5 and BVV2×1.5 wires are recommended for household power cords. For fire prevention, maintenance, and safety reasons, it is best to use "national standard" copper core wire with the Great Wall logo. The wire tray area is generally as follows: 1.5 square millimeters for lighting wire and 2.5 square millimeters for socket wire. Note that air conditioning wire must not be smaller than 2.5 square millimeters. Green and yellow two-color wire is recommended for the negative wire (neutral/ground), while red, white, black, or purple can be used for the switch wire (live wire).


That's all about wire classification, common household wires, and purchasing tips. Each type of wire has advantages and disadvantages compared to others. Consider these factors carefully when purchasing to ensure you make the right choice.