Wires and cables are essential components for electricity. Many households purchase their own wiring based on the advice of an electrician or by consulting with a salesperson. Having some knowledge of this aspect can help you feel more confident when choosing. So how do you assess the quality of wires and cables and choose the right ones? Today, we'll share:
Identifying the Quality of Wires and Cables
1) First, determine if the quality of wires and cables is within the specified weight range. Poor quality typically indicates insufficient weight, either due to insufficient length or excessive impurities in the copper core.
2) Second, consider the manufacturer of the wires and cables. Counterfeit and substandard products often lack a manufacturer, production date, or quality assurance, but may display ambiguous origin labels such as "Made in China" or "Made in a certain province or city in China," effectively omitting any origin labeling.
3) Third, consider the copper core of the wires and cables. Low-quality copper wire has a purple-black, yellowish, or whitish core, is high in impurities, has poor mechanical strength, and is not very ductile. It breaks with the slightest force, and often has broken wires.
4) Finally, consider the price of the wires and cables. Counterfeit and inferior products are often manufactured at low cost but with poor quality materials, often misleading consumers by offering a low price and good quality.
How to Select Wires and Cables
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-buried 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. Choose according to the intended use.
1. The selection of power cables should follow the following principles:
(1) The rated voltage of the cable should be greater than or equal to the rated voltage of the power supply system at the installation point;
(2) The continuous allowable current of the cable should be equal to or greater than the maximum continuous current of the power supply load;
(3) The cross-section of the wire core should meet the stability requirements of the power supply system during short circuit;
(4) Check whether the voltage drop meets the requirements based on the cable length;
(5) The minimum short-circuit current at the end of the line should enable the protective device to operate reliably.
When purchasing wires, the specifications and quality are two points to pay attention to. You must choose according to the actual situation. Don't blindly listen to the good specifications of a certain model of wire and don't be greedy for cheapness, because it is easy to buy inferior products. The quality of the wire is directly related to whether the household electricity use is safe. Choosing genuine wires that are suitable for your home is the right choice.
