Home renovations require various types of wiring, and outdoor wiring is also essential. While many people may have some familiarity with home wiring, outdoor wiring can be a real headache. When choosing outdoor wiring, it's crucial to understand its classifications to make informed decisions. So, what are the different types of outdoor wiring? How should you choose the right type for your daily needs? Today, I'll provide a brief explanation.
Outdoor Wire Specifications
BX - Copper core rubber insulated wire, operating temperature not exceeding 70°C, for indoor use.
RV - PVC insulated single-core flexible wire, operating temperature not exceeding 10°C, operating temperature not below -10°C, voltage rating 450/750V, used for internal wiring of instruments and equipment.
RVV - Copper core PVC insulated and sheathed flexible wire, operating temperature not exceeding 70°C, voltage rating 300/500V, used in humid environments, requiring high mechanical protection, and subject to frequent movement and bending.
How to Choose Outdoor Wiring
1. This depends on the situation, whether you're running overhead or underground. Overhead requires poles, while underground requires trenching. A 3x6" + 1x4" plastic-sheathed copper-core cable is sufficient. Aluminum wire will suffer from significant voltage drop unless thicker wire is selected. Outdoor waterproof cable is available, and the sheath is typically made of PE, which is waterproof and UV-resistant.
2. You can generally consider YZW sheathed rubber cable or sheathed silicone cable. Both types are generally flexible and suitable for temperatures between -40°C and 150°C. Talk to your wiring supplier to determine the specific model and wire diameter based on your electrical installation requirements.
3. Larger wire sizes may be required for illuminated sports fields or for livestock farms that need to connect certain machines. For factory renovations, BV cable is often used. BV is a copper-core PVC-insulated cable with a long-term operating temperature of 70°C (not below -10°C). It has a voltage rating of 450/750 V and can be installed indoors or outdoors, either exposed or concealed.
4. When buying wire and cable, check for quality, including national standard certification and other certifications.
After reading this, you should understand that whether you're choosing home or outdoor wiring, don't blindly choose based on a single advantage. Beyond understanding its basic performance and different uses, the most effective choice is based on your specific needs and environment.
