Electrical wires are a common component of our daily lives. While seemingly inconspicuous, they carry significant responsibilities. Wires are also widely categorized, falling into various types based on their intended use. Compared to wires used in other applications, such as construction, household wiring has relatively low functional requirements. The following describes the five major categories of wires and cables, along with more specific household wiring classifications.
I. Wire and cable products in my country can be divided into the following five categories based on their intended use:
1) Bare Wire: This refers to products consisting solely of a conductor without an insulation layer. These include round single wires made of various metals, such as copper and aluminum, and composite metals; stranded wires for various overhead transmission lines; flexible wiring; shaped wires; and profiles.
2) Winding Wire: This refers to wire used in a winding pattern to generate current by cutting magnetic lines of force in a magnetic field, or to generate a magnetic field by passing current. Therefore, it is also called electromagnetic wire. This includes enameled wire, wrapped wire, and inorganically insulated wire with various properties.
3) Power Cables: These are cables used to transmit and distribute high-power electrical energy within the main lines of power systems. These cables include power cables with various voltage levels and insulation, ranging from 1 to 330 kV and above.
4) Communication Cables and Optical Fiber Cables: Communication cables are used to transmit telephone, telegraph, television, radio, data, and other electrical information. Optical fiber cables use optical fibers as a light wave transmission medium to transmit information. Radio frequency cables are used to transmit radio frequency signals in radio communications, broadcasting, and related electronic equipment.
5) Electrical Equipment Wires and Cables: These are cables used to connect power lines that directly transmit electrical energy from the power distribution point of the power system to various electrical equipment and appliances. This type of product has the widest application and the largest variety. The structure and performance of these cables are often determined based on the characteristics of the equipment used and the operating environment.
II. Classification of Household Electrical Wiring
1. Hard Wire
Professionally known as BV wire, these cables are primarily used for power supply, lighting, sockets, and air conditioning. They are suitable for power equipment, household appliances, instruments, and telecommunications equipment with AC voltages of 450/750 V and below. Hard wire has a certain degree of stiffness, making it easier to bend and straighten.
2. Flexible wire
Professionally known as BVR wire, it is suitable for cables and wires used in power plants, household appliances, instruments, and telecommunications equipment with AC voltages of 450/750V and below, such as distribution boxes. Flexible wire is more complex to manufacture than hard wire, and in high-frequency circuits, flexible wire has a higher current carrying capacity than hard wire.
Hard wire and flexible wire are the two most common types of wire used in daily life. Another important thing to know is the wire's square footage, or size. Common sizes include 1.5 square, 2.5 square, 4 square, 6 square, and 10 square. This is also important to know when choosing wire. With this understanding, you should be less confused when asked about wires.
