Choosing household wiring has always been a headache for those preparing for home renovations. When purchasing wires and cables, many people hope to quickly and accurately select high-quality, affordable wire. Flame-retardant wire is a popular choice, but what's the difference between it and regular wire? Which is better for home use? Today, we'll explore the differences.
The Difference Between Regular and Flame-Retardant Wire
The difference between regular insulated wire and flame-retardant wire is that the outer plastic insulation of flame-retardant wire contains a flame-retardant component. Most regular insulated wire and flame-retardant wire look the same. Flame-retardant wire is divided into three grades: ZA, ZB, and ZC. ZA and ZB are the highest grades and are generally used in military, aviation, and municipal engineering. ZC is more commonly used in civilian applications. Currently, Ganchang flame-retardant wire is marked ZC, for example, ZC-BV2.5 and ZC-BVR2.5. [The Relationship Between ZR, ZA, ZB, ZC, and ZD in Flame-Retardant Wire]
In terms of price, flame-retardant wire is 5% more expensive than non-flame-retardant wire in the wire market. Homeowners can decide whether to install flame-retardant wire based on their renovation budget.
Is it necessary to install flame-retardant wire for home renovations?
Flame-retardant wire refers to wire that, under specified test conditions, when a sample is burned, the flame spreads only within a specified range after the test fire source is removed, and any residual flames or burns self-extinguish within a specified time.
The fundamental characteristic of flame-retardant wire is that it can control the spread of flames within a certain range in the event of a fire, preventing major damage caused by wire ignition and spreading, while preserving other equipment and avoiding further losses.
① Strict acceptance standards for construction projects require the use of flame-retardant wire in such locations. Furthermore, fire departments and project supervisors conduct on-site spot checks of construction wiring, and only allow construction to proceed after the wire passes flame-retardant performance tests. Therefore, flame-retardant wire fully meets the safety requirements of home electrical use in home renovations.
② For home renovations, there are no regulations mandating that renovation companies or homeowners use flame-retardant wiring. However, flame-retardant wiring can improve home electrical safety. When burned, it can limit the spread of flames to a certain area, thus preventing major damage caused by fires.
③ In home renovations, wiring is a hidden component, making repairs very difficult if damaged. Therefore, it's crucial to choose high-quality, reputable wiring! Regarding price, flame-retardant wiring is 5% more expensive than non-flame-retardant wiring. Homeowners can decide whether to install flame-retardant wiring based on their renovation budget.
After reading this article, I'm sure many uninformed individuals will have their own opinions when purchasing. It's best to make a decision based on your specific circumstances and choose high-quality wire and cable. Don't just choose the cheapest option. Home electrical safety is paramount.
