There are many different types of electrical wires, and it's impossible to distinguish them all. However, there are two types of wire that everyone should be familiar with: rigid wire and flexible wire. These are the most commonly used in home renovations. So, what are the differences between these two types of wire? Which is better for home renovations? Today, I'll explain them in detail.
The Concepts of the Two
Flexible wire is essentially a conductor made up of multiple strands of wire with a diameter of less than one millimeter.
Rigid wire is a single strand with a diameter of less than 10 square meters. Many people now prefer to call rigid wire plastic copper wire.
I. Differences Between Rigid and Flexible Wire
1. Appearance
Rigid wire is a relatively thick wire; flexible wire is made up of multiple thinner strands.
2. Installation Difficulty
Rigid wire installation is more prone to problems with joints and crimping, making installation slower. Flexible wire is easier to thread through conduit, making installation faster.
3. Lifespan
Rigid wire is resistant to oxidation, while flexible wire is not, so rigid wire has a longer lifespan than flexible wire.
BV rigid wire has a smaller cross-sectional area ratio, making it less susceptible to oxidation and more resistant to short-circuit current shocks, resulting in a relatively long service life. However, rigid wire is stiffer in some ways, making it difficult to pull the wire in some places and difficult to straighten after bending.
Should I use rigid or flexible wire for renovations?
From a safety perspective, experienced electricians believe rigid wire is better for wiring. Why?
1. Flexible wire is thinner and more prone to aging. Even if used, it's only suitable for small-scale use, such as connecting chandeliers and other electrical appliances, and not for fixed, long-distance wiring.
2. Single-strand rigid wire is relatively cheaper, while multi-strand flexible wire requires more demanding workmanship due to the thinner individual strands. This results in a higher cost.
3. Under normal circumstances, for the same square cross-sectional area, flexible wire has lower conductivity than rigid wire.
4. Thin wires in flexible wiring are prone to short circuits during concealed construction, and excessive heat can also cause overheating. However, rigid wiring has low resistance, generates less heat, and is less likely to cause burns, making it relatively safer.
The editor recommends rigid wiring for renovations. Of course, both rigid and flexible wiring are used during renovations, but rigid wiring is preferred as the primary wiring. The specific choice depends on the specific situation. Furthermore, it's crucial to pay attention to detail during renovations to ensure safe electrical use.
