Electrical wires are generally categorized as single-core and multi-core. Wire materials are further categorized by material, including common oxygen-free copper, single crystal copper, alloys, and inorganic materials. Each strand of a single-strand wire is composed of a single thick wire and is also called a hard wire. In contrast, each strand of a multi-strand wire is composed of multiple thin copper wires and is also called a soft wire.
Is multi-core or single-core wire better?
1. Construction: Multi-strand wire is easier to construct.
Since single-strand wire is made from a single thick copper wire, it is somewhat stiffer than multi-strand wire, making it more difficult to thread during construction. Multi-strand wire, on the other hand, is much easier to thread.
2. Heat dissipation: Multi-strand wire offers certain advantages in heat dissipation.
Multi-strand wire is composed of multiple thin copper wires, with some spacing between them, which offers advantages in heat dissipation.
3. Price: Single-strand wire is relatively inexpensive.
Multi-strand wire is made up of multiple thin copper wires. The production process is slightly more complex, so the cost is slightly higher. Single-strand wire is relatively cheaper.
Taking all factors into consideration, multi-core copper wire is preferred over single-core copper wire.
General Wiring Use for Household Appliances
1. Induction cookers and air conditioners should be wired separately, using 2.5-4 mm² wire.
2. Living room cabinet units with 3 or more horsepower draw a large current load when starting, so it's best to run a separate 6 mm² wire.
3. A 5A induction cooker draws a total current of 10A, 4 mm², or 25-32A. Therefore, the incoming wire should be 4 mm², the outlet 2.5 mm², and the air conditioner 5 mm².
4. Lighting wiring generally uses 1.5 mm² wire.
5. For general household appliances (such as appliances, washing machines, etc.), use 2.5 mm² wire for load lines.
So, is thicker wire always better?
Home wiring should be pre-laid based on the actual power of the appliance; larger is not always better. Simply purchasing thicker wires won't benefit your home's electrical system and will likely lead to unnecessary losses. The cross-sectional area of a wire is directly proportional to the current flow: the larger the wire, the greater the loss. Therefore, it's best to use it in moderation.
The choice of wire varies by market, and local awareness of wires varies. Home renovations often use single-core wires, which are often encased in 6-gauge PVC tubing, so single-core wires are sufficient. Multi-core wires, while advantageous and offering an extra layer of protection, are more expensive and add unnecessary costs. Electrical wiring should be pre-installed based on the actual power draw of the appliance; larger is not necessarily better.
