Home renovations involve countless materials. For electrical wiring, which is inevitably used, there are two types: BV and BVR. If you're not a professional plumber or electrical contractor, the difference between these two materials can be confusing. Therefore, we'll explain in detail the differences between BV and BVR wires, as well as the reasons for choosing BV or BVR for home renovations, for your reference when renovating your electrical wiring!
What are the advantages and disadvantages of BV wire?
1. Advantages: Long service life. Due to its small outer diameter/cross-sectional area ratio, it's resistant to oxidation and resistant to short-circuit current surges. It's generally used in shielded applications. However, in some areas with strict requirements, such as current transformer secondary leads, regulations explicitly prohibit the use of BVR wire.
2. Disadvantages: The wire is stiff, making it difficult to straighten after bending. Repeated bending and straightening can damage it, and it's labor-intensive to install in small conduits. It's often used in fixed or buried installations.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of BVR wire?
1. Advantages: Because the wire is softer, it's often used in mobile and temporary power distribution centers, making it easy to install, drag, and move.
2. Disadvantages: Short service life. Due to its large outer diameter/cross-sectional area ratio, it oxidizes quickly. If subjected to short-circuit current and high temperatures, the surface oxidizes severely, significantly reducing the effective cross-section. This can easily lead to problems such as core breakage and localized overheating. For electrical safety reasons, it should be replaced promptly.
In recent years, flame-retardant wire, with its higher safety factor, has become the preferred choice for many users. Flame-retardant BV wire is an upgrade from standard BV wire, requiring higher craftsmanship and raw materials, resulting in a higher cost. In terms of hardness, BV wire is harder than BVR wire, and its core is made of 99.99% oxygen-free copper.
It generally sells for a higher price than standard BV wire, but most electricians prefer BVR wire for ease of use, both for wiring and connecting to outlets. This is primarily determined by the wiring and installation personnel.
