The most commonly used types of wires and cables are BV and BVR. Many consumers wonder, "BV and BVR cables have such similar names, so what's the difference? Where are they used?" To prevent unnecessary trouble by purchasing the wrong type of wire and cable without understanding the details, let's explain the differences.
What's the difference between BV and BVR cables?
BV cables:
Mainly used for power supply, lighting, sockets, and air conditioning. They are suitable for cables and wires used in power plants, household appliances, instruments, and telecommunications equipment with AC voltages of 450/750V and below. They have a certain degree of stiffness, making them easier to bend and straighten.
Disadvantages: The conductors are stiff, making repeated bends difficult to straighten, and prone to damage during bending and straightening.
Advantages: They have a long service life and are less susceptible to local short circuits and damage to the single core.
BVR cables:
They are 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 cables are more complex to manufacture than rigid cables, and they carry greater current than rigid cables for high-frequency circuits.
Advantages: Flexible cables are suitable for installation in temporary electrical locations and are easy to move.
Disadvantages: Short service life, rapid oxidation, and vulnerability to local short-circuit currents, high-temperature oxidation, and the risk of core breakage and localized overheating.
In terms of installation, rigid cables are easier to install, while flexible cables are easier to bend but also more difficult to secure. Frequent bending also shortens the lifespan of the cable. Therefore, rigid cables (BV cables) are generally used for concealed wiring in home installations. Flexible cables (BVR cables) are generally used for temporary wiring and for external wiring with revolving connections.
What are the types of BV cables?
By application:
BV cables are further divided into ZC-BV and N-BV.
ZC-BV: Copper-core polyethylene insulated flame-retardant cable: The insulation material contains a flame retardant, which prevents spontaneous combustion when away from open flames.
N-BV: Copper-core polyethylene insulated fire-resistant cable: It can still function normally under normal fire conditions.
By specification:
0.75 square, 1 square, 1.5 square, 2.5 square, 4 square, 6 square, 10 square, 16 square, 25 square, 35 square, 50 square, 70 square, 95 square, 120 square, 150 square, 185 square, 240 square, etc.
By application:
ZC-BV 0.75 square, ZC-BV 1 square, ZC-BV 1.5 square, ZC-BV 2.5 square, ZC-BV 4 square, etc.
N-BV 0.75 square, N-BV 1 square, N-BV 1.5 square, N-BV 2.5 square, N-BV 4 square, etc.
The above is the difference and definition of BV and BVR series wires and cables. I believe everyone has a better understanding of them. They each have their own advantages and disadvantages, and we need to judge based on the specific usage environment. I believe that consumers will be able to make the right choice in the future.
