Electrical wires are an everyday existence in human life. It is the medium through which houses get electricity, and the light inside your home lights up. An electrical wire comprises a specific electrical conductor that carries electric power to various facilities. They are the essential and powerful elements of any electrical system.
There are several types of electrical wires available in the market. While each wire carries electricity, the wire choice depends on the purpose, the technical specification, and the place for which it is required. A person needs to have an idea about electrical wires and know the crucial points that would help them choose the best electric wire for their facility.
Copper Vs. Aluminum:
It is a general perception that copper is a far better conductor of electricity than aluminum. However, this statement is not entirely valid. In terms of conductivity of electrical wires, copper is the better conductor. The conductivity doesn’t merely rely on the resistivity but also the cables’ size and the wires’ insulation material. Aluminum electrical wires are the most economic preference in places where there are high voltages across long distances.
Unstable Wire Current Capacity :
The current capacity of wires doesn’t remain stable forever; it fluctuates. It changes regularly and is not the same across the lifespan of the electrical wires. These current capacity changes occur by factors like the existing ground or air temperature, their depth, and the cables’ placing. So ensure to take the wire of high capacity so that it works for a longer period of time.
Cable Armor is not for Protection:
The cable armor used in the electrical wiring process is not specifically for protecting the electrical wire from any physical damages. On the contrary, if the power cord exposes to any physical stress, it is most likely to intensify the damage. The cable armor comprises steel tape or steel wire, which heightens the tensile measure of the electrical wire and doesn’t protect it.
Another misconception people usually have about cable armors is that it protects the electrical wire from moisture. On the contrary, exposing the cable armor to water and moisture would damage the armor and expose the electrical wires to water and hazardous circumstances in the future.
Electrical Wires are available in Different Types and Sizes:
Electrical wires are available in different types and sizes. While most of them are made of copper and have rubber insulations, they have different colors and identification markings. The three primary colors of wires are green and yellow color for ground electrical wire, brown color for live electrical wire, and blue color for neutral electrical wire. However, one may come through a different color group too- green, red, and black.
Concealed cables are equally Hazardous :
Many people think concealed electrical wires are not dangerous and can be dealt with efficiently. This, however, isn’t the case! A house or any facility has a complex structure and layout of the electrical wiring system. As such, the occupants are never familiar with the electrical grid’s design and may accidentally rip or drill the wires. This situation can create short circuits and fires at home. It is essential to have a basic idea of the electrical wiring system’s layout so that the occupants can avoid accidents while renovating a house. Having a fair idea about the facility’s electrical grid will also help you identify the panel switches and know which switch to fiddle with in case of a circuit or an electrical issue at home.
Indoor Vs Outdoor Wires:
There is a difference between indoor and outdoor electrical wires- they are named differently for a reason. Indoor electrical cables shouldn’t be used for outdoor use. Both cables are different in terms of insulation, plugging, gauge rate, and their amperage rate. The insulation for both these wires is diverse. As the outdoor wires are more exposed to heat and moisture, they have substantial, durable insulation compared to the indoor cables. The outdoor cables that are to sustain significant electrical fluctuations have three-pronged wires.
In comparison, the indoor electrical wires made for use in light electrical appliances have two-pronged wires. The gauge rate of outdoor wires is comparatively higher than the indoor wires. The outdoor electrical wires are of a greater length to sustain more current flow outside than an indoor wire, which is roughly a few feet more than 25 feet long. The outdoor electrical wires have a higher amperage rate than their indoor counterparts.
Conclusion:
It is essential to maintain safety and choose the right electrical wire. The wrong wire and faulty installation of electrical cables can lead to deadly circumstances. As there are different wires for different facilities, it is essential to discuss the wire best suited for the requirement and purchase accordingly.
