Solar cables are in many ways similar to electric wires. Electric wiring is a system made of conductors coupled with other devices that can be used to transmit electricity. There are different types of electric wiring in the market. The various electrical wiring type is employed in different situations. But remember, the differences in the types of electrical wiring depends on the purpose of the wiring, the quantity of current carried in the wiring and the location where the wiring is installed. Using the right type of electrical wiring can help reduce the amount of energy consumption. While there are different electrical wiring systems, there are also different types of electrical wires which will be discussed in this article.
Types of electric wires
THHN or THWN Wires
This is a type of insulated wires. The wires are used inside the conduit. These types of wires are single conductors each with color-coded insulation; either plastic or tubular metals protect the wires. They are popular in unfinished spaces the likes of basements or garages. They are however common in short exposed runs inside the house. Examples of such places are garbage disposers as well as hot water heaters. The name of the wire is an acronym for the specific insulation properties of the wire. They, therefore, stand for (Thermoplastic, Heat-resistant or highly heat-resistant, rated for wet locations and Nylon Coated).
This type of wires features colored sheathings that are used to make the wires more identifiable in the circuit. The hot wires are colored either red, black or orange, the neutral wires feature the white or brown color, and the ground wires are either green, yellow or yellow-green.
Low- Voltage wires
These are wires that are used for circuits that require small voltages of electricity. There are several types of low-voltage wires depending on the application of the wires. They include; wires used for landscape lighting, doorbells, speaker systems, and thermostats. These wires are heavily insulated, and many times they are contained in cable sheathings or combined in a series of twisted pairs when used as lamb cords. These wires can only be used for low-voltage applications.
Non-metallic sheathed wires
This is the most common type of electric wires. Wires in this category have two or three conductors as well as a plastic coating. They are commonly referred to as NM wires. These wires are very easy to install. However, they are very costly. Regardless, this type of wires is available in varying shapes and sizes and are mostly color-coded by the gauge to allow the electricians and users to differentiate between them. These wires can operate at high levels without necessarily melting, therefore, or a fire erupting.
Conclusion
Other types of electric wires include UF cables otherwise known as Underground Feeder cables. Such cables are very similar to Non-Metallic cables. Coaxial cables are also common and they are used to transport electric signals to televisions and in the connection of video equipment. The different types of electric cables are used for different applications because of their differing features.
