Today in this article we will go through the most used electrical power cables like and many more with their features and where they are mostly used.
Non-Metallic Sheathed Cable (NM Cable)
Definition: Non-metallic sheathed cable is a popular choice for wiring residential homes, and is commonly known as NM cable, or by the brand name, Romex. These cables are made up of several conductors covered with a plastic casing.
Applications:
- Perfect for indoors in dry places.
- Typically employed for electrical outlets, lights, and gadgets.
- Flexibility makes it easy to install.
- Cost-effective.
- Use in damp places or outside is not recommended.
MC, MCI or AC (Metal-Clad Cable or Armored Cable)
Armored Cables When conductors are protected by a metal sheath, it is called armored cables.
Applications:
- Commonly utilized in (often) commercial, industrial environments.
- Ideal for both outlined as well as state areas and areas prone to harm
- Very good against corrosive damage.
- Suitable for exposed installations.
- Costlier than NM cables.
- It is heavier and less flexible, making it harder to install.
UF cable (Underground Feeder Cable)
Description: Underground Feeder Cable (UF) Their conductors are solid thermoplastic so they're resistant to moisture and physical damage.Applications:
- Outdoor and underground wiring (e.g. garden lighting, powering outbuildings)
- Waterproof and durable.
- Can be direct buried without a conduit.
- Not as flexible as NM cables, which can complicate installation.
Coaxial Cable
Description: Coaxial cables consist of a central conductor that is covered with insulation, a metallic shield, and an outer plastic sheath. They are mainly used for transferring data.
Applications:
Description: Coaxial cables consist of a central conductor that is covered with insulation, a metallic shield, and an outer plastic sheath. They are mainly used for transferring data.
Applications:
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Commonly used for cable TV, broadband internet connections, and CCTV systems.
Advantages:
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Great resistance against electromagnetic interference (EMI).
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Long-distance signal transmission with good reliability.
Limitations:
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Not meant for standard power transfer.
Description: These cables consist of several insulated conductors bundled in a common shell, usually forming complex networks.
Applications:
Applications:
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Uses: Control systems, industrial machinery, audio/visual equipment, etc.
Advantages:
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Simplifies installation in systems with multiple colors.
Limitations:
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They're heavy and more expensive than single-conductor cables.
Direct Buried Cable (DB Cable)
Description: DB cables are intended for burial without additional conduits for protection. They are insulated against moisture, chemicals and physical stress.
Applications:
Applications:
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Mains Power Transmission and Distribution Use in Underground Installations
Advantages:
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Ideal for use in long-term installations.
Limitations:
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Needs careful setup to prevent being damaged.
High-Voltage Cable
Description: High-voltage cables are used to transmit very high voltage, typically from power plants to substations.
Applications:
Applications:
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Transmission and distribution networks for power.
Advantages:
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Able to carry power over long distances.
Limitations:
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High cost and need for special installation
Twin and Earth Cable
Description: This is a plastic sheath with two insulated conductors and a bare earth wire inside.
Applications:
Applications:
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Used most often for domestic wiring for lighting and power circuits.
Advantages:
-
Made for residential use, simple and adjustable.
Limitations:
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Limited to indoor use.
Ribbon Cable
Description: Ribbon cables are flat, parallel conductors (many parallel wires) arranged in a flat cable format.
Applications:
Applications:
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Low voltage — For use on low-voltage applications such as computers and peripherals.
Advantages:
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Routable in narrow spaces, flexible, and easy to route.
Limitations:
DO NOT SUITABLE FOR HIGH POWER APPLICATIONS
DO NOT SUITABLE FOR HIGH POWER APPLICATIONS
Fiber Optic Cable
Nature of Connectivity: Fiber optic cables transmit data via light signals instead of electricity. They comprise of glass or plastic fibers contained in protective coverings.
Applications:
The application of Ethernet Technology Is in Telecommunication, Internet and Data transmission/Systems.
Advantages:
Applications:
The application of Ethernet Technology Is in Telecommunication, Internet and Data transmission/Systems.
Advantages:
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A very fast data transmission speed
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Immune from electromagnetic interference.
Limitations:
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Subject to breakage and needs to be taken good care of.
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Not cheap versus standard cables.
Submersible Cable
Water: Submersible cables are designed to be used in water or other liquids. They’re highly insulated to prevent water getting in.
Applications:
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Common in submersible pumps, fountains, and underwater lighting.
Advantages:
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It is water and chemical resistant with great durability.
Limitations:
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Restricted to defined subsea applications.
Heliax Cable
Definition: Heliax is a series of coaxial cable types made for the transfer of high frequency signals with low loss.
Applications:
Applications:
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Popular in cellular, radio tower and microwave applications
Advantages:
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Low signal loss.
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Telecommunication high reliability.
Limitations:
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Expensive and specialized.
Conclusion
They are aware of the different types of electrical power cables, which help them decide which is appropriate for the work. The perfect cable is utterly dependent upon the application (also including voltage requirements and environmental conditions). Be it generic wiring of a home, deploying an industrial plant, or expanding cables over a telecommunications niche, having a proper understanding of individual varieties is the way to go for safety, efficient operation, and overall longevity. Never forget to talk to an accredited sparkler or structure engine to assure local code and criterion compliance.
Also Read: How to Find The Best Mining Cable Manufacturers in Australia?