Wires and cables are one of the essential basic materials in industry and are widely used. So, what is the relationship between cables and wires? Many people might ask with a puzzled look, "Are these not the same thing?" - Actually, strictly speaking, cables and wires have differences in size, structure, function, and characteristics. Let's take a look.
What are wires and cables? Wires and cables are generally composed of three parts: wire and cable conductors, insulation layers, and sheaths. Wires usually refer to conductive metal wires used to carry current. They come in various forms such as solid, twisted, or foil-wrapped. According to the insulation condition, wires can be classified into bare wires and insulated wires. Cables are generally composed of one or more insulated and insulated conductors placed in a sealed sheath, with a protective covering layer on the outside. Cables include power cables, control cables, compensating cables, shielded cables, high-temperature cables, computer cables, signal cables, coaxial cables, fire-resistant cables, marine cables, etc.
What are the main differences between wires and cables?
Structure: Wires are composed of one or several soft conductors, surrounded by a soft insulation layer; cables are composed of one or several insulated and insulated conductors surrounded by a tough outer layer made of metal or rubber.
Size: Wires are small in size and have a simple structure; cables are larger in size and have a more complex structure.
Function: Wires can transmit information and electrical energy, and can be used as automotive low-voltage wires, automotive high-voltage ignition wires, motor and electrical appliance connection wires, aviation wires, compensating wires, etc., and bare wires can also be used as components and connection lines for manufacturing motors and electrical appliances; cables are mainly used for transmitting and distributing electrical energy or transmitting electrical signals, including power cables, communication cables, and control cables, etc.
Characteristics: Wires have low hardness, while cables have high hardness. Due to the limited area, wires can only transmit a small amount of electrical power; while cables have strong bearing capacity and can transmit a relatively large amount of electrical current, etc...
Different wires and cables are suitable for different environments and purposes.
Then, when we choose, what aspects should we consider?
Type selection: When choosing wires and cables, consider the purpose, laying conditions, and safety. Depending on the different purposes, you can choose power cables, overhead insulated cables, control cables, etc.; depending on the different laying conditions, you can choose general plastic-insulated wires, steel tape armored cables, steel wire armored cables, anti-corrosion cables, etc.; depending on the safety requirements, you can choose flame-retardant cables, low-smoke and halogen-free cables, fire-resistant cables, etc.
Specification selection: When determining the usage specification (conductor cross-section) of wires and cables, consider conditions such as heat generation, voltage loss, economic current density, and mechanical strength. According to experience, low-voltage power lines have a larger load current, so generally, the cross-section is selected based on the heat generation condition first, and then the voltage loss and mechanical strength are verified; low-voltage lighting lines have higher requirements for voltage levels, so the cross-section can be selected based on the allowable voltage loss condition first, and then the heat generation condition and mechanical strength are verified; for high-voltage lines, the cross-section is selected based on the economic current density first, and then the heat generation condition and allowable voltage loss are verified. If the user has no experience, they should seek the opinions of relevant professional units or individuals. After determining the specification and model of wires and cables, there is one point that cannot be ignored.
That is the quality of wires and cables. The quality of electrical wires and cables directly affects the normal operation of the circuit. Therefore, when choosing, we should pay attention to the following aspects:
1. When selecting, check the certificate to see if there is the "3C" certification mark on the certificate. Also, check if the model specification, rated voltage, length, manufacturing date, certification number, inspection, execution standard, factory name, and factory address are clearly marked.
2. When selecting by appearance, pay attention to whether the surface is smooth and round, and the color is uniform. Good cables have high flexibility and can be repeatedly bent and have a soft feel.
3. For the conductor, the conductor should have a certain luster and moderate flexibility. The structural dimensions of the conductor should comply with national standards. Pay attention to checking the cross-section of the copper core of the electrical wire and cable. High-quality copper has a brighter color and softer color.
4. When choosing the price, compare the prices and do not be tempted by cheap products. Blindly choosing cheap products will lay a foundation for potential safety hazards in the future use.
