We never paid
much attention to the cables and wires installed in our homes. All we know is
that they are one of the essential elements that supply electricity to
electrical appliances enabling their proper functionality. There are a plethora
of cables available on the market. While some are thick, some cross-connected
and some flat in look, each of these has their specific functions, usage,
resistance power and induction capacity. Therefore, it becomes imperative to
understand the different types of cables available in the market for times when
you decide to get them changed in electrical appliances or the cabling of the
entire house.
Non-Metallic Sheathed Cable – Also known as NM cables, they are typically enclosed in a flexible
plastic jacket featuring two to four wires and a bare wire for grounding.
Specific variants of Non-Metallic Sheathed Cables are used for outdoor or
underground use. NM-B and NM-C non-metallic sheathed cables are mainly used for
indoor cabling purposes.
Underground Feeder Cable –
Similar to NM cables, they too have two to four cables but instead of being
wrapped in thermoplastic, wires are gripped together and embedded in the
flexible jacket. Available in many variants, UF cables are used for in-ground
applications and outdoor lighting. Their water-resistant property makes them a
popular choice.
Metallic Sheathed Cable –
Otherwise known as BX cables, these are used to supply mains electricity or for
application in large appliances. Metallic Sheathed Cables feature three plain
copper wires which are insulated with cross-linked polyethylene, a black PVC
sheathing, and PVC bedding.
Multi-Conductor Cable –
This is one of the most common types of cable used at homes since they are
well-insulated and simple to use. Commonly known as MC cables, these feature
more than one conductor which are individually insulated assuring maximum
safety. Variants include – multicore snake cable, typically used in the music
industry, etc.
Coaxial Cable – These
cables come with a tubular insulating layer that safeguards an inner conductor
which is further enclosed by another tubular conducting shield and may also
have an extra outer sheath for extra insulation. The cables are known as
coaxial because the two inner shields have the same geometric axis.
Ribbon Cable – These are
utilized in computers and peripherals. They come with various conducting wires
that run parallel on a flat surface resembling like a ribbon. The cables are
flexible in nature and can only hold low voltage applications.
Two- Lead Cable – As the
name suggests, these are flat two wire cables which are typically utilized in
transmission between antenna and receiver such as radio and television.
Apart from the
cables mentioned above, there are several more types manufactured by cable
manufacturers in India for more information click here, which are utilized in a
variety of electrical appliances and electrical units. If you still face
confusion on which cable to select for your needs and requirements, take the
help of an electrician as he an expert with in-depth knowledge of cables and
their applications.
