All You Need To Know About Electrical Cable And Wiring
Here is more information of what cables are and what the different varieties of wire and electric materials available are that you should know about. Whether you are just interested in this topic or you are trying to spark an interest in this field and become a professional some day, this is the basic information that you should know.
What is a Cable?
When two or more cords run along together, they are known as cable. Cable can contain wires that are braided, twisted or bonded with one another. In this way they create a single assembly. There are many different types of cables available which all serve various purposes.
Types of Cable
There are different types of cables used for a variety of applications:
- Mechanical Cables have wire ropes, and they are used in order to carry out towing, lifting or hauling tasks. Mechanical cords make use of tension to convey force.
- Electric Cords are used with electric wires in order to conduct electric currents through industrial sites or installations in buildings.
- Power lines or high voltage cable is used for power transmission with other electrical materials at distances which are greater than a few kilometers.
Electric Cables – Important Information
Electric cables make use of electrical materials like wire. Stranding (process of twisting or braiding the electrical wires) the wires gives cords added flexibility. They are also bunched together with other small wires to get even more flexibility. Sometimes there are bare copper wires in cable but other times the copper is plated with another metal like gold, tin or silver which prevent oxidation, lengthening the life of the copper wire.
Types of Electric Cable
The type of electrical materials you use can have a major impact on the project itself. This is why you need to make use of the right type of cord or electric wire. The usual types of electric wire include ribbon cables, coaxial, mineral insulated copper clad cords, flexible, twisted pair, metallic sheathed cable¸ arresting, elevator cable, submersible cable, sensing cable and communications cable. All these cables have a variety of applications from usage in audiovisual devices, wire ropes, elevators, computers, mechanics, bicycles and even communication. For mobile tools, machinery and portable devices flexible power cables are generally used.
Power Cables
One of the most essential applications of electrical materials and wire cable are power cables. These are modern cables that are manufactured according to their uses. In the industry, even large insulated conductors are known as power cables. Usually there are three main components of cables – insulation, conductors and protective jacket. Some cables may also have metal armor depending on whether they have to be used for exposed installations and direct burials. Sheaths may also be an integral component of cables depending on their usage. The sheath can be made with metal or plastic.
