The uses of Electrical Wires

The uses of Electrical Wires

Electrical wires transmit electricity from a source, usually from a nearby transformer, to an outlet in your home or business. They are used to conduct electricity in appliances and electronic devices. Electrical wires come in various materials, casings, and sizes to handle the different electrical loads and various conditions in which they will be used; thus, they could be available in 1mm, 1.5mm, 2.5mm, 4mm, 6mm, 10mm, and 16mm thickness. Electrical wires can be made from aluminum and other materials; although most all electrical wires are made of copper

Electrical wires may be of two types, single-core wires and multicore wires. The main uses of single core wires are that they are widely used in lighting equipment, power plugs, and central air conditioners in the home. Generally, single-core wires are relatively rigid and difficult to bend, but they are not easily oxidized during use and have a long service life. Single-core wires are more suitable for domestic and home applications, while multicore wires are more suitable for industrial applications.

The uses of Electrical wires are as follows;

1.Electric wires are best for house wiring

Thinking of the best electric cables best for house wiring? Tend industrial supplies got you covered. The Single core wire is one of the most popular for various purposes at home, at work, and in commercial settings. The most common use for this type of cable is to transfer electrical power from one spot to another, but it can also be used for other things, depending on the size of the single core wire you need. For example, you might use it to wire electrical appliances or equipment.

The single core unsheathed wires can also be used for electrical applications involving computers, power control panels, and electrical gadgets. This type of cable is more commonly known as braided cable. For applications that may be susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI), you can also buy a single core wire that comes with special shielding that's manufactured into the cable. A similar configuration shielding might also be available for flexible multicore cables.

Shielded or braided cables are designed to prevent outside forces, such as signals from communication equipment or electromagnetic pulses from high-powered electrical or electronic devices, from interfering with their function. Electricians might use a single core braided cable to protect the cable from Electromagnetic interference (EMI) if it passes near a microwave oven or other household cooking appliance. For example, if an electrical generator is near the cabling application, the EMI from the generator might impact the integrity of the cable. By using a shielded or braided cable, you can minimize the risk of your equipment not functioning as intended.

Braiding and shielding can also be used to slightly strengthen single core flexible wires for specific applications. This is often done by engineers when a project requires a little more durable cable than usual.

The metallic braiding in cables serve two purposes: it helps deflect EMI, which could interfere with the cabling application, and it strengthens the overall cable. Using a single core braided cable, as opposed to an unshielded one, protects the cable from mechanical stress and prolongs its lifespan. Doing this, will help to ensure that the wires are able to withstand any potential damage that might occur during the installation process.

2. Electric wires are suitable for several Industrial Applications

Many projects require multicore cables because they can handle higher power demands, more significant stress during installation and operation, and harsher working conditions. For instance, the industrial sector often uses various multicore cable types because of these reasons. Additionally, while single core automotive cables are a popular choice for many interior electrical components, auto parts manufacturers often use thin wall multiple core cables.

These multicore flexible wires are designed for high density wiring between components and within instruments and electronic equipment. They are extensively used in aircraft, avionic control systems, computers, data processors, process control systems, military vehicles and ancillary military equipment.

Many professionals in the electrical cabling industry often need clarification on the unique aspect of multicore cable sizes. While it is true that multicore cable suppliers manufacture these cables with multiple cores sheathed inside a jacket, only some cables with numerous cores inside its jacket are a multicore cable. For a cable to be multicore, it must have more than one twisted pair of wires or optical fibers inside the jacket. These pairs must be capable of carrying signals independently of each other.

The reasons engineers and electricians prefer multicore over single core cable are functionality and space. Firstly, because cables with multiple cores can deliver multiple functions, like earthing/grounding, neutral, and live, engineers and electricians can install a single multicore cable and complete the project.

There are also variations in use considerations when deciding to use either solid or stranded multicore cable types. Because stranded cable offers greater flexibility by design, compared to its solid core counterpart of equivalent gauge, it performs better in a multicore cable application that requires frequent movement – for instance, supplying power to a moving crane arm or an overhead pulley system. On the other hand, most other applications, where regular movement isn't a priority, like power to a motherboard, on a circuit board, or inside static equipment such as washing machines or microwave ovens, using multicore cable sizes of any denomination might be an overkill.

Differences between single-core cable and multi-core cable

  • The primary and most significant difference between a single-core cable and a multicore cable is that the former uses a single conductor wire while in contrast the latter uses multiple conductor wires.
  • Single-core cables are more suitable for domestic and home applications, while multicore cables are more suitable for industrial applications.
  • Compared to multicore cables, using single-core are less prone to high-stress areas, and temperature makes them a better choice for applications where resistance to high stress and temperature, Single-core cables have a larger diameter than multicore cables, as multiple wires will the diameter to some extent. You cannot connect large-diameter multicore cables as it is not feasible and practical to conjoin.
  • Skin effect is more relevant in a single-core cable than in a multicore cable.
  • One of the main differences between single and multicore cables is the structural strength of the cable. It's easier to pull a single wire than a bunch of wires, meaning that single-core cables are less structurally strong than multicore cables. Single-core is also usually available in a bigger diameter than multicore cables - multiple wires limit the diameter of the cable to an extent. Additionally, it's not feasible or practical to connect large-diameter multicore cables.
  • Multicore cable is costlier than single-core cable.
  • A single-core cable is much stronger, more durable, and has high electrical conductivity than a multicore cable.
  • The current capacity of a single-core cable is higher than a multicore cable.
  • As there is only a single conductor in a single core, there are fewer chances of short circuits and electrical damage than in a multicore cable.
  • Single-core cables are much easier to transport, layout, and install than multicore cables.
  • Multicore cables are less prone to mechanical stress than single-core cables.
  • A single outer sheathing only protects single-core cables, which have many layers of insulation sheathing, which makes single-cores more prone to damage than multicore cables.
  • The final difference is that multicore cable provides multiple applications in a single cable, which makes it easier for engineers to use for different purposes.

Conclusion

At Tend supplies, we offer a wide array of single and multicore cables to suit any domestic and industrial application  you may need. We are premier distributor of both types of wires, and our brands undergo an exhaustive process of quality control to ensure they meet the highest international standards. Cabling is the most popular way to power a site, office and homes and in most cases the only way and that's why we offer a variety to ensure you're always covered! Contact us

8th Nov 2022 Emiliana Chiaha

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