Wire & Cable Buying Guide

Posted by Dhruv Sharma on December 20th, 2021

A huge variety of cables is available on the market, and each one suits a particular range of applications. Finding the right cable for your specific requirements can be overwhelming. It is important to understand the specific aspects that can influence your purchasing decision. This will help narrow down the focus and determine suitable cables for your requirements.

Along with the purpose, the other key aspects that you need to consider are:

? Environment
The environment in which cable will handle its functions is an important aspect. The wire’s metal composition needs to be able to survive the environment. Otherwise, it will lose effectiveness. For instance, if you purchasea cable for outdoor usages, opting for tinned copper wire is wise as it can resist oxidation and corrosion.

If you plan to use the cable in a hot environment, it is advised to go for silver-plated copper. Having such information will alsohelp you get the right cable from reputed cable manufacturing companies.

? Flexibility
Wires that need to be moved frequently require flexibility to not wear out or breakthrough. You can find the wires in different flexibility versions, i.e., normal, flexible and robotic-flexible. It is worth noting that jackets also influence the overall flexibility. For instance, compared to other materials, polyurethane jacketing provides a high level of strength and flexibility.

? Temperature
Insulation provides wires with the ability to withstand extreme temperatures in both outdoor and indoor applications. With the appropriate materials, the manufacturers can insulate the wires for keeping them safe for use in environments having extremely low or high temperatures. All the cables need to be insulated against atmospheric conditions regardless of the application.
 
Apart from these, another significant factor that requires attention is standards. Every cable manufacturer needs to meet the industry and safety standards. Some of the standards you need to take note of are ISO 9001, OSHA, CSA, etc. Also, ensure you consider your budget before placing an order with the best electrical wire company. Doing so will help you get the best products within your budget.