Types of Electric Cable

Posted by Beatrice J. Watson on June 27th, 2019

Types of Electric Cable

A house will not be complete if there is no electricity. Electricity is the most important component because it can ignite all kinds of goods that can help our activities at home, such as lights, refrigerators, televisions, washing machines, and air conditioners. Without it, we will not be able to do everyday tasks. Instead, we can overheat and homework accumulates. In order for electricity to flow safely, a cable is needed. The cable serves to deliver electricity to electronic goods so they can ignite. If you need help managing electricity, you can contact residential electrician Columbia SC.

The cable consists of two parts, an insulator, and a conductor. The insulator is the outermost wrapping part that does not conduct electricity. The insulator can protect us from electric shock. In addition, the insulator serves to protect the cable so that it is not affected by the temperature or circumstances around it. Usually, insulators are made from thermoplastic materials. The conductor is the inside of the cable. This part is made of aluminum or copper. The conductor serves to deliver an electric current to the destination. If the conductor is not coated with an insulator, you can be electrocuted. Therefore, these two parts complement each other for the sake of flowing electric current with no harm to the surroundings.

Not only the parts, but the electric cable also has various types. There are many types of electric cables sold in the market. However, there are only three types that are most often used for home residential installations. At first glance, all three are quite similar but different.

- HIS cable

NYA is a single core cable that has PVC insulators. The conductor is made of copper. NYA is famous for its relatively cheap price from the other two cables. Usually, insulators are black, blue, yellow and red. In addition, NYA is a cable that is not used in the ground or in other words air cables.

- NYM cable

This cable has a PVC insulator and copper conductor. The cable core is two, three and four. Unlike NYA, NYM is safer because it is coated in two layers of insulators. White insulator and colorful insulator. Because of these two-layer insulators, NYM cables are stronger against friction and are not easily damaged.

- NYY cable

NYY is a copper core of two, three and four core cables insulated with PVC. Because NYY is specifically planted in the ground, the insulator layer is thick, strong, and anti-bite. Black, this cable is also waterproof. Even so, NYY must remain coated with additional pipes for extra protection, especially for high-powered electricity.