6 Types Of Cables Property Owners Need To Know

To become a fully-fledged electrician, you must spend at least 100 hours in a training center and four years at a university.

That’s how intense training can be to become a licensed electrician. However, learning the basics of home cables doesn’t have to be long and dreadful.

Suppose you’re a property owner doing simple electrical projects as part of your DIY renovations. In that case, it’s essential to understand the different types of cable wires in any property and their functions.

• Installing new cables
• Identifying potential cable issues, e.g., finding where a specific wire belongs
• Cable repairs

Also, remember that any modifications regarding your property’s electrical wiring must comply with the law. It includes the National Electrical Code and your local policies, depending on which state you live in.

Moreover, consider buying cable wires only at the electrical warehouse. You may find out here to know why. But before you learn the different types of cables, there are basic details you need to understand, such as color coding and labeling.

Cable-Sheath Color Coding

If you notice, the outer covering of the cables differs in color. Each color has a corresponding wire size and amperage (the unit of the strength of the electric current in the ampere). Do you know the color coding of your electrical wiring?

• White – 14-gauge wire, 15 amp
• Yellow – 12-gauge wire, 20 amp
• Orange – 10-gauge wire, 30 amp
• Black – 6-gauge or 8-gauge wire, 45 to 60 amp

Sometimes, you’ll see cables in gray. These cables are called UFs or underground feeders (more details can be found below). Since all UFs are gray, you need to check their labels to determine their size and other important information.

Cable Labeling

Cables have labels stating the wire size, number of wires, insulation, the material used, and other ratings. These are often printed on the outer covering or sheath of the cable. You can also use it to identify the type of cable you need for your project.

Types Of Electrical Cables

There are numerous types of cable wires you can use for your properties. Let’s look at the most common types you’ll likely use in your home.

Non-Metallic Cable (NM)

Non-metallic cables were widely popular during the 1960s and are still popular today. They are the standard electrical wiring used by most houses and commercial establishments, and you’ll often see them labeled as NM.

NM cables often have three or more conductors enveloped in a sheath covering. A single NM cable includes a hot, neutral, and ground wire. They’re often used in interior electrical wiring, such as switches, outlets, light fixtures, and appliances.

Also, you may have your NM cables installed in a plastic tub called conduit to hide them, especially if exposed.

Armored Cables (AC)

Since state policies are more austere than federal laws, some locations may prohibit using NM cables for safety reasons. Instead, they may use armored cables (AC).

AC cables, also known as BX (product ‘B’-Experimental), were invented in the early 1900s, and they’re still being used today. They’re usually covered in a flexible metal sheath for added protection. Hence, the name ‘armored.’

Furthermore, AC cables are only permitted for residential and commercial properties three stories and below.

Underground Feeder Cables (UF)

UF cables are designed for extreme outdoor conditions. Unlike AC and NM cables, they can survive in wet areas and don’t need any floors, ceilings, or walls for extra protection.

This is why UF cables are always recommended for outdoor and underground projects. They’re made from non-metallic wires that can be buried without any sheathing and may get wet without problems.

UF cables are composed of hot, ground, and neutral wires like NM cables. However, their primary covering is made of solid plastic, which is inflexible and can’t be rolled like standard wires.

Metal-Clad Cables (MC)

As the name suggests, Metal-Clad cables (MC) are enveloped in reliable, flexible metal sheaths usually made of aluminum. They’re often identified based on their wire gauging, including 10, 12, and 14 gauge.

In addition, MC cables are only metal boxes. You’ll most likely fail the electrical inspection if you try to use cable boxes made with plastic or fiberglass material. Make sure that the metal box has holes, and add a couple of screws to fasten it better onto your walls.

Furthermore, MC cables are usually used in unfinished areas where they can be physically damaged. A good example is an unfinished basement.

Low-Voltage Cables

Low-voltage cables are often used in circuits with 50 to 1000 volts. These are perfect wiring solutions for areas of any home and commercial building that require less electricity to function well, such as telephone wires, doorbells, thermostats, and outdoor or garden lighting.

There are two types of LV cables: alternating and direct current. Alternating current is often the safer solution for most businesses and households. Direct current is better for smaller electrical projects.

Insulation

In addition, when choosing an LV cable, it’s crucial to consider its insulation material. It includes XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene cable) and
PVC polyvinyl chloride.

XLPE is often the better choice since it offers a longer lifespan, is more eco-friendly, has no chloride, and can tolerate higher temperatures than PVC.

Phone And Data Cables

Phone and data cables are used for landline telephone and internet connection coverage. These cables are also used for low-voltage wiring and may contain around six wires.

The most ordinary phone and data cable type is category five or Cat 5. This type has eight wires divided into four pairs and enclosed in a flexible plastic sheath. Furthermore, it’s the most effective cable for phone and data transmission.

Final Words

If you’re doing a simple electrical project for your property investments, whether residential or commercial, it’s ideal to understand the different types of cabling you can use. Knowing these will allow you to perform what you need to be more accessible.

Aside from cable types, it’s also vital to understand how it’s labeled and color-coded. You may refer to the discussion above to help you with these concerns.

Other than that, it’d best to seek a professional licensed electrician for complex wiring concerns. They’ll help you comply with the law and pass electrical inspection without problems.