Introduction
Electricity cable consists of wires suitable for transmitting and distributing electrical power. Electrical cable helps in transmitting high voltages in regions where using overhead wires is impracticable.
Three essential parts make up an electrical cable: a conductor, a dielectric, and a sheath. The conductor gives the current in the cable a channel for conducting. The dielectric or insulation shields the live conductor from extraneous things and can sustain the service voltage.
The sheath protects the cables from all outside impacts, including electrochemical assaults, and prevents moisture from entering. This guides elaborate aspects of the perfect cable that you need to know.
1. What’s the Electric Cable for Outside?
The best outdoor electric cable must resist elements, weather, and UV radiation. Most UV-resistant electric cable is suitable for outdoor usage. But they cannot work underground.
You must consider various environmental factors while selecting an electrical wire cable. For instance, using an outdoor waterproof electric cable is safe if you plan to bury your wire in the ground. There are cables available in direct burial and outdoor rated versions.
The outer layers of the cable must protect it from environmental factors. These factors include mechanical harm and water damage. Other factors include temperature fluctuations, rodent or insect assault, and UV.
Armored wire for electric cable is one of the electricity cables suitable for outdoor use. It provides excellent options for home and light industrial wiring. This electricity cable is perfect for use in cable ducting and power networks. Armored wire for electric cable is also applicable in underground systems. It is also suitable and outdoor and interior applications.
Electrical wire and Medium Voltage cable suppliers can provide different electric cable wire brands. You find these suppliers and wire and cable your way with electric cable wire colors.
Figure 1: UV shielded and waterproof electrical cable
2. Who Is Responsible for Underground Electricity Cables
A property owner is accountable for underground electricity cables around their house. This applies to the cables coming from the meter and the wires attaching the weather head to the meter.
Underground electrical wires can have issues if not in good condition. The homeowner may need to engage responsible/expert people to repair it.
But the property owner will remain responsible for installation. They will also be responsible for maintaining subsurface electric service. This is only restricted to connections to their dwelling.
Figure 2: Underground electrical cables
3. How Can I Calculate Electricity Cable Size?
The formula for calculating the size of the electricity cable is the ratio of voltage flowing through the cable and the target voltage. For instance, divide (180/ 60) if your wire has a voltage-current of 180 volts and your target current is 60. The answers after calculating would be the size of the electricity cable.
The electrical wire & cable size calculator copper & aluminum helps you determine the appropriate size. It helps in deciding on the sizes that are best for applications. The cable size calculator aids in the understanding of the ideal fit size for home or industrial needs.
Importantly, you can get an accurate cable size using an electrical cable size chart. Before making a choice, this chart provides you with the opportunity to make a wise choice.
4. Amps for Electricity Cable
The Amps for electricity cable varies with the electrical cable wire size. Each cable has a certain amperage rating. As a result, the load should not be greater than what it can safely support.
Installation location also affects the electrical cable amps ratings. It also influences the efficiency of a particular cable in dissipating heat. An excellent example is when an electrical cable is in an empty stud wall. These electrical cables wire sizes affect how heat dissipates much more readily.
The amps rating varies when the electrical cables are under thermal insulation. The following shows the rating as per the size. Table 1 indicates the ratings and sizes of the cable when not in contact with the wall.
Table 1: Amps rating when not in contact
| Cable size | Amps ratings |
| 1.0mm | 8 |
| 1.5mm | 10 |
| 2.5mm | 13.5 |
| 4.0mm | 17.5 |
| 6.0mm | 23.5 |
| 10.0mm | 32 |
Table 2: For clipped electrical cable, the amps ratings depend on the cable sizes
| Cable size | Amps rating |
| 1.0mm | 15.5 |
| 1.5mm | 20.0 |
| 2.5mm | 27.0 |
| 4.0mm | 37.0 |
| 6.0mm | 47.0 |
| 10.0mm | 65.0 |
Conclusion
Electricity cables consist of either aluminum or copper wires. They are widely applicable to a variety of purposes. Typically different electrical cables serve other purposes. But the cable’s role is dependent on the type. Always do your research well before settling for a specific type of electricity cable. But if you are unsure of the type of electrical cable to use, just drop us a quick message or contact us zw cable We will give you the necessary support and recommend the perfect solution.
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