What is the Difference between the most Common Electrical Cables?
What is the difference between the most common electrical cables?
What is the difference between the most common electrical cables?
Saw automation & electrical parts
What is the difference between the most common electrical cables? This is one of the frequently asked questions, given the importance of electrical cables in maintaining the efficiency and sustainability of the electrical system. Today, we will explore the fundamental differences between common types of electrical cables and how to choose the appropriate cable type.
What is the difference between the most common electrical cables?
Electrical cables are a group of wires and connections used to transfer power and electrical signals from one location to another. Today, there are many common types of electrical cables that differ in terms of characteristics and design capabilities.
Here, some may ask, “What is the difference between the most common electrical cables?” We will review the common types of cables and their most prominent differences and characteristics.
The difference between cables in terms of conductive material
Cables with copper and aluminum conductors are the most common. The characteristics of copper cables are as follows:
• Low resistance and minimal power loss.
• High capacity to withstand electrical currents.
• Good flexibility in installation and shaping.
• Better lifespan due to resistance to environmental conditions such as corrosion and oxidation.
While the characteristics of aluminum cables are as follows:
• Lightweight and easy to install in overhead and long cables.
• Multiple uses in electrical power networks.
• Economical cost.
The difference between them is evident in performance and financial cost, where copper cables excel in performance, while aluminum cables have a lower financial cost.
The difference between cables in terms of voltage
We can classify electrical cables according to voltage into low voltage cables, medium voltage cables, and high voltage cables. Here are the characteristics of high voltage cables:
• Ability to transmit power over long distances with voltage exceeding 36 kilovolts.
• The optimal choice for electrical transmission lines and substations.
While the characteristics of medium voltage cables are as follows:
• Ability to withstand voltage between 1 kilovolt to 36 kilovolts.
• The common choice in electrical distribution networks and factories.
• Characterized by good insulation strength to provide necessary protection for conductors from high voltage.
The characteristics of low voltage cables are as follows:
• Ability to transmit electricity at only 1000 volts.
• The common choice in homes, commercial buildings, and small industrial facilities.
• Characterized by an insulating layer to protect internal wires and reduce electrical problems, especially short circuit issues.
The difference between cables in terms of control
We can classify electrical cables into power cables and control cables. The characteristics of power cables are as follows:
• Ability to transmit electricity from the power source to devices or distribution networks.
• Used in residential and industrial buildings, infrastructure, and power stations.
While the characteristics of control cables are as follows:
• Transmitting electrical signals to industrial devices and systems.
• Used in industrial facilities, industrial automation systems, and electrical control panels.
The difference between them is that power cables are more effective in transmitting high currents, unlike control cables which are suitable for transmitting low electrical signals, thus contributing to the control of systems and devices.
The difference between cables in terms of insulation
There are some types of insulated electrical cables and others that are non-insulated, each with its own characteristics. The main characteristics of insulated cables are:
• Safer because they provide protection against current leakage and electrical shocks.
• The optimal choice in homes, industrial facilities, and commercial buildings.
While the characteristics of non-insulated cables are as follows:
• The optimal choice for overhead transmission lines.
• Also used in medium and high voltage electrical distribution networks.
So what is the difference between the most common electrical cables in terms of insulation? The difference between them is that insulated cables are the optimal choice in buildings to maintain safety and security, while non-insulated ones are used in high voltage applications.
The difference between cables in terms of design
Electrical cables are designed according to the scope of use, and we can classify them into outdoor and indoor cables. The characteristics of outdoor cables are as follows:
• Good resistance to environmental and weather conditions such as temperature fluctuations, sunlight, and rain.
• The optimal choice in exposed areas and outdoor environments.
While the characteristics of indoor cables are as follows:
• Ability to withstand daily electrical loads.
• Insulated with suitable materials to reduce risks and fires.
• The optimal choice in buildings.
The difference between cables in terms of connection strength
With the emergence of internet networks and modern communications, fiber optics have come to achieve higher speeds and better connection strength. The characteristics of fiber optic cables are as follows:
• Reliance on light technology to transmit signals.
• Ability to transmit data over long distances at ultra-high speeds.
While the characteristics of traditional communication cables are as follows:
• Reliance on electrical current to transmit data.
• Limited data transmission capacity.
Here, the difference between the most common electrical cables in communication systems is clear, where fiber optic cables are the best because they have faster transmission speed and stronger connection quality.
What are the best types of electrical cables?
After we have learned about the difference between the most common electrical cables, we will also learn about the best types of electrical cables. As we discussed above, there is a wide range of different electrical cables, each type with its own advantages and disadvantages.
As for preference, you can determine the best type of electrical cables according to the operating environment, voltage size, conductor, insulation, and scope of use. Therefore, you may find that the best types of electrical cables for residential facilities differ from those for commercial and industrial facilities.
Here are the best types of electrical cables, according to the scope of use:
Residential Facilities
The most important criteria for choosing electrical cables for homes are high safety level, high efficiency, resistance to fires, and other environmental factors. The best types of cables for homes are PVC or XLPE insulated cables.
Industrial Facilities
When choosing electrical cables for factories, the following criteria must be considered: high voltage, high temperature resistance, resistance to chemicals and environmental factors. The best types of electrical cables recommended for industrial facilities are XLPE or SWA cables.
Outdoor Spaces
As for electrical cables used in exposed outdoor spaces, they must have good resistance to water, UV rays, moisture, and corrosion to have good protection and a better lifespan under harsh environmental conditions. The best cables for exposed areas are NYY cables or SWA cables.
Internet Networks
Continuing our discussion today about the difference between the most common electrical cables, there is a difference between fiber optic cables and traditional copper cables. Fiber optic cables are more suitable for modern internet and communication networks because they feature high speed and better efficiency, with less likelihood of signal loss. The best types for internet networks are SMF cables.
High Voltage Applications
As for the best high voltage cables, they should be chosen considering the following criteria: performance strength, low resistance, transmission efficiency, and little power loss. The best suitable types of electrical cables here are HV XLPE cables.
How are electrical cables chosen?
In the context of our discussion about the difference between the most common electrical cables, we will address how electrical cables are chosen. The importance of choosing the appropriate electrical cable lies in ensuring suitable efficiency and maintaining the safety of individuals, as inappropriate selection may cause electrical hazards.
As for how to choose electrical cables, here are the most important criteria for selecting electrical cables:
• An electrical cable type with a cross-section capable of withstanding the expected electrical current strength should be chosen.
• The cable should be able to efficiently withstand the electrical voltage.
• The type of conductive material must be considered when choosing electrical cables, and copper cables are among the best types because they provide high-efficiency power transmission.
• Another criterion for choosing the appropriate electrical cable is the type of installation, whether internal or external, and selecting the suitable cable for installation.
• The surrounding environmental conditions such as humidity, high temperature, and sunlight must be considered, and care should be taken to choose an electrical cable resistant to these conditions.
• Another criterion for choosing electrical cables is the quality of insulation to provide protection and safety from the risks of electrical short circuits and leakage.
You can review what we mentioned above when we talked about the difference between the most common electrical cables for more information and details about the characteristics of common electrical cables and the main differences between these types, in order to choose the most appropriate and best type for your uses and needs.
After we have learned about the difference between the most common electrical cables, if you want to maintain a longer lifespan for electrical cables, you should choose an appropriate cable type, avoid excessive loads, and make sure to install them correctly. You should also perform periodic maintenance on them to detect and repair any faults to ensure better efficiency and a longer lifespan.
