In every electric project, one common thing is an electric wire. You must know what kind of wire is essential when installing new cables at home, and having a basic knowledge of wire can help you choose the correct lines for your house. Wires are made of aluminum or copper, insulted as wire, and bring electricity to all parts of your house. In this article, learn different types of wire to choose right for your home project with electricians in Long Island.

1. NM cable

Nonmetallic cable is a circuit wiring used in dry locations for interior use. This is a very popular wire used in the home; it consists of 2 or more wires wrapped inside the protective plastic sheathing. NM cable includes
● “HOT” ( a current carrying wire”)
● A neutral wire
● A ground wire

These are insulated conductors, black (usually hot) and white (typically neutral) for installation. Almost all wires in outlets and light fixtures are NM cables. The most common sizes are

● 14-gauge (15-amp circuits)
● 12-gauge (20-amp circuits)
● 10-gauge (30-amp circuits)
● 8-gauge (40-amp circuits)
● 6-gauge (55-amp circuits)

2. UF cables

It is a nonmetallic cable designed for wet locations and direct burial in the ground. It is mainly used for supplying outdoor fixtures like lampposts. UF cables contain insulated hot, neutral wires and bare copper wires like NM cables. UF wires are covered with solid plastic surrounding each wire, which is more expensive than an NM wire. It is also used for significant circuit wiring.

3. THHN and THWN Wires

THHN and THWN are the most common insulated wires used inside conduit. In NM cable, it is insulated with two or more individually insulated conductors, but THHN and THWN wires are single conductors and also with its color-coded insulators. These wires are protected by plastic conduit.

Conduits are used in unfinished areas, like basements and garages, and homes, such as wiring connections for garbage disposals and water heaters. The complete form refers to specific properties of the wire:
T – Thermoplastic
H – Heat- resistant, HH – Highly Heat resistant
W – Rated for wet location
N – Nylon-coated, for added protection

THHN and THWN wires have colored sheathings that are generally used to identify their function in a circuit:

● Hot wires: Black, red, orange
● Neutral wires: White, brown
● Ground wires: Green, yellow-green

4. Low voltage wire

It is used for circuits that require 50 volts or less. Some standard wires are bell wire, speaker system wire, sprinkler system wire connections, and thermostat wire. It comprises copper and aluminum, and its size range is around 22 gauge to 12 gauge. It is insulted in or may be contained in cable sheathing in twisted pairs.

It is only used in low-voltage applications, and it costs less when compared to other wires. There are primarily low chances of getting a severe shock with these wires, but it is best to turn off the device after use.

5. Phone and Data Wire

Phone and data wire are copper primarily used in landline telephone and internet hookups. Phone wires usually contain four or eight wires. Category 5 wires are mainly household data wires with eight wrapped together in four wires.

These wires are used for phone and data transmission, offering greater capacity and quality than standard ones. These wires contain significantly less voltage, nearly 30 volts; it is also considered safe. Usually, a household circuit carries about 120 volts of power.

6. Coaxial cables

Coaxial cables are not so typical these days, and people mostly use other forms of wires like HDMI for television data transmission. It is a round jacketed wire with an inter-copper conductor surrounded by a tubular insulating layer. It was once used to connect the television to the antenna and often used to connect satellite dishes. It has black and white insulation; it is round, which makes it easily distinguishable from NM electrical circuit cables. It is available at affordable prices.

To Wind Up

In conclusion, identifying the different types of wire in your house is important in maintaining a safe and functional electrical system. Understanding the type of wiring in your home can help you make informed decisions about adding or modifying electrical circuits and appliances. It can also help you identify potential hazards and areas needing repair or replacement. Whether you are a homeowner or a renter, taking the time to learn about the various types of wiring used in your home can help you ensure the safety and efficiency of your electrical system for years to come. Always consult a licensed electrician with concerns or questions about your home’s electrical system.