The electronics market is filled with thousands of wire models. It is impossible to learn everything before a choice. In order not to get confused, you need to understand the differences and features of the species, be able to read the markings.
Stranded and stranded wire
Before disassembling which wire is better stranded or single-core for wiring in the house, you need to clarify the subtleties of the difference between the core, wire, cable, power cord. Confusion in concepts leads to the misuse of the definitions of "multi-core" and "multi-wire."
- Lived - current conductor. It is not a finished product - only its basic element. Veins are made of metals with low resistance - copper and aluminum. The conductor design is single-wire (round and shaped section) or multi-wire (metal threads run in parallel or intertwined with different types of twists).
- The wire consists of one or more cores in isolation. Additionally it can be protected by a non-metallic braid.
- AT cable insulated cores (1 or more) are placed in a shell, which is formed depending on the conditions of laying and operation. The coating can provide the use of the product underground, under water, contain a protection screen, armor. The space between the conductors is filled with filler.
- Cords They have a high level of flexibility. They are used to connect mobile devices to the network. The name is becoming obsolete.
Wire, cable and cord - cable products. By the number of conductive elements they can be single-core and multi-core, by the structure of the conductor - single-wire core (mono-core) and multi-wire core. An electric cable, unlike a wire, can be laid openly without conduits, pipes and operated in difficult conditions (in the ground, under water). Cords connect household appliances to the network.
Single-core wires for domestic use
Since 2001, the use of aluminum conductors in residential buildings is prohibited, therefore, it is worth considering only copper products.
- PV-1 - mono-core in PVC insulation. The marking indicates the type of product - wire, insulation - vinyl (polyvinyl chloride), flexibility class 1. According to GOST R 53768–2010, the product is labeled PuV - installation wire, the insulation contains vinyl. In residential premises, the core cross section is from 0.5 mm2 to 6 mm2. Models of this size are produced in yellow-green insulation, which is explained by the widespread use of PV-1 for PE-ground conductors. The wire is suitable for stationary single laying. The bending radius does not exceed 10 external diameters. The basic version is versatile and cheap.
- PV-3 consists of an insulated row of twisted copper filaments. The new marking is PuGV, where G is flexible. It differs from PV-1 with a bend radius of 5+ diameters.
Theoretically, wires with one residential approaching for the installation of electrical lighting circuits, connecting various installations in residential and non-residential premises. It is more convenient to arrange power wiring with multicore cables, and single-core to commission separate grounding or neutral.
Electricians use PuV and PuVV in the assembly of distribution and distribution and metering panels.
Common stranded cable products
The choice of products with multiple channels is wider.
- PPV is a flat rigid wire with 2-3 copper mono conductors. Two-core varieties are used for simple lighting schemes, wiring in a single-phase system. These wires are equipped with garages, cottages, but they are not suitable for three-phase networks.Three-core PPV is suitable for complex lighting schemes. Normally it is allowed to lay it only permanently in trays, boxes, cable channels, protective corrugated pipes.
- VVG - round flexible cable in PVC insulation (VVG p - flat). Subject to open and closed laying. The most demanded brand is VVG ng. Safe for single and group installation. The cable is used in wiring lighting, in power lines. With it, I enter the floor, apartment shields. Bending radius of 10–15 diameters (7.5 for grades with multi-wire cores).
Power copper wire ШВВП - NYM is an analogue of VVG ng-LS, which is produced in accordance with the German standard DIN 57250.
- PVA - connecting wire in polyvinyl chloride insulation. It has 3-5 insulated multi-wire cores, which are twisted and joined by a PVC sheath. Using it, household extension cords are made, power is supplied to household appliances: stoves, kettles, refrigerators, washing machines and dishwashers. For stationary wiring, modifications of PVA ng, PVA ng-LS (ng - low flammability, LS - low smoke emission) are suitable.
- ШВВП - flat vinyl cord with 2+ parallel insulated conductors made of copper filaments. It differs from its predecessor in form, at a price slightly lower.
The choice of fixed wiring depends on the operating conditions of the room: humidity, fire hazard, temperature. For apartments and premises where people are constantly located, you can not save on security - you should choose NYM or VVG ng-LS cables. Less significant buildings can be equipped with budget PPV.
The required number of cores will be determined even by a novice electrician. In the simplest single-phase circuit, you will need either a two-wire connection, or the phase and zero can go along separate mono-cores. A three-phase system involves a minimum of 4 conductive channels. If you let different wires on each, their number will complicate the installation, create confusion and piling up. A stranded product organizes, facilitates installation, forms aesthetic wiring.
