subject: What Type Of Electrical Wire To Use For Home? [print this page] Electric Wires are used to transfer electricity from one point to another. There are different sizes and types of Electric wires. While choosing for home two important things to remember are the type of wire and the other is safety measures related to electric wiring. Whether one is installing it for the first time or reinstalling it at home, one must follow some simple tips which will make the task easy and safe. One should know in detail about wiring cords, connecting devices, electrical panel connections, circuit connections etc.
Important Tips To Follow:
Always Make Use of Right Size of Electrical Wire: The size of wire is determined by the Wire Gauge System. If the wire gauge is smaller the ampacity is higher. Ampacity is the amount of electricity that a wire can handle before it gets damaged. Apart from that, one must also consider the wire capacity and the wire to be fitted.
Use Safe Sheathed Electrical Wire: A plastic covered wires called NMC (Non Metallic Sheathed Cable) is perfect for indoor wiring.
Types:There are three types of Non Metallic Wires such as
NM electrical wires: They are used for simple wiring like in lights and receptacle circuits.
NMC electrical wires: They are well insulated and safe so these wires are used in above ground and wet areas.
UF electrical wires: They are used in outdoors under the ground. They are less safe than NMC wires. Thats the reason why they are only used below the ground.
The Ampacity And Wire Gauge Of Most Commonly Used Appliances Are As Follows:
Cook Tops - 45 Amps and 8 gauge
Extension Cords - 13 Amps and16 gauge
Service Panels and Sub Panels - 100 Amps and 2 gauge
Low-voltage lighting and lamp cords 10 Amps and 18 gauge
Service Entrance - 150 Amps/ 200 Amps and 1/0 gauge/ 2/0 gauge
Air Conditioners, Sump Pumps and Kitchen Appliances - 20 Amps and 12 gauge
Furnaces, Large Electric Water Heaters and Sub Panels - 80 Amps and 6 gauge
Built-in Ovens, Water Heaters, Clothes Dryers and Window Air Conditioners - 30 Amps and 10 gauge
One must exercise caution regarding these specifications and use only good quality Electrical Cable , wire with proper insulation for Electrical Wiring purposes. Wrong installation or damaged wire might be dangerous to life.
