Get to know the Electrical Cable Parts and Types!

A house will not be complete if it is not given electricity. Electricity is the most important component because it can turn on all kinds of things that can help our activities at home, such as lights, refrigerators, televisions, washing machines, and air conditioners. Without it, we would not be able to do everyday tasks. Instead, we can overheat and homework piles up. If you need electrical repair & installation services, you can call Colorado Springs Electricians.

In order for electricity to flow safely, a cable is needed. The cable serves to deliver electricity to electronic goods that can be lit. To find out more, let’s look at the cable sundries below!

Electric cable parts

The cable consists of two parts: an insulator and a conductor. An insulator is part of the outer wrapper which does not conduct electricity. Insulators are able to protect us from electric shock. In addition, the insulator serves to protect the cable so as not to be affected by the temperature or conditions around it. Usually, the insulator is made of thermoplastic material.

The conductor is the inside of the cable. This part is made of aluminum or copper. The conductor functions to deliver electric current to its destination. If the conductor is not coated with an insulator, you could be electrocuted. Therefore, these two parts complement each other for the sake of conducting electric current without harming the surroundings.

Types of power cables

Not only the parts, but electric cables also have various types. There are many types of electric cables that are sold in the market. However, there are only three types most commonly used for residential housing installations. At first glance, the three are quite similar but different. So, you can know the difference, we will explain below.

HIS cable

HIS is a single core cable that has a PVC insulator. The conductor is made of copper. HIS is famous for the relatively cheap price of the other two cables. Typically, insulators are black, blue, yellow and red. In addition, IT is a cable that is not used in the ground or in other words aerial cable.

The disadvantage of HIS is that the insulation is only one layer. This makes the insulator not strong enough to protect the inside of HIS from friction, weather factors, until the bite of a rat or other animal. Therefore, HIS is usually given an additional layer of PVC or iron conduit pipes.

NYM cable

This cable has a PVC insulator and a copper conductor. The core of the cable is two, three, and four. Unlike NYA, NYM is safer because it is coated with two layers of insulators. The outer isolator is white and the insulator is colorful. Because of this two-layer insulator, NYM cables are stronger against friction and are not easily damaged. This cable is suitable for use in a humid and wet place. Even so, you can’t put it in the ground, huh!

NYY cable

NYY is a copper, two, and four-core cable insulated with PVC material. Because NYY is specifically planted in the soil, the insulator layer is thick, strong, and anti-bite to mice. Black, this cable is also waterproof. Even so, NYY must still be coated with additional pipes for extra protection, especially for high-powered electricity.

These three types of cables can be found at the nearest building or material store. To install it, you need the help of an electrician to prevent things that are not desirable, such as electric shock. In choosing it too, you have to adjust the needs and prices. The better the quality of the cable, the more expensive the price.