4 Types of Power Cables You Need for Safe and Efficient Wiring

Electricity is all around us. It powers the lights in our homes, the devices we use every day, and the buildings where we work, study, and play. Without electricity, our world would look very different. But while we often think about things like light bulbs, outlets, or switches, we don’t always think about what happens behind the walls. That’s where power cables come in.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of power cables and how they work. We’ll also talk about where each type is used and why it matters. Knowing this can help you understand what’s going on in the walls around you and help you make good choices if you ever need to deal with electrical wiring. Read on.

What Are Power Cables?

Before we get into the different types, let’s take a moment to understand what a power cable is. A power cable is a group of wires covered in a protective jacket. Inside the jacket are one or more conductors, which are usually made of copper or aluminum.

These conductors carry the electricity. Some cables also include a ground wire, which helps prevent electric shock.

1. Non-Metallic Sheathed Cable (NM Cable)

One of the most common types of power cables is called a non-metallic sheathed cable, or NM cable for short. You might also hear people call it “Romex,” which is a popular brand name. This type of cable is mainly used in houses.

NM cable has two or more wires inside. These wires are covered with colored plastic insulation so you can tell them apart. Typically, you’ll find a black wire for power, a white wire for neutral (return), and a bare or green wire for grounding. All of these wires are wrapped together in a flexible plastic cover.

The NM cable is excellent for indoor use. It’s easy to bend and cut, which makes it simple to install inside walls and ceilings. It’s also cheaper than many other kinds of wiring, so it’s a popular choice for homeowners and electricians.

However, NM cable isn’t made to be used outdoors or in wet places. That’s because the plastic jacket doesn’t fully protect it from water. If it gets wet, the wires inside can be damaged. That’s why building codes don’t allow NM cable to be used in places like basements, garages, or outside walls unless those places are arid and protected.

If you’re wiring a living room, bedroom, or hallway, NM cable is usually a good choice. But for areas with moisture or where the cable might be damaged, you need something more substantial.

2. Armored Cable (AC)

When more protection is needed, armored cable, or AC cable, is a better option. This type of cable has a special metal cover that looks like a spiral or a coiled pipe. The metal armor keeps the wires safe from things like nails, screws, or animals that might chew through the plastic. It also protects the cable in places where people or machines might bump into it.

Inside the metal armor are the same kinds of wires you’d find in NM cable. The key difference is that the outer casing is significantly more rigid. That makes it an excellent choice for commercial buildings, warehouses, and places where wires might be exposed.

Another advantage of AC cable is that its metal armor can serve as a grounding path. This adds an extra layer of safety in case something goes wrong. If a wire inside the cable breaks or touches the metal, the electricity will travel safely to the ground instead of causing a shock or fire.

Installing AC cable can be more complicated than NM cable because it’s heavier and less flexible. You often need special tools to cut it and bend it. But in the right places, the added safety is worth the extra effort.

3. Underground Feeder Cable (UF Cable)

Some electrical jobs happen outside, like setting up lights in a garden or running power to a garage. For these kinds of jobs, you need a cable that can handle water and dirt. That’s where underground feeder (UF) cable becomes essential.

UF cable looks similar to NM cable, but it’s much tougher. It has a thick, solid jacket that wraps tightly around all the wires inside. This helps keep out moisture and prevents damage from rocks, roots, or insects.

UF cable is designed for direct burial in the ground. You don’t need to put it inside a pipe or conduit, although some people do for extra safety. It’s rated for wet locations, so you can also use it in places like crawl spaces, outdoor sheds, or anywhere else that might get damp.

Due to its durability, UF cable is more difficult to work with compared to NM cable. You need a sharp knife or a special tool to strip the outer jacket without damaging the wires inside. But for outdoor jobs, it’s the best choice.

Just like with other types of cable, you have to follow the rules for how deep to bury UF cable. This helps keep it safe from people digging in the yard or from animals.

4. Low-Voltage Cables

Not every job needs a full-strength power cable. Some things only need a small amount of electricity to work, such as doorbells, outdoor lights, speakers, and security systems. For these kinds of tasks, low-voltage cables are the answer.

You might see low-voltage cables used in landscape lighting or home theater systems. They’re also common in phone lines, internet wires, and alarm systems. Since they don’t carry as much power, they don’t need thick insulation or heavy jackets.

Using low-voltage cables can save energy and reduce costs. They also let you set up more complex systems without a lot of electrical risk.

Wrapping It All Up

Choosing the right cable means thinking carefully about where it will go, how much power it needs to carry, and what kinds of things it might face along the way. It’s not always an easy choice, but it’s an important one.

With the right power cables in place, you can enjoy the benefits of electricity without worry. Whether you’re lighting up a room, powering a garden, or keeping your home safe with a security system, using the right cables is the key to doing it safely and efficiently.

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