Types of cables

When purchasing electrical cable or wire, it’s important to consider several factors including wire gauge, flexibility, conductor material, insulation, outer sheath. Here you will find some tips that will help you to buy electrical cables adapted to your specific requiremets.

The main types of electrical cables are: low voltage cables (up to 1 kV), medium voltage cables (1–36 kV), photovoltaic solar cables, marine cables, rubber cables, halogen-free cables (LSZH), armoured cables, control and screened cables, aluminium cables and special cables for industrial applications.

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The most common insulation materials for the cables are PVC, PE, XLPE, goma, etc.
Among them, PVC material has the advantages of simple structure, easy fabrication and processing, light weight and lower cost. Therefore, It is widely used in insulation for medium and low voltage cables.
XLPE cables have higher overload capacity and longer lifespan compared to PVC. But they are also more expensive than PVC. PVC cables typically have a life expectancy of 20 years in good surroundings. While, XLPE cables typically have a life expectancy of 40 years.
Rubber cables are soft and flexible. They have a small radius of curvature. This type of cables is suitable for use in scenarios where frequent movement is required, like sea cables, mining cables, etc.
Allowable long-term operating temperature: 70°C (PVC), 90°C (XLPE/ERP).
Maximum allowable temperature in case of short circuit: 160°C (PVC), 250°C (XLPE/ERP).

DC wires (direct current cables) used in rectified direct current transmission systems. Compared to AC cords, DC cables have less power loss during transmission and are easy to install and maintain. They are also less expensive.
AC cords (alternating current cables) are commonly used in power frequency power systems. AC cables have high safety requirements on insulation. They are more complex in construction and cost about three times as much as DC cables.

The NYY cable is the German designation for a copper cable with PVC insulation and sheath, equivalent to the Spanish RV-K. The RV-K (per UNE standard) has cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation and a PVC sheath, whereas the NYY has PVC insulation throughout. The RV-K supports a higher operating temperature (90°C vs 70°C for the NYY).

An LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) cable is a cable that, in the event of a fire, does not emit halogenated gases or dense smoke. It is recommended for installations where the safety of people is a priority: hospitals, airports, metro systems and public buildings. Top Cable manufactures its Toxfree range of LSZH cables.

An armoured cable has a metallic mechanical protection layer (steel tape, AWA or SWA armour) beneath the outer sheath. It is used in direct burial installations, external cable trays, or environments with a risk of mechanical damage. Top Cable manufactures armoured cables in aluminium (AWA) and steel (SWA).

Photovoltaic installations require cables specifically certified for outdoor use and direct current (DC). The most widely used cable is the H1Z2Z2-K (TÜV 2 Pfg 1169), such as the Topsolar PV H1Z2Z2-K by Top Cable, which resists UV, ozone, extreme temperatures and voltages up to 1,500 V.

A medium voltage cable operates between 1 kV and 36 kV. It is used for electrical distribution from substations to transformer centres, in industrial parks, renewable energy projects and infrastructure. Top Cable manufactures the X-Volt range of medium voltage cables in aluminium or copper.

Marine cables must comply with specific regulations from classification societies (Lloyd’s Register, DNV, Bureau Veritas). Top Cable manufactures marine cables in the Toxfree Marine range, which are fire-resistant, halogen-free and suitable for ships, offshore platforms and naval applications.

Variable frequency drives require specific shielded cables with low capacitance, designed to minimise electromagnetic interference. Top Cable manufactures the Topdrive VFD EMC ROZ1-K, a cable specifically designed for motor supply with variable speed drives.

Rubber cables (such as the H07RN-F or H07BN4-F) have vulcanised elastomer insulation and sheath, giving them high flexibility and resistance to extreme temperatures, moisture, oils and abrasion. They are used in mobile machinery, cranes, power tools and demanding industrial applications.

Fibre optic cables transmit data via light pulses, offering very high speed, large bandwidth and immunity to electromagnetic interference. They are used in telecommunications, data networks, industrial automation and smart buildings.

EVC (Electric Vehicle Charging) cables are specifically designed for charging electric vehicles. They must be flexible, weather-resistant and suitable for intensive use. Top Cable manufactures the Toxfree Xtrem EVC H07BZ5-F for EV charging stations.

Wire and cable are both important components in electrical systems, but they are not the same. Wire is a single conductor (usually copper) insulated with a protective coating. Cable, on the other hand, is multiple conductors (usually copper) bundled together and insulated with a protective outer sheath.

Single-core cables are single insulated conductors. Multi-core cables are multiple insulated conductors bundled together and insulated with a protective outer sheath.

• Class 6: highly flexible conductor.
• Class 5: flexible conductor.
• Class 4: Not described in IEC 60228.
• Class 3: Not described in IEC 60228.
• Class 2: stranded conductor.
• Class 1: solid conductor.

All cables manufactured and commercialized by Top Cable comply with RoHS requirements to keep our users safe from hazardous materials. The RoHS restricts the use of hazardous materials. While this directive comes from the European Union, its importance have impacted the worldwide production of wiring and electronics.

A cable labeled RoHS compliant follows the guidelines listed by the European Union under the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS). A product that is RoHS compliant contains no lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls, or polybrominated diphenyl ethers. RoHS material substitutes these with more environmentally-friendly alternatives.

The EU RoHS Directive aims to protect the environment and reduce exposure-related health risks by restricting the use of hazardous materials in the manufacturing of electronic and electrical equipment.

Most power cables have a design life of between 20 to 30 years, considering a cable manufactured to international standards and wired indoors according to proper guidelines.

Solid wire is a single conductor made of a single piece of metal, usually used for low-voltage applications, such as residential wiring. Stranded wire is made of multiple strands of metal woven together. It is often used for higher-voltage applications, such as industrial and commercial use.