Types of cables and wires and their purpose: description and classification + explanation of markings

The existing variety of cables and wires for the most part amounts to three-digit numbers.Therefore, it is not possible to describe the entire range in one article.

Meanwhile, it is not at all necessary to describe all types of cables and wires and their purpose. It is enough to have an idea of labeling standards and be able to extract the necessary information from the characteristics in order to select the appropriate option from the variety of cable products according to its purpose.

Let's consider the main points on how you can learn to distinguish electrical wires among an array of such products, and also provide descriptions of the most popular wires and cables.

The content of the article:

Structural basis of the cable product
Wire and cable insulating component
Distinctive features of cable and conductor
Basic types of electrical wires
Types of electrical cables
Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Structural basis of the cable product

The design of the cable or electrical wires determines the technical and operational characteristics of the product. Actually, the design of cable or wire products is, in most design variations, a fairly simple technological approach.

Classic version:

Cable insulation.
Core insulation.
Metal core – solid/bundled.

A metal core is the base of a cable/wire through which electric current flows. The main characteristic, in this case, is the throughput, determined by the transverse core cross-section. This parameter is influenced by the structure - solid or bunched.

Such a property as flexibility also depends on the structure. In terms of the degree of “softness” of bending, stranded (bundled) conductors are characterized by better properties than single-core wires.

The structural design of the current-carrying part is traditionally represented by “beam” or “solid” (monolithic). This has implications, for example, in relation to flexibility properties. The picture shows stranded/bundled wire type

The cores of cables and wires in electrical practice, as a rule, have a cylindrical shape. At the same time, it is rare, but there are several modified shapes: square, oval.

The main materials for the manufacture of conductive metal cores are copper and aluminum. However, electrical practice does not exclude conductors whose structure contains steel cores, for example, a “field” wire.

While a single electrical wire is traditionally built on a single conductor, a cable is a product where several such conductors are concentrated.

Wire and cable insulating component

An integral part of cable and wire products is the insulation of the metal current-carrying base. The purpose of insulation is quite clear - to ensure an isolated state for each current-carrying core, preventing the effect of a short circuit.

The insulating material in most cases is polyvinyl chloride, which has shown in practice quite acceptable qualities in the construction of widespread electrical networks.

Depending on the purpose of the cable (wire) products, the insulating part may have different designs.

The dielectric material can be:

ceramics;
glass;
polyvinyl chloride;
celluloid;
polymers, etc.

In addition to purely electrical protection, the insulating material also provides mechanical protection, protecting the electrical wire (cable) from moisture and other destructive factors.

There is also a special insulating construction applied to electrical wires and cables, giving the products "armored" or "anti-chemical" properties.

Special design - “armored”, reliably protects the internal structure, prevents moisture penetration, acts as a buffer against mechanical overloads

Distinctive features of cable and conductor

Often, in non-professional practice, the term “cable” is equated to any type of electrical wire. Meanwhile, the concepts of “cable” and “wire” should be distinguished. And, first of all, the separation involves the factor of transmitted power.

Cable - a product whose structure combines at least three conductors in insulation, additionally protected inside the shell with a special material - parchment, rubber, lead, etc.

The wire - a product consisting of one, maximum, five conductors (cord), in the latter case, united by a common casing.

Classic power cable structure: 5 – protective sheath of the assembly; 4 – armored layer; 3 – common shell of current-carrying metal conductors; 2 – insulation of the conductors themselves; 1 – metal conductor

The priority use of cables is industrial and economic facilities. Wires are actively used in everyday life, as well as in other areas.

Separately, bare wires that do not have insulation should be highlighted. The main use of such products is in the installation of centralized power lines.

Basic types of electrical wires

Electrical network wires are classified based on load power and application conditions. For everyday use, the use of the following types of wires is typical: PBPP, PBPPg, APUNP, PPV, APPV, APV, PV1 - PV3, PVS, ShVVP.

Type #1 - PBPP wire (flat)

A product with a polyvinyl chloride insulating sheath, under which a solid copper core is hidden. This electrical material is manufactured with conductors with a cross section of 1.5 - 6.0 mm².

The flat design is a fairly convenient type of electrical conductor for use in household construction of power lines. Thanks to the copper current-carrying part, it is possible to connect a powerful load

It is allowed to use PBPP wire in ambient temperatures from -15°C to +50°C. The wire is designed for the installation of networks with a voltage not exceeding 250 V. The traditional use of PBPP is the installation of socket lines in the domestic sector. This type of wire is often used for organizing wiring in the apartment.

Type #2 - modification of PBPPg

In fact, the product is presented in the same design as described for the PPPP, with the exception of one nuance, which is indicated by the letter “g” of the standard marking.

This nuance lies in the more pronounced properties of flexibility. In turn, improved flexibility properties are provided by the core structure of this type of wire, which is “bundled” and not solid.

A modified version in a two-wire version, which uses the structure of a “bundle” current-carrying part. This option is also popular in households

Type #3 - aluminum conductor APUNP

The presence of an aluminum conductor under the insulation is directly indicated by the product marking - the first symbol “A”. This product is produced in the core cross-section range of 2.5-6.0 mm².

Electrical aluminum wire is the simplest design of all existing options. It has a low price on the market, but at the same time has low quality

This type of conductor is not recommended for use by professional electricians. The only advantage of this brand is its low cost. However, for the construction of temporary low-load circuits it is quite acceptable to use.

Type #4 - two-three-wire PPV

A product of a two- or three-conductor configuration, where the current-carrying conductors are placed under PVC insulation and held next to each other by means of an insulating jumper based on the same polyvinyl chloride.

At first glance, this type of wire resembles a glued pair. However, the connection of the pair is maintained by a PVC jumper running along the entire length at the point of contact of the insulation

Wire strands (copper) can have a cross-section in the range of 0.75-6.0 mm.

According to the technical specifications, operation is maintained at frequencies up to 400 Hz at voltages up to 450 V. Temperature limit -50/+70°C.

Type #5 - variety under the APPV brand

In fact, the same type of performance as demonstrated by the PPV brand, with the exception of the presence of aluminum conductors instead of copper conductors. Manufactured in different sections, starting from a section of 2.5 mm².

Almost a complete analogue of PPV, if you do not consider the material of the current-carrying part. This modification uses aluminum wires, which reduces the cost of the product, but somewhat reduces the performance

This type of electrical wire is widely used in a wide variety of installation cases. It is allowed to use APPV for the device open type wiring.

Type #6 - APV aluminum with PVC insulation

It is produced in two configurations of cores - single-cast or bundled (multi-core).

At the same time, the single version is represented by products where the range of sections is 2.5-16 mm², and the multi-core version is available in the range of 25-95 mm².

A variation of “bundled” aluminum is another type of the whole variety of electrical wires, which is used quite often in the practice of constructing electrical lines

This is one of those modifications that can be used in high humidity conditions. A wide temperature range is supported - from -50°C to +70°C.

Type #7 - modification PV1 - PV5

In fact, it is an analogue of automatic reclosure, but is produced exclusively with copper conductors. The difference between indexes 1 and 5 is that the first option is a product with a solid core, and the second option is, accordingly, multi-core.

We can say that there is an automatic reclosure design, but the conductors are made exclusively of copper.In all other respects, the difference is practically unnoticeable. A specific type used for specific circuit designs

This variety is often used when assembling control cabinet circuits. Comes with multi-colored insulation.

Type #8 - PVC patch cord with PVC insulation

A type of conductor representing the configuration of an electrical cord. Available with a number of cores 2-5 in the cross-section range 0.75 - 16 mm. The structure of the cores is multi-wire (bundled).

A constructive version of the “cord” for household electrics. Indeed, this “cord” is often used to connect relatively powerful household appliances. Provides a convenient connection option due to color separation

Designed for operation in networks with voltages up to 380 V at a frequency of 50 Hz.

A special feature of the PVS design is a high degree of flexibility. However, the temperature regime is somewhat limited - from -25°C to +40°C.

Type #9 - flat cord SHVVP in PVC sheath

Another variety in a “corded” design. A variation in the number of wires united by a PVC sheath is supported, in the amount of two or three.

A flat two-wire “cord” is a pair of conductors enclosed in a polyvinyl chloride sheath. There is also a configuration with three conductors and a multi-core structure of the current-carrying part

The main application is the domestic sphere, outdoor wiring. Operating voltage up to 380 V, core structure – bundled, maximum cross-section 0.75 mm².

Types of electrical cables

If we consider exclusively cables for power electrical circuits, the main types here are the following power cables:

VVG;
KG;
VBBShv.

Of course, this is not a complete list of all existing cable products.However, using the technical characteristics as an example, you can form a general idea of the electrical cable.

Execution under the VVG brand

Widely used, popular and reliable brand. The VVG cable is designed to transmit current with a voltage of 600 - 1000 volts (maximum 3000 V).

The product is manufactured in two modifications, with current-carrying conductors of a solid structure or a bundle structure.

Product from the category of electrical cables, noted as popular and often chosen as the material for constructing electrical power lines

According to the product specification, the range of core sections is 1.5 - 50 mm. PVC insulation allows the cable to be used at temperatures of -40…+50°C.

There are several modifications of this type of cable products:

AVVG
VVGng
VVGp
VVGz

The modifications are distinguished by a slightly different design of insulation, the use of aluminum conductors instead of copper conductors, and the shape of the cable.

Power flexible cable type KG

The design of another popular cable, characterized by a high degree of flexibility due to the use of a bundle structure of current-carrying conductors.

Design of the KG brand flexible power cable for four working current-carrying conductors. The product has high quality insulation and demonstrates good technical characteristics

The design of this type provides for the presence of up to six current-carrying wires inside the shell. Operating temperature range -60…+50°С. Mainly, the KG variety is used to connect power equipment.

Armored cable VBBShv

An example of the design of special cable products in the form of a product under the VBBShV brand. The conductive elements can be bundled or solid conductors.In the first case, the range of sections is 50-240 mm², in the second 16-50 mm².

The cable insulation is constructed by a complex structure, including belt insulation, tape screen, steel armor, bitumen and PVC.

The structure of the power cable for high voltage and significant power. This is one of those cable product options, the use of which guarantees the reliability of the circuit

There are several modifications of this type:

VBBShvng — non-combustible insulation;
VBBShvng-LS — when burning does not emit harmful substances;
AVBbShv – presence of aluminum conductors.

The ability to read cable product markings is useful when selecting products and wiring electrical networks.

Alphanumeric marking of the cable product: 1) letter 1 - core metal; 2) letter 2 - purpose; 3) letter 3 - insulation; 4) letter 4 - features; 5) number 1 - number of cores; 6) number 2 - section; 7) number 3 - voltage (nominal) (+)

Features of the type of core material - Letter 1: "A" – aluminum core. In any other case, the vein was copper.

As for the purpose (Literature 2), the decoding here is as follows:

"M" – for installation;
"P(U)", "MG" – flexible for installation;
"SH" – installation; "TO" - for control.

The designation of insulation (Liter 3) and its interpretation is as follows:

"В(ВР)" – PVC;
"D" – double winding;
"N (NR)" – non-flammable rubber;
"P" – polyethylene;
"R" - rubber;
"WITH" - fiberglass;
"TO" – nylon;
"SH" – silk polyamide;
"E" – shielded.

The features indicated by Letter 4 have their own interpretation:

"B" – armored;
"G" – flexible;
"TO" - wire braid;
"ABOUT" – the braid is different;
"T" – for pipe laying.

The classification also provides for the use of lowercase letters and Latin letters:

"ng" - non-flammable,
"z" - filled,
"LS" - without chemicals combustion emissions,
"HF" – no smoke when burning.

Markings, as a rule, are applied directly to the outer shell, and along the entire length of the product at regular intervals.

Table of symbols of the most used types of wires and their compliance with standards. It is always possible to determine the brand by simply reading directly from the product shell (+)

On our website there are articles devoted to the choice of cable products for arranging electrical networks in an apartment and house, we recommend that you read:

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The video below demonstrates a “beginner electrician” lesson.

Quite useful video material is shown, which is recommended for viewing as an acquisition of general knowledge on wires and cables:

Given the existence of a wide range of wire and cable products, a potential electrician has many options for solving any problems in the electrical field.

However, even with such diversity, it is quite difficult to choose the right product for specific purposes if you do not have the appropriate knowledge. Let's hope this article will help you make the right choice.

Do you have anything to add, or do you have questions about choosing electrical cables and wires? You can leave comments on the publication, participate in discussions and share your own experience of using cable products. The contact form is located in the lower block.