The Importance of Choosing the Right Household Cable!

Choosing the right household cable is crucial for safety, efficiency, and long-term performance, as using the wrong type can lead to electrical fires, energy waste, and system failures. Key factors to consider include the cable’s ampacity and voltage rating to handle the load, the correct wire gauge, and the material (like copper) for conductivity and durability, along with adhering to local codes for safety and compliance.

I.Classified by Insulation and Application (Most Commonly Used in Home Renovation)

1、Rigid Wire (H05V-K or H07V-K)
Full Name: Copper-core Polyvinyl Chloride Insulated Wire
Structure: A single thick copper strand serves as the conductor, with an outer layer of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) insulation.
Characteristics: Higher rigidity, less flexible, but offers stable conductivity and relatively low cost.
Applications: Primarily used for “concealed wiring” in home renovations—embedded within walls or floors as main conduit wiring. Its fixed shape ensures stable positioning after conduit installation and provides reliable contact performance.

2、Flexible Wire (H05V-U or H07V-U)
Full Name: Copper-Core PVC-Insulated Flexible Electrical Wire
Structure: Conductors formed by multiple strands of fine copper wire twisted together, with an outer layer of PVC insulation.
Characteristics: Extremely flexible with strong bending capability, facilitating conduit installation and repositioning.
Applications: Suitable for scenarios requiring movement or bending, such as internal wiring in appliances, extension cord connections, and power cords for low-power devices (e.g., desk lamps, electric fans). In installations with numerous conduit bends, electricians often prefer BVR wires for easier threading.

3、Sheathed Cable (H03VV-F or H05VV-F)
Full Name: Copper-core PVC-insulated PVC-sheathed flat/round wire
Structure: Based on BV or BVR wire, it adds a flexible PVC sheath to encase two or three insulated conductors.
Features: Offers enhanced protection with the outer sheath, providing superior resistance to compression, tension, and moisture. Suitable for direct surface installation without conduit.
Applications: Ideal for exposed wiring installations such as temporary power sources, outdoor lighting, and pendant light wiring. The internal wiring in common household power strips also uses sheathed cable.

II. Classification by Special Functions (Meeting Specific Requirements)

Shielded Cable (CY or YY Type)
Features: Features a metal braided mesh (shielding layer) between the insulation and outer sheath.
Function: Primarily used in low-voltage systems like audio cables, network cables, and smart home signal lines. It effectively prevents external electromagnetic interference and prevents signal leakage, ensuring pure audio quality and stable networks.

Flame-Retardant Cable (H07V-K-z)
Features: Flame retardants are added to both the insulation and sheath layers. When exposed to open flames, it effectively prevents flame spread and self-extinguishes upon removal from the heat source.
Importance: Strongly recommended for household electrical safety. Though slightly more expensive, it significantly enhances fire safety, particularly when wiring areas with suspended ceilings or extensive wooden structures.

Fire Survival Cable
Features: Maintains normal operation for a specified duration (e.g., 90 minutes) under flame exposure. Insulation typically uses special fire-resistant materials like mica tape.
Applications: Used in home fire emergency systems, such as wiring for fire alarms and emergency lighting. For standard household outlets and lighting, flame-retardant wiring suffices. Fire survival cable is primarily used in public buildings with extremely high safety requirements.

Residential Wiring Standards:

Residential circuits typically use wires rated at 300/500V or 450/750V.

Core Material:

Oxygen-free copper is currently the gold standard for household wiring.

By understanding these key factors and consulting relevant specifications and guidelines, you can confidently select the appropriate wire or cable for your specific application, thereby reducing the risk of electrical hazards and ensuring optimal performance.