Electrical Wire and Electrical Cables

Electrical wire and electrical cable are a means of electrical connectivity between switches, outlets, appliances, and more. The installation and design of electrical wires and cables are regulated by OSHA safety standards and the National Electric Code® (NEC®). Electrical wires and cables should be sized and installed correctly to ensure safe operation.

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Electrical Wire vs Electrical Cable

Wire Conductor Materials

Electric wiring conductors are usually made of aluminum or copper. Both aluminum wire and copper wire have their advantages — aluminum is cheaper but becomes less conductive when oxidized. Copper wire has a higher cost but is more efficient over time. Both materials can be used in numerous settings and applications with proper installation.

Wire Size — Gauge

There are two sizing standards for wires depending on how small they are. The American Wire Gauge (AWG) standards are for common, everyday-use electrical wiring seen in residential and commercial spaces whereas MCM (kcmil) measures the diameter of large wires seen in public and industrial spaces.

AWG Wire Size

AWG wire is sized according to the American Wire Gauge which specifies the physical size of an electrical wire. The higher the gauge number the thinner the wire, which means a 16 Gauge would be smaller (thinner) than a 2 Gauge. Wire size limits how much electrical current can pass through the wire; the lower the gauge number, the higher the amp capacity.

MCM (kcmil) Wire Size

MCM and kcmil are interchangeable terms measuring wire size in thousands of Circular Mils. A Circular Mil (cmil) is the area of a circle with a diameter of a mil. A mil is a unit of length equal to 1/ of an inch. MCM wire sizes have larger diameters than AWG wires. MCM (kcmil) wire size will affect how much current can pass through the wire; the higher the wire size, the higher the amps capacity.

Stranded Wire vs. Solid Wire

Solid wire and stranded wire are two common types of electrical conductors used in wiring and cabling. The main differences between solid and stranded wire are their construction, flexibility, and applications. Choosing between solid or stranded wire depends on the specific application and requirements of the wiring system.

Insulated Wire vs. Bare Copper Wire

Types of Electrical Cable and Electrical Wire

Building and House Wire and Cable

Building and house wire and cable are used for retail and residential projects when constructing wiring systems for the properties. For residential and retail projects, these may be called branch circuit wiring.

Electrical Wire Colors for Commercial and Residential Buildings

Whether thermoplastic or thermoset wires, these electrical wires will often be insulated so a color-coded system can be used for installation and maintenance according to NEMA guidelines.

Wire Naming Conventions for Residential and Commercial Building Electrical Wire

The NEC® standardized identification letters printed on electrical wires and electrical cables describe the protective capabilities of their insulation.

Common Types of Building Wire and Cable

Romex™ Wire or NM Cable (Types NM, NMC, NMS)

Cable Color Coding System for Romex™ Equivalents

Romex™ equivalent NM cables have an insulated jacket that comes in a variety of colors that represent the size or use of electrical wires housed within the cable. As this coding system is not standardized but rather something most manufacturers choose to follow, all cable jackets have labeling on the outside to indicate how many wires and what kind of wires are inside the sheathing. Additionally, often the wires within the cable jacket have their own color-coded system to indicate neutral (white) and hot (black or red) wires.

Most manufacturers follow these guidelines:

Machine Tool Wire (MTW)

PV Wire (Solar Photovoltaic)

Solar photovoltaic (PV) wire is a single conductor wire that connects the different components of solar panels (PV systems). PV wire works well for these jobs as they can operate under intense heat, sunlight, and weather conditions. PV wire has thick XLPE insulation for above-ground or direct burial installation.

Feeder Cable and Underground Cable — Direct Burial Wire

Underground Cables

Underground cables and wires are made to safely be installed and remain underground without the need for a conduit or additional protective covering. Typically, they have a conductor, insulating system, and sheath/jacket dependent on the environment in which they're used to provide resistance to moisture, sunlight, and soil chemicals.

Underground Tracer Wire

Tracer wire is typically a coated copper wire that is resistant to chemicals, moisture, abrasions, pressure, and oil. A tracer wire is similar to a THHN wire except it lasts longer and provides more protection. Since they are meant for direct burial, tracer wires also have a signal for easy location.

Service Entrance Cable and Service Drop Cable (Type SE Cable)

Flexible and Portable Wires, Cables, and Cords

Flexible and portable wires, also known as portable cords or flexible cords, are electrical cables designed for applications that require mobility, flexibility, and resistance to bending, twisting, and stretching. These wires are constructed with stranded conductors to enhance flexibility, and they are typically encased in durable yet pliable insulation materials, such as rubber or thermoplastic.

Lamp Cord

SPT-1 vs SPT-2 Wire

SO Cable

Flexible and portable wires, cables, and cords have a standardized naming system that indicates the intended use for each wire/cable. These are referred to as SO cables, as each type has these two letters.

Industrial Cable and Wire

Industrial cable refers to a broad category of electrical cables engineered for toughness, durability, and versatility, making them suitable for a wide range of industrial applications, including manufacturing, automation, machinery, and control systems. Industrial cables come in various types designed to transmit electrical power, signals, or data while withstanding exposure to chemicals, extreme temperatures, moisture, mechanical stress, and electromagnetic interference, which makes them a critical component of modern industrial infrastructure.

Cable Tray Wire (Tray Cable)

Types of Tray Cables:

Armored Cable and Metal Clad Cable

AC (Armored Cable also called BX), MC (Metal Clad), SWA (Steel Wire Armored), AWA (Aluminum Wire Armored), and STA (Steel Tape Armored) cables are types of electrical cables used for wiring in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. These cables provide a layer of physical protection for the enclosed conductors, reducing the risk of damage due to mechanical stress, impact, or abrasion. This is especially crucial in areas where cables may be exposed to physical hazards. For these reasons, many electrical codes and standards require the use of these cables in specific applications to ensure compliance with safety and performance requirements.

What is Armored Cable?

When to Use Armored Cable?

Armored Cable (AC Cable) should be used in indoor electrical installations where the wiring will need additional physical protection and grounding capabilities. AC cable is often used as residential wiring for branch circuits and feeder wiring. In commercial and industrial locations, AC cable is used in various applications where wiring needs protection against mechanical stress, impact, or environmental factors. Armored cable

Armored Cable (AC) vs Metal Clad Cable (MC)

Although armored cable and metal-clad cable both have a metal-based sheath, there are several differences in their design, wires, and function. AC cable uses its outer sheath as part of the ground, but MC Cable does not use the sheath as part of its grounding and instead uses a ground wire. AC cable is for indoor use only because it doesn't have a PVC thermoplastic jacket. MC cable has a PVC water-resistant jacket, making it appropriate for indoor or outdoor and underground locations.

For more information, please visit Metal Wire Supplier.

Additional reading:
Perforated Micro Metal Acoustic Ceiling Panels & Tiles | ASI

Steel Wire Armored (SWA) Cable and Aluminum Wire Armored (AWA) Cable

Steel Tape Armored (STA) Cable

Iron and Copper: Wire Mesh in Different Materials

Steel tape armored cable, also known as STA cable, features a layer of steel tape wound around the insulated conductors. The steel tape serves as a protective armor, providing mechanical protection against crushing, bending, and impact. STA cable is commonly used in industrial and heavy-duty applications where robust mechanical protection is required such as underground installations.

Marine and Drilling Cable

Low Voltage Wire — Structured Cable

Low-voltage wiring, also called structured wiring, is used to connect doorbells, TVs, thermostats, and data communication networks connecting computers, routers, phones, and printers. Because low-voltage wire has more energy lost per foot of cable compared to high-voltage cable, low-voltage cable typically has a limited range of 100-150 feet. Low-voltage, structured cable and wire carry 50 amps or less current.

Network Data Cable

With locations across multiple states, Elliott Electric Supply understands the electrical industry and your needs, unlike big-box retailers and e‑commerce corporations. Now, you can access our supplies and services more conveniently using our mobile‑friendly website and through our updated customer app.

From copper wire to armored cable, we've got your electrical needs covered. With great pricing, extensive inventory, and fast delivery, you'll find no better wholesale electrical supplies distributor online than Elliott Electric Supply.

Metal wire is a huge part of jewellery making and where many jewellers start their journey.

With it's importance in mind we thought we would pay a little attention to the fundamentals of working with wire and explore a few key areas. These include what metal wire to use and when, what tools to use for wire jewellery making and the different wire jewellery making techniques. 

This page covers:

• Types of metal wire
• Best size wire for projects
• Different shapes of wire
• Choosing the right tools
• Different wire working techniques
• More helpful advice pages for further reading

Plated Wire

Plated wire has a copper core with a high level plated coating. Plated wire allows your design to have the same look as sterling silver and gold but for less cost. It's good to practice with this wire, but you may find the sterling silver easier to work with as it has been softened.

Silver plated wire and gold plated wire is available on our website.

What Size Wire Do I Use?

Wire is measured in either mm - which is the UK's measurement guide, or in gauge - which is Americas measurement guide.

We provide up to 10 different sizes in round wire. Starting at 0.2mm (32 gauge), ranging to 4mm (6 gauge) - see below what size wire works best for particular projects.

0.2mm, 0.3mm & 0.5mm

Great for wrapping gemstone beads with small to medium-sized holes or for intricate wirework.

Very easy to manipulate and work with.

The higher you are able to go within this size range the stronger your design will be.

0.6mm, 0.8mm & 1mm

Good sizes for making your own findings and creating larger wire shapes.

0.8mm is the most popular choice of wire for earwires.

1.5mm - 2mm

Good for rings, bracelets, bangles and cuffs as well as for creating frames and structure wire.

3mm - 4mm

This very thick wire can be used for bangles or cuffs. It is also perfect for those that like nice chunky, statement jewellery or for creating men's jewellery with a bold look. This wire is obviously much harder to work with and takes some extra working.

Round wire is the most commonly used wire. It comes in the largest variety of sizes and is the most versatile of wires - you can use it for what ever your heart desires. It It is used in all popular wire jewellery making techniques, as well a for making your own findings.

Available with Kernowcraft in sterling silver, fine silver, plated, copper, brass and 9ct gold.

Want more information on Mesh Fence? Feel free to contact us.