How to choose the correct wire

It would seem that the simplest and most obvious question, but in fact there are many hidden pitfalls. After all, a properly sized wire will depend on how long and trouble-free you will serve product connected with the previously purchased wire.

Let us first find out what are the wires. Now, like many years ago, you can buy aluminum and copper wire.

But I'll tell you right away, for the house will never, under any circumstances, use aluminum wire. Just forget about the fact that they exist.

Copper wires as well, in turn, are divided into two subspecies: flexible and rigid.

When using a hard wire?

The most common brand is a hard wire VVG. Stands for an abbreviation as follows: Vinyl - Vinyl - Naked. This means that the wire is made in double insulation, solid, hard.

This type of wire is ideal for wiring in your house or any other buildings. "Single-core" provides a reliable contact at the joints and prevents their fainting.

When using flexible wires?

Perhaps, the main representative of the family of flexible wires is PVA. Remember the truism. This type of wire is never used to carry out the wiring. Its purpose - it is carrying, extension cords and lighting fixtures.

But you know that the wires vary in cross-section? If not, it does not matter, I'll explain everything to you.

Selecting the section

Once you have decided on the what type of wire you need, you need to select its cross section, after all, what kind of load will depend on it, he will be able to withstand long periods without heating. So let's find out about the range of wire cross-section:

So, you can see such figures as: 1.5 mm2, 2.5 mm2 and 4 mm2, 6 mm2. What do they mean?

A is the following: 1.5 mm2 copper section can transmit without significant heating of 10 amperes. Remember high-school physics, remember the formula P = U * I. Where is the P-power, U-voltage, I-current. Now let's calculate how much power can be connected to the wire cross-section 1 mm square. P = 220 * 10 = 2200 watts or 2.2 kW.

Wires of this section are ideal for lighting a greater can not be used.

If the wire has a cross section of 2.5 mm2, it is able to pass without heating 16 A. The power value is 3.5 kW. This wire is already easy to sustain a series of outlets in which you can connect any electrical appliances.

Wire 4 mm2 have a load of 25 amps. The power of connected devices must not exceed 5.5 kW.

A section of 6, 10 or higher mm2 been mainly used as an input.

So, now we know what the most common wires are we waiting on the shelves of specialty stores. And this knowledge will enable you to buy exactly what you need without unnecessary overpayments.