From time to time, Central Florida residents may need to get their homes rewired. Fortunately, high-quality wires and cables can last for decades. By getting the right type of wiring done, you can avoid future repairs and replacements. If you are uncertain about the best wiring options for your home, the electricians at Mister Sparky can consult with you about the best options.
Common Wiring Terms
Before tackling additional wiring terminology, it is important to point out the distinction between cables and wires. Cables are essentially three wires bound together in a sheath. Wires are designed individually and can be made of any material that conducts electricity.
Color Coding: Wires
The color coding for wires is regulated, so you can be confident that a white wire means the same thing in every home. Typically, white wires are neutral wires that return the electrical current to your panel.
Meanwhile, black and red wires are considered hot wires. This means they take current from your panel to your light switches or appliances.
Bare and green wires are called ground wires. They are used to make a pathway for the current to go back to your home’s breaker panel or fuse box. If there is an irregular current, a blown fuse or tripped breaker will cut off the electricity.
Color Coding: Cables
Unlike wires, cables don’t have standardized color codes. The color codes below only came out in 2001. Even after this color coding system was created, it wasn’t legally required in any way. Because of this, you’ll need to see if your manufacturer used this method of color coding when they designed your electrical system.
- Black: Black cables have a 6-gauge or 8-gauge wire. They also have 45-amp to 60-amp circuits.
- Orange: An orange cable has a 30-amp circuit and a 10-gauge wire.
- Yellow: When you see a yellow cable, it indicates a 12-gauge wire and 20-amp circuit.
- White: A white cable means that there is a 14-gauge wire and a 15-amp circuit.
- Gray: Gray cables indicate an underground feeder cable.
Low-Voltage Wires
Low-voltage wires are used for things that require less than 50 volts of electricity. For instance, they are commonly used for doorbells and landscape lighting. Often, these are 12-gauge to 22-gauge wires.
Metal-Clad Cables
If you spend a lot of time in basements or unfinished areas, you may notice metal-clad cables. These have a stronger outer surface, so they can withstand a little more damage than non-metallic cables.
Non-Metallic Cables
Non-metallic (NM) cables were used in homes that were built after the 1960s. They are made up of multiple conductors that are wrapped inside plastic jackets. This kind of plastic jacket is known as sheathing.
Within the NM cables, you’ll normally find a ground wire, hot wire, and neutral wire. While they have a little protection, NM cables aren’t protected enough to be used outdoors. Instead, they are used in dry, indoor areas. For instance, you may see them used with light switches, outlets, appliances, and fixtures.
Underground Feeder Cables
Underground feeder cables are made out of heavy-duty, non-metallic cables, so they can get wet without getting damaged. Because of this, underground feeder cables are typically used outdoors. They are wrapped in a type of plastic sheeting that is so solid you can’t roll the cable around in your fingers.
Armored Cables
Armored cables have been used since the beginning of the 1900s. They have a flexible metallic sheathing and are popular in residential buildings. Builders aren’t allowed to use armored cables in any residential structure taller than three stories.
Phone and Internet Wires
If you’ve ever opened up the walls of your home, you may have noticed some specialized cables inside. Landline telephones relied on wires to transmit sound, so many older homes still have these wires. Internet and phone wires are low-voltage wires. Each cable typically has four to eight wires inside of it.
Why Is Understanding Different Types of Cables and Wires Important?
Before you begin a home renovation, you need to familiarize yourself with different types of electrical wires. You need to understand why different cables are used and what they can be replaced with. This is especially important if you are installing new wires and can’t simply replace an old wire with the same type of wire.
You also need to understand the different types of wires if you are looking for electrical problems or doing electrical repairs. Any repairs you make need to be up to code, so you must understand and follow the National Electrical Code (NEC) as you do your work. Your local municipality may also have specific rules as well. If you don’t follow NEC regulations, your electrical work may cause an electrical shock or start a fire. Whenever you are uncertain about how to do a project, you can reach out to Mister Sparky for expert advice and support.
Finally, there is an important safety reason for paying attention to the type of wiring you have in your home. Aluminum wiring was used from the 1960s to the 1970s. Later on, people realized that aluminum wiring could become loose and start a fire. As a result, it is a good idea to rewire any home that has aluminum wiring inside of it.
The Best Types of Wiring for Clearwater Homes
The best type of wiring for your home depends on what it is being used for. For instance, NM wires may be used indoors. Meanwhile, underground feeder cables are used in outdoor situations.
If you are uncertain about which cable or wire to use, an electrician from Mister Sparky can help. You don’t want to risk your family’s safety by selecting the wrong kind of cable for your home. To learn more about wiring and cable types, reach out to our team today.