What are the classifications of wires and cables

Wires and cables, as a basic material widely used in power, communication, transportation, construction and other fields, have various classification methods. The following will provide a detailed classification introduction of wires and cables according to different classification criteria.

※Classification by use

1. Power cables: Mainly used for transmitting electrical energy, including high-voltage, medium-voltage and low-voltage cables, etc. This type of cable is required to have good electrical conductivity, insulation performance and high-temperature resistance.

2. Communication cables: Mainly used for transmitting information, including telephone lines, optical cables, coaxial cables, etc. This type of cable is required to have good transmission performance, anti-interference performance and wear resistance.

3. Control cables: Mainly used for signal transmission in control systems, such as connection lines for instruments, meters, and automated equipment. This type of cable is required to have precise transmission performance, good anti-interference performance and resistance to high and low temperatures.

4. Bare wires: Mainly used as connection wires for power and electrical equipment, such as aluminum stranded wires, copper stranded wires, etc. This type of wire is required to have good electrical conductivity, tensile strength and corrosion resistance.

※Classification by Structure

1.Single-core cable: It has only one conductor and is usually used for low-voltage power transmission and communication transmission.

2. Multi-core cables: Composed of multiple conductors, they are typically used for high-voltage power transmission and complex communication transmission.

3. Coaxial cable: Composed of an inner conductor, an insulating layer, an outer conductor and a sheath, it is mainly used for the transmission of television signals, computer networks, etc.

4. Stranded cable: It is made by twisting multiple single-core wires together and is mainly used as the connection wire for electrical equipment.

※Classification by Insulating Materials

1.Rubber insulated cable: With rubber as the main insulating material, it features excellent elasticity and wear resistance.

2. Plastic insulated cables: With plastic as the main insulating material, they have excellent insulation performance and chemical corrosion resistance.

3. Oil-impregnated paper insulated cable: With oil-impregnated paper as the main insulating material, it features excellent high-temperature resistance and electrical performance.

4. Cross-linked polyethylene insulated cable: With cross-linked polyethylene as the main insulating material, it features high electrical performance and aging resistance.

※ Classification by Conductor Material

1.Copper conductor cables: With copper as the main conductor material, they have excellent electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance.

2. Aluminum conductor cable: With aluminum as the main conductor material, it features a relatively light weight and excellent electrical conductivity.

3. Aluminum alloy conductor cable: With aluminum alloy as the main conductor material, it features a low resistivity and excellent corrosion resistance.

※Classification by Voltage Level

1.Low-voltage cables: Cables with a rated voltage of 1kV or less, mainly used in low-voltage distribution systems.

2. Medium-voltage cables: Cables with rated voltages ranging from 1kV to 35kV, mainly used in medium-voltage distribution systems.

3. High-voltage cables: Cables with a rated voltage of 35kV and above, mainly used in high-voltage transmission systems

※Classification by Laying method

1. Overhead cable: Laid on utility poles or towers, it is mainly used for outdoor power transmission.

2. Directly buried cables: They are directly laid underground and are mainly used in the construction of urban underground power grids.

3. Pipeline cable: Laid in pipelines, it is mainly used for indoor or underground power transmission.

In addition to the above classification methods, wires and cables can also be classified based on factors such as the usage environment, production process, and fire resistance rating. In practical applications, choosing the appropriate wires and cables is of great significance for ensuring the safe and stable operation of the power system.