Than the cable is different from the wire. Distinctions of wires from cables

Questions regarding the difference between similar external materials are especially important in such areas as electrical engineering. Laying of communication networks and lines should be carried out taking into account technological norms and instructions of the manufacturer of the used material, therefore, the knowledge of the intricacies in the specification of electrical installation products can not be overestimated. Understanding what the cable is different from the wire, as well as taking into account the technical features of both varieties will help to effectively accomplish the tasks set. After all, these materials form the basis of electrical wiring, both in the organization of the infrastructure of large industrial facilities and in the household economy.

Common features and differences

With the need to install wires and cables, people are faced in many different areas. Among the main unifying parameters of these materials is the construction device and the functions of translating electrical signals. However, in the same characteristics, cables are distinguished from the cables, which is conditioned by the specific use. For example, both products represent an almost identical set of components, including a core, insulation and protection cover. In turn, the cable is more often used in the arrangement of routes, which is favored by the presence of special armor. The wire, rather, is designed for local use - accordingly, it has a less than cleaned shell.

It would seem that everything is simple, but specialists know the so-called X-ray cable, which calls into question the described differences. It can be said that any dilution of the materials in question will be conditional, but this is not entirely true if we delve deeper into the essence of the matter.

Cable Definition

To begin with, it is worth turning to the primary definition, in accordance with GOST. Comparison of the basic concepts will make it clearer how the cable differs from the wire, and also from the cord.

A cable is an electrical product used to transmit information signals and electricity. In addition, it can be used in the manufacture of windings of electrical products, which is highly flexible.

In its structure, the cable can have one or more conductors - these are veins that are provided with insulation and are enclosed in a special shell. In this case, the outer coating can be represented by a metallic or non-metallic material. By the way, this technological aspect is the key to understanding what the cable differs from the wire in both operational and construction respects. Also, the structure of the cable can be supplemented by an enhanced cover with the presence of armor. Such models are designed for operation in harsh conditions, for example under water or in the ground.

Definition of wire

According to the definition, wire in the original concept also refers to cable products. It is based on veins (one or several), has twisted wires and again, depending on the nature and conditions of use, can be equipped with a sheath. At this point, it is worthwhile to stop and recall the principles of cable installation - in particular its protective covers.

In the approach to providing shells, it becomes clear what distinguishes the cable from the wire, since it is this part that in no small measure determines the area of acceptable use of the products. The fact is that the manufacture of wire does not involve the use of metal coatings, but it is possible to wind the wire or fibrous raw materials.

Cord and its differences

Often, and the cord is placed in a row with wires and cables. This has its justification, since the structure of products is largely similar. On the other hand, the common features allow to answer the opposite question - about how the cable differs from the wire because of the similarity of the cable to the cord. Either way, when choosing the optimal means for connecting electrical devices or laying power lines, every nuance in the characteristics of the material is important.

So, the cord is part of a group of wires, but its insulated cores are more flexible. Due to this quality it is used for connection with mobile equipment and devices. So you can determine how the cable differs from the wire and cord with similar products. First, it is possible to use in more demanding operating conditions. Secondly, the difference in the degree of elasticity, which reduces the range of cable use.

Installation wires

A more accurate separation of electrical wires requires the description and the existing variations of these products. One of them is an installation wire, which is intended for installation of lighting and power lines in rooms and in the open air. Their conductive elements are veins, provided with plastic insulation. External protection is focused on preventing mechanical damage, which again allows you to fix what the cable differs from the wire.

What is the difference between the shells has already been described. Similar differences can be transferred to the installation wire, which does not provide the presence of armor and even metal cover. Moreover, some species have no additional protection at all.

Operational qualities and modifications

When choosing a wire or cable, you may encounter a variety of markings, from which it is not easy to choose the optimal solution. However, the abbreviations denote the technical and physical properties of the product, which can not be ignored.

Omitting the intricacies of directly labeling, it is possible to distinguish several modifications with their qualities, which will also determine some differences in the wires from the cables and the specifics of their use.

Basically, the difference concerns the technology of isolation. For example, the wires can have a rubber, polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene winding, which is protected by a material made of PVC, plastics or a chloroprene non-flammable shell.

For cables without armored protection, plastic or rubber insulation is used. To protect conductive material from water, light and chemical influences, technologists choose moisture-proof shells. But to protect the base from physical influences only the metal coating will help - for this, aluminum, lead and steel are used. It is these technological solutions that make it possible to lay cables even underground. The wire, the difference of which consists in more "greenhouse" conditions of use, does not require reinforcement of the shell with metal.

Differences in use

Using the example of use, it is possible to trace the differences between products because of their technical parameters. Due to the increased protection properties, the cable found its place in providing power stations, industrial facilities, local networks, etc. It is laid in special canals, underground or in the open under the sky.

The wires are designed for fixed installation, but there are many options for connecting to mobile installations and equipment. This quality is similar to such products with cords. By differentiating the spheres of application it is possible to find out what the cable differs from the wire and other materials intended for inclusion in electrically conductive channels.

Conclusion

The characteristic features of the electrotechnical products under consideration made it possible to reveal a number of fundamental differences that derive from the properties of materials and are clearly expressed in the features of application. The answer to the question about how the cable is different from the wire is based on the device of these products. Mainly this is the presence of armor in some types of cable and the possibility of connecting the wire to mobile devices due to the flexible structure. Consequently, representatives of the first group, rather, are oriented to fixed networks, assuming high safety from damage. The second category of wiring is designed for wide application in less severe operating conditions.