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Wires for Domestic Usage - House Wires

In construction of new properties, it is very important to take care of the cabling and wiring services. The selection of the right type of wiring based on the size, weather conditions, availability and requirement is important. Since this is quite a critical decision, it is always advisable to seek expert guidance from the premium wires and cables manufacturers. These cabling may be of copper or aluminium based on indoor or outdoor cabling. The different types of wires and cables which are considered in domestic wiring and cabling purposes are as below:

Romex Cables - This is the most popular type of house wires India in the market. These are electrical conductors with non-metallic sheathing used in residential branch wiring. The features of Romex cables can be described as below:

  • Romex cables, being the most popular in housing cables and wiring, has been categorized as underground feeder (UF) or non-metallic sheathed cable (NM and NMC) by the National Electrical Code (NEC)
  • Both NM and NMC conductors comprise of two or more insulated conductors within a non-metallic sheath. The coating on an NMC is generally non-conducting, flame-resistant and moisture-resistant. These are considered in domestic and residential cables and wiring because they are safe for use in damp environments and basements.
  • The underground feeder conductors are quite similar to NM and NMC cables, however the only distinguishing fact is that underground feeder cables have a solid plastic core which you cannot actually roll between the fingers like the other types of cables and wires.

There are regulations by the NEC for the ROMEX cables which need to be adhered to while finalising and purchasing the ROMEX for domestic properties.

  • The ROMEX should be protected and covered, also need to be clamped to the device boxes, junction boxes and fixtures
  • The support devices like bent nails and over driven staples are not allowed to be used with ROMEX, as they might damage the cables
  • Both NM and NMC must be secured at intervals such that they do not exceed 4½ feet, also they need to be secured within 12 inches of junction boxes, panels and other components to which they are attached. If they are not secured at the mentioned measurements, they might sag after some time and will also be vulnerable to electricity short circuits or damages to the cables itself
  • ROMEX are absolutely suitable for permanent wiring in residential projects and should not be considered for alternatives for appliance wiring or extension cords

Low voltage Wires - These wires are used for circuits requiring a lower running voltage of 50 V or even lesser. The most common application areas of low voltage wires in residential properties are lighting wire, bell wire (for doorbells), and thermostat wiring. These are insulated and sheathed. These come in pairs like that of a lamp cord wire.
Thermoplastic heat resistant or Thermoplastic highly heat resistant - The other categories include Thermoplastic heat resistant and highly heat resistant which are nylon coated and well suited for wet areas. These are used in basements, garages, wiring connections for garbage disposers and hot water heater applications.

A quick tip would be to consult the leading manufacturers for the right type, installation and after sales services! Make sure you check for the quality certification standards.