It might not be apparent at first glance, but there are many different types of electrical wire that are used for specific and varied purposes.
These are some of the more common ones.
Submersible Pump Cable
Submersible pump cables or SPC, are specialty electrical cables that connect an underwater pump to a controller. They must be waterproof and able to withstand both fresh and saltwater conditions. Generally, they are also resistant to high pressure, chemicals, and abrasion. Some must also be made with jackets that are non-toxic so they can be used around potable water.
DLO Cable
DLO cable, also known as diesel locomotive cable, is a heavy-duty power cable used with diesel-electric engines. This type of specialty electrical wire is used to transmit the power from a diesel generator to the electrical drive unit. These cables often must work under loads of thousands of volts and are usually physically very durable and resistant to abrasion, impact, sunlight,and chemicals, like oil and gas.They generally must also ensure temperature extremes.
Marine Battery Cable
Marine battery cable is a specialty type of electrical wiring used on board boats and ships that can also be installed in other marine environments. Typically, it is made with a very high count of individually tinned copper conductors. They are tinned to resist corrosion and the high strand count helps ensure a high degree of flexibility. Naturally they must also be able to withstand wet conditions.
Welding Cable
Welding cable, like marine battery cable, is also usually made with a high strand count that helps keep it flexible. Welding cable is also made with highly protective insulative jackets that protect it against abrasion, corrosion, chemicals, moisture, and weather.
Solar Panel Cable
Solar panel cable is not a specific type of electrical wire per se, but it does have some requirements that set it apart from other types of wire. It must be made with a special jacket that is weatherproof and UV-resistant to make it suitable for outdoor electrical installations.
Fire Alarm Cable
Fire alarm cable is a special type of instrumentation cable used to control fire alarm systems. Usually very light gauge, it is either riser or plenum-rated (dictating where it can be installed within a building) and must be resistant to high-heat and flame. It must also be made with a jacket that produces minimal toxic smoke when burned. Fire alarm cable can be shielded or unshielded.
Aluminum Triplex Wire
Aluminum triplex wire (and quadruplex wire) are used for power distribution in both commercial settings and for residential wiring. Aluminum is used because it is lighter, more affordable, and has a higher conductivity-to-weight ratio than copper. Triplex wire consists of two hot legs and a bare neutral leg that is often supported by an internal steel member that strengthens the wire and helps prevent it from sagging.
Visit EWCS Wire to Learn More
Want to learn more about these and other types of specialty electrical wire? Visit EWCS Wire and ask their experts – they sell these and other grades of electrical wire and cable and would be more than happy to help you out.
