Electrical safety in the home starts with choosing the right type and the best quality of wire and cable. Domestic wiring powers day-to-day living, from one room to the next. Whether you are a homeowner or an electrician who works on residential installations, it is important to know the different kinds of wire and cable most suitable for use in the home.
Non-Metallic (NM) Cable
Among the most popular types of home wiring, NM cable is actually a combination of three or more individual conductors (one or more current-carrying wires, a neutral wire, and a ground wire) wrapped in plastic sheathing. While affordable and easy to install, NM cable is strictly for indoor use in dry locations, and is not built to withstand rugged conditions. Its versatility makes it perfect for home appliances, fixtures, switches, and outlets.
THHN/THWN Wire
[LABEL: Phelps Dodge THHN/THWN-2 Wire]
Thermoplastic High Heat/Water-Resistant Nylon-Coated (THHN/THWN) wire, on the other hand, is the perfect blend of versatility and toughness. Favored for its durability, THHN/THWN wire such as Phelps Dodge Permalite® and Alumilite® resist damage from heat, moisture, and chemicals, and can be used in both wet and dry environments. Often protected by a conduit, this type of wiring can be safely installed in more challenging areas of the house, such as garages and basements.
Low-Voltage Wire
Operating at 50 volts or less, low-voltage wiring is the go-to for the little (but no less important!) things—thermostats, doorbells, landscape lighting, sprinkler systems, and more. Because it carries lower currents, low-voltage wire is typically thinner and less insulated. Low-voltage wiring installation, while relatively easy and budget-friendly, calls for careful planning to prevent safety and performance issues.
Armored Cable
Armored cable takes protection a step further with an added layer of flexible metal sheathing. In environments where durability is a must—like garages, basements, and workshop spaces—armored cable is preferred for its flexibility, temperature and corrosion resistance, and easy installation without the need for conduits. But without its own ground wire, armored cable relies only on its metal jacket and a thin wire or strip for grounding, making it unsuitable for wet or outdoor locations.
Metal-Clad (MC) Cable
Like armored cable, MC cable is protected by a tough metal sheath. Its difference lies in having its own dedicated grounding conductor, and combined with a PVC jacket, these protections allow MC cable to be safely used indoors, outdoors, in wet locations, and in hazardous areas. While hardy, some MC cables can also be hard to install and heavy on the pocket. Phelps Dodge factory-assembled MC Cables, on the other hand, are a breeze to work with, built for one-step installation and lower long-term costs.
Underground Feeder (UF) Cable
When it comes to outdoor wiring for homes, underground feeder (UF) cable is up to the task. Specifically designed for outdoor use in wet locations and direct burial in the ground, UF cable is a reliable choice for sheds, garages, yard lights, and landscape fixtures. UF cable consists of a current-carrying wire, a neutral wire, and a bare ground wire, all sheathed in solid plastic that acts as a sturdy shield against the soil, moisture, and harsh weather. While challenging to install, UF cable is an excellent choice for outdoor residential wiring.
Wise Home Wiring with Phelps Dodge
Wires carry the electricity throughout a home, from the outside to the inside, from the front door to every room. Choosing the right types of wiring for each location and each purpose is crucial for a home’s functionality and a family’s safety. Electricians and homeowners alike benefit from knowing the various kinds of home wiring, their suitable applications, and their limitations.
At Phelps Dodge, we provide top-of-the-line residential wiring solutions, expertly engineered to deliver world-class quality, long-term cost efficiency, and lifetime protection for every home. Inquire today and browse our superior wires and cables, trusted by Filipino families!
