How To Distinguish The Size of XSD Cable

The difference between cable, wire and conductor

Wire: Wire is defined as a single metal bar with a small ratio of diameter to length.

Conductor: A conductor is a non-insulated piece of metal suitable for carrying electric current. There are different types of conductors and they are called solid conductors and stranded conductors. Stranded wires consist of a group of smaller solid stranded wires. These wires are stranded together to form a more flexible stranded conductor. For example, a cable may be called 7/36 wire in 26 AWG. The conductor has seven strands of 36 gauge wire, all twisted together to form a 28 AWG conductor.

Cable: Cable is either a single stranded conductor or a combination of mutually insulated conductors (multi-core cable).

Why it is important to use the correct cable size

The conductors in a cable can only safely carry a specific amount of voltage. If the current flowing inside the cable exceeds the limits of that particular conductor, the structure of the cable will eventually start to deteriorate.

Each cable or insulated conductor has a specified amount of current carrying capacity, also known as load capacity.

Certain sizes increase the diameter or cross-section of the cable, lowering the resistance and increasing the current-carrying capacity.

Limitations on cable size selection

Wires and cables are created in standard sizes. It is not uncommon for people to use larger or smaller cable sizes for specific applications. This is possible because terminals can be adapted to a variety of sizes. Please be aware of any limitations this may impose on your choices.

Advantages of using wire and cable

Wire: The use of solid wire is ideal for high frequencies and has low resistance.

Cables: Cables with high structural strength and good insulation are ideal for heavy duty applications.

Rules that apply to both:

1. Avoid placing loose wires and cables in areas where they could become a tripping hazard.

2. Damaged wires or cables must be replaced.

3. Wires and cables should be polarized and have safety closures.

Proper cable sizing is an important consideration for all applications. Various conductor types, insulation materials, voltage ratings and conductor sizes can make finding the right solution very difficult. XSD Cable offers virtually every type of UL style and every type of wire and cable on the planet, and is an experienced wire and cable supplier that can manufacture and supply the most difficult to find products on the market.