Types of Electrical Wires

A wire is a single usually cylindrical, flexible strand or rod of metal that is used to bear mechanical loads or electricity and telecommunications signals.

There are six types of electrical wire

VIR (Vulcanized India rubber)

• A VIR (Vulcanized India Rubber) wire consists of a rubber coating tinned conductor. Tinning of the conductor prevents the sticking of rubber to the conductor. It has superior mechanical strength, durability and wear-resistant properties than pure rubber. It has one drawback is that sulphur reacts very quickly with copper to overcome cables using VIR insulation have a tinned copper conductor.

T.R.S. (Tough Rubber Sheathed)

• T.R.S. (Tough Rubber Sheathed) of wire is a modification of V.I.R. wire. It consists of ordinary rubber coated conductors with an additional sheath of tough rubber. These wires are usually available in a single conductor, two conductors or three conductors. This layer provides enhanced protection against moisture and wear and tear as well as it provides extra insulation.

P.V.C. (Poly Vinyl Chloride) wires

• P.V.C. (Poly Vinyl Chloride) wires are the most commonly used wire for wiring purpose .PVC  has decent mechanical strength, particularly  in comparison to its relatively low weight. PVC is extremely resistant to corrosion, impact, abrasion, weathering, and even chemical rotting. But it softens at high temperatures thus it is not suitable for connection to heating appliances.

Lead alloy sheathed wires

•  Lead alloy sheathed wires provide modest mechanical protections as it has a layer of lead covering which is very thin like 0.12 cm thick. The ordinary wires can be used only at dry places however for humid, moist places these wires are used which are covered with continuous lead sheaths. Lead alloy sheathed wires is not suitable for places where chemical corrosion may occur as well as where fumes of acid are present.

Weather proof wires

• A weather proof wire is used for outdoor  i.e service connection from overhead line to building, etc . Its conductor is covered with three braids of fibrous yarn. It is made waterproof through drooping it by waterproof compound.

Flexible wires

• These wires are very useful for household portable appliances where the flexibility of wire is more important. Flexibility contributes to the reliability of a product and influences the longevity of cable life in environments.