3 best electric wire for home

Electric wire for homes is an essential component of electrical systems used to conduct electricity throughout residential buildings. These wires are related to electrical infrastructure, tools, and home improvement. Here's what you need to know about electric wire for homes:

  1. Conductivity: Electric wires are typically made of materials with high electrical conductivity, such as copper or aluminum. Copper is the most common material used in residential wiring due to its excellent conductivity and resistance to corrosion.

  2. Types of Electric Wire:

    • Romex Cable (NM-B): Non-metallic sheathed cable is commonly used for residential wiring. It consists of insulated wires (hot, neutral, and sometimes ground) encased in a flexible plastic jacket.
    • THHN/THWN Wire: This type of wire is used for indoor and outdoor applications. It is often found in conduit systems and can be used for both high and low voltage applications.
    • BX Cable: Also known as armored cable, BX cable has a flexible metal sheath that provides additional protection. It's often used in exposed or potentially hazardous areas.
    • UF-B Cable: Underground feeder cable is designed for outdoor and buried applications. It's commonly used for outdoor lighting and underground wiring.
    • MC Cable: Metal-clad cable has a metal sheath that provides protection against physical damage. It's used in commercial and residential applications.
    • Speaker Wire: This wire is specifically designed for connecting speakers to audio systems and home theater setups.It comes in various gauges.
  3. Wire Gauge: The gauge (thickness) of the wire is an important factor. Thicker wires (lower gauge numbers) can carry more current and are typically used for major appliances and circuits, while thinner wires (higher gauge numbers) are used for lighting and smaller devices.

  4. Color Coding: Electrical wires are color-coded for easy identification:

    • Black or Red: Hot wires carrying current from the electrical source.
    • White or Gray: Neutral wires that return current to the source.
    • Green or Bare: Ground wires for safety and protection against electrical faults.
  5. Wiring Systems: Homes use various wiring systems, such as:

    • Branch Circuit Wiring: Distributes power to outlets and appliances within rooms.
    • Service Entrance Wiring: Connects the home to the electrical utility's power source.
    • Subpanel Wiring: Powers specific areas or systems within a home, like a garage or workshop.
    • Low Voltage Wiring: Used for systems like doorbells, thermostats, and security systems.
  6. Safety: Proper installation and maintenance of electrical wiring are crucial for safety. Faulty wiring can lead to electrical fires, shocks, and other hazards. It's important to follow electrical codes and regulations when installing or repairing wiring.

  7. DIY vs. Professional Installation: While some minor electrical projects can be tackled by homeowners, more complex installations or renovations often require the expertise of a licensed electrician to ensure safety and compliance with local building codes.

  8. Wire Length and Size Calculations: Electricians calculate the required wire size and length based on the electrical load of a circuit to prevent overheating and ensure safe operation.

Electric wire is the backbone of a home's electrical system, enabling the safe and efficient distribution of electricity to power lighting, appliances, electronics, and more. Understanding the different types of wire, their applications, and safety considerations is essential for homeowners and electricians alike.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best electric wire for home on the market
  

Southwire 28828221 25' 12/2 with ground Romex brand SIMpull residential indoor electrical wire type NM-B, Yellow

Southwire

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

For general wiring of homes, stores, and shops. Southwire Romex Brand SIMpull NM-B (nonmetallic-sheathed) cable may be used for both exposed and concealed work in normally dry locations at temperatures not to exceed 90°C (with ampacity limited to that for 60°C conductors) as specified in the 2011 National Electrical Code. NM-B cable is primarily used in residential wiring as branch circuits for outlets, switches, and other loads. NM-B cable may be run in air voids of masonry block or tile walls where such walls are not wet or damp locations. Voltage rating for NM-B cable is 600 volts.

  • Coated in patented SIMpull Cable Jacket for easier pulling, stripping, and installation
  • Primarily used in residential wiring as branch circuits for outlets, switches, and other loads
  • UL Listed type NM-B
  • 12 gauge, 2 conductors with ground, 25' per coil
  • Made in America

User questions & answers

Question: would this work to run a plug for a 8ooo btu air cond
Answer: wire gauge size
Question: Will this wire pull through a 1/2 inch PVC conduit
Answer: I'm not an electrician nor do I know code in your area so my opinion has little value. In general, you can pull this to an outside wall and use an outdoor covered gfci outlet on 15 amp circuit or covered gfci sockets (hinge covers). If it is covered patio and you are asking about running this wire exposed to the elements, the wire would be fine BUT, technically you cannot according to code because the ground wire inside the jacket is not coated like the hot and neutral are. If it were exposed to some sort of liquid spill, splash or otherwise it could harm the connection. The other reason is that since it is not protected in a wall, it is exposed to things hitting it, scuffing it, possibly nicking the jacket and into the wire. I suppose you could run you wire out of harms way and mount your gfci outlets higher for less chances of harm to them. Bottom line in a covered situation that does not get wet, the main threat is accidental human damage.
Question: Im running a 30a hook up for my camper this will work right
Answer: How much current will you be drawing on the circuit? 14 gauge wire carries 5 amps less than 12 gauge wire. Ampacity is the maximum current that a conductor can carry continuously under the conditions of use without exceeding its temperature rating. Current is measured in amperes or “amps”. You must use the correct size wire for the current (load) requirement of the circuit to prevent the wire from overheating.
Question: Can I use this wire with a 40amp 240v breaker for a 240v 2000w wallheater
Answer: No

Product features

Southwire’s Wire and Cable: A Constant Innovator For Your Installation Needs

Southwire continues to innovate to bring solutions to the electrical industry as one of the leading manufactures of wire and cable. With nearly 70 years of experience, our wire and cable products are designed to help simplify installation, reduce labor and material costs, while assisting to create a safer work environment.

White-Jacketed 20 AWG Hookup Wire 66ft Stranded Electrical Wire, PVC Insulated 2 Conductor Wire, 20 Gauge Low Voltage Tinned Copper Electric Cable for Home, LED Light, Lamp with 10 Wire Connectors

UnvarySam

Based on 375 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Product Description:

UnvarySam extension cable wire performs quite well within max load in an appropriate way using and functions as variable to be used in LED single colour light strip, electrical equipment wiring, mechanical internal wiring, lighting lamps with lines, electronic lines, LED module lines, home appliances wiring, automotive wiring, substation cabinets, distribution boxes and transformers with the line.

Features:

☺Tip-plated Copper Wire: high conductivity, low resistance and anti-aging. 

☺PVC Material: resistant to oxidation and degradation

☺Safety Guarantee: international electric safety standard

☺Multiple Function: LED strip light, lamp, transformer, lamps,CB Radios and so on

☺Responsible After-sales service: respond any problems with products within 12 hours

Specification: 

Length: 20m/66ft 

Wire Gauge: 20AWG 

Input Voltage: 300V 

Color: Black&Red 

Rated Temperature:80℃

Package Included :  

1x 20m 20AWG Extension Wire Cable

1x 10 Wire Holders

1x 1 Wire Stripper

  • [High Standard Line] Made of 42 Strands 2 conductors, 0.16mm diameter per strand, PVC plastic cover, anti-oxidation and anti-aging, White/black connecting wire can be bent and twisted without breaking.
  • [Durable material] 42 strands of tinned copper wire is widely used. Tinned copper wire is more durable than other wires. Compared with aluminum materials, it has higher conductivity, lower resistance and anti-aging.
  • [Multi-function] This extension cable is suitable for low-voltage monochrome LED strips, electrical equipment wiring, mechanical internal wiring, lighting fixtures, electronic circuits, LED module lines, household appliances and transformers, 10 clips can be easily maintained for free .
  • [Safety] This extension cord provides a maximum INPUT of 300 AC. Be sure to use applications with less than 80% load capacity to extend the cable's shelf life and electrical safety.
  • [Good Service] We promise 100% satisfaction for each buyer. If you have any questions about our products, please feel free to contact us.

User questions & answers

Question: What part of flexible silicon wire am I missing? I got pvc jacketed wire
Answer: No, you can't. This portable heater needs 110V voltage.
Question: Are these silicone or PVC jacket? description conflicts with title
Answer: Return it back to the manufacturer. My heater stopped working after 3 weeks of purchasing it.
Question: This work for a LED lights
Answer: Dear customer, in this situation, you don't need to push the power button to turn back on.
Question: Are these silicone or PVC jacket? description conflicts with title
Answer: Don’t buy. Total junk

TYUMEN 75 PCS Lever Wire Connectors, Lever Home Compact Splicing Connector - 2 Port, 3 Port, 5 Ports Electric Cable Clamp Connector for AWG 22-12 Electrical Cables Solid Stranded Flexible Wires

Based on 141 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Lever Connectors Assortment Pack Conductor Compact Splicing Wire Connector 450 V 22-12 AWG Assortment kit, 75 PCS



This Series model is a tool-free lever operated connector for electrical installations and allow's the use of solid, stranded and fine-stranded wires to be connected faster, more reliably, while minimizing the amount of space in junction boxes.



Wire:

Proven and perfected: This cable connector is suitable for all wire types.

The range of splicing connectors are suitable for all wire types with a wide size range of 0.14mm2 to 4mm2.

Connect any combination of solid, stranded, and flexible copper wires faster and more reliably, fit for 22 / 20 / 18 / 16 / 14 / 12 AWG cable.





Specification:

Rated Current: 32A

Rated Voltage: 450V

Rated Impulse Voltage: 4KV

Number of connection points (connection type): 2, 3, 5

Actuation Type: Operating Lever

Continuous Service Temperature: 85℃ (Max.)



The assortment pack contains:

2 pole compact splicing connectors - 35 Pack.

3 pole compact splicing connectors - 25 Pack.

5 pole compact splicing connectors - 15 Pack.

  • EASY TO USE: Toolless Wire Connectors. Push the orange levers to 90°and plug the wires (Strip off the housing of wires to 0.35-0.47inch and make sure that wires are plugged into the end. Please don’t open the housing of wires too long) and put the clip back. Lever assortment pack can meet your different demand because it has 3 different models (2 port, 3 port, 5 port). The connector is widely used in lighting fixtures, parasol curtains, awnings, doors and gate controls, inter phones, pumps.
  • SECURE AND DURABLE: Made of the best high quality PC insulating material. With the advantages of long life, corrosion resistance, high-temperature resistance and aging resistance, wire connector can effectively prevent electrical leakage. So the lever connectors are safer than traditional wire connectors.
  • WIRE SPECIFICATIONS: These wire connectors accommodate fine-stranded wires from 0.14 to 4 mm2 (22–12 AWG), as well as solid and stranded wires from 0.2 to 4 mm2 (22–12 AWG). This wide range allows you to quickly and easily connect different types of wires and enables bridging of wires with greatly differing cross sections. If You need the Right AWG Wire, please search "Tyumen Wire" on Amazon for it.
  • CONVENIENT FOR INSPECTION: Visually inspect for proper strip length and complete wire insertion through its transparent housing. It is easy to confirm whether the wires plug the jack or not. In addition, there is a test hole at the back of the connector. The test hole can be used to check whether the wires have electricity or not, all kinds of standard test probes can be used.
  • PRACTICAL AND SPACE SAVING: This series lever connectors is a reusable and creative connector. If you need to change other wires, just flip the little lever up and pull out what you need and replace. Lever connectors adopt special and scientific design, which will save space effectively, minimizing the amount of space in junction boxes.

User questions & answers

Question: Is this product UL certified
Answer: PVC jacket

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