Which cable to choose for wiring in an apartment?

This is exactly the question that arises for many of our fellow citizens when they decide to replace an old one or install a new electrical network in a house or apartment. This question is quite serious and does not have a clear answer.

It all depends on the parameters of your electrical network and installation method. And if you want to understand this issue, our instructions are just for you.

In order to decide which cable to use for wiring in an apartment, we first need to decide on a number of parameters. First of all, you should choose the wiring installation method, you should also determine the number of cable cores, the parameters of the rooms in which installation is to be installed, the number of wires laid together, and some other aspects.

Wiring method

At the moment, there are two main types of wiring installation. This is a hidden and open installation.

Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, and preference can be given to one of them only after detailed consideration. In addition to your preferences in the choice, PUE standards regarding electrical and fire safety conditions play an important role.

  • Open wiring is quite easy to install, has good maintainability and is relatively quick to install. At the same time, it spoils the design of the rooms, takes away our free space and requires additional boxes or pipes for mechanical protection.
  • Although, on the other hand, according to 2.1.2 and 2.1.3 PUE, the requirements for open wiring when installing on combustible structures are not so stringent in many respects. Due to this, this type of installation is chosen for installation on wooden and other combustible structures.
  • Wiring the electrical cable in an apartment in a hidden way allows you to hide all utility networks and does not require additional protection when installed on fireproof structures. At the same time, the labor intensity of the work is much higher, maintainability is not high, and connecting additional electrical appliances can cause certain difficulties.
  • In addition, according to table. 2.1.2 and 2.1.3 PUE, the choice of hidden wiring is associated with a large number of difficulties and the need to use additional means of protection. Because of this, the final price of such wiring will be significantly higher. At the same time, clause 12.22 of VSN59-88 recommends using only hidden wiring in bathrooms, toilets and other rooms with high humidity.
  • Based on all this, it is often necessary to choose open wiring for some rooms and closed wiring for others. This is not a violation, but when further choosing which cable is needed for wiring in the apartment, these features should be taken into account.

To decide which cable to use for wiring in an apartment or house, you need to know the number of cable cores. Everything here is quite simple, and the PUE gives a clear answer.

So:

  • According to clause 6.1.20 of the PUE, a separate neutral protective wire must be connected to the sockets in the apartment from the group panel. Based on this, for a single-phase 220V network we must use a three-core wire.
  • If you are using a three-phase network, then you need a four-core cable. Moreover, if it has branches to single-phase equipment, then it must have a protective conductor. Therefore, in this case, a five-core wire should be used.

Note! According to clause 1.3.10 of the PUE, neutral and protective conductors for a three-phase network are not taken into account when calculating the wire cross-section. That is, if you use a four-core wire, one of which has a zero wire, then you select the cross-section as for a three-core wire.

Influence of room conditions on cable selection

An important factor in answering the question: which wire to choose for wiring in an apartment is the conditions in the room. Temperature, humidity and dust also play a significant role in this. And if the dust factor for apartments does not play a special role, then it is worth paying attention to the rest.

So:

  • According to clauses 1.1.6 and 1.1.7 of the PUE, a room in which the relative air humidity exceeds 60% is called humid. This is typical for bathrooms and some toilets. Damp rooms are those in which the relative humidity exceeds 75%. This is again typical of some bathrooms and bath rooms.
  • If you have bath rooms or utility rooms where the temperature may be above 35⁰C for a long time, then this should be taken into account when choosing which wire is needed. For these purposes, the PUE provides Table 1.3.3, which shows correction factors for rooms with different average temperatures.

Basic parameters for choosing electrical wiring

The main parameter that allows you to determine which wire to use for wiring in an apartment is the cross-section of its cores (see). To determine this parameter, the PUE contains Table 1.3.4 for copper wires and 1.3.5 for aluminum wires.

But in order to use these tables, we need to know the rated current that will flow in the conductors. To do this you need to calculate it.

Calculation of the number of electrical receivers

Electrical receivers include everything that consumes electrical energy in your apartment. This is a lighting network, sockets and powerful electrical equipment connected directly through the circuit breaker in the distribution panel.

To determine the current rating of an electrical wiring, we first need to know what will be powered by it.

  • According to clause 12.27 of VSN 59 - 88, the apartment must be provided with one 6A outlet for every 6m2 of space. For corridors, this norm is reduced to 1 outlet for every 10m2 of room. In addition, for a kitchen with an area of ​​up to 8 m2, 3 6A sockets are provided, and if the kitchen area is larger, then 4 sockets. There should also be 1 10 or 16A socket and one 25A socket for connecting an electric stove (see). If an electric stove is not provided, then there is no need to install an outlet.

  • It was on the basis of these standards that the number of sockets in old-style apartments was calculated. But times are changing and the need for electricity is becoming higher. Therefore, if you are planning to completely change your electrical network, we advise you to reconsider these parameters.
  • We won’t tell you the exact number of sockets for each room; it depends on the design, the number of video, audio and other household equipment and, of course, your wishes. Therefore, make the layout yourself, without going beyond common sense.
  • As for lighting, here you are also given complete freedom of thought.
  • But regarding large electrical appliances, there are certain restrictions. According to clause 13.15 of VSN 59 - 88, the power of heating devices installed in apartments should not exceed 2 kW. If you have heating devices from 1.5 to 2 kW installed, then we recommend powering them with a separate automatic machine from the distribution panel.

Calculation of rated current of wiring

Now, in order to determine which wire is needed for wiring in the apartment, we need to calculate the rated current of each individual electrical receiver. And if everything is more or less clear with the lighting network - we calculate the total current of the lamps powered from each switch, then questions may arise with the sockets.

  • Any equipment can be connected to the outlet. But you planned each of them for a specific purpose. Therefore, we assume that a device with the highest power planned will be connected to it.
  • We calculate the rated current using the formula I=P/U×cosα. P is the power of your electrical appliance. If you cannot find it in your passport or on the case, you can use the table below. U=220V. Cosα is the power factor, which must be indicated in the passport of the electrical appliance. If you haven’t found it, then feel free to take it equal to 1.

Note! This calculation will help us not only determine the cable for electrical wiring in the apartment, but can also be used to determine the nominal parameters of sockets and switches. After all, the rated currents of these switching devices are often forgotten when purchasing, which leads to their rapid failure, or even fire.

Combining electrical receivers into groups

The determining factor when choosing the number of groups from which our apartment will be powered is clause 6.2.2 of the PUE, which does not allow the use of circuit breakers with a rating of more than 25A. Based on this, we make our division into groups.

  • Division into groups can be done according to various criteria or based only on rated currents. But, in order to avoid confusion in the future, they usually combine lighting into one or two groups, while the sockets are powered from their groups.

Note! Clause 6.2.3 of the PUE prohibits combining more than 20 lamps or sockets into one group. In this case, multi-lamp chandeliers are considered one connection.

  • Dividing into groups by room is also often used. Where each machine powers one or two rooms. It all depends on your wishes and total numbers.
  • If you are going to install the wiring yourself, then you must remember that each group can be powered from 16 or 25 A circuit breakers. It is not advisable to use smaller denominations, and larger ones are prohibited.

Selecting wire cross-section

At the last stage we can proceed directly to the choice. As we noted above, this is done according to tables 1.3.3 and 1.3.4 of the PUE, which are shown in the photo in our article below.

So:

  • To choose which wire will be optimal for wiring in an apartment, find the total values ​​of rated currents that are approximately equal to your values. In this case, the number of wire strands should be taken into account. Choose the value closest to yours and see which wire suits you.
  • If you are going to use copper wire, then usually its cross-section is no higher than 2.5 mm 2. For aluminum wires this value can be up to 4 mm 2.
  • We must not forget that Table 7.1.1 PUE also provides for the minimum permissible wire values. So, to power individual groups, the cross-section of the copper wire must be at least 1 mm 2, for aluminum, at least 2.5 mm 2.
  • There is one more parameter that we did not discuss earlier due to the fact that we did not know the number of groups. Now, knowing how many wires we will have in one pipe or box, we need to take this into account. For this purpose, clause 1.3.10 of the PUE contains correction factors. Therefore, if you have more than five wires in a bundle, then the current values ​​in Tables 1.3.3 and 1.3.4 will be less than 0.68, if there are more than 7 wires, then by 0.63, if there are more than 10, then the value will be less by 0.6.

  • But to the question: which wire is better for wiring in an apartment, the answer is quite clear - copper. It is not so susceptible to corrosion; when overheated, it does not lose its properties as much and has higher electrical conductivity.

Conclusion

Now you know all the aspects of choosing a wire for an apartment or house. Therefore, you should easily calculate and select the wiring.

Well, its installation is not a tricky matter, and the articles on our website should help you cope with the most complex issues of connecting and laying wires.

It is impossible to build a home electrical network without an electrical cable. However, to furnish your home, it is not enough to install it correctly; you also need to correctly select the appropriate type. And for this you need to know what characteristics influence the choice. Do you agree?

We will tell you what types of products the modern market offers and what wire to use for wiring in the house. We will introduce you to the popular nomenclature and help you understand the labeling of products for laying power lines. Let us indicate what buyers and independent electricians should focus on.

In order to optimize perception, we supplemented the information presented for review with diagrams, photo selections, and video recommendations.

The main elements of any electrical cable are the cores - elements for the passage of electric current, isolated from each other by an internal sheath and enclosed in a common sheath.

They are designated by the abbreviation TPG.

In addition to current-carrying cores (1), the cable may contain such structural elements as core (3), wire or steel armor (2) and outer sheath (4)

There are two types of conductors for transmitting electrical energy:

  • single-wire solid;
  • stranded, consisting of a large number of thin threads.

Some people mistakenly believe that single-wire conductors and single-core cables are an identical concept. In fact, single-core products can have only one core, which, in turn, can be made of single or multi-wire.

Image gallery

The first sign by which cables are divided is number of cores. The operational parameters of single- and multi-core products are detailed in the table below.

When planning to install wiring in your home, install additional lighting, or add a couple of outlets without resorting to the services of professionals, you have to face many questions.

The essence of these questions comes down to one thing - how to choose from the variety offered the only option that will serve faithfully for many years.

In this article we will tell you how and which wire is best to choose for wiring in the house.

The first thing you need to decide is which wire to use for wiring in a wooden house - copper or aluminum. Although you can use both, experts still prefer copper:

Aluminum has only two advantages over copper:

  • he's more flexible, which makes installation easier,
  • he is much cheaper.

In all other parameters, aluminum is inferior to copper:

  • oxidizes quickly(and the oxide conducts current less well and this place will heat up quickly),
  • after a few bends may break, therefore, aluminum wires must be laid with greater care than copper wires, you will have to avoid bending them multiple times in the same place,
  • screw terminals aluminum slips out over time, loosening the contact, and all places where there are clamps require periodic inspection.

The core can be made of aluminum copper - inexpensive composite material, which, on the one hand, combines the good properties of both materials, and on the other, is inferior to each of them in terms of performance.

Wires differ in the number of cores (single- and multi-core, each core can be single- or multi-wire), cross-section and rated operating voltage, and are manufactured with insulation for 380, 600 and 3000 V AC. The conductors can be enclosed in a sheath made of vinyl plastic, PVC or rubber.

To protect the wire from mechanical damage, it can be covered with a cotton braid. If it is intended for installation in places where there is a possibility of mechanical damage, it is additionally protected with a braid of galvanized steel wire.

Despite the fact that aluminum wires are cheaper, recently copper is increasingly replacing them because many homeowners prioritize reliability.

Would you like to know how to make grounding in a private house? In the next review we will talk in detail about all the nuances, as well as what it should look like.

Read about the rules for installing hidden wiring in a wooden house here.

Retro wiring is not only functional, but also a decorative solution for those who want to decorate their home and make their wiring attractive. Detailed and useful information.

Marking

The marking contains information about the material from which the conductors are made, the degree of flexibility, insulation and design of the protective sheath:


For example, 4x2.5-380 means a 4-core wire with a core cross-section of 2.5 square meters. mm.

Let's figure out what kind of wire is needed for wiring in the house. It is necessary to choose, taking into account the maximum amount of current consumed during the load, which determined by the formula P/220, where P is the rated power of the connected devices. So, for a 100-watt light bulb, the current will be 0.5A. Knowing the total power of all connected devices, you can calculate whether the selected wire is suitable or whether you need to select another one.

The choice for a home is made on the basis that For every kilowatt of load you need 1.57 sq. mm. You should adhere to the power characteristics:

  • for copper 8 A per 1 sq. mm;
  • for aluminum 5 A per 1 sq. mm.
For example, if a 5 kW unit is installed in a house, then the wire for connecting it should be rated at 25 A, that is, the cross-section of the copper wire should be 3.2 square meters. mm or more. Taking into account that the conductivity of aluminum is about 2/3 (62%) of the conductivity of copper, its cross-section should be larger.

Diameter of current-carrying core measured with a micrometer or caliper and calculated using the formula S = 3.14D2/4, where D is the diameter in millimeters. If the core is multi-wire, then the result is determined by adding the cross-sections of all the wires.

When installing wiring, you can focus on the following cross-section indicators:

  • 2.5 sq. mm- sockets, air conditioning, washing machine, storage water heater;
  • 6 sq. mm- electric stove;
  • 1.5 sq. mm- lighting.

The load must also correspond to the installation method. : open wiring cools better, rubber insulation allows heating no higher than 65 degrees, plastic insulation - 70 degrees. Here's how the type of wire depends on the way the wiring is laid:


Practicing electricians It is recommended not to save money, but to use stranded copper wires even where you can get by with single-core, because multi-core, with the same cross-section as monolithic, withstand overloads 5–10% better.

In addition, it is technically impractical to counterfeit a stranded wire, and in a “monolith” there is a danger of running into a counterfeit - an alloy with the addition of copper. But any advice from a specialist has some bias, so it is still better for the home owner to decide for himself what is more important - the economy of aluminum or the quality of copper.

If to this approach the critical stage of repair accordingly, you may never know what melted insulation, fire or short circuit is. You need to take a particularly responsible approach to the arrangement of baths and saunas - there are elevated temperatures and humidity, which leads to rapid wear of the insulation.

By following safety rules and GOST recommendations, you can protect not only your own home, but also your life from fire.

You can learn how to choose a wire for electrical wiring in a private house or apartment from the video review:

Major home renovations necessarily include replacement of electrical wiring. There are two main reasons for this action.

The first is the age of this wiring itself. As a rule, major or any serious repairs are carried out 15-20 years after the apartment is handed over. During this time, even a properly made home electrical network ages and wears out. This means it potentially becomes a source of danger for the inhabitants of the home.

The second reason is the redevelopment and major renovation of individual premises with the addition of new electrical appliances. Tie-ins and other connections of new wiring with old are extremely undesirable. Due to a mismatch in the characteristics of the cable or materials in it.

So, the question of whether to change the electrical wiring is considered resolved; it remains to deal with its practical implementation. And you need to start with choosing a cable.

Cable for electrical wiring in an apartment - 300 brands and 5000 varieties

Which side should we start with? A person who is far from electrical installation will grab his head. And there is something to grab onto. Because there are not just a lot of cables and wires, they literally cannot be counted, like Don Pedro in Brazil. Even professional electricians sometimes get overwhelmed and confused by the abundance of manufacturers and products.

The choice of wire for electrical wiring in an apartment is not only a question of the cost of repairs. A much more important point is that the wiring must ensure the “delivery” of electricity to any corner of the apartment and be safe, that is, not “bite” with current. And also be fire resistant and reliable.

Attention! The key to reliable electrical wiring is finding the right electrician. A specially trained technician must do electrical work and select cables for wiring in an apartment! Who has access to electrical installation work and practical experience.

We will briefly talk about cables and wires, their cross-section, markings, materials and types. We will explain what is suitable for home wiring and what cannot be used. So that you are aware of what your electrician is doing and why.

Characteristics of wires and cables that you should pay attention to when choosing

Let us immediately clarify that we are talking about a household power cable or wire with a voltage of 220/380 V for transmitting electric current in a home network. We are not currently considering all other types such as heating, television, computer and others.

The general list of characteristics looks like this:

  • core material;
  • design;
  • section;
  • thickness of conductor insulation;
  • shell thickness;
  • marking;
  • core color;
  • package;
  • certificate;
  • product condition.

1. Material and design

According to the composition of the vein, cable products are divided into copper and aluminum. Copper products are more reliable, the resistance is lower, the current is higher, and the heating is less when compared with aluminum of the same cross-section. In addition, copper oxidizes less and is more ductile, which means the cable lasts longer without loss of properties and characteristics.

Attention! Wiring aluminum cables in an apartment is prohibited according to the requirements of the PUE (electrical installation rules).

By design single-core (single-wire) and multi-core (multi-wire) cables and wires are produced. Single-core varieties are more rigid and inflexible, especially with a large conductor cross-section.

Answering the question “which wire to use for wiring under plaster,” we can say that theoretically a single-core single-wire copper cable is also suitable. Plaster will create additional protection for such a conductor. But in fact, no one lays a single-wire home electrical network.

Multi-wire single-core cable is softer and more flexible. It tolerates bends and turns well and is suitable for both open wiring and hidden wiring under plaster. It is the three-core single-wire that is now used for laying in apartments.

Attention! Do not confuse cables in which each core consists of one conductor with wires where the core is made of several conductors. Multi-wire cable products are prohibited for permanent installation in an apartment due to the high fire hazard. Read more about them in the block“which wires should not be used for electrical wiring in an apartment”

2. Cable cross-section for wiring in an apartment

It is measured in “squares”, that is, square millimeters and shows the throughput. For a copper cable, one “square” carries 8-10 Amperes of current, for an aluminum cable only 5 A. For safe operation, the conductor should be selected with a reserve of carrying capacity, which ensures heating of the wire within the permissible value, or, more simply, so that it does not “float” under the load. insulation. In addition, with hidden wiring, it must be taken into account that it is cooled less efficiently, which means that the cross-sectional reserve must compensate for this.

Attention! Do not confuse the cable cross-section with its diameter, these are two big differences! The diameter can be measured with a ruler, or better yet, with a caliper. And then substitute it into the formula and calculate the cross-sectional area.

Also remember that the choice of cable for wiring in an apartment is always rounded up. If the calculation results in 2.3 “squares”, a two and a half cable is selected, not two “squares”.

Ideally, the cross-section should match the marking on the cable tag, but in fact it often differs to a smaller extent. Small discrepancies are acceptable because the cable is certified by resistance, not by wire cross-section. If the discrepancies are significant, it is a marriage. An experienced electrician will see it visually, and you can measure the diameter of the core and calculate the cross-section for interest or to help a friend who independently decides to buy a cable for apartment wiring.

Some electricians advise using a cable with a rating higher than the calculated one. For example, 4 “squares”, instead of 2.5, to cover the “shortage” of the section, if there is one. But then you will have to calculate the wiring protection accordingly and install the correct machines and RCDs.

Advice! For electrical wiring in an apartment, we recommend a cross-section of copper wires from 1.5 to 2.5 square meters. mm. Allow two and a half “squares” for sockets and one and a half for lighting.

3. Wire insulation thickness

Each core in a multi-core or single-core cable has insulation made of PVC plastic of the usual type or with reduced flammability; polymers and cross-linked polyethylene are also used. The thickness of the insulation is regulated by GOST standards and it must be sufficient. For household cables (rated voltage up to 660V) with a cross section of 1.5 and 2.5 mm 2 the thickness of the insulating layer according to the standard is 0.6 mm. Deviations are allowed, but the insulation should not be thinner than 0.44 mm.

Simply put, there is a range of thicknesses where the insulation must “fit” so that the wiring serves reliably and there are no problems during installation. Whether the manufacturer violated the technology cannot be determined without a micrometer unless you tinker with the cables every day. Therefore, if there is no experienced electrician nearby, you should only buy cables from well-known brands in trusted stores.

4. Shell thickness

The sheath encloses the cable over the insulated cores, secures them and protects them. It is made, like the core insulation, from PVC plastic or polymer, but is thicker. For multi-core cables, the thickness is 1.8 mm, for single-core cables - 1.4 mm. Deviations in a smaller direction are also possible, but insignificant.

The insulating shell is a mandatory element. For any residential wiring cable, even with minimal power, double insulation is prescribed. That is, first on the core, and then on top of it. This ensures the safety of people and protects the conductor itself from damage.

5. Marking

This is the inscription on the cable sheath for installing electrical wiring in the apartment. It contains all the necessary information for selection. The inscription is printed or extruded during the manufacture of cable products. It should be clear, contrasting, and easily readable.

The labeling indicates:

  • Brand of product (cable or wire), which encodes the main properties and characteristics.
  • Manufacturer's name.
  • Year of issue.
  • Number of cores
  • Section.
  • Voltage rating.

The inscription is applied along the entire length of the conductor at small intervals.

On the price tag and in catalogs of online stores, they usually do not indicate the year of manufacture and manufacturer and write the marking in the form VVGng(ozh)-0.66 kV 3x1.5 or VVG, VVGng cable 3x1.5.

It stands for three-core copper cable with a core cross-section of 1.5 “square” (3x1.5), single-wire core design (ozh). Insulation and sheath made of PVC compound (VV), flexible cable (G), non-flammable (ng). Rated voltage 660 Volts.

Remember! The letter designation of the cable brand begins with the core material; for aluminum the letter A is always used, for copper — the letter is not indicated, therefore all VVG brand cables of all modifications have a copper conductor.

6. Core colors

What you need to know about the color is that it is either a solid color or a stripe is applied to the sheath along the entire cable, approximately a millimeter wide. This is the standard. Everything else, in the form of smudges, spots, stripes across it, is from the evil one. And he says that strange people were making the cable in some basement.

There is a table for the colors of the cores that any experienced electrician knows. It describes what shade the main conductors are denoted by - phase, neutral, grounding. This was done for convenience during installation, in order to see where to connect which conductor. Phase and working conductors may differ in color, but the “ground” is always “painted” yellow-green.

7. Packaging

Standard for all types is a coil or drum. The coils are sold to stores and wound onto drums for wholesalers, builders and other large buyers. In any case, a label with a description is attached to the cable.

The contents of the tag repeat the information on the inscription on the shell with some additions. It states:

  • plant name or manufacturer's trademark
  • product brand (designation)
  • GOST or TU
  • Date of issue
  • number of segments with their length
  • drum number
  • conductor weight
  • conformity mark
  • OK mark.

If you come to buy a cable for wiring in an apartment in a whole bay of 100 m, you will receive a tag along with it. But if they cut off a piece for you, they won’t give you the label, you can just look at it.

8. Certificate

Needed to confirm that the cable is of high quality. Typically, products have 2 documents - a certificate of conformity, which is responsible for the suitability of the cable as an electrical installation material, and a fire safety certificate. You can ask the seller for them to review. The documents must be filled out indicating GOST standards for the cable and have a valid period, for example, until the end of the current year. As a rule, the documentation indicates specifications (technical conditions) in accordance with GOST and for cable products this is equivalent to compliance with GOST.

9. Condition

This is the appearance of the power wire. Pay attention to what the cable looks like, because bruises, strong bends, and compression hide an internal defect. The veins may be broken and even shorted to each other. It is clear that such material cannot be laid, therefore, do not be lazy to inspect the cable in the store, even before paying for your own purchase.

What cable is needed for wiring in an apartment?

We have already said that electrical wiring in an apartment “requires” 2 cable sections.

For sockets you need to take a cross section of 2.5 mm 2, because the switched load can reach 3-4 kilowatts. And a cable of two and a half “squares” is designed for a maximum power of up to 5.9 kilowatts and a current of up to 27 Amperes. This does not mean that you need to “load” the cable line to its limit. The choice always comes with a margin of one third of the planned load. Moreover, the cable lying under the plaster is cooled less efficiently and this is also taken into account when selecting.

For the lighting circuit, a cross section of 1.5 mm 2 is used. The load here is much less, but even if you decide to arrange illumination in the apartment, there will be plenty of current and power reserves.

Important information! Since modern electrical safety rules require grounding household electrical appliances and installing special sockets, a three-core cable is used for installation. In which there is a working phase conductor, a working zero and a protective zero.

Which cable does the online store site recommend for hidden wiring in a house or apartment?

Let us remind you that the marking contains the main characteristics of cable products. Letter designations indicate the materials of conductors, insulation, sheathing and flexibility, digital designations indicate the number of conductive conductors and their cross-section.

VVG cable

The most common domestic cable for electrical installation in an apartment. It has single-core copper conductors, insulation and a sheath made of PVC plastic, and is used in rooms with normal and high humidity. Designed for voltages up to 660 Volts. Refers to flexible, unarmored power cables. It can include from 1 to 5 cores, with a cross-section from one and a half to 240 “squares”. The conductor shape is round, flat or triangular.

VVG cables are available in several modifications:

  • VVG - basic type with vinyl insulation and sheath;
  • VVGng is a non-flammable power wire, the insulation of the cores is self-extinguishing, that is, combustion does not spread;
  • VVGng-LS - also has self-extinguishing non-flammable core insulation (ng) and a low smoke emission sheath;
  • VVGng FR-LS - in addition to non-flammability and low smoke emission, this type of cable received additional fire protection from mica tape.

All brands with the ng prefix can be mounted in bundles, that is, several cable lines can be laid in one corrugation, pipe or pit.

For sockets For switches
VVGng 3x2.5VVGng 3x1.5
VVGng-LS 3x2.5VVGng-LS 3x1.5

Conventional VVG is cheaper, but is not suitable for bundle laying and the shell is less fire-resistant and smoke-resistant. And the VVGng FR-LS brand is professional and is used in conditions of increased fire hazard in enterprises and is much more expensive.

NYM cable

European standard copper cable developed in Germany. Produced in Russian factories and complies with EU standards and GOSTs. The design is similar to the VVGng cable, rated voltage 660 V. Single-wire multi-core NYM cable with a cross-section of 1.5-10 mm2 and multi-wire with a cross-section of 16 mm2 are available. The number of cores is 1-5, the insulation and sheath are made of PVC, non-flammability is provided by the rubber filler between the core insulation and the cable sheath.

Note! In stores you can find cheap cables marked NUM. This “typo” says that this is a copy with reduced characteristics. By purchasing it, you risk receiving low-quality products. We advise you to refrain from dubious savings on security.

VVGng and NYM cables have similar characteristics and advantages of use:

  • High quality performance. The cores, insulation, and sheath comply with GOST and this makes the cable reliable.
  • Convenient installation and easy cutting. The round cable is easy to install due to the absence of twists and is easier to seal when inserting.
  • High fire resistance and safety. Compliance with standards ensures safe operation of the cable under load, and special insulation allows it to be laid in bundles, without the risk of fire from mutual heating.
  • Self-extinguishing and low smoke. The shell material is self-extinguishing and slows down combustion. It also provides low smoke without dangerous halogens. If the protection works slowly, the damage from the fire will be minimal.
  • Wide range of options in brands at a price to suit any budget.

Which wire is not suitable for wiring in an apartment?

And one more important point. We understand that for most people, “wire” and “cable” are synonymous. In fact, these are different types of cable products. The main difference is that the cable always has a very strong two-layer insulation, with the first layer on top of the conductive cores and the second covering the entire bundle. Even if the cable has one core, the insulation is always double. The wire is a weaker structure with light insulation.

Note! Wiring your apartment with wire, even stranded or stranded, is a very bad idea.

The main problem with wires is their poor resistance to prolonged heating under constant load and their high flammability. Therefore, they do not comply with the requirements of the PUE for wiring in residential premises.

PVS wire

PVS

This is a copper connection wire with vinyl insulation and sheath. Used to connect household electrical appliances to the home network and to make extension cords. The number of conductors is 2-6, the core design is multi-wire, cross-section 0.75-10 mm2. Designed for a voltage rating of 380 V.

Attention! There is no need to take PVS wire for wiring on the advice of friends or to save money.
  • Firstly, PVA have a multi-wire core structure. This means that all ends for connection must be tinned and soldered. This takes a lot of time and requires high-quality processing of the cores and extensive experience of the electrician.
  • Secondly, the multi-wire construction of the core is a factor of increased fire hazard. Such a wire heats up more, which means the insulation wears out faster, which is dangerous and can result in a short circuit.
  • Thirdly, the PVS wire cannot be laid in a bundle, like a cable. Only with the distance between the threads. That is, ditch the walls for each line separately.

So, the savings are very dubious and symbolic. The low price of the wire will be “eaten up” by the high cost of installation. And the quality of the wiring leaves much to be desired.

ShVVP and PVVP wire

ShVVP, PVVP

Installation cords or cables with single and multi-wire copper conductors. Used to connect electrical equipment and household appliances. They have a short service life; the stranded type requires processing of the ends and soldering during installation. They are not suitable for fixed wiring due to the lack of non-flammable insulation and poor characteristics.

Wire PUNP

Attention! PUNP has been banned for use for wiring since 2007 due to its unreliability.

Although there are “craftsmen” both among clients and among would-be electricians who use it. Motivating this by the fact that “all old apartments have this one.”

But “citizens” forget that since the times of the USSR, the equipment of household electrical equipment has changed greatly and its power has increased. That’s why PUNP was banned - it is low-power, has poor insulation and does not support modern loads.

cable VVGng FR-LSNYM cable

The online store site offers only high-quality cables for electrical wiring in an apartment or house. Full list of brands and types in the section:

Come in and choose your cable!

And also ask any questions. Funny and naive first of all! They are the most correct! Because it’s better to make electricians laugh than firefighters, wouldn’t you agree?

We always answer questions and talk about all the intricacies of installation. We quickly select a complete set for installing apartment wiring from cables to sockets and switches. We take into account your wishes and budget.

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VVG cable the most popular and correct cable for hidden and.

VVG is a power cable with single-wire copper conductors protected by PVC insulation. The cable cores are twisted and protected by a second PVC insulation.

The VVG cable is intended for the delivery and distribution (distribution) of electricity in stationary installations, houses, apartments, designed for voltages up to 1000 Volts. In apartment electrical wiring, VVG cables are used, with cores with a cross section of 1.5 mm 2; 2.5mm 2; 4mm 2 and 6mm 2 (for slab); less often 10 mm 2.

When laid alone, the cable does not spread fire. For greater safety from fires, VVGng cable is used. This is what should be installed for energy-intensive household appliances (for example, an electric stove), and, in principle, throughout the entire apartment.

Color marking of VVG cable, Russian. The phase is white, the working neutral is blue, the grounding conductor is green-yellow. Although options are possible.