Wire & Cables

Before purchasing a cable, it is important to determine several key factors: the expected load, installation location, wire length, and most importantly – the type of cable itself.

Choosing the right wire requires understanding the wide range of modern conductive products, as the area of use directly depends on the cable type and its technical characteristics. Therefore, before buying, clearly define the scope of application.

In practice, there is no strict boundary between when a wire becomes a cable — both terms are often used interchangeably. Wires are typically made of several twisted strands, which may be either uninsulated (used for winding or power grids) or insulated from one another.

Marking is the first thing to pay attention to. The alphanumeric code indicates the cable’s composition and purpose:

• The first letter (A), or its absence, specifies the conductor material:

  • A – aluminum;

  • no letter – copper.

• Copper conductors are durable, resilient, and suitable for high-current loads. However, they cannot be used in open installations as they oxidize quickly.

• Aluminum conductors are lighter and cheaper than copper, making them a budget-friendly option for stationary wiring, though more fragile.

• Subsequent letters denote the type of protective sheath, insulation material, and overall cable characteristics.

Color coding of insulation is not just for appearance – it ensures correct installation:

• Yellow (yellow-green) – grounding;

• Yellow (yellow-green) with blue markings – grounding conductor, offset from neutral;

• Blue – neutral (zero);

• Black or brown – phase conductor.