We have a comprehensive collection of wire and single core cable that includes switchgear and Tri-Rated cable, hook-up and equipment wire, thermocouple, and high-temperature wire.
Understanding Wire Types
What is a Wire?
A wire is a single strand of metal, or multiple strands together in a single insulated sleeve. They send and receive telecommunications signals, bear mechanical loads and can transfer electricity. Wires are available in different sizes and types such as solid, single core, stranded, and braided.
What is a Single Core Cable?
Single core means that there is a single piece of metal wire, typically copper or aluminum, with insulation around it. A single core flexible cable is designed with finer strands of wire within the conductor, allowing for greater flexibility and ease of bending. The wire can be different gauges–as the size of the wire increases, the flexibility will generally decrease.
Distinguishing Between Wire and Single Core
The difference between a wire and a single core cable lies in their construction. A wire can be a single strand or multiple strands of metal, either insulated or uninsulated to serve various purposes like conducting electricity or transmitting signals. In contrast, a single core cable is a specific type of wire that always has a single insulated metal conductor, typically copper or aluminum, providing protection and preventing electrical leakage. For example, PVC single core insulated cables are typically used in network power systems and local power transmissions.
In essence, wire and single core can refer to the same thing based on the usage of the term ‘wire’. If there is just a single strand, then the wire would be single core.
Types of Wire
The following are the most common types of wires available. Each can be used for different commercial, industrial, and personal projects.
Braided Wire: Has small strands of wire braided together and enclosed in an insulated sleeve. They conduct electricity well, are durable and used for noise reduction or EMI shielding.
Harsh Environment Wire: Used in environments with high temperatures and materials that can damage wires such as oils, UV light, and some acids and alkalis.
High-Temperature Wire: Conductors are usually copper with a nickel coating. The insulator material must be able to resist high temperatures.
Hook-Up and Equipment Wire: Typically, a single insulated conductor wire that is useful for applications that have low voltage and low current. Used for internal computer wiring, consumer electronic equipment, appliances, control panels, and in some areas of vehicles.
Thermocouple Wire: Used within a thermocouple from the sensor point to the CJC end point where they measure the signal.
Types of Single Core Cables
Single core wiring cables are best suited for fixed installations as well as internal wiring of certain types of devices. Depending on the size of the copper, the voltage and temperature range in which it can operate will be different.
Single Core Copper Wire: Copper is widely used in single-core cables for its excellent conductivity and flexibility. A single core copper wire is a solid wire typically used in fixed installations in residential and commercial electrical wiring applications, such as in power plants, home wiring, household appliances, meters, and telecommunication equipment.
Single Core XLPE Cable: Single core XLPE insulated cables are durable and can resist high temperatures. They offer efficient, safe power transmission and are ideal for tough industrial settings and environmental conditions.
Single Core Power Cable: Single core power cables are crucial for transmitting electricity in power systems, especially in high voltage applications. These cables efficiently handle large electrical loads, making them ideal for use in substations, power plants, and renewable energy projects. These cables’ durability ensures reliable power transmission over long distances, even under harsh conditions.
Switchgear Cable: Single core cables are also used in switchgear applications. They provide safe and reliable connections within electrical distribution systems. These cables are designed to withstand the high currents and voltages typically found in switchgears to ensure stable performance and reduce the risk of electrical faults.
Tri-Rated Cable: Tri-Rated cables are versatile electrical cables that comply with British, North American, and Canadian standards. These types of cables are known for their flame resistance and ability to operate at higher temperatures, which enhances safety and performance in demanding environments. For added safety, electrical wires can also be identified by color. Learn more about the different wiring color codes here.
Single Core Cable Types and Sizes: Single core cables vary in type and size, which impact their current-carrying capacity and flexibility. Although these cables have only one conductor, they come in different thicknesses and gauges. As the diameter of the single core cable increases, its flexibility decreases. Make sure to choose the appropriate size and type based on the specific electrical requirements and installation conditions. Here’s why you need to choose the right type of cable for your needs.
What is Switchgear?
A switchgear cable is an electrical cable used in switchgear systems that isolate electrical equipment. This is a general term, as it can refer to many different types of cables that can perform the job, such as the tri-rated cable. The switchgear system helps to protect the power system from load conditions that might be too high, as well as faults.
Purchase Single Core Cables and Wires with RS
RS offers a wide selection of single core cables and wires in the Philippines, catering to a diverse range of industrial, commercial, and residential applications. Whether you need tri-rated, switchgear, or other types of single core cables, we have the right solution for you.
RS Philippines provides fast delivery of single core cables to keep your projects on track. Whether for industrial, commercial, residential, or personal use, our team is dedicated to ensuring you receive the cables you need, when you need them. We also have other cable and wire accessories such as cable sleeves, control cables, flexible wires, cable managers, coaxial cables and more.
With fast delivery services, RS is your reliable partner for all your electrical single core wire and cable needs. Please click here to read our complete delivery information here.