Wire is a strand of metal that is extremely flexible. Its function is to conduct electricity. It is often used for wiring homes and businesses. There are several types of wire, and each one has a different purpose. For example, cable wire is used in telephone lines, computer cables, and other applications.

In addition to its electrical function, cable wire is also used in audio, video, and computer systems. There are several different types of cable wire, including bare copper and nonmetallic sheathed cable. Generally, nonmetallic cable consists of two or four wires, with one bare wire for grounding. Most houses built since the ’60s are made of nonmetallic cable, also called Romex. It contains two or three wires and a ground wire. Cable wires are usually white or black with a white or black jacket.

Cable wire is used in the automotive, electronics, and medical industries. It comes in a variety of diameters, working load capacities, and insulation types. There are thermocouple wires, instrumentation wires, and power & control wires, among others. Some types are RoHS-compliant. The type of insulation used depends on the application.

When choosing cable wire, you need to consider the wire gauge. It is important to choose the right size. The smaller the gauge number, the thicker the wire. For a residential application, a gauge of between 10 and 20 is ideal. Bigger wires can cause major damage to household appliances and burn fuses. Also, you should consider the number of wires in the cable. A cable has a hot wire that carries current, a neutral wire that completes the loop, and a ground wire to prevent short circuits.

Low-voltage wires pose little danger and are commonly used for landline telephones and internet hookups. Low-voltage wires usually consist of four or eight strands. One of the best types of cable is a Category 5 cable, which is eight wires wrapped in four pairs. It can carry phone and data signals and is also often cheaper than other types of household wiring.

Cables are made of different strands of wire and are used to connect electrical machines and circuits. Some types are solid and others are twisted together. Stranded cables are more expensive than solid ones, but they are often used in broadcast media. When choosing the right cable, it’s important to understand the differences between the different types.

Cable wires are typically made of copper or aluminum. They are available in bare or insulated versions, and should be rated for at least 25% more than the actual load. Most homes use non-metallic sheathed wires. They have at least two conductors and plastic insulation. The insulation on individual wires is color-coded so you know which wire is which.

Cable wires are suspended on overhead structures or poles. The diameter of a cable is measured in centimeters or inches, which is the distance between the center of each conductor.