What factors should be considered when choosing wires and cables?

When selecting wires and cables, focus on three core considerations: safety, compatibility, and durability. Pay special attention to six key factors—such as application, environmental conditions, and performance specifications—to avoid improper selection that could lead to safety hazards or inadequate performance.

1. Clearly define the core purpose (the primary prerequisite)

The application directly determines the cable's type and basic performance, serving as the starting point for selection.

If used for transmitting electrical energy (such as household power supply or factory distribution), it is necessary to choose power cables, paying close attention to current-carrying capacity and voltage-withstanding rating.

If used for signal transmission (such as device control or data communication), you should choose either a control cable or a communication cable, paying close attention to its ability to resist interference and ensure signal stability.

If used in special scenarios (such as automobiles, high-temperature workshops, or underwater environments), it is necessary to select dedicated cables, such as automotive wiring harnesses, high-temperature-resistant cables, and submarine armored cables.

II. Adapting Electrical Parameters (Safety Core)

Electrical parameters must match the powered equipment or system to prevent overload or insulation breakdown.

Current-carrying capacity: Select based on the maximum operating current in the circuit. The cable cross-sectional area must meet the current-carrying requirement (the higher the current, the larger the cross-sectional area needed) to prevent overheating and potential burnout caused by prolonged overloading.

Withstand Voltage Rating: The cable's rated voltage must exceed the system's operating voltage (e.g., 450/750V for household applications, and 10kV or higher for industrial high-voltage systems) to prevent insulation breakdown.

Conductor material: Copper conductors are preferred due to their excellent conductivity and minimal heat generation. If the budget is limited and the current requirements are relatively low, aluminum conductors can be used—but care should be taken to address oxidation issues at the connection points.

III. Adapt to the Usage Environment (Key to Durability)

Environmental factors directly affect the service life of cables, so it’s essential to carefully select protective structures and materials tailored to these conditions.

Temperature: For high-temperature environments (such as kitchens or boiler rooms), choose high-temperature-resistant cables (like silicone rubber-insulated cables); for low-temperature environments (such as extremely cold outdoor regions), select low-temperature-resistant jacketed cables to prevent the jacket from cracking.

Humidity / Corrosivity: In humid environments (such as bathrooms, underground parking garages) or scenarios involving corrosive gases/liquids (e.g., chemical processing plants), it is necessary to select cables that are waterproof and corrosion-resistant (e.g., polyvinyl chloride-sheathed or stainless steel-armored cables).

Risk of mechanical damage: For applications involving buried installations or scenarios prone to collisions (such as outdoor construction sites or workshop floors), it is recommended to choose cables equipped with armor protection (e.g., steel tape armor or steel wire armor) to enhance their resistance to compression and impact.

Electromagnetic Interference: If there are strong electromagnetic devices nearby (such as motors or transformers), and the cables are used to transmit signals (e.g., for control or communication), it’s essential to choose cables equipped with shielding layers (such as copper mesh shielding or aluminum foil shielding) to minimize signal interference.

IV. Compliance with Standards and Certifications (Security Assurance)

It is essential to choose cables that meet national or industry standards, and avoid using products labeled as "three-no" items.

Prioritize selecting products that comply with GB standards domestically (e.g., GB/T 12706, "Rated Voltage 1kV to 35kV Extruded Insulation Power Cables").

If intended for export or specific sectors, it must comply with international standards (such as IEC standards or UL standards) to ensure regulatory compliance.

Please check whether the products have 3C certification (China Compulsory Certification), especially for commonly used cables in household and industrial applications, as uncertified products may pose safety risks.

5. Consider the installation method (installation adaptation)

The installation method influences the selection of cable structure, ensuring both ease of installation and protection against cable damage.

Conduit installation (e.g., wall-through conduit, in-pipe laying): Select cables with small outer diameters and excellent flexibility to facilitate easy threading through the conduit, while also preventing the cable jacket from being scratched by the pipe walls.

Overhead installation (e.g., on outdoor utility poles): Choose cables equipped with specialized overhead-grade jackets or armor to enhance resistance against wind and ultraviolet radiation.

Directly buried installation (e.g., direct underground laying): Must use cables with armor and waterproofing to prevent soil compression, corrosion, and damage from pests and rodents.

6. Balancing Cost with Value for Money (A Practical Choice)

While ensuring safety and performance, reasonably control costs and avoid overspecification.

No need to blindly pursue "high specifications": For instance, if the current in your home lighting circuit is low, a 1.5mm² copper-core cable will suffice—there’s no need to opt for a 2.5mm² cable, as this would only lead to unnecessary waste.

Prioritize cost-effective materials: For scenarios involving small currents and short distances, aluminum conductor cables are cheaper than copper conductor cables and can serve as a viable alternative.