Ranking of the best wiring cables in 2020

What electrical wiring is best used in an apartment, for a private wooden or brick house, during construction or renovation. Before answering the question: "Which cable product is better to buy?", You need to determine the general characteristics: how many types of cables are there, which one is more suitable for the needs of your project, are some popular models better than others, even if they relate to one kind?

Choosing the right cable for wiring electricity is a guarantee for the successful completion of any project started. The product must be of good quality so that there are no short circuits, the need for its constant replacement.

Purpose of the cable

Wires are used to connect two or more devices to an electrical network, or to transfer energy from a power source to consumers. They are widespread, today it is impossible to imagine modern life without them. Everything that surrounds us, in one way or another, depends on the energy transmitted through the wires. Main functions:

• provision of electronic mechanisms, power, signal networks;
• international communication is transmitted via submarine, fiber-optic cables;
• used for distribution of alternating and direct current;
• high voltage lines;
• lighting;
• building management.

As a rule, household wire is made of copper or aluminum, silver, which is especially sensitive to heat, is used in switches or scientific devices.

Fortunately, you don't need to be an expert among different varieties and brands - you just need to read our tips and tricks, then you can identify the best new items, understand the average price, and find out which company is the best to buy.

Two main types of products

The main difference is in the number of wire strands in one core. Old houses are equipped with 1 core wires, while modern buildings have multi-core wires that are more convenient to use. Both options have a right to exist.

Types of 1-core cords protected by a metal or plastic sheath:

• THW - one-piece, provide an effective connection, but rigid, difficult to install;
• THWN / THHN are composite cables.

The wire is sold in spools or by meter. Depending on your goals, you can choose cords with different functionality, both for indoor and outdoor use, with different temperature tolerances.

Multi-strand products are made of metal, plastic, contain: - neutral thread; conductive cables; grounding part. The insulation is made of thermoplastic material.

Types, device, features

The type of cable selected is related to the network topology, protocols, dimensions, and its functions:

• twisted wires in a retro style;
• unshielded twisted pair;
• shielded;
• coaxial;
• fiber optic.

1. Single conductors are the most reliable, recommended for use in hazardous areas. These cords contain a single strand that is surrounded by a mesh of copper wires wrapped in insulation. Coax is the best example of single core cables.
2. Non-metallic - very flexible, widely used in residential premises, there are different categories.
3. Armored - the cords are used to transfer data at high speed, ideal for harsh conditions, because they have additional protection. They are used extensively in areas where mechanical damage is possible.
4. Low voltage wires are used to supply electrical signals that have a voltage of 50 1000 V AC, 75 1500 V DC. They consist of copper or aluminum cores, which are protected by a winding.
5. Communication cables are used to transfer digital data in residential, commercial premises from one point to another. The information is encoded into light pulses, decoded by a photodetector.

The wiring has special parameters that characterize the differences between one type of product from another:

• The core is made of conductive metal and is surrounded by insulation. The cable has one or more strands, which, in turn, can consist of a different number of strands.
• All cords, including grounding cords, must be insulated. The characteristic of the braid is determined by the maximum temperature, the rated voltage in the network, it is usually made of synthetic materials using modern technologies.
• An important criterion for choosing a particular wire is its size. It is calculated as the total cross-sectional area (CSA) of the core, expressed in square millimeters, and the description can also include the number of cores and their diameter (mm).

Each product has power limits, exceeding which can lead to its melting, short circuit:

• The current passing through a cord, under normal operating conditions, is most often expressed in amperes.
• The wire must have a limit voltage, if it is exceeded, the insulation can burn out, causing a short circuit or fire, all power characteristics are usually indicated on the coil or drum.
• The nominal temperature is the number of degrees, usually in a home network of 75 ° C, at which the wire can be operated without damage. The best manufacturers have special, heat-resistant products that can withstand higher values.

The color of the cable (braid) serves to identify it, helps to avoid mistakes when choosing the right contact when installing the network, in different countries the shades may differ:

• positive (red);
• negative (black);
• grounding (yellow-green);
• there are special colors for specific purposes.

Primary insulation layer - called functional, some types of cords are equipped with additional protection over the main one to provide mechanical strength. The outer jacket gives the cable a flat or round shape.

Shielding

For outdoor installation outdoors, it is important that the wires along their entire length are protected from electronic noise (shielding), interference, and have a layer of tinned, decorative copper braid.

Protection against the effects of magnetic fields is achieved by grounding the outer metal braid. Such products have a voltage per unit length calculated for low-frequency structures (video surveillance systems, sound equipment).

Where to buy wires?

You can buy inexpensive products using the nearest building supermarket. Its managers will tell you what they are, advise the right size, and guide you on the price.Another option is to find the desired product, look in the online store, ordering it online.

Rating of quality electrical cables for 2020

Our review is based on real reviews, taking into account the opinions of buyers. It provides a description of solid and stranded wires of different designs, appearance, functionality.

Stranded

Flexible, easily assembled products, each core is made up of many threads.

PVA 2x1.5 (20 m) GOST

The 5th place in our review is taken by PVS 2x1.5 sq. mm, a convenient consumable for your home network device. The farm constantly needs to install a switch, an outlet, set up carrying, this product will help to do all this.

Considering that the core of the cord is made of pure copper, the Russian manufacturer has no competitors in this price niche, including the Chinese. The cable is suitable for the device of LED structures, connecting speakers in the car.

The thickness of the product can be considered a significant drawback, but nevertheless, there are much more advantages:

• Cheaper than their imported counterparts, the difference can reach 100%.
• Flexible, suitable for work in confined spaces.
• The wire is made of stranded copper, so the resistance, with a well-chosen length, will be close to zero, which is an excellent indicator, especially if you use it when installing acoustics.
• Temperature readings are suitable for use in a car.

In general, an irreplaceable thing in the household, it does not cause complaints from the majority of consumers, you can be sure, connecting the cable to the outlet, in its reliability. The goods are neatly packed, rolled up, tightened with clamps, easily unwound during installation. Includes instruction manual.

Technical indicators:

Parameters	Specifications
Marking	PVS
Number of cores	2 pcs.
Cross section	1.5 sq. mm
Length	20 m
Core material	Copper
Application	Internal
Sheath material	PVC compound
Insulation material	Pvc
GOST	+
Minimum operating temperature	-30 ° C
Maximum operating temperature	50 ° C

• price quality;
• flexible, easy to install;
• Made of anti-corrosion copper core.

• thick braid increases overall diameter.

PUGNP 2 × 1.5

On the 4th place of the PUGNP - an insulated power cable. In construction it is used for laying a stationary lighting network with a power of up to 25 kW, a frequency of 50 Hz.
ПУГНП means: universal, flat, flexible wire. Refers to installation cords consisting of flattened, copper, twisted conductors placed in parallel. The cable sheath is made of PVC compound.

It is used inside buildings, on the street, the optimal solution for electrical, engineering tasks related to the arrangement of premises with energy. The products of the Cable Plant brand have proven themselves in the Russian market from the best side, they have a high level of safety.

Technical indicators:

Parameters	Specifications
Ambient operating temperature range	from -50 ° С to + 60 ° С.
Maximum core temperature at which the insulation is not destroyed	+70 ° C.
Rated AC voltage	400 Hz: 380 V.
Working constant voltage	700 V.
Permissible bending radius when laying	Not less than 10 diameters.
Minimum temperature at which installation work is allowed	-15 ° C.
Product service life	15 years.
Manufacturer's warranty period	12 months.

• reliability;
• easy to pull, lay;
• well calibrated;
• all-weather.

• not found.

PUGNP 3х4

on the 3rd place in our list at PUGNP 3x4:

• consists of three stranded cores made of copper, electrically conductive cores have a cross section of 4.0 mm2;
• the design corresponds to class 2, GOST 22483-2012;
• reduced requirements for resistance;
• insulation made of plastic polyvinyl chloride, 0.3 mm thick.
• A braid made of the same material (2.5 mm) is laid over parallel insulated conductors.

Explanation of the abbreviation ПУГНП: installation wire, flexible, for fixed laying, flat.

Technical indicators:

Parameters	Specifications
Rated AC voltage	250 V at 50 Hz
Insulation test voltage per passage	2000 in
Core resistance at 20 ° С	Not more than 6.8 Ohm / km
Construction length	Not less than 5 m
Minimum bending radius	10 outer diameters
Operating temperature range	−15 ... + 50 ° C
Life time	At least 6 years from the date of manufacture

• reliable;
• efficient at low temperatures;
• comfortable to mount.

• not found.

ShVVP 2 × 0.75

Silver medalist of our rating ШВВП 2 × 0.75 from "Cable Plant". The household cord is made of stainless copper and can be used to solve a wide range of engineering problems related to the establishment of electrical networks. It is used at low temperatures, has, like all the products of the enterprise, increased reliability.

ShVVP (flat cord with braided and PVC insulation, flat) is intended for installation of household appliances: air conditioners, kettles, chandeliers, sconces, kitchen electronics, audio, television equipment, washing machines, freezers, used for the manufacture of extension cords, carriers up to 380/660 V ...

Technical indicators:

Parameters	Specifications
Theoretical weight 1 km	31.00 kg
Cross section diameter	6.30 mm
Minimum bending radius	63 mm
Nominal insulation thickness	0.50 mm
Nominal shell thickness	0.6 mm
Email insulation resistance per km	70оС 0.01 MΩ

• acceptable price.

• prone to tearing.

Werkel Retro 3x2.5

1st place for Werkel with a decorative protective braid made of polyester threads, which gives the wire aesthetics and increased durability.

Multi-wire copper conductors of the product provide it with flexibility, high electrical performance, and the outer insulation imitates natural silk, the shell does not support combustion.
Technical indicators:

Parameters	Specifications
Collection	Werkel retro
Material	Copper
Colour	Brown
Number of cores	3
Cross section	2.5 mm2
Application	Sockets
Bay	50 meters
Manufacturer's warranty	1 year
Country of Origin	China
Designed by	Sweden

• attractive design.

• not detected.

Single core

The popularity of these cords is ensured by their ease of use and reliability. They are used in different areas of human life.

NYM 3х2.5 (100 m) REXANT GOST

In 5th place, single-core, power NUM-J (NYM), made of rounded copper wire. The product corresponds to 1, 2 class (GOST 31996-2012), the braid is made of PVC plastic compound, which is extruded with chalk and filled with halogen-free material. The cable is manufactured according to the German VDE regulation.

Explanation of the abbreviation "NYM", "NUM":

• N - compliance with the "VDE" standard;
• Y - braid made of PVC compound;
• M - insulation has medium flexibility, in other words, you can use it for installation work, but you cannot make an extension cord or carry it out of it;
• J - confirms the presence of a yellow-green neutral wire.

NUM-J is used to create electrical structures of the 1st protection class, using alternating voltage up to 0.66 kilowatts with a frequency of 50 hertz, equipment for stationary installations, it is used for the installation of power, lighting networks.
Technical indicators:

Parameters	Specifications
Marking	NYM
Number of cores	3 pcs.
Cross section	2.5 sq. mm
Length	100 m
Core material	Copper
Application	Internal
Sheath material	PVC compound
Insulation material	Pvc
Earthing	+
GOST	+
Minimum operating temperature	-30 ° C
Maximum operating temperature	40 ° C

• top quality product.

• expensive price.

KOPSEV ng (a) 2x2x0.75 mm2 (1.0mm) FRLS 180 min, REXANT

4th place for KOPSEV from "Rexant", it is used for the installation of security, fire alarm systems, and other low-current signal transmission structures.

The product, before it begins to melt, is kept on an open fire for up to 180 minutes, which makes it possible to equip objects of increased security with it.

The signal wire has been used for installation work since the 90s, before that the telephone cord "TRP" was used, the warranty period of which reaches 30 years. Nevertheless, the wave noise affecting the "TRP" forced to abandon the use of this kind of product.

Today, due to a number of advantages, a signal cord patented using CCA technology, with the addition of copper to steel or aluminum, has received great fame.
The fundamental indicator for the successful operation of the product is ohmic resistance, as well as non-oxidizable contact during soldering.

KOPSEV contains several pairs of conductive cores, insulated with polyethylene PVC winding, on top of which there is a cover of steel protection, in the form of a hose.

Technical indicators:

Parameters	Specifications
For the street	-
Number of wires	4
Fire retardant	+
Cross section	0.75mm
With low smoke and gas emission;	+
Shielded;	+
Minimum bending radius	10хDн, where Dн - outer size
Operating temperature	from -50 ° C to +70 ° C;
Installation temperature	-10 ° C to +50 ° C;
Fire hazard class	GOST 31565-2012: P1b.8.2.2.2;
Life time	30 years.

• a high degree of protection against external influences.

• high price.

VVGng-P 2x1.5 sq. mm (20 m) GOST

On the 3rd place VVGng-P 2x1.5 is a product for household use, because of the two copper cores located in parallel in it, it has a flattened shape. The casing is made of polyvinyl chloride.

It is used to equip electrical systems, sockets, household appliances, relays up to 250 volts with a frequency of 50 Hz.

Explanation of the abbreviation VVGng-P:

• B - insulation made of polyvinyl chloride;
• Г - PVC sheath;
• P - no protective cover;
• P-cores are placed in one plane, parallel to each other.

Technical indicators:

Paramerts	Specifications
Marking	VVGng-P
Number of cores	2 pcs.
Cross section	1.5 sq. mm
Length	20 m
Core material	Copper
Application	Outdoor
Sheath material	PVC compound
Screen	-
GOST	+
Minimum operating temperature	-50 ° C
Maximum operating temperature	50 ° C
Additional Information	GOST 31996-2012

• simple, reliable;
• easy to install;
• made of durable material that prevents tearing;
• ecologicaly clean.

• not detected.

NYM 3x6 GOST (10m)

NYM 3x6 confidently occupies a 2-place single-core cable used in networks with voltages up to 0.66 kV.

Optimal operating conditions:

• the temperature of the conductive core is not higher than 70 ° С;
• atmospheric humidity 98%;
• t = air from - 50 ° С to 50 ° С.

The product is used for the installation of power, lighting structures, indoors, near hazardous areas: B-Ib, B-Ig, B-IIa, B-Ia, outdoor use is possible only outside the area of ​​sunlight.

Applications:

• buildings with high humidity;
• plaster;
• brick;
• concrete (with the exception of pressed, stamped materials);
• pipes;
• closed channels (it is impossible to mount the wire into the ground without additional protection)

The product complies with TU 3500-003-03163895-2016, GOST 31996-2012.

Technical indicators:

Parameters	Specifications
Gross weight	3.35 kg
Number of cores	3 pcs
Coil length	10 m
Number / section of cores	3x6.0
Cable brand	NYM
Fireproof	+
Installation method	Hidden
GOST	+

• increased reliability, the ability to operate in hazardous areas;

• not found.

VVGng-LS pl. 3 x 4

1st place at VVGng-LS pl. 3 x 4, designed for stationary installations (voltage 0.66-1 kilowatts, frequency 50 Hertz):

• applied in vertical areas;
• operating time in the mode of a single-phase short circuit to earth is not more than 125 hours per year (with a grounded or protected neutral);
• fire safety level according to GOST 31565-2012: P1b.8.2.2.2;
• it is possible to install in the networks of nuclear power plants (class 3, 4; OPB-88/97 (PNAE G-01-011-97);
• used in hazardous areas B1, B1-a.

Explanation of the abbreviation:

• no letter A-copper core;
• B - insulation made of polyvinyl chloride;
• В- PVC sheath;
• Г - no protective cover;
• ng - not subject to combustion;
• (A) - fire level;
• LS - low smoke and gas emission.

Technical indicators:

Parameters	Specifications
Cross-sectional area	4 mm2
Minimum number of wires (round) core	1 PC
Core diameter (max.)	2.4mm
Electrical resistance of 1 km of conductor at a temperature of 20 ° С	4.61ohm
Copper mass in 1 meter of core	0,034kg
Nominal inner sheath thickness	1mm
Minimum inner shell thickness	0.5mm
Shell	Reduced fire hazard PVC
Outer sheath thickness	1.5mm
Minimum outer sheath thickness	1.175mm

• mold resistance;
• operating temperature up to -60 ° С.

• not detected.

The choice of a suitable cable is important for a budget apartment and loft, office, factory, any room or courtyard needs a stable, safe supply of energy for comfortable life.
We hope our article will help you understand all the intricacies, find out what it costs, and purchase reliable products.