CONDUCTORS FOR

GENERAL WIRING
 SELECTING A CONDUCTOR
MATERIAL

• i. Conductivity & Cost

• Metals are the best conductors
of electric charges—but not all
metals are equally up to the
task.
• Table 1.1 shows the top electric
conductors (the list includes
both pure metals and alloys).
 SELECTING A CONDUCTOR
MATERIAL
• ii. Corrosion
• If the wire/cable will be used in an environment
with high humidity or near salt water, or with
certain connectors which require the conductor to
be exposed, bare copper could quickly corrode.
• In these situations, utilizing a copper alloy or
tinned copper would offer additional protection
from corrosion.
 SELECTING A CONDUCTOR
MATERIAL
• iii. Service Temperature
• If the application
requires high
temperatures, a copper
conductor with silver
plating or nickel plating
would be recommended.
MOST TYPICAL CONDUCTOR
MATERIALS
MOST TYPICAL CONDUCTOR
MATERIALS
 STRANDED VS. SOLID CONDUCTORS

STRANDED SOLID
• Stranded means multiple smaller • A solid conductor refers to a
conductors are twisted together to single, solid wire.
make a larger conductor • A solid conductor consists of a
• Stranded conductors consist of single metallic core.
multiple thinner conductor wires • This is usually much thicker than
combined to act as a larger
the individual wires found in
conductor with a higher gauge.
stranded conductors.
• Multiple conductor stranding options
are available, depending on your
needs
 STRANDED VS. SOLID CONDUCTORS

STRANDED SOLID
• The primary benefit of stranding is • While this option is less widely
flexibility—the construction of used and offers less flexibility,
stranded conductors makes them solid conductors are more rugged
less rigid and stiff than their solid and durable than their stranded
counterparts. counterparts.
• As a rule, higher conductor flexibility • And thanks to their simple
can be achieved by increasing the construction, solid conductors also
number of strands, and decreasing offer the benefit of lower cost.
the strands’ diameter.
 STRANDED VS. SOLID CONDUCTORS

STRANDED SOLID
• While stranded conductors are • Because a solid conductor lacks
typically more expensive than the spaces between multiple
solid conductors, they also offer wires, its diameter can be more
easier installation and longer compact than a stranded
lifespan (in typical applications), conductor, without a decrease in
so in the long term they may be a carrying load.
more cost-effective choice. • This lack of empty spaces also
makes solid conductors better at
preventing electronic interference.
 STRANDED VS. SOLID CONDUCTORS

STRANDED SOLID
• Stranded Conductor Applications • However, it is important to remember
this rigidity can also be an obstacle in
• Flexible stranded conductors are a many applications.
good choice for applications such as
circuit boards, where a wire may need • If used in an environment where subject
to twist and bend intricately. to frequent motion, a solid conductor will
become worn more quickly.
• Stranded is also a good choice where • Thus, a cable that was initially lower cost
the conductor will be subject to will turn out to be less cost-effective. This
repetitive motion or to vibration (such factor may be disregarded in applications
as in robotics), as they can endure intended to have a shorter lifespan.
these factors better than a solid
conductor.
 STRANDED VS. SOLID CONDUCTORS
Stranded Conductor
Applications Solid Conductor Applications
• Because of their inherent durability, solid • Because of their inherent durability, solid
conductors are frequently used in applications conductors are frequently used in applications
where harsh conditions may be present— where harsh conditions may be present—
especially if the conductor will be exposed to especially if the conductor will be exposed to
adverse weather. adverse weather.
• When corrosion is possible, a solid • When corrosion is possible, a solid
construction can offer better performance and construction can offer better performance and
a longer lifespan. a longer lifespan.
• Both blasting wire (which connects a • Both blasting wire (which connects a
detonator to an explosive device) and direct detonator to an explosive device) and direct
burial wire (e.g., used to connect homes to a burial wire (e.g., used to connect homes to a
power transformer) utilize solid conductors. power transformer) utilize solid conductors.
STRANDED CONSTRUCTION
OPTIONS
 COPPER CONDUCTOR STRANDING
CLASSES AND THEIR USES/APPLICATIONS
WIRES VERSUS CABLE
 WIRES VERSUS CABLE

WIRE CABLE
• A wire is a single strand or a group • A cable, on the other hand,
of strands of an electrically consists of two or more insulated
conductive material. conductors and can be either bare
• One way to differentiate them is to or covered
remember that wires are a • A cable is usually two or more
component in cables. wires running together or bonded,
• Wires have a much wider scope of twisted or braided together.
use. • They are usually insulated rather
than not, which gives them a
better protection than just wires.
   Wire Cable

Definition single conductor two or more conductors

To bear mechanical loads, to carry

electricity and telecommunications
Power transmission, to carry
signals, heating, jewelry, clothing,
Uses electricity and telecommunications
mesh, automotive or industrial
signals.
manufactured parts, pins, needles,
fish hooks, bulbs.

Power Cables, Twisted pair cable,

Types Solid wire, and stranded wires coaxial cable, multi conductor cable
and fiber optic cable.

Solid wires are perfect for use in

higher frequencies, offer low Higher strength, heavy duty,
Advantages
resistance. Stranded wire shows insulated.
higher resistance to metal fatigue.
 WIRES VERSUS CABLE

WIRE CABLE
• Wires are those • Cables on the
electrical-conductors other hand, are
8 mm2(AWG No.8) those which are
and smaller in sizes larger than the
wires
 TYPES OF WIRES BASED ON LETTER
DESIGNATION

• T: Thermoplastic insulation, a fire-resistant material

• H: Heat-resistant; able to withstand temperatures up to 167 F.
• HH: Highly heat-resistant; able to withstand temperatures up
to 194 F.
• W: "Wet," or approved for damp and wet locations; this wire is
also suitable for dry locations
• X: Insulation made of a synthetic polymer that is flame-
retardant
• N: Nylon-coated for resistance to oil and gasoline 
 COLOR CODING OF WIRES
• Black : Hot wire, for switches or outlets.
• Red : Hot wire, for switch legs. Also for connecting wire
between 2 hardwired smoke detectors.
• Blue and Yellow : Hot wires, pulled in conduit. Blue for
3-4 way switch application, and yellow for switch legs to
control fan, lights etc.
• White : Always neutral.
• Green and Bare Copper : Only for grounding.
 CONDUCTOR SIZES
• I. CURRENT-CARRYING CAPACITY
• Ambient Temperature: Is your cable for an indoor or outdoor
application? What do you anticipate the temperature and/or weather
conditions typically being? Will adequate ventilation be available along
the conductor’s entire length?
• Construction Type and Diameter: When multiple (stranded)
conductors are cabled together in any construction type, more heat will
be produced.
• Insulation: You’ll need to think ahead here about what insulation
material is best to use – choose one that is rated to handle the
anticipated temperatures, at minimum.
 CONDUCTOR SIZES
• ii. Voltage Loss
• • Materials with better conductivity (e.g., copper) will lose
less voltage than those with lower conductivity (e.g.,
aluminum)
• Shorter wires will lose less voltage than longer wires
(when comparing cables of the same AWG). For short runs
(under 25'), drops in voltage are considered negligible.
• Thicker wires will lose less voltage than thinner wires
(when comparing cables of the same length).
PEC PROVISIONS
CONDUCTORS FOR GENERAL WIRING
 PEC TYPES OF CONDUCTORS
• Bare Conductor. A conductor having no covering or
electrical insulation whatsoever.
• Covered Conductor. A conductor encased within
material of composition or thickness that is not
recognized by this Code as electrical insulation.
• Insulated Conductor. A conductor encased within
material of composition and thickness that is
recognized by this Code as electrical insulation.
 CONDUCTORS.
.
• (a) Insulated. Conductors shall be
insulated
• (b) Conductor Material. Conductors in
this article shall be of aluminum, copper-
clad aluminum, or copper unless
otherwise specified.
 STRANDED CONDUCTORS.

•Where installed in raceways,

conductors of size 8.0 mm2
(3.2 mm dia.) and larger shall
be stranded
 CONDUCTORS IN PARALLEL.

• Aluminum, copper-clad aluminum, or

copper conductors of size 50 mm2 and
larger, comprising each phase, polarity,
neutral, or grounded circuit conductor,
shall be permitted to be connected in
parallel (electrically joined at both ends).
 CONDUCTORS IN PARALLEL.
• The paralleled conductors in each phase, polarity, neutral,
or grounded circuit conductor shall comply with all of the
following:
• (1) Be the same length
• (2) Have the same conductor material
• (3) Be the same cross sectional area of the conducting
material
• (4) Have the same insulation type
• (5) Be terminated in the same manner
 CONDUCTORS IN PARALLEL
• Where run in separate raceways or cables, the raceways or
cables shall have the same physical characteristics.
• Where conductors are in separate raceways or cables, the
same number of conductors shall be used in each raceway
or cable.
• Conductors of one phase, polarity, neutral, or grounded
circuit conductor shall not be required to have the same
physical characteristics as those of another phase, polarity,
neutral, or grounded circuit conductor to achieve balance.
MINIMUM SIZE OF
CONDUCTORS.
 SHIELDING.
• Solid dielectric insulated conductors operated
above 2000 volts in permanent installations shall
have ozone-resistant insulation and shall be
shielded.
• All metallic insulation shields shall be grounded
through an effective grounding path meeting the
requirements of 2.50.1.4(a)(5) or 2.50.1.4(b)(4).
• Shielding shall be for the purpose of confining the
voltage stresses to the insulation.
 DIRECT BURIAL
CONDUCTORS.
• Conductors used for direct burial
applications shall be of a type
identified for such use.
• Cables rated above 2 000 volts shall
be shielded.
 LOCATIONS.
• (a) Dry Locations. Insulated conductors and cables
used in dry locations shall be any of the types
identified in this Code.
• (b) Dry and Damp Locations. Insulated
conductors and cables used in dry and damp
locations shall be Types FEP, FEPB, MTW, PFA, RHH,
RHW, RHW-2, SA, THHN, THW, THW-2, THHW, THHW-
2, THWN, THWN-2, TW, XHH, XHHW, XHHW-2, Z, or
ZW.
 LOCATIONS.
• (c) Wet Locations. Insulated conductors and
cables used in wet
• locations shall be
• (1) Moisture-impervious metal-sheathed;
• (2) Types MTW, RHW, RHW-2, TW, THW, THW-2,
THHW, THHW-2, THWN, THWN-2, XHHW, XHHW-2,
ZW; or
• (3) Of a type listed for use in wet locations.
 LOCATIONS EXPOSED TO
DIRECT SUNLIGHT.
• Insulated conductors or cables used where exposed to
direct rays of the sun shall comply with one of the following:
• (1) Cables listed, or listed and marked, as being sunlight
resistant
• (2) Conductors listed, or listed and marked, as being
sunlight resistant
• (3) Covered with insulating material, such as tape or
sleeving, that is listed, or listed and marked, as being
sunlight resistant
 CORROSIVE CONDITIONS.

• Conductors exposed to oils, greases,

vapors, gases, fumes, liquids, or
other substances having a
deleterious effect on the conductor
or insulation shall be of a type
suitable for the application.
 TEMPERATURE LIMITATION
OF CONDUCTORS.
• No conductor shall be used in such a manner that
its operating temperature exceeds that designated
for the type of insulated conductor involved.
• In no case shall conductors be associated together
in such a way, with respect to type of circuit, the
wiring method employed, or the number of
conductors, that the limiting temperature of any
conductor is exceeded
 MARKING.

• (a) Required Information. All conductors and cables shall be marked to

indicate the following information, using the applicable method described in
3.10.1.11(b):
• (1) The maximum rated voltage
• (2) The proper type letter or letters for the type of wire or cable as specified
elsewhere in this Code
• (3) The manufacturer’s name, trademark, or other distinctive marking by
which the organization responsible for the product can be readily identified
• (4) The size in millimeter square or millimeter diameter
• (5) Cable assemblies where the neutral conductor is smaller than the
ungrounded conductors shall be so marked
 METHOD OF MARKING.
• (1) Surface Marking.
• The following conductors and cables shall be durably marked on the surface.
• The size in mm2 or mm diameter shall be repeated at intervals not exceeding 600
mm.
• All other markings shall be repeated at intervals not exceeding 1 000 mm.
• a. Single-conductor and multiconductor rubber- and thermoplastic-insulated wire and
cable
• b. Nonmetallic-sheathed cable
• c. Service-entrance cable
• d. Underground feeder and branch-circuit cable
• e. Tray cable
• f. Irrigation cable
• g. Power-limited tray cable
• h. Instrumentation tray cable
 MARKER TAPE.

•Metal-covered multiconductor
cables shall employ a marker
tape located within the cable and
running for its complete length.
 TAG MARKING.

• The following conductors and cables shall be

marked by means of a printed tag attached
to the coil, reel, or carton:
• a. Mineral-insulated, metal-sheathed cable
• b. Switchboard wires
• c. Metal-covered, single
 OPTIONAL MARKING OF WIRE
SIZE.
• The information required in 3.10.1.11(a)(4) shall be
permitted to be marked on the surface of the individual
insulated conductors for the following multiconductor cables:
• a. Type MC cable
• b. Tray cable
• c. Irrigation cable
• d. Power-limited tray cable
• e. Power-limited fire alarm cable
• f. Instrumentation tray cable
 CONDUCTOR
IDENTIFICATION.
• (a) Sizes 14 mm2 or Smaller.
• (a) Grounded
• An insulated grounded conductor of 14 mm2
Conductors. or smaller shall be identified by a
• Insulated or continuous white or gray outer finish or by
three continuous white stripes on other than
covered grounded green insulation along its entire length.
conductors shall • Wires that have their outer covering finished
be identified in to show a white or gray color but have
accordance with colored tracer threads in the braid
identifying the source of manufacture shall
2.0.1.6. be considered as meeting the provisions of
this section
 CONDUCTOR
IDENTIFICATION.
• (b) Equipment • (b) Sizes Larger Than 14 mm2.
Grounding • An insulated grounded conductor larger than
Conductors. 14 mm2 shall be identified by one of the
following means:
• Equipment • (1) By a continuous white or gray outer finish.
grounding
• (2) By three continuous white stripes along its
conductors shall be
entire length on other than green insulation.
in accordance with
2.50.6.10. • (3) At the time of installation, by a distinctive
white or gray marking at its terminations. This
marking shall encircle the conductor or
insulation
 CONDUCTOR
IDENTIFICATION.
• (c) Ungrounded Conductors. • (b) Method of Marking.
• Conductors that are intended for • (1) Surface Marking.
use as ungrounded conductors,
whether used as a single • The following conductors and cables
conductor or in multiconductor shall be durably marked on the
cables, shall be finished to be surface.
clearly distinguishable from • The size in mm2 or mm diameter
grounded and grounding shall be repeated at intervals not
conductors. exceeding 600 mm.
• Distinguishing markings shall not • All other markings shall be repeated
conflict in any manner with the at intervals not exceeding 1 000
surface markings required by mm.
3.10.1.11(b)(1).
 CONDUCTOR
IDENTIFICATION.
• Branch- • (c) Ungrounded Conductors.
circuit • Where the premises wiring system has branch
circuits supplied from more than one nominal
ungrounded voltage system, each ungrounded conductor of
conductors a branch circuit, where accessible, shall be
shall be identified by system.
identified in • The means of identification shall be permitted
to be by separate color coding, marking tape
accordance tagging, or other approved means and shall be
with permanently posted at each branch-circuit
2.10.1.5(c). panelboard or similar branch-circuit distribution
equipment.
 CONDUCTOR
IDENTIFICATION.
• Feeder • (a) Grounded Conductor. The grounded conductor of a
s shall feeder shall be identified in accordance with 2.0.1.6.
be • (b) Equipment Grounding Conductor. The equipment
grounding conductor shall be identified in accordance with
identi 2.50.6.10.
fied in • (c) Ungrounded Conductors. Where the premises wiring
accord system has feeders supplied from more than one nominal
ance voltage system, each ungrounded conductor of a feeder,
with where accessible, shall be identified by system. The means
2.15.1 of identification shall be permitted to be by separate color
coding, marking tape, tagging, or other approved means and
.12. shall be permanently posted at each feeder panelboard or
similar feeder distribution equipment.
 CONDUCTOR CONSTRUCTIONS AND
APPLICATIONS.
• Insulated conductors shall comply with the
applicable provisions of one or more of the
following: Table 3.10.1.13, Table 3.10.1.61, Table
3.10.1.62, Table 3.10.1.63, and Table 3.10.1.64.
• These conductors shall be permitted for use in any
of the wiring methods recognized in Chapter 3 and
as specified in their respective tables or as
permitted elsewhere in this Code.
 ALUMINUM CONDUCTOR
MATERIAL.
• Solid aluminum conductors 8.0(3.2), 5.5(2.6), and
3.5(2.0) mm2(dia.) shall be made of an AA-8000 series
electrical grade aluminum alloy conductor material.
• Stranded aluminum conductors 8.0 mm2 (3.2 mm dia.)
through 500 mm2 marked as Type RHH, RHW, XHHW,
THW, THHW, THWN, THHN, service-entrance Type SE
Style U and SE Style R shall be made of an AA-8000 series
electrical grade aluminum alloy conductor material.
 AMPACITIES FOR
CONDUCTORS RATED 0–2000
VOLTS.
• (a) General.
• (1) Tables or Engineering Supervision. Ampacities for
conductors shall be permitted to be determined by tables
as provided in 3.10.1.15(b) or under engineering
supervision, as provided in 3.10.1.15(c).
• (2) Selection of Ampacity. Where more than one
calculated or tabulated ampacity could apply for a given
circuit length, the lowest value shall be used.
 TABLES
• b) Tables. Ampacities for conductors rated 0 to 2000
volts shall be as specified in the Allowable Ampacity Table
3.10.1.16 through Table 3.10.1.19, and Ampacity Table
3.10.1.20 and Table 3.10.1.21 as modified by (b)(1)
through (b)(6).
• Ampacity. The current, in amperes, that a
conductor can carry continuously under the
conditions of use without exceeding its
temperature rating.
SELF-CHECK