Still Confused About Choosing Electrical Cables? Here's a Guide to Choosing Them

In the world of electricity, electrical cables play a very important role in distributing electrical energy from the source to various devices or installation points. Unfortunately, many people still lack understanding of how to choose the right electrical cable for residential or industrial needs. Yet, mistakes in cable selection can have serious consequences, such as the risk of short circuits, fires, equipment damage, or energy waste.

This article will comprehensively discuss the types of electrical cables, including tips for selecting the right cable and recommendations for high-quality cables by Wilson Cables, ensuring your electrical installation is not only safe but also efficient.

Why is choosing the right electrical cable important?

Electrical cables are not just connectors for electrical current. The type, size, and quality of the cable will determine how safe and efficient the electrical flow is in the installation system. Here are some things that can happen if the cable does not meet standards:

• Overheating due to the cable size being too small or not suitable for the power requirements.
• Electrical short circuits can occur if the cable insulation is easily damaged or worn.
• Increased electricity bills due to current leakage.
• Damage to electronic equipment due to unstable electrical flow.
• Risk of fire due to overload causing the cable insulation to overheat and burn.

Therefore, it is important to understand the types of cables, their characteristics, and selecting the appropriate size according to the electrical load requirements.

Types and Functions of Electrical Cables

Several types of electrical cables commonly used in homes, buildings, and industries. The table below will help you easily understand the differences in their characteristics and uses.

Tips for Choosing the Right Electrical Cable

1. Ensure the Cable Meets SNI Standards

The first step in choosing a safe electrical cable is to ensure that it has SNI (Indonesian National Standard) certification. This certification indicates that the cable has passed a series of rigorous quality tests in accordance with national safety standards. SNI-certified cables guarantee good copper conductor quality, heat-resistant insulation, and the ability to withstand electrical loads according to their capacity.

2. Choose the Cable Size According to the Electrical Load

The cross-sectional size of the cable determines how much current it can carry. A cable that is too small for a large load can cause overheating, which poses a risk of short-circuiting. For example:

• 1.5 mm² for lighting.
• 2.5 mm² for outlets and household appliances.
• 4 mm² or larger for high-power appliances such as air conditioners or water heaters.
• Larger sizes are typically used as main cables in electrical installation systems.

3. Match Cable Type to Installation Location

• Indoors: NYA, NYM, and NYMHY cables are suitable for dry areas.
• Outdoors or underground: NYY or NYYHY cables with extra protection are safer.
• Electrical panels: NYAF cables are suitable for electrical panels that require many bends.

4. Consider the Type of Insulation

The type of insulation on electrical cables plays an important role in determining the safety, durability, and overall performance of electrical installations. Insulation protects conductors from physical damage, moisture, heat, and prevents current leakage that can cause short circuits or fires.

5. Consider the Quality of the Conductor

High-purity copper has excellent electrical conductivity, is heat-resistant, and does not oxidize easily. Cables with pure copper conductors can conduct electrical current more efficiently, thereby reducing the risk of overheating, lowering the potential for power loss, and extending the service life of electrical equipment.

How to Choose the Right Cable Size

One of the most common mistakes in electrical installation is choosing a cable with a cross-sectional size that does not match the electrical current requirements. Here is a simple guide:

Note: These calculations are general guidelines used for main cable installations in buildings. If you would like recommendations on the appropriate cable type to use, please consult with the Wilson Cables team first.

Common Mistakes When Choosing Electrical Cables

1. Prioritizing the cheapest price without considering quality.Cheap cables often do not meet standards, from the conductor to the insulation.

2. Using one type of cable for all needs.In fact, each installation location requires a different type of cable.

3. Ignoring environmental conditions.For example, using indoor cables in damp areas or outdoor installations.

4. Not paying attention to cable cross-sectional size.This can cause overload and excessive heat if the cable size used does not meet standards.

Recommendations for Quality Electrical Cables from Wilson Cables

As a trusted electrical cable manufacturer in Indonesia, Wilson Cables provides various types of cables with pure copper conductors and high-quality insulation. Wilson Cables' electrical cable products meet SNI and ISO 9001:2015 standards and undergo rigorous testing to ensure their suitability and safety.

Wilson Cables offers:

• Building cables (NYA, NYM, NYY)
• Control and panel cables (NYAF)
• Flexible cables for household appliances (NYMHY, NYYHY)
• Other electrical cables

Conclusion

Choosing the right electrical cable is an important step in ensuring that electrical installations in homes and buildings are safe, efficient, and durable. Many electrical problems, such as short circuits, overheating, and even fires, often begin with mistakes in selecting the type or size of cable. Therefore, choosing a cable that suits your power needs and environmental conditions is something that should not be overlooked.

Wilson Cables is here to address these needs by offering high-quality electrical cables made from pure copper, featuring heat-resistant insulation that meets national standards. Using the right cables from the start can help you avoid various electrical risks and ensure a more reliable installation system for the long term.