Rating of the best cables for electrical wiring in 2022

What electrical wiring is better to use in an apartment, for a private wooden or brick house, during construction or repair. Before answering the question: “Which cable product is better to buy?”, You need to decide on 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 belong to one kind?

Choosing the right cable for electrical wiring 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, one way or another, depends on the energy transmitted through the wires. Main functions:

• provision of electronic mechanisms, power, signal networks;
• international communications are 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 instruments.

Fortunately, you do not need to be an expert among various varieties and brands - you just need to read our tips and tricks, then you can determine the best new items, figure out the average price, and find out which brand is better to buy.

Two main product types

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 are valid.

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

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

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

Stranded 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 chosen is related to the network topology, protocols, sizes, its functions:

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

1. Single core - 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. Coaxial is the best example of single core cables.
2. Non-metallic - very flexible, widely used in residential areas, come in different categories.
3. Armored - Cords are used for data transmission at high speed, ideal for harsh environments, because they have additional protection. They are intensively used 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 that are protected by a winding.
5. Communication cables are used to transfer digital data in residential, commercial premises from one point to another. Information is encoded into light pulses and decoded by a photodetector.

Wiring has special parameters that characterize the differences between one type of product and another:

• The core is made of a metal that distributes the current, it is surrounded by insulation. The cable has one or more cores, which, in turn, can consist of a different number of threads.
• All cords, including ground 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 one or another wire is its size. It is calculated as the total cross-sectional area (CSA) of the core, expressed in square millimeters, and the description may also contain the number of strands, indicating their diameter (mm).

Each product has power limitations, the excess of which can lead to its melting, short circuit:

• The current passing through the cord, under normal operating conditions, is most often expressed in amperes.
• The wire must have a voltage limit, if it is exceeded, the insulation may 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 75 ° C in a home network, 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, shades may differ in different countries:

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

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

Shielding

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

Protection against 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, audio equipment).

Where to buy wires?

You can buy inexpensive products using the nearest construction supermarket. His managers will tell you what they are, advise the right size, orient on the price. Another option is to find the right product, look at the online store by ordering it online.

Rating of quality electrical cables for 2022

Our review is based on real reviews, taking into account the opinions of buyers. It describes single and stranded wires of different design, appearance, functionality.

stranded

Flexible, easy to assemble products, each core consists of many threads.

PVS 2x1.5 (20 m) GOST

5th place in our review is occupied by PVA 2x1.5 square meters. mm, a convenient consumable for a home network device. On the farm, you constantly need to install a switch, a socket, arrange for 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 a car.

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

• Cheaper than their imported counterparts, the difference can reach 100%.
• Flexible, suitable for working 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 indicators will fit for use in a car.

In general, an indispensable thing in the household, it does not cause any complaints from most consumers, you can be sure that by connecting the cable to the outlet, its reliability. The product is neatly packed, rolled up, tightened with clamps, easy to unwind during installation. Instruction manual included.

Technical indicators:

Options	Characteristics
Marking	PVA
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.

• a thick braid increases the overall diameter.

PUGNP 2×1.5

On the 4th place 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.
PUGNP means: universal, flat, flexible wire. Refers to installation cords consisting of flattened, copper, twisted strands 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. Products of the Cable Plant brand have proven themselves in the Russian market from the best side, have a high level of safety.

Technical indicators:

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

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

• not detected.

PUGNP 3x4

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

• consists of three multi-wire 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 resistance requirements;
• plastic PVC insulation, 0.3 mm thick.
• a braid made of the same material (2.5 mm) is superimposed on parallel placed, insulated cores.

Deciphering the abbreviation PUGNP: installation wire, flexible, for fixed laying, flat.

Technical indicators:

Options	Characteristics
Rated AC voltage	250 V, 50 Hz
Insulation test voltage per pass	2000 V
Core resistance at 20 °C	No more than 6.8 Ohm/km
Construction length	Not less than 5 m
Minimum bend radius	10 outer diameters
Operating temperature range	-15...+50 °C
Life time	At least 6 years from date of manufacture

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

• not detected.

Ball screw 2×0.75

Silver medalist of our rating ShVVP 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 tasks related to the establishment of electrical networks. It is used at negative temperatures, has, like all products of the enterprise, increased reliability.

SHVVP (pvc braided and insulated cord, flat) is designed for mounting household mechanisms: 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:

Options	Characteristics
Theoretical weight 1 km	31.00 kg
Cross section diameter	6.30 mm
Minimum bend radius	63 mm
Nominal core insulation thickness	0.50 mm
Nominal sheath thickness	0.6mm
Email insulation resistance per 1 km	70оС0.01 MΩ

• acceptable price.

• subject to breaks.

Werkel Retro 3x2.5

1st place at Werkel with a decorative and protective braid, made of polyester threads, which gives the appearance of the wire an aesthetic, increased strength.

The stranded copper cores 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:

Options	Characteristics
Collection	Werkel Retro
Material	Copper
Color	Brown
Number of cores	3
cross section	2.5 mm2
Application	Sockets
Bay	50 meters
Manufacturer's Warranty	1 year
Country of Origin	China
Developed	Sweden

• attractive design.

• not detected.

Single core

The popularity of these cords is ensured by ease of use, reliability. They are used in various areas of human life.

NYM 3х2.5 (100 m) REXANT GOST

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

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

• N - compliance with the VDE standard;
• Y - PVC braid;
• M - the insulation has medium flexibility, in other words, it can be used for installation work, but it is impossible to make an extension or carrying from 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, and is used for the installation of power, lighting networks.
Technical indicators:

Options	Characteristics
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
grounding	+
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 at 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 starts to melt, withstands on an open fire for up to 180 minutes, which makes it possible to equip high-security facilities with it.

The signal wire has been used for installation work since the 90s, before that the TRP telephone cord was used, the warranty period of which reaches 30 years. However, wave interference 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 become very famous.
The fundamental indicator for the successful operation of the product is ohmic resistance, as well as non-oxidizing contact during soldering.

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

Technical indicators:

Options	Characteristics
For the street	-
Number of wires	4
fire retardant	+
cross section	0.75mm
With low smoke and gas emission;	+
shielded;	+
Minimum bend radius	10xDn, where Dn is the outer dimension
Operating temperature	from -50 °C to +70 °C;
Mounting temperature	-10 °C to +50 °C;
Fire hazard class	GOST 31565-2012: P1b.8.2.2.2;
Life time	30 years.

• high degree of protection from external influences.

• high price.

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

For the 3rd place, VVGng-P 2x1.5 is a household product, due to two copper cores located in parallel in it, it has a flattened shape. The shell is made of polyvinyl chloride.

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

Explanation of the abbreviation VVGng-P:

• B- polyvinyl chloride insulation;
• G - PVC sheath;
• P - no protective cover;
• P-cores are placed in the same plane, parallel to each other.

Technical indicators:

Parameters	Characteristics
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 by networks with voltages up to 0.66 kV.

Optimal operating conditions:

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

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 zone of sunlight.

Applications:

• buildings with high humidity;
• plaster;
• brick;
• concrete (with the exception of pressed, stamped materials);
• pipes;
• closed channels (you can not mount the wire into the ground without additional protection)

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

Technical indicators:

Options	Characteristics
Gross weight	3.35 kg
Number of cores	3 pcs
Coil length	10 m
Number / section of conductors	3x6.0
Cable brand	NYM
fireproof	+
Mounting method	Hidden
GOST	+

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

• not detected.

VVGNG-LS sq. 3 x 4

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

• applied in vertical sections;
• 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 mount in the networks of nuclear power plants (class 3, 4; OPB-88/97 (PNAE G-01-011-97);
• be used in hazardous areas B1, B1-a.

Explanation of the abbreviation:

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

Technical indicators:

Options	Characteristics
Cross-sectional area	4 mm2
Minimum number of wires (round) core	1 PC
Core diameter (max.)	2.4mm
Electrical resistance of 1 km of core at a temperature of 20 °C	4.61ohm
Mass of copper in 1 meter of core	0.034kg
Nominal inner sheath thickness	1mm
Minimum inner sheath thickness	0.5mm
Shell	PVC of reduced fire hazard
Outer sheath thickness	1.5mm
Minimum outer sheath thickness	1.175mm

• resistance to mold fungi;
• t operation up to -60 °С.

• not detected.

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