What Is an Electrical Wire?
Electrical wire is a term used to describe wires that transmit power, information, and other forms of energy. These wires are broadly categorized into two types: power wires and communication wires. Power wires are specifically designed for transmitting electricity, while communication wires are meant for transmitting information.
Within the category of power wires, there are transmission lines that carry electricity from power plants to substations, and distribution lines that deliver power from substations to end-users, such as homes and factories. Transmission lines, especially those for high-level or underground transmission, often use bare metal wires capable of handling high voltage. On the other hand, distribution lines, which are commonly seen as overhead lines, typically have insulated covers made from materials like vinyl.
While the terms “electrical wire” and “cable” are sometimes used interchangeably, they can differ in structure. Electrical wire generally refers to a conductor covered with insulating material. In contrast, a cable is composed of multiple insulated conductors, each individually insulated and collectively covered with a protective film such as vinyl.