10 Different Types of Electrical Cables & their Subcategories

Electrical cables are classified based on voltage rating, conductor type, insulation material, and application which include:

1). Power Cables

2). Control Cables

3). Communication & Data Cables

4). Instrumentation Cables

5). Building Wiring Cables

6). Overhead Transmission Cables

7). Underground Cables

8). Fire-Resistant & Flame-Retardant Cables

9). Solar Cables

10). Marine & Offshore Cables

1). Power Cables

Used for transmitting electrical power in homes, industries, and utility grids.

Subcategories:

  • Low Voltage (LV) Cables (Up to 1 kV) - household and industrial wiring
  • Medium Voltage (MV) Cables (1 kV - 33 kV)

Distribution networks

High Voltage (HV) Cables (33 kV - 230 kV)

Power transmission

Extra High Voltage (EHV) Cables (Above 230 kV) Long-distance power transmission

2). Control Cables

Used in automation and control circuits.

Subcategories:

  • Shielded Control Cables - Prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI)
  • Unshielded Control Cables - Less sensitive environments

3). Communication & Data Cables

Used for transmitting voice, video, and data signals.

Subcategories:

  • Coaxial Cables - TV, CCTV, and broadband
  • Twisted Pair Cables - Ethernet and telephone lines
  • Fiber Optic Cables - High-speed data transmission

4). Instrumentation Cables

Transmitting low-voltage signals for monitoring and control.

Subcategories:

  • Paired Cables - Transmitting balanced signals
  • Multi-Core Cables - Complex instrumentation systems
  • Shielded & Unshielded Cables - To reduce electrical noise interference

5). Building Wiring Cables

Used for electrical installations in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

Subcategories:

  • Non-Metallic Sheathed Cables (NM/NMC) Residential wiring
  • Armored Cables (AC, BX) -Commercial and industrial settings
  • Metal-Clad Cables (MC) - Harsh environments
  • Flexible Cables - Movable applications

6). Overhead Transmission Cables

Used for power distribution and transmission through overhead lines.

Subcategories:

  • ACSR (Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced)
  • High-strength cables for long spans
  • AAC (All-Aluminum Conductor) - Lightweight for short distances
  • AAAC (All-Aluminum Alloy Conductor) - Improved strength and conductivity

7). Underground Cables

Used for buried power transmission and distribution.

Subcategories:

  • PVC Insulated Cables - Low-voltage applications
  • XLPE Insulated Cables - Medium and high-voltage applications
  • EPR Insulated Cables - Wet conditions

8). Fire-Resistant & Flame-Retardant Cables

Used in emergency circuits, fire alarms, and evacuation systems.

Subcategories:

  • LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) Cables – Emit minimal toxic smoke.
  • Fire-Resistant Cables - Maintain circuit integrity during fire.
  • Flame-Retardant Cables - Prevent flame spread.

9). Solar Cables

Used in photovoltaic (PV) systems for solar panels.

Subcategories:

PV1-F Cables - Single-Core solar panel cables.

H1Z2Z2-K Cables - UV-resistant and flexible.

10). Marine & Offshore Cables

Used in ships, oil rigs, and offshore applications.

Subcategories:

  • Marine Power Cables - In Ships for electrical power.
  • Marine Instrumentation Cables Control and communication.
  • Oil & Gas Platform Cables - Withstand harsh offshore environments.