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.