5 Types of Outdoor Light Cable
The cable (wiring) that connects your outdoor lighting to the transformer can have a huge impact on how well and brightly your lights function. Be sure to use wire that’s specifically rated for outdoor lighting and is protected from moisture with proper insulation.
Start by making sure the fused connection unit and breaker are off.
UF-B Cable
UF-B Cable is designed to bring power to outside locations like garages and detached barns without the need for conduit. It features copper conductors that can be solid or stranded, polyethylene insulation, and a nylon sheath for added strength. UF-B outdoor light cable cables are also made to be resistant to moisture, so they won’t break down when exposed to the sun or other elements.
The main difference between standard NM sheathed wire and UF cable is that UF is designed for use outdoors, while regular NM can only be used indoors. UF wire is made to resist the corrosive effects of chemicals, alkalis, lubricants, and ground water. It’s even capable of withstanding direct sunlight exposure and is available in a variety of common wire sizes and gauges, including two-wire and three-wire configurations.
Depending on the electrical needs of your outdoor lighting system, it’s essential to choose a UF cable that has an adequate conductor size and voltage rating. You may also need to comply with local codes that specify minimum burial depths for the type of electrical cable you select.
THWN Cable
THHN, or Thermoplastic Heat-and-Water-Resistant Nylon-Jacketed, building wire is a versatile option for commercial and residential electrical applications. Its thicker gauge allows it to accommodate a higher level of current, while its nylon jacket helps protect against physical damage and harsh environments.
This type of wire is UL-listed for use with voltage levels up to 600V and can be installed in both dry and wet locations. It’s also able to tolerate temperatures up to 90 degrees Celsius in dry settings. It can be buried underground without the need for conduit.
THWN wire is available with stranded or solid copper conductors and in standard American Wire Gauge sizes from 14 AWG to 4/0 AWG. It’s often bundled together in one-pull bundle cables to simplify installation and reduce the number of labor hours needed on the jobsite.
This type of cable is a great choice for projects that require an AC power supply but can’t support a direct-burial design. It can be bundled with UF-B cables in one-pull bundles to improve efficiency and reduce the amount of time spent on installation.
Low-Voltage Landscape Lighting Cables
Low voltage landscape lighting is a safe and energy efficient alternative to line voltage wiring. It can waterproof connector manufacturer be installed by homeowners and provides a unique aesthetic for outdoor spaces. This type of lighting is also flexible, which allows for easy rearranging of lights and wires as your landscape matures or changes.
When choosing landscape wire, you’ll want to select a gauge that matches the total wattage of your lighting fixtures. This way, the cables can easily deliver electricity over long distances with minimal voltage drop. Thicker wires like 12 or 14 gauge are ideal for minimizing this effect, as they have more copper conductors to carry the load.
You’ll also want to choose a stranded or solid cable depending on the needs of your installation. Stranded wire is more flexible and easier to work with, while solid wire offers a more stable connection. When connecting wires, always use a UL Listed wire connector that meets specific safety standards. It’s also important to follow all manufacturers’ instructions and regularly check the system with a voltage meter.
H07RN-F Cable
H07RN-F Cable is a durable, rubberised cable with the capacity to withstand a wide range of weather conditions. It also stands up to oil/grease, mechanical and thermal stresses. The outer rubber cover, along with its flexibility makes it a great choice for handling equipment and work in harsh environments, including port areas and dams.
It is designed to handle voltages up to 450/750V and comes in both single-core and multi-core options. It has stranded bare copper conductors, Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR) insulation, and Polychloroprene (PCP) sheaths. The neoprene construction provides enhanced abrasion resistance and the ability to stand up to oil-based chemicals.
It’s ideal for connecting power to portable equipment in rough environments, such as mobile power supplies, worksites and stage and audio visual equipment. It can also be used in concrete and temporary buildings. Like a tyre it is resistant to compression and flexes back into shape when pulled on, ensuring that it will withstand a fair amount of abuse before it needs replacing. It is also UV resistant, meaning it will not be harmed by sunlight or other harsh environmental factors that can cause irreparable damage to cable sheaths and conductors.
Neoprene Cable
Neoprene cable is an ideal alternative to standard PVC-insulated wires in harsher environments. Its insulating material, Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR), provides superior resistance to environmental hazards such as water, sunlight and sand. Its physical properties enable it to retain its flexibility at high temperatures, unlike PVC cables that deform and become brittle at such temperatures. It can also be used at low temperature levels, and it has strong chemical stability against acidic and alkaline chemicals.
Furthermore, neoprene is highly durable against mechanical damage such as cuts and tears. Its flat design also reduces weight compared to other types of cable. This makes it an excellent choice for use on machinery and vehicles, where it is subject to frequent bending and flexing. With its 11 evenly spaced built-in cable exit holes, it can accommodate multiple cables and wires for easy installation in vehicles and machinery.
