Low voltage wiring (ELV)

Screened wire

  A much smaller version of co-ax, this is used for low level audio signals. The screening eliminates hum pick-up, though there are other ways to do that too. Use of long lengths of screened cable for audio can easily run into issues.    

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27 Jun
By: Reece
Co-axial cable (normal and satellite quality)

High frequency uses required co-ax cable until recently. (Now its possible to stream video over twisted pair.) TV Satellite Baseband video (from VCRs, cameras etc) Radio aerial (for FM, DAB or DX reception) It is important to use the right type of co-ax for each app. They are far from all the same, and some […]

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27 Jun
By: Reece
Cat 5

Uses as multicore cable, plus also good for computer networking Cat5e has better specs than Cat5, and is the currently recommended networking cable. Cat5e is recommended for phone extensions now, as these are liable to carry broadband signals, even if they don’t already. Beware of using cat5e with alarms, as alarm accessory terminations are explicitly […]

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27 Jun
By: Reece
Multicore alarm cable

For most multicore uses Alarms Intercoms Fire alarm systems Most 2 core uses as well Low current rating Cores can be parallelled to enable power distribution, though ampacity is still limited Alarm cable to BS has 0.22m^2 conductors

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27 Jun
By: Reece
Speaker wire

Stranded flexible 2 core wire Available in a few different copper sizes each with their own current rating. polarity is indicated by any of: printed stripe on one side (typical on black wire) tiny moulded ridge along one edge (typical on white wire) different conductor colours, one is tinned (typical with clear wire) clear wire […]

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27 Jun
By: Reece
Bell Wire

Lowest cost 2 core wire. Solid core 1A rated Suitable for most low power low frequency uses, eg: intercoms bells remote control low power distribution low power speakers (up to 8watts for 8 ohm, 4w for 4 ohm) (that’s real rms watts, not pmpo watts)  

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27 Jun
By: Reece
Enamelled Copper

Where installation with no disruption of decor is necessary, this can be achieved with enamelled copper wire. This unique type of wire has its own set of issues, it can’t be treated like pvc cable, but it can be routed in some surprising places while remaining out of sight and not affecting the decorations. The […]

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27 Jun
By: Reece
Single pvc insulated wire

Stranded Enables any desired number of cores to be used Not good for computer networking Available in various copper sizes Larger sizes suited to power distribution A small number can be mixed in with other wire types for LV power distribuion Not an wire ideal type, but can be used if you already have a […]

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27 Jun
By: Reece