{"id":6586,"date":"2019-08-14T10:00:35","date_gmt":"2019-08-14T15:00:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.misumiusa.com\/?p=6586"},"modified":"2021-10-29T16:02:39","modified_gmt":"2021-10-29T21:02:39","slug":"how-to-select-a-hook-up-wire-or-cable","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/how-to-select-a-hook-up-wire-or-cable\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Select a Hook-Up Wire or Cable"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"MISUMI (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">MISUMI<\/a> is the leader in product selection and availability.&nbsp; With millions of parts available on our website, <a href=\"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"MISUMI (opens in a new tab)\">MISUMI<\/a> has a product to fit nearly any project.&nbsp; Sometimes, the vast amount of available parts makes it difficult to find the one you need for your project.&nbsp; Since a quality machine requires quality equipment, selecting the right kind of wiring is vital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This guide will help you learn how to select a hook-up wire or cable to use in your automation equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4>Selecting Voltage<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>First it is important to understand which type of voltage\nyou are using \u2013 alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC).&nbsp; The value associated with these (110 VAC, for\nexample) is simply a measure of the potential available.&nbsp; If we think about this in terms of plumbing,\nit is like a measure of the water pressure in a line.&nbsp; The higher the pressure, the greater the\npotential \u2013 the higher the voltage, the greater the potential, as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In North America, electricity is supplied as 110 VAC, 208 VAC\nand 240 VAC most commonly.&nbsp; Larger\nfacilities such as manufacturing plants, typically see voltages as high as 480\nVAC coming into the building. &nbsp;This is\nthen reduced to a manageable 240 VAC or even 110 VAC.&nbsp; It is important to choose the right wire or\ncable for the voltage used in a machine for several reasons, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Wire thickness plays a big role in resistance; more resistance creates more heat, so the wrong gauge of wire can create potential safety and fire hazards<\/li><li>Over long distances, voltage in a wire can drop, so it is important to select a cable that will either reduce this likelihood or ensure it has not dropped below a usable level<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>To learn more about other factors to consider when selecting electrical wiring, see <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nfpa.org\/NEC\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"U.S. National Electrical Code NEC 240-3 (opens in a new tab)\">U.S. National Electrical Code NEC 240-3<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>Selecting Amperage<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Electric current is the flow of an electric charge.&nbsp; This is measured in amperes and is what an\nelectric device uses as power.&nbsp; To\ncontinue with the water analogy, current would be the actual water flowing\nthrough the pipe.&nbsp; If you have a large\npipe with little pressure (voltage), then the water will only trickle out.&nbsp; If you were to increase the pressure, then\nyou will push much more water through the spigot.&nbsp; This is how current works in the electrical\nworld.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When considering which wire to use it is necessary to know\nhow much power will be drawn by all devices.&nbsp;\nFor example, if a PLC is using 300 milliamps (mA) and the rest of the\nsystems are using a total of 1 additional amp, then selecting a 4A cable will\nbe enough.&nbsp; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If a wire or cable were selected that is less than what the system is using, issues could arise such as overheating and the cable potentially melting.&nbsp; Overloading is also a concern in which too many devices may be plugged into the circuit.&nbsp; In these cases, a machine will not function properly as circuit breakers can trip and shut down the equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>Wire Gauge<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>One standard for wire is American Wire Gauge (AWG) designed to provide dimensions of bare \/ stripped wire. &nbsp;An increase in gauge equals a decrease in diameter.&nbsp; Another way to measure wire thickness is by the surface area indicated in mm<sup>2<\/sup>.&nbsp; MISUMI provides a quick reference chart at this <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"link (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/us.MISUMI-ec.com\/pdf\/el\/2015_H\/1688.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">link<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Referring again to the water analogy, wire gauge would be the inside diameter of the pipe.&nbsp; If you have a certain volume of water that you need to move through the pipe in a minute and cannot change the water pressure, then using a wider pipe will ensure the job will get done.&nbsp; Similarly, larger diameter wires are used when more current must be carried through the circuit. &nbsp;Since current moves through the wire more easily without voltage drops, longer wires can be used in the system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>Insulation<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Besides isolating that power supply from another conductor including being grounded (a person, buildings, equipment and earth grounding out itself), insulation must be capable of continuously withstanding many factors. Considerations include exposure to environmental agents such as oils, chemicals, moisture, voltage itself including spikes and self-induced voltage referred to a counter EMF, temperature of environment, <g class=\"gr_ gr_5 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling\" id=\"5\" data-gr-id=\"5\">submergibility<\/g>, bendability, <g class=\"gr_ gr_7 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep\" id=\"7\" data-gr-id=\"7\">and<\/g> <g class=\"gr_ gr_8 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling\" id=\"8\" data-gr-id=\"8\">environment<\/g> disposal concerns or toxic products if a fire occurs. Composition of insulation also effect expected life of wiring products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many wires use a standard PVC material as insulation to protect the conductor from scratches and shorts.&nbsp; In high heat applications, PVC may melt.&nbsp; In these cases, it is necessary to use a more robust insulating material such as fluorine or silicone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.misumiusa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Hook-up-wire-PVC.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6712\" width=\"267\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Hook-up-wire-PVC.jpg 200w, https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Hook-up-wire-PVC-150x113.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 267px) 100vw, 267px\" \/><figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/vona2\/el_wire\/E1405000000\/E1405020000\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"PVC Hook up Wire (opens in a new tab)\">PVC Hook up Wire<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>UL Standards<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Wiring can have a certification by a testing laboratory for\nmeeting specific defined standards of a product through testing representative\nsamples by an independent testing laboratory \u2013 one of which is Underwriters\nLaboratory (UL). &nbsp;UL certification or\nlisting is confirmation that the product conforms to UL applicable requirements\nincluding safety standards along with other organizations including possible\ngovernment requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.misumiusa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/300V-Hook-Up-Wire-UL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/300V-Hook-Up-Wire-UL.jpg 200w, https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/300V-Hook-Up-Wire-UL-150x113.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><figcaption><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"300V Single Core UL Hook-Up Wire (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/vona2\/detail\/110500115640\/?CategorySpec=unitType%3a%3a1%0900000027684%3a%3ab&amp;Inch=0\" target=\"_blank\">300V Single Core UL<\/a><br><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"300V Single Core UL Hook-Up Wire (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/vona2\/detail\/110500115640\/?CategorySpec=unitType%3a%3a1%0900000027684%3a%3ab&amp;Inch=0\" target=\"_blank\"> Hook-Up Wire<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Machine Tool Wire (MTW) is available in a large array of\nmaterials, conductors, voltages and environmental features such a flame\nretardance standards along with flexibility and resistance to oil and heat. &nbsp;Electrical shielding is especially important\nin factory automation with PLC equipment as wiring not shielded in metal\nconduit or a metal housing are potentially exposed to electromagnetic\ninterferences.&nbsp; This can come from a\nvariety of sources such as handheld radios, cell phones, electrical welding\noperations in the area.&nbsp; It is wise to\nunderstand all the factors the cable will be encountering to select the various\nfeatures needed for durable and safe operations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Similarly, Appliance Wiring Materials (AWM) are used to connect factory automation equipment to control panels such as switches, sensors, electronic components, motors, lights, etc. &nbsp;Some of the <g class=\"gr_ gr_4 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace\" id=\"4\" data-gr-id=\"4\">wiring<\/g> is low voltage \/ low current such as for operating miniature LED indicator lamps while other lamps for example &#8211; heat lamps would certainly require heavier gauge wire like ordinary plug-in lamp cord. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>Material Length<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>When determining which wire to use, distance can be an\nimportant factor because of the potential voltage drop.&nbsp; In longer wiring distances (over 100 feet) there\nare voltage drops that occur, some factors to consider for electrical wiring\nsee U.S. National Electrical Code NEC 240-3. &nbsp;Wire size calculators are available online for\nproperly sizing wire gauge requirement that include core material \u2013 copper or\naluminum, source voltage, phase, amperage demands and distance. Some\ncalculators may include type of insulation information, method of installation\nsuch as buried in earth, open air, raceway or conduit. &nbsp;One calculator takes ambient temperature into\naccount. Regarding voltage drops \u2013 Ohm\u2019s Law calculations provide proof when\nthe resistance (load) remains the same, supply voltage drops, the resulting\nequation results in higher current draws. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:\/\/www.misumiusa.com\" target=\"_blank\">MISUMI<\/a> strives to be the leader in <a href=\"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/vona2\/el_wire\/E1405000000\/E1405020000\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"hook-up wire and cable (opens in a new tab)\">hook-up wire and cable<\/a>.&nbsp; Our website offers a large selection of products that can fit any application and budget.&nbsp; In many cases, we offer these wires cut to a specific length, so you do not need to worry about ordering more cable than is necessary.&nbsp; Check out our website to learn more about how <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:\/\/www.misumiusa.com\" target=\"_blank\">MISUMI<\/a> can help with your <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"wiring needs (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/vona2\/el_wire\/\" target=\"_blank\">wiring needs<\/a>!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>MISUMI is the leader in product selection and availability.&nbsp; With millions of parts available on our website, MISUMI has a product to fit nearly any project.&nbsp; Sometimes, the vast amount of available parts makes it difficult to find the one you need for your project.&nbsp; Since a quality machine requires quality equipment, selecting the right kind of wiring is vital. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":59,"featured_media":6589,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false},"categories":[1137],"tags":[794,808,842,806,807,809],"aioseo_notices":[],"gutentor_comment":2,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6586"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/59"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6586"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6586\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6770,"href":"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6586\/revisions\/6770"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6589"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6586"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6586"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/us.misumi-ec.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6586"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}