Wired for Purpose: Every Cable, Every Function
Wire and cable types show up everywhere in the field, and knowing the basics helps you choose the right product, avoid installation issues, and keep systems running reliably. This glossary highlights the most commonly used cable types across power, low‑voltage, data, and control work—giving you a quick, practical reference for the options you’ll encounter most on the job.
With this foundation, the glossary below outlines the key wire and cable types used across power, data, control, and low‑voltage work—highlighting their basic characteristics and common applications to support clearer selection and safer installations.
Power & Branch Circuit Cables
- THHN — Building wire for conduit installations.
- THWN — Moisture-resistant wire for wet or damp conduit runs.
- XHHW — Heat- and moisture-resistant wire for indoor/outdoor use.
- NM-B (Romex®) — Non-metallic sheathed cable for residential branch circuits; subject to derating when bundled or installed in insulation.
- UF-B — Underground feeder cable for direct burial applications.
- MC Cable — Metal-clad cable for commercial and industrial wiring.
- AC Cable — Armored cable for branch circuits in residential and commercial buildings.
- BX (Legacy Term) — A common field nickname for early armored cable; still used informally to refer to AC cable, though not an official NEC designation.
- SER Cable — Service entrance cable for panel feeds.
- SEU Cable — Service entrance cable for meter-to-panel runs.
- Tray Cable — Multi-conductor cable for industrial power and control in cable trays.
- TC-ER Cable — Tray cable rated for exposed runs without conduit in approved installations.
- Portable Cord (SJ, SJO, SO, SOW) — Flexible cable for tools, equipment, and extension cords.
- Submersible Pump Cable — Cable for underwater pump motors in wells and irrigation systems.
Medium-Voltage & Feeder Cable
- MV Cable — Medium-voltage cable for power distribution.
- URD Cable — Direct burial cable for underground residential distribution.
- Overhead Service Cable (AAC, AAAC, ACSR) — Aerial cable for utility power delivery.
VFD Cables
- 600V VFD Cable — For standard motor drive applications.
- 1kV VFD Cable — For mid-range VFD systems.
- 2kV VFD Cable — For long runs and high-power motors.
- Armored VFD Cable — For harsh industrial environments requiring physical protection.
Control & Instrumentation Cables
- Multi-Conductor Cable — For relays, contactors, and general control wiring.
- Multi-Pair Cable — For analog/digital signal transmission with reduced crosstalk.
- Flexible Control Cable — For moving machinery, robotics, and dynamic equipment.
- Instrumentation Cable — For low-voltage signals in process control and monitoring.
- Ribbon Cable — Flat cable for internal electronics and control panels.
- Paired Cable — Twisted pair cable for instrumentation and control systems.
- Combination / Hybrid Cable — Bundled power and signal conductors for integrated systems.
Communication & Data Cables
- UTP Cable (Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6A) — For Ethernet, PoE, and LAN systems.
- STP Cable — Shielded twisted pair for EMI-sensitive environments.
- FTP Cable — Foil-shielded twisted pair for structured cabling.
- S/FTP Cable — Individually shielded pairs + overall shield for high-performance networks.
- Coaxial Cable — For RF signals, CCTV, and broadband.
- Fiber Optic Cable — For high-speed, long-distance data transmission.
- High-Pair Count Cable (25, 50, 100 pairs) — For telecom risers and punchdowns.
- RS-485 Cable — For industrial serial communication and automation.
- RS-232 Cable — For legacy serial data transmission.
- Twinax Cable — Balanced coaxial cable for high-speed data and legacy networking.
- Triax Cable — Broadcast-grade coaxial cable with added shielding.
- Ladder Line / Twin-Lead — RF antenna feedline for amateur radio and broadcast.
- Radiating Coax (Leaky Cable) — RF coverage in tunnels and confined spaces.
Access Control & Security Cables
- Composite Access Control Cable — Bundled conductors for power, data, and signal.
- Banana Peel Cable — Easy-separation cable for multi-function security installs.
- 18/2 Security Cable — For power to door strikes, sensors, and keypads.
- 22/2 Security Cable — For contact closures and low-current devices.
- 22/4 Security Cable — For multi-zone sensors and control panels.
- Coaxial Security Cable — For analog video transmission (CCTV).
- Twisted Pair Security Cable — For data and signal in access systems.
Specialty Low-Voltage Signal Cables
- Thermostat Wire — For HVAC controls, zone valves, and relays.
- Fire Alarm Cable — For pull stations, strobes, and fire control panels.
- Nurse Call Cable — For patient call systems and emergency annunciators.
- Intercom Cable — For voice communication between stations.
- Paging Cable — For public address and zone paging systems.
- Speaker Cable — For transmitting amplified audio signals to loudspeakers.
- Irrigation Cable — For connecting sprinkler controllers to valves and sensors.
- Landscaping Cable — For outdoor lighting, control zones, and automation systems.
- Direct Burial Cable — For outdoor low-voltage systems like irrigation and lighting.
- Flexible Cable (Multistrand) — For dynamic installations requiring movement or vibration resistance.
Winnie Industries is committed to providing exceptional cable fastening hardware to support the needs of various industries. Look to us to engineer and manufacture innovative solutions that uphold innovation, strength, and dependability.
The information provided in this FAQ is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to replace official codes, standards, or project specifications. Winnie Industries products must always be installed and used in accordance with our product instruction sheets or designated training. Products should never be applied beyond their intended purpose or in a manner that exceeds specified load ratings. Proper fastening is critical to system integrity and functionality, requiring secure attachment to structurally sound components capable of supporting imposed loads. All installations must comply with governing codes, regulations, and job site requirements. Always consult your Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for specific regulatory guidance.