Wire is everywhere and there are more varieties of wire than we'd ever be able to talk about. However, these are some of the more common wires we purchase and a little bit about them!
BX Wire (left) is flexible conduit that is mostly used in electrical jobs. The wire has 3-4 strands of insulated copper within which is where this material gets its value. While many smaller electrical projects are now done with non-metallic cable, such as Romex, aluminum and steel BX provide more protection to the wires within. While the cost may be higher for this product, it is more durable and less likely to be compromised.
‘Thermoplastic-sheathed cable’ (center) which is commonly called by the brand name, Romex, in the USA is used primarily in light commercial or residential projects. It consists of an outer sheath which holds the copper conductor wires. There are a few different types of Romex and they can be identified based on the color of the sheath. The type of Romex required depends on the type of project.
Contractors wire (right) is your standard insulated copper wire used for electrical projects. The thickness of the insulation and volume of the copper is dependent on the type of project.