Power Cable Selection Guide for Home Decoration: Avoid These Common Mistakes

When it comes to home decoration, selecting the right power cable is essential for ensuring safety, efficiency, and long-term savings. Many homeowners overlook critical factors when choosing wiring, which can lead to increased energy costs and potential hazards. In this guide, we’ll explore key considerations for power cable selection and provide actionable tips to help you make the best choice.

Blind Spot 1: Power Cable Material – Copper vs. Aluminum

Why Copper is the Superior Choice for Power Cable Conductors

Power Cable Conductivity
Aluminum has a resistivity 1.68 times higher than copper, meaning aluminum power cables generate more heat under the same current (as per the formula $P=I^{2}R$). This results in higher energy loss and increased electricity bills over time.
Additionally, excessive heat can degrade insulation, posing a fire risk.

Power Cable Safety

Aluminum wires are prone to oxidation, leading to loose connections and arcing, which increases the risk of short circuits. Copper wires, on the other hand, are more resistant to oxidation and provide more stable connections.
National standards (e.g., GB/T 5023 in China) recommend using copper power cables for home wiring, as they are safer and more durable.

Power Cable Cost Efficiency

While aluminum wires are cheaper initially, the long-term energy losses and potential maintenance costs make copper power cables more economical over a 20-year period.
Copper-clad aluminum wires may seem like a cost-effective alternative, but their performance is inferior to pure copper wires.

Buying Tips for Power Cable Materials

Always choose pure copper power cables (with a copper content of ≥99.9%). Look for labels like “T2 oxygen-free copper” or “TU1 high-purity copper.”

Avoid low-cost traps – aluminum power cables are only suitable for temporary applications, such as construction sites.

Blind Spot 2: Power Cable Types – Hard Wire (BV) vs. Soft Wire (BVR)

Key Differences Between BV and BVR Power Cables

Recommended Applications for Power Cable Types

Hard Wire (BV) Use Cases
✅ Concealed wiring (easier to pull through conduits)
✅ Fixed outlets and switches (more stable connections)
✅ Budget-conscious projects with minimal future modifications  
Soft Wire (BVR) Use Cases
✅ Distribution board connections (frequent bending required)
✅ Lighting fixtures (complex routing needs)
✅ Retrofitting old wiring (easier to maneuver in tight spaces)

Installation Tips for Power Cables

• For soft wires, always use ferrules or tinning to prevent strand separation and ensure secure connections.

• Avoid repeatedly bending hard wires, as this can cause the copper core to break.
  
  

  Ultimate Buying Principles for Power Cables

• Power Cable Material First: Always choose pure copper wires and avoid aluminum or copper-clad aluminum.

• Power Cable Application Match: Use BV for concealed wiring and BVR for exposed or complex wiring.

• Power Cable Certification: Look for national standards (e.g., GB) and 3C certification. Ensure the wire cross-section meets requirements (e.g., 1.5mm² for lighting, 2.5mm² for outlets, 4mm² for air conditioners).

• Power Cable Brands: Opt for reputable brands,product passed good quality certification (UL/CE/ISO etc).
  like YUEDAO (CLOUDTOPCABLE)to avoid substandard products.
  
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