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Oct 12, 2020

Wire and Cable Acronyms Explained

Wire and Cable Acronyms Explained

Every industry uses abbreviations, and some of them can be confusing to the uninitiated. Electronics acronyms indicate a feature, material, uses and even safety ratings for products like wires and cables. This post should help clear the air.

What Does TFFN/THHN/THWN Mean?

Insulation on commonly used electrical building wire comes in three forms.

  1. Thermoplastic flexible fixture nylon: TFFN is a thin electrical wire with thermoplastic insulation, making it useful for environments that require movement or bending. It is not for general applications.
  2. Thermoplastic high-heat nylon: As its name suggests, THHN can resist heat and doesn’t easily melt or deform. The high heat resistance prevents insulation breakdown and potential electrical fires in the event of overheating. Buy THHN wire on our website.
  3. Thermoplastic heat water nylon: Due to its water resistance, this wire can withstand temperatures up to 167 degrees Fahrenheit in moist conditions. The advanced version, THWN-2, can endure 194 degrees Fahrenheit in wet and dry settings. Though THHN and THWN wire were initially distinct, the THWN-2 variant combines their functionalities. You can also get a THW wire version, which doesn’t have nylon.

These insulations are integral to electrical wires that channel power from the electrical box to the outlets, light and other appliances. The term thermoplastic pertains to a type of insulation, while nylon refers to the protective coating. It eases the wire’s passage through the conduits.

In the past, there was an assortment of wires like these, each tailored for specific needs. However, the industry has streamlined them to be versatile and more multi-rated. THHN and THWN-2 wires are now the standard for building applications.

Each acronym signifies a wire with a distinct feature and its respective certifications. Various features will alter the price. For example, THNN costs more than non-nylon insulated wires.

Electrical Wire here

What Do NM-B and UF-B Stand For?

These acronyms stand for non-metallic and underground feeder. The “B” denotes that the cable has improved insulation and jacketing compared to its predecessors, and “non-metallic” refers to the flexible, usually PVC, outer jacket that encases the wire.

Both electrical cables have multiple THHN/THWN wires bundled together to run more than one wire at a time. NMB cables are exclusively for indoor use, while UFB cables can run directly underground without a conduit or raceway.

Non-metallic and underground feeders lack the necessary protection against moisture and other environmental factors. You also shouldn’t expose them to constant mechanical injury.

What Does Type MC Mean?

Metal-clad cables have a metallic jacket engineered with aluminum interlocked armor to give them enough protection for outdoor use and in conduit applications. The added protection gives it a physical barrier and grounds equipment, allowing you to use the cable in places where it might encounter moisture or severe weather. You can run metal-clad wires either exposed or concealed.

SJOOW and SOOW – STOOW, SEOOW, SEO, SJO, SO…

Each letter stands for something different, and you might see any combination of these letters.

  • S: Service cord
  • J: Junior — 300 volts instead of 600
  • T: Thermoplastic — A cheaper insulation used for cost-effective jobs not needing rubber insulation
  • E: Elastomer — Usually goes hand in hand with the “T” for thermoplastic insulation
  • O: Oil-resistant
  • W: Water-resistant (not approved for submersion in water)

Buy SJOOW Cable here

Buy SOOW Cable here

What Does AWG Stand For?

What Does AWG Stand For?

American Wire Gauge is the association that determines each gauge size’s diameter and tolerance. You might see “…a 4 AWG wire is…”.

What Do PVC and PTFE Stand For?

Polyvinyl chloride and polytetrafluoroethylene are both acronyms for hookup wire. PVC is for applications up to 105 degrees Celsius, and PTFE is for applications up to 200 degrees Celsius. Otherwise, they are for very similar uses, such as wire harnesses, appliances and electronics.

Buy PTFE Wire here

What Do SER and SEU Stand For?

Service entrance (“R” for round and “U” for flat) cables bring power from the telephone pole on your street to your electrical box to supply it with enough power to fill your home. The only difference is their shape. Flat cables have all the conductors lying next to each other, and round ones have them bundled or twisted inside the jacket.

Buy SER and SEU Cable here

What Do DLO and SC Mean?

Diesel locomotive and stage cable are single-conductor portable cord cables. Stage lighting cable connects high-power lighting displays for concerts, and DLO cable is for industrial applications requiring a powerfully protective cable reaching as high as 2,000 volts with a dual insulation.

Buy DLO Cable here

Why Choose WesBell?

Why Choose WesBell?

If you ever feel uncertain about these terms or what kind of wire you need, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We have helped our clients navigate the electronics industry for over 30 years. While we have explained several wire acronyms in this guide, there is always so much more to learn about.

We can also help you find the product you need for your project, cables for your welding or a wire for your car. If you are ever in doubt or need, pick up the phone and tell us what you are looking for.

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