What's the Difference Between All These Wire Types?!?!

As with most things in the construction industry, there are multiple ways to perform every task and there are MANY different types of materials to use! The wire we use in the electrical field is no different. So, what are the differences in the types of wire and where can we use each? In the latest installment of Electrician U, Dustin brings to light (pun intended!!) some of the more common types of wire.

[00:26] - Intro
[02:00] - Sizing 310.15 (ampacity)
[02:50 - Steve "The Namer of Things"
[03:35] - 310.4 Table
[10:50] - Merch messages
[14:13] - Outro

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#electrician #electrical #electricity

Article 310 of the NEC covers conductors for general wiring. Table 310.4(A) within the article covers conductors and insulations rated for 600v, and this is the table we would use for most of our general electrical applications. One thing to keep in mind here is that the tables in Article 310 are referring to the different INSULATION types as that is what is generally changing from one certain conductor to another.
Reading the tables are relatively easy. Left column is the trade name, second from left is the abbreviated version. Third in the order is the temperature the conductor is good for, fourth is what environment the conductor can be used in, the fifth column is what the insulation is made of, the next three columns give you the insulations thickness and the last column lets us know what type of overall outer covering the conductor has.
The operating temperature column you see may have 2 different temperature ratings. This means the wire is rated for dual use. Look one column to the right and it will tell you what environment each temperature rating is good for. Also, there may be fine print notes next to an item, to see what those are, just go to the end of the table and they are all listed there!
Ok, so on to something we may see a bit more often. THHN is a conductor type that we use often. We can see that its insulation is of a thermoplastic nature (that is the T in the abbreviation), that the conductor is good for 90 degrees (that is the HH in the abbreviation), and that it has an outer covering of nylon (that is the N in the abbreviation). THHW is another conductor we may use often. Reading its information, we see that it is relatively the same as THHN, but it can be used in WET or DRY locations (that is the W in the abbreviation). THW is also close to the other two we just mentioned, but it is only allowed to be used as a 75-degree conductor (hence the single H). THWN is next on the list, and reading its composition, we can see that it still is a thermoplastic insulation type, rated for 75 degrees, moisture resistant, with an outer coating of nylon. THWN-2 is closely related but that 2 signifies that it can be used in a 90-degree environment as well. TW is the last of the thermoplastic conductors within the group. Much the same as the others, but without the heat ratings, it is only allowed to be used as a 60-degree conductor.
Thermoset is also something quite common for us electricians. The conductor types are preceded with the letter X. They are structured much the same, but have a thermoset type of insulation, whereas the others we discussed were of the thermoplastic type. Thermoplastic insulation types will break down and almost melt when heated too much and harden when cool. Thermoset insulation types are insoluble and non-melting.

[turrubiartesify]

I would love to share the following information:
No H - 60 Celsius insulation rating
H - 75 Celsius insulation rating
HH - 90 degree Celsius permitted in dry or damp locations
-2 - 90 degree Celsius permitted in wet or dry locations
N - Nylon outer cover
T - thermoplastic insulation
U- underground
W- permitted in wet locations

[DominickRuocco]

This channel easily deserves 1 million subscribers. I have been in the electrical field for 15+ years but I still learn something new after watching one of Dustin's videos.

[antoniomorales]

I’m a apprentice electrician just finally got my hours needed to go for journeyman’s. Your channel has been so helpful on my journey so far really can’t see myself doing anything else love being a electrician

[InphazeC]

You don’t know how many times I’ve seen so many contractors or even guys who been doing this for years who don’t use the right type of insulation for the right applications. Love this video!

[normILL]

For context, almost all "THHN" on the shelf is going to be cross listed as THWN as well so you can use it in PVC which is considered a wet location. Also, almost everyone I know uses XHHW for overhead services where the conductors are exposed to rain/snow.

[markchidester]

Excellent video
Being a plastics injection molder, this was very interesting.
Thermosets will not melt again. There is a chemical transition that happens when heat is applied to the material. It can burn, but not melt.
Good examples of their use is a plastic ashtray and these newer soft cooking utensils. Some electrical boxes and circuit breakers are also a thermoset.

[shawny]

Thank you so much for explaining these questions. Electrician U is definitely the most interesting and useful channel if you're interested in electrical stuff.

[JohnDoe-tbfl]

Dustin is the man! I’m very appreciative for his information and entertainment. All the electricians I know under 40 all watch his videos.

[nicholasmoore]

Nice work on the code book video, I really like seeing the layout and the zooming capabilities in action. No one else has this (apparently) and it makes a world of difference. Thanks for the commitment to continued improvement of teaching methods, Dustin! We see you bro...

[pebs]

No BS I was just googling types of wire yesterday! You the man Dustin!

[goodolsparky]

Your the man Dan!! I’m a licensed electrician in Massachusetts and I have a brand new apprentice that still has not attended school but will be in 6 months or so . I’m not the best at teaching or the technical stuff so I tell him to watch a lot of your videos, this way he may understand a bit better . Your awesome at explaining things even for me who is a licensed journeyman. I hope you extend over to Massachusetts for the continued education part . Love your channel and will continue to support it! Last note … I need to get me a ElectricianU shirt and hat !! Love the logo . Anyways take care and keep up the awesome work 🤙🏻👍🏻.

- Chris Schwab

[morrisstewart]

I went through hvac school. I wish it was more focused on the electrical end. Currently working at a hardware store and these videos are extremely helpful and entertaining and just the right length.

[micahclark]

A video interviewing a inspector would be great. Some topics can include common code violations/misconceptions, and quality of work in the trade. Thanks!

[stevesargent]

Great video! I used to work in the plastics department at an auto plant in the plastics department. Propylene is just another type of plastic. Just different manufacturing processes. Think dash of your car vs insulation on speaker wire. At any rate, keep up the great work you're doing👍

[lanceleavitt]

Yes, this helps. We always ran THHN for our automatic electric gates but never knew why. -- Thanks ---

[tylerblazejewski]

So happy you got back into making these videos, always stoked when I get the notification 👍

[hanksnowden]

I was just looking this up over the weekend. The timing couldn't have been better!

[josephdestaubin]

That was awesome, it was not a question that I knew I needed to ask. So I'm really grateful that someone else asked.

[jhill.]

I appreciate you for bringing this content I’m in hvac but I thank you for this!! 👏🏽

[lauramagagnoli]

This chanels helped me so much with figuring out what the hell everything means and just getting a general understanding of everything thanks for spreading ur knowledge