Electrical Wire & Cable Specialists

You may have heard of security alarm cable if you’ve spent an appreciable amount of time researching electrical infrastructure, but have you ever heard of shielding? Just like other specially engineered types of electrical equipment, security cables are no different. Marine cable and welding cable need to be flexible. Solar cable needs to be resistant to UV light. These are just facts of life for certain classes of cable. While not all cables are shielded, many are, and it’s a term you’re liable to come across if you deal with them on a regular basis. With that in mind, what does shielding mean with respect to cables? It’s not like a type of physical armor, but it does serve a similar purpose, although not against mechanical stress. For many types of wire, shielding takes the form of a special or reflective foil insulation that protects the cables against a specific type of interference known as EMI or electromagnetic interference. Electromagnetic interferen...

Belden is a long-standing manufacturer of networking, security and electrical cable products that, despite its official location in the United States, has a multinational presence. It is one of those companies that has achieved the desired status of brand-equivalency-to-products, whereby some network, security and fire alarm cables are simply referred to as Belden cables. Because of that, it’s fairly common to see searches for Belden fire alarm cables instead of simply for fire alarm cables. As Belden has set the standard for reliability and operability in the industries for instrumentation and alarm cable, many other producers have capitalized on this level of quality by creating “Belden equivalents.” If you’re in a situation wherein you’re having a hard time finding Belden fire alarm cable but need to source high quality fire alarm or instrumentation cables, including those shielded against electromagnetic interference (EMI), visit EWCS Wire at EWCSWir...

When you year the term battery cable wire , you’re probably working with battery cable, since wire is a single conductor and cable is made up of many small conductors braided together. Most so called battery wire is actually battery cable for one (or more) of the reasons that will be covered below. If you’re looking for battery cable (wire), it probably means you have a problem with your battery or electrical connections. This could be a problem with the wire but it could also be a problem with the battery or the connection. Test the battery’s health using a multimeter and if the reading indicates low voltage, you may want to try charging the battery. If the battery will not hold a charge, it may be time to replace the battery itself. That is to say, your wire or cable may not be the culprit. In that case, check the battery terminals and the connections. Corrosion may also cause issues with power; if there is corrosion on the terminals, you may want to try cleaning ...

You probably knew that household wiring was usually made from copper conductors. Copper has excellent conductivity, low resistance, and is fairly ductile, so it can be bent into shape mechanically where necessary. It’s also fairly affordable, making it a useful material for wiring. What you may not have known was that household wiring is limited in its scope of applications, and that there are many other specialized forms of wiring that are useful within their scope of use. For example, photovoltaic cables are, among other things, resistant to weathering and UV light so that they can be used outside with solar arrays. Welding cables that are meant to be used with welding equipment have to be made as flexible as possible while still remaining resistant to the widest range of environmental stressors possible. Another specialized form of electrical wiring is marine electrical wire , also known as marine grade cable or wire. While marine grade wire and battery cables are also made...

Fire alarm cables are the cables that carry power and information to and from the nodes on a fire alarm system. When one alarm node sounds off, the system communicates that information with the other sensors on the network as well as with any control center that operates them. These systems are a critical component of the safety of manmade infrastructures and are regulated as a matter of law. That makes alarm wire and cable another matter that falls under this same umbrella of importance. Because an operable fire alarm system is so important to security as well as with legal compliance, it helps to understand the nature of the cables and wires that feed and service these systems. Here are some of the terms you are liable to come across in your search. Riser rated vs. plenum rated - Riser rated cables are rated for use in the vertical spaces between the floors of a building, and plenum rated cables are rated for use in plenum space - the space above a drop ceiling. Shielded vs. uns...

Fire alarm cable is a specific type of alarm cable or instrumentation cable that possesses certain features that make it suitable for its use. Unsurprisingly, and as you could have guessed, fire alarm cable is the cable that is used to monitor and control a fire alarm system. As these systems are regulated and prescribed by law, it is imperative that they function as intended and that only components that are well designed for their use are put into place. As the security of inhabited buildings is of the utmost importance, these special cables can often be found classified accordingly in order to ensure their fitness for an application. Power Limited vs. Non Power Limited - The basis of the difference between power limited and non power limited alarm cables has to do with their compliance according to the National Electric Code. To keep things as simple as possible, power limited cables can only be used with power limited circuits whereas non power limited cables can be used with ci...

Alarm and security systems require a certain grade of wire according to the National Electric Code (NEC) that differs from other kinds of common wiring in several ways. Proper security alarm cable is designed for installation in various Power Limited Control Circuits, as well as an array of different intercom and fire alarm systems. The main defining element when it comes to security alarm cables are their smaller gauge, and the specially designed insulation that is meant to reduce interference from potential frequencies that could throw off the system and send false alarms. This would obviously create a variety of problems, so the integrity of such wires needs to be high in quality in order to fully prevent potential mishaps. The Importance of High-Quality Security Alarm Cables Regardless of the nature of the job, you need quality cables that are up to the right specifications and won’t fail when the time comes. Depending on the system, whether it is a fire alarm system or anothe...

Two situations are possible at the outset of this article. Either you are familiar with electrical wiring or you are not. Taking this a step further in the event that you are familiar with electrical work, there are two more dichotomous routes you could take. Either you are familiar with marine electrical wiring or you are not. That will dictate how this article sits with you. If you do not fall within the latter cohort, then you might be surprised to learn that not all electrical wiring takes the form of the familiar copper conductors with which most people are well familiar. There are many other kinds of electrical wires and cables out there that are highly specialized to their purposes. It might surprise you to learn then, that some cables are made from aluminum instead of copper. In fact, at one point in history, most cables in the United States were made from aluminum, partly due to copper rationing. This is not necessarily because aluminum is superior; it does have good conduct...

Security and alarm cable might not keep the lights on, but they sure do make it possible to keep the lights on. If you aren’t directly familiar with the roles that security and alarm cable fill, then here is what you need to know. Most building wire is used for carrying power to a building to power its lighting, appliances and equipment. Building wire is typically capable of carrying 600 volts, although there are larger wires that can carry much more, and thinner wires and cables that can only carry less. In addition, some other types of wires are specially designed for a specific purpose. For example, security cable cannot carry enough current to power a building’s lighting, but there’s a very specific reason for that. Alarm cables, like Belden security and alarm cables , are specifically designed to allow for monitoring of systems and communication between the nodes on the system. When it comes to alarm systems like fire alarm systems or security systems, communication and ...

There are so many different types of electrical wire and cable out there that the corpus can quickly get very overwhelming. This is true enough even if you have a background in electrical engineering, but for those that don’t the variety is simply frightening. There are so many different types of wire and cable that are not only defined by the color coding of their insulation but by their purposes that volumes could be written on the score. To make things simpler, we’ll be looking at a specific class of cables in this article to shed some light on its specifics and designation. Consider that you may have heard of different types of wire and cable styled as “armored cable,” “ground wire,” “alarm cable” or even others in the past. We won’t be touching on these in this article, although it might seem somewhat familiar what their uses are from their names. It would therefore follow that wire or cable styled as marine battery cables and terminals would be used in a marine environment. Bu...

When you need the right equipment for a particular job, having a reliable outlet online from which to get it from is crucial. If you need a specific kind of welding cable for instance, it makes a lot more sense to find exactly what you need in a reputable online store that specializes in cables rather than hoping you find it in your local hardware store or anywhere else. When looking for welding cable for sale , you need a trustworthy source that can supply you with exactly the cable you need in the right specifications for the job. Not just any cable will do, and you don’t want to settle for cheaply made cable from an unreliable store. If you are working on a specific type of job that requires high-grade welding cable, you want to make sure you take the time to purchase only the proper cables that are designed specifically for that purpose. Welding cable comes in a variety of sizes, much like most varieties of cable, which can typically range anywhere between 6 AWG to ...

Whether you need standard heavy-duty battery cable wires or cables specialized for welding, stage lighting, or any other purpose, it’s important that you choose only the highest quality cables for the job. The key to getting only the best cables is knowing where to look for them, and that means taking your search online. Rather than endlessly searching through physical catalogs or scouring hardware stores for the proper cables you need for the job, locating a reliable source online that you can depend on time and again to deliver a superior product and experience will make your life easier. Not only will you know you are receiving high-quality cables every time, but you will get a streamlined ordering experience and will enjoy incredible shipping times. Is Battery Cable What You’re Looking For? There are several varieties of tougher-than-average multipurpose application cable available on the market and it’s common to assume that some of these cables are interchangeable whe...

When it comes to Marine Electrical Cable , knowing the differences between what makes wiring suitable for marine applications and terrestrial wire is crucial. The American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) has a set of standards in place for proper wire and cable construction and wiring guidelines to ensure all marine wiring is completed safely. If you need wires and cable for working in marine applications, the team here at Electric Wire and Cable Specialists (EWCS) can help you find a great deal on ABYC compliant marine wiring supplies. EWCS Wire is an American manufacturer of the highest quality marine grade wire. We also offer many varieties of wire and cables for terrestrial applications ranging from aluminum building wire to heavy-duty welding cables. Next time your business needs a source for any wiring needs, let our team get you the wiring supplies you need shipped fast at a great price. When it comes to boat cable, you need a lot of flexibility to cope with the cons...

If you are a contractor wiring a building, or any other industrial wiring job, you need quality Tray Cable . Tray cables are uniquely designed to be extremely versatile, with several applications including power control, distribution, and communication. When you’re providing power to a structure or you just need a cable that can work under tough conditions, the Electric Wire and Cable Specialists(EWCS) have the heavy-duty cables you need to get the job done. Cable trays are used in industrial applications to support wiring systems. These trays are an amazing option for organizing cables, especially in systems that might need to be rewired in the future. Tray cables can also be used in cable raceways. These systems involve enclosed conduits that hold the electrical cables you need while keeping them out of view. Typically after wiring cable trays, raceways will be employed between the cable tray and the termination point of the line. Another distinct aspect of tray cables ...

For electrical technicians, not having the right wire for a job is not just a minor inconvenience. When you can’t complete a job because you don’t have the supplies, it can create delays and hurt your business's reputation. Having the largest possible stock of wire to suit every job can help, but can also be expensive. Finding a quality wire provider that can also get you the supplies you need quickly is crucial to making sure you can complete jobs on time and retain your clients. Whether you need tray cables or 4/0 Welding Cable , EWSC Wire can have your order shipped within 24 hours so you won’t have to delay your work. At Electric Wire & Cable Specialists(EWCS), we have been supplying wire and cable to businesses since 1994. All of our wire is made in the USA from high quality solid or stranded copper. All of our products have been certified by UL or ET testing facilities. We are proud to offer manufacturer direct pricing on our inventory to a huge variety of profe...

In your search for a Flexible Welding Cable for your welding jobs, there are a lot of factors that you need to consider in order to make an informed decision. It does require a bit of calculation to ensure that you have the right length of welding cable for whichever application you intend to put the product to, and it’s important to have the proper gauge and material for the task. Here’s the good news - when you’re confident you know what you need in a flexible welding cable when you choose to source your products from EWCS Wire, your satisfaction is guaranteed. One of the most important factors to attend to closely is the length of the cable you’ll be needing. It’s important to be well aware of your work area or job site as well as with the other equipment you’ll be using so that you can determine the length of flexible welding cable you need. This is particularly important given that the gauge and material of the welding cable you use will affect its flexibility. In this ...

If you find yourself considering the integration of a new electrical system on your boat, dock, or amphibious vehicle, it’s important to know what projects are going to require certified marine electrical wire. While some projects can use standard wire, it can be very dangerous to use standard wire in locations that really need Marine Electrical Wire . This article will give some examples of projects that would require marine-grade wire, and how marine-grade wire would ensure the safety of that project. 1. Replacing Battery Cables Replacing battery cables is one of the most important projects that require marine-grade wire. Because battery compartments are in danger of coming into contact with moisture, marine-grade wire is absolutely necessary, especially if your vehicle will be operating in a saltwater environment. Marine electrical wire has thicker, more durable insulation that helps it resist the moisture that could make its way into the battery compartment. Additionally, b...

Whether you’re setting up a brand new electrical system or doing maintenance on an old one, it’s important to know what you need before you order your supplies. Depending on the system, electric cable wire can become quite expensive and, therefore, making mistakes in your order can add a lot of cost to the project. Thankfully, you can easily avoid unfortunate expenditures by asking yourself a few important questions that will help you choose the right cables for the job. Keep reading to find out the three questions you should always ask when you buy Electric Wire Cable ! 1. How Far Will the Cable Run? Length is one of the most important factors of choosing any cable, especially if you are wiring a larger system. Systems in the degree of feet and yards are going to be much more sensitive to longer cables, which could actually increase the resistance within the system. Even in smaller systems, though, it’s important to be sure to measure carefully. Additionally, you should kee...

If you are a seasoned mariner, you understand the importance of working with equipment you can count on. That being said, everybody knows that equipment needs to be replaced or repaired from time to time. This rule is pretty much universal and means that your battery cable will also need to be replaced at some point. Over time, no matter how you primarily use your boat, the battery cable will develop signs of wear and tear, and it is essential that you pay attention to particular signs that could indicate impending problems. Make sure you know when your cable needs to be changed. Once you know what signs can indicate a problem, you’ll need to know how to find a replacement cable that’s right for you. Read on for helpful information on how to identify a quality 8 AWG Marine Battery Cable . 1. Durable, Marine-Grade Insulation 8 AWG Marine Battery Cables are known for their impressive insulation. These cables are designed and manufactured with durable, marine-grade insulatio...

When it comes to wiring in marine environments, you have to start with a new set of rules. The American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) has its own set of guidelines that differ significantly from wiring in terrestrial applications. Before you start your next marine wiring project, it’s important to reference these guidelines to ensure you are using the proper marine electrical wire and proper terminal connections to avoid the possibility of potentially catastrophic electrical failure. Knowing what to look for before you purchase your wire can help ensure that your boat is wired safely. Marine environments have to deal with a lot of movement. Between the gentle rocking that experienced in your dock or harbor to the violent jarring when cutting through the waves, boats almost never standstill. Because of all this movement, it’s crucial to have flexible cables that can move without cracking their insulation or coming disconnected. In order to achieve this level of flexibility, marin...