Technical Guide
IEWC’s Technical Guide is a library of resources designed to help you better understand, select, and work with wire, cable, and wire management products. Explore technical guides, product information, standards and specifications, reference charts, and application-focused resources to find the information you need.
Popular & Featured Guides
THHN vs. Others
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What is a Wire?
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Wire Ampacity Chart & Guide
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Automotive Battery Cable
Read MoreWire & Cable Basics
Build a stronger understanding of wire and cable fundamentals, including common product types, construction methods, materials, and key components.
Fundamentals
Start with core wire and cable concepts, terminology, and foundational information.
What is a Wire?
Wire refers to a single, usually cylindrical, strand or rod of metal which is used to carry electricity and telecommunications signals. Learn More
What is a Cable?
Cable, or cabling, consists of the twisting together of two or more insulated conductors.Learn MoreWire & Cable Types
Explore common wire and cable types, their characteristics, and typical applications.
Hook Up Wire and Lead Wire
Hook up wire and lead wire are typically single conductor wires insulated with plastic or rubber. These are the wires you most commonly see in electronic equipment—in switchboards, panels, and circuitry in a variety of household and even industrial applications.Learn More
High Voltage Wire & Cable Guide
High-voltage or HV wire and cable are necessary for many industrial applications that rely on dependable high-power transmission.Read More
Motor and Servo Cable Basics for Modern Motion Systems
Motor and servo cables are crucial components in industrial automation. Motor cables supply power, while servo cables also carry low-voltage feedback signals; together, they help motion systems perform as expected.Learn More
Trailer Cable
Trailer cable wires support and supply power for trailer lights and brakes—a crucial job when moving heavy equipment.Learn More
Communication Cable
Communication cable and telecom wire offer high-speed and high-performance connections for many industries.Learn More
Automotive Primary Wire
Automotive primary wire is a type of electrical wire that is used in automotive applications. Read MoreConstruction, Materials & Components
Learn how wire and cable construction, materials, shielding, armor, stranding, and other components affect performance and application.
Stranding Classes
Strand construction in wire and cable is crucial because it directly affects flexibility, durability, and electrical performance, impacting the overall reliability and efficiency of the cable in various applications.Learn More
Low Smoke Zero Halogen Compounds
Low Smoke Zero Halogen refers to the behavior of chemical compounds when combusted - specifically the quantity of smoke generated and the toxicity of the emissions.Learn More
Twisted Component Cable Constructions
Cables composed of twisted components generally have better flexibility characteristics than parallel conductor cables.Learn MoreProduct Selection
Find guidance to help evaluate options and select the right wire, cable, materials, and components for specific applications and operating conditions.
General Selection Guides
Broad guidance for choosing wire, cable, conductors, and related products based on application requirements.
How to Choose the Right Wire or Cable
In selecting a wire or cable for an application, several factors should be considered. Learn More
Selecting a Conductor
Even in the design of a simple single insulated wire many factors must be considered, including physical properties of the conductorLearn MoreMaterials & Construction Options
Compare insulation, jackets, shielding, armor, compounds, and other construction options that can affect performance and suitability.
Insulation Durometer Hardness
When selecting insulation materials for a variety of applications, durometer hardness plays a crucial role in determining the material's suitability.Read More
Wire Insulation Guide: Types & Applications
Insulation is a critical component of any wire conducting an electrical current . The right type of wire insulation is determined by numerous factors, including stability, required life, dielectric properties, temperature and moisture resistance, mechanical strength, and flexibility.Learn More
Jacket Selection
The jacket or sheath physically protects the internal components of a cable, improves the cables appearance, provides flame, mechanical, thermal, chemical and environmental protection to the conductors and components.Learn More
Popular Insulation Types
Insulation is a critical component of any wire conducting an electrical current . The right type of wire insulation is determined by numerous factors, including stability, required life, dielectric properties, temperature and moisture resistance, mechanical strength, and flexibility.Learn MoreApplication-Specific Selection
Find selection guidance for specific environments, systems, and operating conditions.
Transformer Wiring: Choosing the Right Cable for Voltage Management
Electrical distribution is dependent on transformers. They allow for an increase or decrease to help ensure that power moves safely and effectively through grids, industrial systems, and other operations.Learn More
Cable Selection for Extreme Temperature & Outdoor Applications
In extreme temperatures, selecting the right cable for the application is crucial. For outdoor industrial installations like a wind farm, a water treatment plant, or a mining operation, the temperature range can span 100+ degrees between seasonal extremes.Learn More
VFD Cable Selection Guide
There’s nothing quite as important as motor performance in industrial automation. That’s why cable selection is crucial. The right cable choice can make or break the outcome, especially for Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs).Learn More
Choosing Turbine Control, Motor, & Instrumentation Cables
Turbine control systems and other demanding industrial environments require reliability at all times. Learn MoreProduct Comparisons
Compare wire and cable options side by side to better understand their differences, advantages, and appropriate applications.
SJOOW vs. SOOW Cable
If you’re looking for multiconductor cords , chances are you’re trying to decide between SJOOW vs. SOOW cords. Both common conductor cables are used in electrical applications, are durable, and ideal for many projects.Learn More
Low Voltage vs. Medium Voltage Cables
Selecting the right low voltage cable or medium voltage cable is crucial for ensuring efficiency, safety, and compliance in electrical systems. The voltage rating determines the cable’s insulation, construction, and application.Learn More
When to Use Flexible vs Solid Industrial Control Wire
High-flex control cable is the best solution for certain installations. Without the right cable selection, a conveyor line can suddenly go down; a robotic arm can fail mid-cycle.Learn MoreInstallation & Application Guides
Find practical guidance for installing, routing, managing, and applying wire and cable across different systems and operating environments.
Wiring Distribution Panels: Effective Power Distribution Across Circuits
Distribution panels, breaker panels, load center, and/or distribution boards—any name you call them, they're a key part of every electrical system.Learn More
Cable Installation Guidelines
Care must be taken with any flexing application during the installation of the cable. Learn More
Pulling Tensions
Pulling tension is a crucial factor when installing cables, especially in large-scale electrical systems or long cable runs.Learn More
DeReeling Procedures
In order that cables may run straight, special care should be taken not to twist the cable during handling.Learn MoreStandards & Specifications
Access resources covering industry standards, certifications, codes, compliance requirements, and technical specifications for wire and cable products and applications.
Industry Organizations & Standards
Understanding industry organizations and standards is essential for anyone involved in manufacturing, installation, or regulatory compliance.Read MoreCharts & Technical References
Quickly access technical data, charts, tables, ratings, conversions, and other reference information for wire and cable applications.
Basic Ampacity Values
Ampacity, or current carrying capacity, is defined as the current a conductor can carry before its temperature rise exceeds a permissible value.Learn More
Welding Cable Ampacities
Welding Cables have specific ampacity, or current carrying capacity, values.Learn More
Registered Trademarks
Trademarks are crucial in distinguishing products and services in the wire and cable industry. Read MoreMetric Conversion Table
In selecting a wire or cable for an application, several factors should be considered including size and conversions. Learn MoreWire Ampacity Chart & Guide
Are you looking for the best wire size for your application? A wire ampacity chart is a critical tool that can help you make the determination. Read More
Temperature Conversion Table
Temperature conversion is crucial for the performance and safety of cables and wiring.Learn MoreIndustry Solutions
Explore wire, cable, and connectivity resources tailored to the needs, challenges, and technical requirements of specific industries and applications.
Switchgear Cable Solutions for Safe Electrical Circuit Operations
Whether you work in power distribution or building systems, you probably know that switchgear plays a key role in keeping your electrical circuits running safely and reliably.Learn MoreAutomotive Battery Cable Specifications
Some common questions arise regarding automotive battery cable specifications and the usage of cables in other applications.Read More
Data Center Connectivity & Networking Solutions
Data centers are all about connectivity. When you’re transmitting high-speed data and information across cable and wire, you need the best in terms of performance and reliability. Network devices and tools play a crucial role in data center operations. Learn MoreNeed Help Finding the Right Technical Information?
Can’t find the resource or answer you’re looking for? IEWC can help you find the right wire, cable, or technical solution for your application.