Wires and cables are integral components for a wide range of commercial and industrial applications. At Classic Wire and Cable, we offer a full product line of industrial wire and cables, competitively priced to meet the demands of our customers. Each product has a particular use and provides various benefits.

Industrial Wire Types

One of the most common industrial wires used in construction is aluminum building wire. When aluminum electrical conductors are used in commercial construction or industrial projects, aluminum building wiring is the preferred type of electrical wiring. Compared to other materials like copper, aluminum offers an improved conductivity to weight ratio, making it ideal for applications such as:

  • Wiring power grids
  • Overhead power transmission lines
  • Local power distribution lines
  • Power wiring of airplanes

From the late 1800s to the early 1900s, utility companies used aluminum wire in power grids for electrical transmission. The cost and weight advantages of the lightweight metal outweighed that of copper wiring.

Today, aluminum wire is still the preferred material in power transmission and distribution applications. Since copper is a better conductor than aluminum, most home wiring projects and small applications use copper wires. However, in the 1960s, when the price of copper skyrocketed, aluminum wiring became the preferred choice for home wiring.

Industrial Cable Types

There are several industrial cable types to choose from, each having its own unique uses and advantages:

Type MC Armored Cables

Metal-clad (MC) armored cable constructions offer a cost-efficient alternative to traditional wire and pipe. This industrial cable type eliminates the need for an electrical conduit, thereby reducing the labor costs typically involved with installation.

Contractors that use MC armored cable require:

  • Limited pulling equipment
  • Fewer reels
  • Less time setting up pulls
  • No specialty bending or cutting tools

Key advantages of armored cable include:

  • Protection and durability. These cables provide the necessary protection and durability without needing an electrical conduit, costly offsets, elbows, and conduit couplings.
  • Corrosion resistance. Armored cable resists corrosion, making them suitable for locations exposed to excessive moisture.
  • Flexibility. The interlocked armor material is flexible, unlike continuously welded armor or other conduits, offering protection to the inner conductors. MC armored cable is also easy to install in complex, close-spaced bends.
  • No specialty tools. Installation does not require specialty cutting or bending tools.

A variety of industries utilize aluminum cables due to their many benefits. Even though aluminum is much lighter than copper, it maintains the same conductivity properties, giving it a distinct advantage compared to other metals. When weight is a primary concern, as in load-bearing jobs, aluminum cables are preferred because of their lightweight yet durable design.

When comparing copper cables to aluminum cables on a loading basis, aluminum offers several different advantages, including:

  • More cost-effective
  • Lighter in weight
  • Has the same conductivity

SO Portable Cord CablesSO Portable Cord Cables (Copper)

It is common practice to identify the properties of industrial wire and cable with a letter. With SO portable cord cables, the “S” stands for “Extra Hard Service,” and the “O” stands for “Oil Resistant.” This means that this type of industrial cable is ideal for applications requiring 600 volts or less, and its outer jacket is resistant to oil.

Experienced Wire and Cable Manufacturers

Many industries, such as construction, rely on industrial electric wire and cable components for various projects. Classic Wire and Cable has exclusively provided quality products to electrical distributors since 2016. We have two fully stocked warehouse hubs in California and Pennsylvania, with several strategically located regional distribution centers.

Our knowledgeable sales team and local NEMRA-affiliated representatives offer invaluable resources in selecting the proper industrial cable types to help our clients succeed. As a preferred supplier, Classic Wire and Cable offers Value Added Services and a wide variety of quality industrial wire and cable products, including those listed above.

If you can’t find the product you are looking for, contact us today, and one of our sales representatives can assist you. We’d be happy to provide you with more information about our catalog of products.