How are the specifications of wires and cables categorized?

The specification classification of wires and cables is primarily based on parameters such as conductor cross-sectional area, number of cores, voltage rating, and structural type—though specific standards vary depending on the country or region (e.g., China, international IEC standards, etc.). Below is a common classification method used in China:

Classified by conductor cross-sectional area (key parameter)
The cross-sectional area of a conductor (measured in square millimeters, mm²) determines the current-carrying capacity (or ability to handle electric current) of wires and cables—specifically, the larger the cross-sectional area, the higher the current-carrying capacity.
1. Common specifications of electrical wires
Household / Low-Voltage Wiring (Single-Core or Few-Core):
1.5 mm²: Lighting circuits, low-power appliances (such as desk lamps, fans).
2.5 mm²: Socket circuits, common household appliances (such as TVs, washing machines).
4 mm²: High-power kitchen appliances (such as ovens and air conditioners).
6 mm²: Ultra-high-power devices such as central air conditioners and electric water heaters.
Low-voltage wiring (signal transmission):
Such as network cables (CAT5, CAT6), telephone lines, video cables, etc., with specifications categorized by transmission speed (e.g., CAT6 supports Gigabit networks).

Common specifications for cables
Power cable (multi-core, for high-voltage applications):
10 mm² to 300 mm²: Commonly used in construction projects and power distribution systems (e.g., a 4-core 10 mm² cable for three-phase four-wire power supply).
400 mm² and above: Used in high-voltage power transmission, industrial plants, and other high-current applications.
Control cable (multi-core, for signal control):
The number of cores ranges from 2 to several dozen, with individual core cross-sectional areas typically small—such as 0.5 mm² or 1.0 mm²—and are used for signal transmission in machine tools and automated equipment.