Wire and Cable Types — Which One Goes Where?
Planning wiring or a home network, it's easy to mix up which cable belongs where. This guide walks through the differences between power, data, and signal cables — no invented numbers, just practical logic.
Choosing the right cable in 4 steps
Work out what the cable is for
Power (sockets, switches, lighting), data (network, cameras), automation (KNX), or TV/antenna — each has its own cable family, and mixing them up causes problems.
Pick the cable type
For wiring — NYM-type power cable; for a home network — UTP or FTP (Cat5e/Cat6); for automation — KNX bus cable; for TV/antenna — RG6 coax.
Plan the routing before the walls close up
Run power and data/low-voltage cables in separate conduits or with enough distance between them, to avoid interference and leave room for future changes.
Check the cross-section and regulations
Allowable current and cable cross-section depend on installation method, temperature, and local regulations — check the manufacturer's datasheet, and leave built-in power wiring to a certified electrician.
5 cable families found in almost every home
main cable types
From power wiring to fiber optics — each home system has its own cable logic.
Power/installation cable (NYM-type)
PVC-insulated cable for sockets, switches, and lighting. Common DIY/installation cross-section tiers are 1.5/2.5/4/6/10 mm², but the actual load must ALWAYS be checked against the datasheet and regulations — not a table found online.
Network/data cable (UTP/FTP, Cat5e/Cat6)
Twisted-pair cable for your home network, cameras, and access points. UTP suits simpler cases; FTP/STP is shielded and better when routed near power cables, motors, or other noise sources.
KNX bus cable
Usually green, marked J-Y(St)Y — links automation devices on one bus. If smart-home automation is even a future possibility, it's far cheaper to pull this cable now than to open walls later.
Coaxial cable (RG6/RG59)
The classic for TV and antenna signal. RG6 is the more common standard for new installations; RG59 shows up in older systems.
Fiber optic cable
SC/LC connectors, the highest bandwidth, and the longest interference-free distances. Useful between buildings or for longer runs where copper is no longer the practical choice.
What to consider before closing up the walls
A practical checklist — so you don't have to pull cable twice.
- {'t': 'Separate conduits for power and data', 'd': 'This avoids interference and lets you change data cables later without touching the power wiring.'}
- {'t': 'Spare capacity for future needs', 'd': 'Pulling an extra conduit or cable now is far easier than breaking into plaster later.'}
- {'t': 'Clear labeling at both ends', 'd': 'A label on every cable showing where it goes saves hours during installation and later maintenance.'}
- {'t': 'A properly grounded shield', 'd': "Shielded data cables should have the shield grounded — usually at ONE end only, or per the system manufacturer's instructions — otherwise shielding can make things worse."}
- {'t': 'Sign-off from an electrician', 'd': "Built-in power wiring, cross-section selection, and load calculations are a certified electrician's job — not a DIY guess."}
Frequently asked questions
Can I run power cable myself at home?
You can buy the cable and plan the route yourself, but connecting it to the distribution board and calculating the allowable load is a certified electrician's job — not a DIY task.
What's the difference between UTP and FTP cable?
UTP has no shield and suits simple cases. FTP/STP is shielded and better protects the signal when the cable runs near power lines or other noise sources — but the shield must be properly grounded, or the benefit can disappear.
How thick should my power cable be?
That can't be answered without knowing the specific conditions — installation method, temperature, cable bundling, and local regulations. 1.5/2.5/4/6/10 mm² are the common tiers, but the actual choice is always confirmed by a datasheet or an electrician.
Should I run KNX cable now if I'm not planning automation yet?
If you're renovating and closing up walls, yes — pulling bus cable now is cheaper than drilling walls later. An unused cable sitting in a conduit costs almost nothing extra.
Can coax cable also be used for internet?
Yes, in some cases coax is used for internet too (for example, over cable-TV operator networks), but for a faster home network, UTP/FTP or fiber is usually the better choice.
Not sure which cable fits your project?
Book a consultation — we'll help you pick the right cable combination for your renovation, honestly and without any sales pressure.