BV Copper PVC Single-Core Building Wire

Overview

What BV wire is

BV is a common name for single-core building wire: one solid or stranded copper conductor surrounded by a PVC insulation layer. It is installed in conduit or trunking for fixed wiring inside buildings, running from distribution boards to sockets, lights and appliances.

Why copper and PVC

Copper carries current efficiently and joins reliably at terminals. PVC insulation is flexible enough to pull through conduit, resists everyday handling and is widely available. This pairing is why BV wire is a staple of building electrical work in many countries.

Sizes and ratings

We supply BV wire in several sizes, including the 1, 1.5, 2.5 and 4 range. Conductor cross-section in mm², number of strands and rated voltage are specified per order, because the sizes in the series do not map one-to-one to a voltage rating. Common voltage options are 300/500 V and 450/750 V, chosen to match the standard and rating your installation requires.

Choosing the right size

Wire size depends on the current each circuit carries, the length of the run, ambient temperature and how many cables share a conduit. Electrical designers or local code set the minimum. The size your design calls for can be supplied; it does not replace the designer’s calculation.

Packing and supply

BV wire is supplied on coils of standard length, packed for container shipping with printed marking on the insulation. Colors can be arranged to your wiring practice, such as phase, neutral and earth. Mixed sizes and colors can be combined into one order.

Ordering

Sizes, colors, quantities, rated voltage, the standard you must meet and packing preference are the details that define an order; the quote checklist below lists them.

Choosing between BV, THHN and armoured cable

BV is the fixed-wiring cable of the building trade in many markets. It is a single solid or stranded copper conductor with PVC insulation, pulled through conduit or laid in a trunking. It is designed for dry indoor use inside walls and ceilings, not for burying in the ground.

Compared with our THHN/THWN wire, BV follows a metric size system, a 70 °C conductor limit and 450/750 V ratings, whereas THHN/THWN follows AWG sizes, a nylon outer layer and a 75–90 °C limit. Compared with our armoured 0.6/1 kV cable, BV has no armour, no outer sheath and is not meant to carry a feeder underground. For a typical home, 1.5 mm² serves lighting, 2.5 mm² serves sockets and 4 mm² serves air conditioners and water heaters. Because voltage drop grows with length, choose the next size up for circuits longer than about 30 m. Check that your local electrical code allows the size and color you plan to use.