Cables at home — explained simply
Behind every socket, light switch and internet point in your home, there's a cable. Here's a simple explanation of why they're different, and why fitting them into walls is always an electrician's job.
How to think about it simply
Every job has its own cable
Power cables feed sockets and lights, network cables carry the internet, TV cable carries the picture. Each one "speaks" its own language, so they can't replace each other.
All cables meet in one place
Wires from every room come together at the distribution board or a communications cabinet, where they're organised and connected safely.
Fitting cables into walls is an electrician's job
When a cable is run inside a wall or ceiling, an electrician does it — not because it's too complicated, but so everyone at home stays safe.
A tech-minded family member can help too
If someone at home enjoys tech, they can fit a network cable into a socket themselves, or get the idea behind a KNX bus — but power cables and wall fitting always stay with a professional.
Cable families you'll meet at home
cable families in one home
From the power cable to fibre optics — each has its own job, and together they let a home safely power up, connect and show a picture.
Power cable
Feeds sockets, lights and appliances. For fixed wiring in walls, a few cross-section sizes are common (roughly 1.5 to 10 mm²) — an electrician picks the right one based on load and regulations, never a guess.
Network and bus cable
UTP network cable carries the internet, KNX bus cable (usually green) lets lights and blinds "talk" to each other — both are low-voltage, safer to touch, but still need careful planning.
TV and aerial cable
Coaxial cable carries the TV or aerial signal — a different "language" from internet cable, so it's its own wire, not a substitute.
Fibre optic for longer distances
In larger homes, or where high speed over a long run is needed, fibre optic cable is used — it carries data as light, not electricity.
Shielded and fire-resistant cable
In noisy environments, a data cable may need shielding against interference; some buildings also require fire-resistant or low-smoke (LSZH) cable by regulation — a professional works out what applies.
What this guide covers
Simple, no technical jargon — so the whole family understands what's happening behind the walls.
- {'t': 'Why cables are different', 'd': "Power, data and signal each need their own wire — we explain why one can't replace another."}
- {'t': 'Fixed or flexible wire', 'd': 'In plain words — why a solid wire goes in the wall, while a flexible one suits movable devices.'}
- {'t': 'What shielding actually does', 'd': 'Why some cables have a protective "sleeve" against interference, and why it needs to be planned correctly.'}
- {'t': 'Why power and data run separately', 'd': 'The simple logic behind keeping different cables apart at home, not bundled together.'}
- {'t': 'When special cable is needed', 'd': 'A short note on when a building requires fire-resistant or low-smoke cable — and why a professional confirms it.'}
Frequently asked questions
Can I run a network cable myself at home?
If it's a visible cable along a wall or in trunking, and you're comfortable working with it — yes, that's doable. But if it needs to go inside a wall or ceiling, it's best left to an electrician, so everything stays safe and tidy.
Why can't one cable just do everything?
Power, internet and TV signal "speak" in completely different ways, so each has its own construction. There simply isn't one cable that fits every job.
What cross-section do I need for a power cable?
That depends on where and how the cable is installed, the surrounding temperature and local regulations — an electrician determines it precisely, not a table found online.
What is a KNX cable, and is it complicated?
It's a bus cable that lets devices around the home "talk" to each other. Anyone can grasp the idea, but connecting and configuring it stays a specialist's job.
Why is fitting cables an electrician's job, not mine?
Not because it's too hard, but so that everyone at home, including the kids, stays safe today and years from now. It's care, not an obstacle.
Want to know more about safe home cabling?
Take a look at our other simple guides — on the distribution board and safe electrical wiring in a family home.