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Wiring Installations And Techniques Explained
This article attempts to explore various wiring techniques and installation methods that are commonly used.
Installation Methods and Wiring Techniques in Electrical Work
Some might think that electrical wiring is merely installing a switch and connecting appliances to it. But it is not so! Wiring is an extremely complex process that requires proper expertise and installation knowledge to avoid fire hazards. The wiring installations should be done only after assessing factors like floor & wall constructions, ceiling type, building materials & installation requirements. Once the installation is done, the process follows several testing, supply & commissioning procedures for switches, wiring, accessories, conduits, and outlets before using those. Remember, an improper wiring design is unsafe and can jeopardize appliances’ safety. In severe cases, it risks lives. This article is an attempt to explore various wiring techniques and installation methods that are commonly used.
Wiring installation methods and various stages of preparing a wiring installation
Electrical wiring is a method of connecting accessories and appliances to the main meter board for supplying electrical energy. The installation methods are usually classified into the Loop system and the joint box or Tee system.
Looping system: Considered as the universal installation method, the looping system connects appliances in parallel positions such that each appliance is controlled separately. The feed conductors are looped into the terminals directly whenever the connections are required.
Joining box or Tee system: Instead of directly connecting from the feed conductors, a joint box system connects appliances through joint boxes using joint cutouts or connectors. Although an expensive installation method, commercial electricians recommend using this system for residential and commercial projects. Following are five wiring aspects a commercial electrician must be careful of before the installation processes.
Ensure that wires are purchased based on various determinants such as conductor strand count, insulation type, strand’s diameter, and the cross-section area.
Determine the conductor that needs to be installed. While a solid wire conductor is preferred for rigid connections, stranded wires are used in electrical installations in residential and commercial buildings.
Color-coded wires are important as commercial electricians use color codes for proper wiring.
Ensure that electrical boxes, switches, respectable, and other wiring elements are purchased according to the size and ratings.
Lastly, a commercial electrician must be equipped with basic tools like cutters, strippers, testers, and pliers for their installation works. Guiding software for managing the projects and scheduling the activities is an added advantage.
Four basic wiring techniques used by commercial electricians
Capping and casing wiring
This wiring technique uses wooden casings with parallel grooves that hold the cables attached to walls or ceilings with a cap covering the wires. Though expensive, the technique protects the wirings from damage. However, the chances of short circuits are high in some cases that can result in huge accidents. Commercial electricians need to track the possibilities earlier on.
Cleat wiring
Cleat wiring is the best suitable for temporary wirings. In this technique, cables are attached to the walls using porcelain, wood, or plastic cheats and are installed at different intervals. These wiring techniques are easy to repair and are easy to detect faults.
Batten wiring
This wiring technique uses wooden battens to run the insulated wires through it. The battens are fixed on the ceilings and walls with plugs or screws. Batten installation is easier to fix, has low leakage chances, and can be easily customized.
Conduit wiring
Conduit wiring makes use of PVC cables. The surface conduit has pipes running over the wall surfaces, whereas the concealed conduit wiring runs inside the wall and the ceiling surface is covered with plastering. While surface wiring is used in industrial applications, concealed conduit wirings are common in residential buildings.
