Electrical wires (Electrical Wiring) are important because they are essential for electricity connections in homes, offices, schools and other places. There is no one type of electric wire because there are many. So if you are thinking of doing the electricity projects around your home or for your work then we have gathered all the information about electrical wiring types, sizes, and installation. Then it will be easy for you if you are doing the tasks related to electric wires.
Moreover, by understanding the wiring terminology you will be able to identify most of the wires and their uses. The electrician from tweed heads will help you to perform the remodeling projects with ease. You can become an expert in electrical wiring. Continue reading to know more.
Types of electric cables that are used in Electrical Wiring
1. Power cables
These are the types of wires avaibale in industrial facilities and other public places. It is suitable for all kinds of low voltage connections and also the variable frequency drive.
2. Cables for electric panels
These types of wires are best used for domestic purposes. You can find these wires in public places, electrical cabinets and small electric appliances.
3. Armoured cables
These are the wires that contain aluminium or steel reinforcement as they are best for mechanical aggression. It is a type of cable best for places where there are rodents.
4. Halogen-free cables
These types of wires have low smoke and corrosive gas emission. So these wires are available in public places, emergency circuits, individual derivations and more.
5. Rubber cables
There are varieties of uses for rubber cables. You can find such cables in industries. They are also present in mobile services. Moreover, this type of wire permits the transmission of high currents.
6. Fire-resistant cables
This is a type of wire best for places with extreme conditions. So in case of hot temperatures, this wire can withstand it. If there is an accident this wire will allow the current to pass and make appliances work such as smoke extractors, water pumps, alarms and more.
7. Instrumentation cables
These are very flexible and well-shielded wires. It is put to best use in equipment available in industries. So it is useful for data transmission in places which has electromagnetic interference.
8. Control cables
These types of wires are suitable for home appliances and control systems. Also, they are best used for the interconnection of equipment in manufacturing.
9. Special cables
Some of the installations the special cables are best used for are hoists and lifts, garland installations at fairs, pumps and drinking water areas, aquariums, fountains and more.
10. Aluminium cables
These are useful for indoors and outdoors purposes. Moreover, these wires can work well underground also.
Understanding the wires before Electrical Wiring
1. Know about the wire size
The wire size means the diameter of the metal conductor in the wire. Also, the wire size is based on the American Wire Gauge (AWG) system. Then the gauge of the wire means the current conducting capacity of the wire. This will show us how much amperage a wire can manage. Therefore, when selecting the size of the wire you have to pick the correct gauge. For instance, 12 gauge copper wire can be used for electrical purpose.
This means that you have to consider the capacity of the wire and also what the wire use will be. This is an important step because if the wire is not correctly matched with the amperage then it can lead to short-circuit and fire risks.
2. The non-metallic cable
Most of the interior parts of the wire are non-metallic and also well known as Romex. The NM Cable has wires inside a flexible plastic sheathing. This is found in the interior circuits like the outlets, light fixtures and other appliances. You have to learn about the NM cables to select the right kind of wire.
3. The colour codings of Electrical Wire
The colour coding is present in the outer layers of the wire. If you understand the colour coding of the wire, then you will know for what you can use a particular wire. Furthermore, it also helps to maintain organisation in the electrical system. The colour-coding also show the size of the wires. Also, it relates to the cable’s amperage rating. For instance, the white coloured NM cable can be of use for 15-amp circuits. Then the yellow NM cable contains 20-amp circuits.
However, the colouring on some of the specific conducting wires does not show the size or the rating. But they relate to the standard and the particular use of the wire. For instance, the black and white wires are suitable for hot connections. On the other hand, the white wires are well known as neutral conductors. Then the bare copper and the green wires are the best options for grounding wires.
4. The labelling of electric wires
The electric wires have certain labels on them for identification. These labels are present in the insulation or outer sheathing. Also, these markings offer vital information for the user about the wiring and insulation. You can also know about the wiring size, its material, the number of wires inside the cable and more. So the labels in the wires will be very useful if you are working with wires.
5. The burial cable
Most of the electric cables are useful indoors. So the wires can stay dry and safe from water and other exposures. But for the outdoor projects, there are specific wires that come in handy. Such wires can be buried underground so they are well known as the burial cable. After burying the wires, you have to embed them in solid vinyl as it will protect them from moisture.
6. Wire stripping
You can strip the wire by getting rid of the plastic insulation around the metal core. This process has to happen very carefully because you must not damage the metal when doing it. It is easy but you will need a wire stripping tool to cut the wire. This is a great tool for people who want to do electric projects. But you have to learn how to use it.
7. Number of wires in the conduit
If you are putting the individual wires in a conduit, then you must know how many wires to insert inside the conduit. The maxim number of wires is the “fill capacity” so it mainly depends on the conduit size. Moreover, it also depends on the gauge of the wires and the material of the conduit. Each of the wires has different types of capacity even though they are the same size. So you have to have it in mind.
8. Electric circuit wiring
The electric panel is the main point in a house which is the power distribution area of the electric system. This is the place where all the circuits in the home get power. So wiring the electrical panel is a complicated job that only an experienced and licensed electrician in double bay can do. But a person who has good knowledge of this electricity system can also try wiring it.
9. The disconnect switches
This is a switch in a home that helps to switch off power in a home in case of an emergency. This is available in an outdoor location near the home. Also, it is under the electric meter. But not many homes have a proper disconnect switch. A professional electrician in Samson is the best to work on it.
Conclusion
These are the different types, sizes and installation of the electrical wiring and cables. You will know how to use the wires if you are aware of their types and sizes. Therefore, become an electric expert and do many projects.
