What are the different types of electrical installations you can choose from?    

What are the different types of electrical installations you can choose from? Proper electrical installation is crucial, as it keeps any space well lit and functional. Every electrical job is unique, so it is important to rely solely on experts for these services. This is because working with high voltage can be dangerous. There are many security protocols to follow.

Residential facilities

As the name suggests, residential electrical work is intended for houses. Your living space deserves only the best electrical service.

Appliances, such as microwaves and televisions, require electricity.

In addition, the lighting and cooling systems also run on electricity.

An experienced electrician ensures that the proper wires are laid. These wires connect to the power source and allow your house to run efficiently.

Commercial facilities

Commercial jobs are comparatively more complicated. They are usually larger projects. Commercial electrical services encompass many structures, such as

• Malls
• Industrial factories
• Office buildings
• Corporations

These types of installations require experienced engineers. There are several precautions that need to be taken. One is to make sure that the circuit breaker does not experience an overload. Commercial spaces have a large number of lights and HVAC systems. Therefore, they require expert attention.

Vehicle facilities

Last but not least, vehicles require intricate, high quality electrical work. Electrical services are used in cars, buses, and boats. All vehicles require proper wiring to run smoothly. Built-in air conditioning and navigation systems require electrical work. Additionally, ships may have deck rooms and bathrooms that need electricity.                          

Domestic electrical wiring is a process of connecting electrical accessories to various appliances and equipment in the home, such as television, lamps, air conditioners, etc., so that they can access electricity.

Let’s explore the different types of electrical wiring that are used in homes.

Different types of household electrical wiring

Cleat wiring

This wiring is made up of ordinary PVC or VIR insulated wires that are twisted and condensed. They are attached to walls and ceilings using slotted porcelain, wooden or plastic plugs. This is a temporary wiring system, so it is not suitable for domestic installations. Also, the cleat wiring system is rarely used today.

Housing and plug wiring

Housing and plug wiring was very popular in the past but today it is considered obsolete due to the popularity of the use of connectors and covers in wiring systems.

The wires used in this style of electrical wiring are PVC, VIR, or any other approved insulated wire.

The cables are led through the wooden boxes which are made of a strip of wood with parallel grooves cut lengthwise to accommodate the cables.

Slat wiring

Slat wiring consists of a single electrical cable or a group of cables laid on a wooden slat. The cables are attached to the batten with a brass clamp and are spaced at an interval of 10 cm on the horizontal runs and 15 cm on the vertical ones.

Lead-lined wiring

Lead jacketed wiring uses VIR insulated conductors covered with a lead aluminum alloy outer jacket containing approximately 95% lead. The metal jacket protects the cables from mechanical damage, moisture and atmospheric corrosion.

Duct wiring

 There are two types of conduit wiring. Which one you use depends on the type of installation:

Surface Duct Cabling

When GI or PVC conduit is installed in the walls or ceiling, it is known as surface conduit wiring. The ducts are attached to the walls with a 2-hole strap and base clip at regular distances. The electrical cables are placed inside the conduits.

Hidden Duct Wiring

When conduit is hidden within grooves in the wall or chiseled brick wall, it is called concealed conduit wiring. The electrical cables are placed inside the conduits. This is a popular method as it is stronger and more aesthetically appealing.

However, there are some of the advantages and disadvantages of the hidden wiring system:

Advantages

• It is a safe wiring system
• Safe from chemical effects, humidity, and other external factors
• No risk of electric shock
• It is aesthetically attractive
• There is no risk of wear, fire, or damage to the cable insulation
• Fairly reliable
• Renovations are easy to do as old cables can be replaced with ease

Disadvantages

• It is expensive compared to surface wiring
• Difficult to change the location of switches or appliances
• Installation is complex
• Hard to find faults in the wiring
• Adding additional conduits in the future is a tedious task

When the wiring is not done correctly or is not well-maintained, it can lead to dangerous situations such as electrical fires. Therefore, it is important to be very careful when installing electrical cables.

Correct steps to follow to wire the house

Your home’s electrical system is a complex one, and knowing how it works will help you become a more skilled homeowner.

Some areas do not allow an unlicensed homeowner to wire their own home due to the risk of an electrical fire from faulty wiring.

However, you can do this under the direction of a licensed electrician.

Here are the proper steps to take to wire your home.

Design a wiring diagram

Design a wiring diagram showing the location of the breaker box and the cable routing to each outlet.

Install the ducts

Start by running the longest cables first to avoid wasting conduit on the walls, even if you don’t plan on using them right away. Start each cable upstairs and run down to the basement. This way, you don’t have to use a ladder to climb the cable between floors.

You should also leave at least a foot of extra cable at each end in case you need to move things around later.

Know the number of plugs

Determine how many outlets and switches will work in one circuit. Typically, six outlets per 110-volt circuit are recommended in a living room, while in the kitchen, where appliances draw the most watts, there are typically only two per circuit.

Drill holes for cables

Before drilling the holes, make sure you know what’s on the other side of the wall or floor to avoid piercing electrical cables, conduits, or water pipes. Proceed to drill holes with a 1-inch bit in the center of the studs where your cables will pass. The more outlets you have, the safer your home will be.

Set a circuit breaker

Place your breaker box where it can be easily accessed in the future. It is particularly convenient if it is located in a basement or in a utility room.

Pull the cords to the electrical outlets, types of electrical installations

Lay the coil of wire next to the breaker box and pull the wire according to the diagram to the nearest outlet or switch for each circuit. You can also run the cables directly through the box. Any wire that sticks out of the box can be covered with with drywall or can be cut from the electrical box.

Use wire strippers to remove the outer plastic sheathing from the ends of the wires and attach them, according to the instructions on the box, to each outlet, appliance, or switch.

Install circuits

Install individual circuits for each set of cables. The circuits must match the amperage of the cord and the purpose of the outlet.