Electricity is a crucial resource and there has to be a way for us to get it from the source to where it is needed. This is achieved through wiring systems. These include various components such as sockets, wires, and more that allow us to safely access electricity wherever we need it. Because of how dangerous electricity can be, electrical wiring has to be done right and the rest of the components have to be installed correctly. In this article, we will be focusing on the most common wiring techniques used by electricians in case you need to do some wiring yourself.
A Word of Caution
As stated, electricity is very dangerous. Always turn off all power before doing any wiring and test everything when done to reduce the risk of short circuits. For extensive wiring projects, you will need a qualified electrician to do this for you. Additionally, you might even need permits, licenses, and inspections depending on where you live and your local laws.
Casing and Capping
When using this method, the electrician will install wood casings that have groves at regular intervals. They will then run wires through these grooves. You or the electrician can use screws to fix the casings to the wall or ceiling. Once this is done, you will install the cap that is used to protect the wires.
Casing and capping can be quite expensive depending on the length, but it provides adequate protection to the wires. The only caveat is that these casings and caps do not provide enough protection in case of a fire.
Conduit Wiring
Conduit wiring is perhaps the most common technique used by electricians to run wires. The conduit is just a pipe made out of different materials through which the wires run. These materials include metal, PVC, and fiberglass.
If the conduit is to be run through a wall, it will be covered in plaster or drywall. Surface conduit wiring is great for industrial applications while buried conduits are great for outdoor applications. This is where, for example, you want to run wiring to a shed or other building.
Because of its properties like the ability to withstand extreme temperatures and being resistant to chemicals, fiberglass is a very common material for these applications. The FRE Fiberglass Conduits from FRE Composites have been tested for both residential and industrial applications, even in cases that involve long distances.
Batten Wiring
This is another very popular technique used today. Insulated wires are run through wooden battens which are themselves fixed to the ceiling or the walls. This is done using screws and plugins. Link clips can also be used, and these are fastened using nails.
Batten wiring produces very clean results, with wiring being very simple. Additionally, it leads to a very low current leak and the materials used in this technique are inexpensive.
An electrician will choose the best technique depending on the application, budget, aesthetics, and materials you would like used. While you can use these techniques yourself, always check to ensure you are not breaking the law when you do so.
