Understanding the Various Types of Electrical House Wiring Systems
Wiring in a home is designed to distribute the energy required for various electrical appliances. The process of house wiring includes professional installation of electrical outlets, breakers, switches, and circuits. Let’s take a look at the most common types of electrical house wiring systems.
Cleat wiring
Cleat wiring is a system where cleats ensure wire support. Cleats are insulated pieces of wood, plastic, or porcelain used to keep wires on a wall. It’s one of the oldest and cheapest wiring methods, which requires the least labor for installation. Vulnerability to weather and poor appearance are significant disadvantages of cleat wiring. Furthermore, cleat wiring is only efficient at low ambient temperatures.
Batten wiring
Batten is used for fastening wires to the wall in a batten wiring system. Wires are laid over batten—a long flat strip commonly made of wood or metal—and brass link clips hold the wires together. Because this installation process requires little material and labor, it is affordable. The main advantages of batten wiring are a neat appearance and a low chance of leakage current. However, it’s not suitable outdoors, as wires can be affected by weather conditions.
Casing and capping wiring
Casing and capping wiring is an electric system where insulated cables are fed through the wooden or plastic enclosures used to conceal them. Although this method has been used in the past, today, conduit wiring is preferable.
Lead sheathed wiring
Lead sheathed wiring employs VIR-insulated conductors covered with a 95% aluminum alloy sheath. The sheath is required to protect wires from mechanical damage and humidity. Both ends of the wire are grounded to prevent leakage current. The cables are fastened to a wooden or metal batten.
Conduit wiring
In a conduit wiring system, cables are protected by conduit, a tube made of metal, plastic, fiber, or fired clay. Metal conduits are durable and sturdy yet costly. Non-metal pipes are flexible and can be bent to route wires in a specific path.
Surface conduit wiring is an unconcealed system where conduits are fastened to walls using two-hole straps and clips. Concealed conduit wiring looks more appealing, as the cables are hidden inside walls. Apart from the aesthetical advantage, this method is also safer and more durable.
Overall, conduit wiring is the least vulnerable to weather conditions, mechanical damage, and leakage current electrical system type. The installation and maintenance processes must be conducted by a professional.
Contact a professional
Contact a licensed electrical service company to request a consultation and professional help with home wiring system installation.
When you need a licensed electrician for commercial or residential electrical needs, call Zimmerman Electric at 310-378-1323.