Electrical wiring
[edit] Introduction
Electrical wiring is defined in the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) as ‘wiring systems’, with the following definition:
‘An assembly made up of cable or busbars and parts, which secure, and if necessary, enclose the cable or busbars.’ |
Wiring as a term in such instances is usually taken to mean ‘cabling’ and the installation of cables within a building.
[edit] Cables and cabling
A cable, in the context of electrical installations in buildings, is an insulated conductor of electricity, usually copper or aluminium, with a protective casing which acts as an insulator. Cables are used to transmit electrical energy or data or telecommunications signals from one point to another.
The usual attributes of an electrical cable include:
- They are flexible enough to be drawn through or laid into a containment system.
- Where appropriate, they can be clipped directly or suspended from a building’s structure.
Flexible cables (often simply called flex cables), comprise finer strands of conductor material, and are used where regular movement or articulation is expected that could damage regular cables.
Cable insulation materials may comprise common plastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), modified synthetic materials, or rubber. Other forms of insulation include mineral powder housed within a metallic outer casing.
The way different cables behave when subjected to fire conditions is the subject of extensive research. Toxic gas emissions, density of smoke and fire propagation speeds can vary widely with different forms of cable. This is a key consideration when selecting materials for buildings.
Since 2017, cables marketed and made available in the European Union (EU) must carry a ‘Euroclass’ classification, categorising their reaction to fire conditions.
--ECA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Arcing.
- Articles about electricity.
- Earthing.
- ECA articles.
- Electric.
- Electrical appliance.
- Electrical conduit.
- Electrical consumption.
- Electrical energy.
- Electrical equipment.
- Electrical installation.
- Electrical power.
- Electrical safety.
- Electrician.
- Electricity bill.
- Electrotechnical Assessment Specification guidance for installers.
- Grommet.
- IET announces release of 18th Edition Amendment 2.
- Panelboard.
- Premises wiring system.
- Ring circuit.
- Safe isolation for low voltage.
- What to know about foundation earthing.
Featured articles and news
Infrastructure that connect the physical and digital domains.
Harnessing robotics and AI in challenging environments
The key to nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering.
BSRIA announces Lisa Ashworth as new CEO
Tasked with furthering BSRIA’s impressive growth ambitions.
Public buildings get half a million energy efficiency boost
£557 million to switch to cleaner heating and save on energy.
CIOB launches pre-election manifesto
Outlining potential future policies for the next government.
Grenfell Tower Inquiry announcement
Phase 2 hearings come to a close and the final report due in September.
Progress from Parts L, F and O: A whitepaper, one year on.
A replicated study to understand the opinion of practitioners.
ECA announces new president 2024
Electrical engineer and business leader Stuart Smith.
A distinct type of countryside that should be celebrated.
Should Part O be extended to existing buildings?
EAC brands heatwave adaptation a missed opportunity.
Definition of Statutory in workplace and facilities management
Established by IWFM, BESA, CIBSE and BSRIA.
Tackling the transition from traditional heating systems
59% lack the necessary information and confidence to switch.
The general election and the construction industry
As PM, Rishi Sunak announces July 4 date for an election.
Eco apprenticeships continue help grow green workforce
A year after being recognised at the King's coronation.
Permitted development rights for agricultural buildings
The changes coming into effect as of May 21, 2024.