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
The current and future global market dynamics of boilers
Significant challenges but adaptation to sustain for longer.
Designing sustainability and performance into buildings
Specifying and selecting sustainable resilient timber products.
Modifying wood to improve resistance to decay and movement.
A last minute, long look for built environment professionals.
The architecture of creative reuse. Book review.
Installing solar panels on listed structures.
Sustainable development global goals, history in progress?
"Unless we act now, the 2030 Agenda will become an epitaph for a world that might have been."
Mike Kagioglou FCIOB named CIOB President
'Sustainable Development Goals must be focus for construction'
BSRIA training; a look at what's on offer
From energy management to compliance training.
TESP video warns to beware of rogue trainers.
Highlighting the slippery tactics of non-approved providers.
New Building Safety Wiki launched
Boosting awareness and understanding of the new fire safety regime.
New playbook on AI in construction published by CIOB
How to get to grips with, and the best from AI.
Digital Construction Report NBS
BIM, cloud, off-site, immersive tech, AI, twins and sustainability.