In the age of modern technology, homes across America are seeing an increase in new electrical installations. From the table lamp to an automatic home, electrical work is becoming a greater part of domestic architecture.
Knowing how to manage and install electrical wiring in a domestic space is no easy task. So many different systems are necessary to make a house functional, and it can feel overwhelming.
Start by educating yourself on the different types of electrical wiring found in homes. Keep reading.
1. Nonmetallic Cable
Nonmetallic cable, also known as Romex, is sheathed in plastic and used for most home electrical wiring. The different types of nonmetallic cables are based on the number of wires they contain.
The 2-wire Romex contains a black and white wire and no ground wire, while 3-wire Romex contains a black, white, and red wire and a ground wire. The 4-wire Romex contains a black, white, red, and bare copper wire and a ground wire.
Nonmetallic cable is easy to work with and relatively inexpensive, making it a good choice for a home electrical project. These are types of nonmetallic (NM) electrical cables used in residential wiring. The most common is type NM-B, which is made of two or more insulated conductors, a bare ground wire, and a plastic jacket.
Type NM-B is often used in exposed or concealed work on walls, ceilings, and floors. Type NM-C is similar to type NM-B, but with an additional metal sheath that protects the cable from physical damage. Type NM-D is a heavy-duty type of NM cable that is often used in underground applications.
2. Armored Electrical Cables
Armored electrical cables are common in older homes and buildings. The sheathing around the wires is made of metal, which makes it more durable and resistant to damage. Other types of electrical wiring may be made of plastic or rubber, but the metal armored cables are much more durable.
One advantage of these cables is that they are less likely to be damaged by rodents or other pests. Another advantage is that the metal sheathing can provide some protection against electrical fires.
3. Underground Feeder Cables
Underground feeder (UF) cables are used to bring electrical power to homes and businesses that are not connected to the main power grid. There are three main types of UF cables, direct burial, overhead, and underground conduit.
Direct burial UF cables are buried directly in the ground and are protected from the elements by a layer of insulation. Overhead UF cables are suspended from poles or other structures and are also protected by a layer of insulation. Underground conduit UF cables are run through a conduit that is buried in the ground.
UF cables are usually made of copper or aluminum and are insulated with a variety of materials, such as PVC, XLPE, or EPR. UF cables are rated for underground use and are typically used for buried service drop applications.
4. Phone And Data Wire
Several types of electrical wiring can be used for phone and data wire applications in the home. The most common type is copper wiring, which is typically the most affordable option. However, there are also aluminum and fiber optic wiring options available.
Each type of wiring has its advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the option that best suits your needs. Copper wiring is typically the most durable option, but it can be more expensive than other types of wiring.
Aluminum wiring is less expensive than copper, but it is not as durable. Fiber optic wiring is the most expensive option, but it is also the most reliable.
5. Coaxial Cables
Coaxial cables are one type of electrical wiring that is commonly used in the home. Coaxial cables are typically used to connect electronic components, such as TVs, VCRs, and DVD players, to a power source. These cables are also commonly used to connect a computer to a modem or router.
There are several types of coaxial cables that can be used for different purposes in the home. The most common type of coaxial cable is probably the RG-6, which is often used for cable television and satellite TV connections. Other types of coaxial cables include the RG-59, which is often used for CCTV cameras, and the RG-11, which is often used for high-speed data connections.
6. THHN/THWN Wires
There are three main types of residential electrical wiring found in the home, THHN, THWN, and XHHW. THHN is the most common type of wiring used in homes. It is made of two types of plastic, which make it durable and resistant to heat and moisture. THWN is the second most common type of wiring used in homes.
It is made of three types of plastic, which make it more resistant to heat and moisture than THHN. XHHW is the least common type of wiring used in homes.
It is made of four types of plastic, which make it the most resistant to heat and moisture of all types of wiring. If you want to be safe and to avoid accidental fires in regards to your electrical wirings, you must have contact with an emergency electrician.
Knowing The Types Of Electrical Wiring In Your Home
If you’re a homeowner, it’s important to become familiar with the different types of electrical wiring that are common in homes. This knowledge can help you better understand how your home’s electrical system works, and it can also help you troubleshoot problems when they arise. If you’re ever unsure about anything, be sure to consult a professional electrician.
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