Wire selection is an important aspect of electrical installation structure since it influences the assembly’s safety, functionality, the convenience of use, and reliability. Choosing the appropriate wire or wires can be difficult and intimidating because there are thousands of different types of wires and electrical cables.
To be precise, we’re referring to wire in this context as a single, flexible conductor of electricity that is encased in insulation. Copper is the most common conductor material, but it can vary depending on the purpose. For example, when it comes to electrical wiring, commercial establishments have distinct requirements and needs than residences and residential structures. Also, unlike the residential structures which have hidden wires, commercial establishments should have easy access to the wires or cables in case of maintenance or repair. Not only that but when it comes to commercial applications, there are several distinct types of electrical wiring to consider.
Office equipment and gadgets, for example, may require different wiring and cable management than heavy machinery or warehouse buildings. When it comes to commercial wiring, there are other factors to consider in addition to the electrical requirements and usage. One of the most critical issues is safety, as any flaws in the electrical wiring might endanger employees and cause the company to shut down.
Commercial wiring is governed by the NFPA 70: National Electrical Code, specifically Chapter 3 of the code, just as residential structures. All wiring installations are governed by NEC Article 300, General Requirements for Wiring Methods and Materials, with the exception of any adjustments made by other articles in Chapter 3. Protection against physical damage, fastening and supporting the installation, minimum cover for underground installations, and many more features are among the criteria. In commercial buildings, there are three basic types of electrical wiring methods
1. Raceways & Conductors
One of the most prevalent methods of electrical wiring is the raceway and conductor approach. It involves many insulated phases in either a metallic or non-metallic conduit or tube. It may also include an equipment ground conductor, depending on NEC criteria and the applicable manner. Each installation is customized to the specs and design plans of the site.
The following are the most prevalent types of raceways used in commercial applications:
- EMT (Electrical Metallic Tubing)
- RMC (Rigid Metal Conduit)
- IMC (Intermediate Metal Conduit)
- FMC (Flexible Metal Conduit)
- PVC (rigid PolyVinyl chloride Conduit)
Cable trays are not the same as raceways. The latter is actually a structural system for managing and mechanically supporting cables.
2. Busways
Another sort of electrical wiring used in commercial applications is a bus duct also known as busways. A busway is described as a metal-enclosed racetrack with factory-mounted bus bars. There are typically two types of busways: feeder and plug-in. Insulated or bare conductors can be used in these combinations.
Advantages:
- Ampere rating from 60 to 4000 amps.
- Compact sizes
- Flexibility
- Minimal impact from voltage drops
3. Cable Assemblies
Another typical sort of electrical wiring is a premade cable assembly. It consists of numerous insulated phase and neutral conductors, as well as an insulated or bare equipment grounding conductor. A metallic or non-metallic sheath is wrapped around the latter.
Types:
- Armor wire or cable (type AC)
- Metal-coated wire (type MC)
- Metal-sheathed, mineral-insulated cable (type MI)
- Sheathed non-metallic cable (types NM, NMC, NMS)
- Cable for service entrance (types SE, USE)
- Cable for underground feeders and branch circuits (type UF)
For different commercial wires and fittings visit our team at Klosterman Electric and request a quote.