What are electrical wires and switches, and where do they go in your house?

In electrical wiring there are different components like wires, cables that connect our household items like fans, lights and kitchen ware. All the wiring is connected to the main distribution board and electrical wires prepared from copper or aluminium.

A switch is an electronic device which regulates the flow of electricity or electric current. We can turn on or off the switches whenever we need them. In simple terms, it is used to break or make electric circuits. Electrical switches are permanent equipment that allows electrical devices that control electrical appliances and other devices in the home. The wall switches are fixed on a 4-inch wall box, usually between 48 and 52 inches from the floor. So that person can easily reach them when they enter a room.

However, the specific height will vary from home to home. If everything falls in the right place then we can see the beauty of the house. Likewise, the electrical components like fans, TV, washing machine, grinders, fridge, motor, etc are connected with respective sockets.

Wiring basics:

What is a wire, and what are the different types of wiring?

Electrical wires transmit electricity from a source, and these conductive materials are insulated to transfer electricity to various parts of your home or office. Electrical wires come in multiple materials, casings and sizes to handle the different electrical loads and mixed conditions.

From the Main/Switchboard, we connect various electrical loads such as fans, lights, room coolers, and refrigerators through respective circuits and electrical wiring. We use different types of wiring for connecting loads of appliances used for houses and industrial electrical wiring.

Some of them are:

1. Cleat wiring : It consists of PVC or VIR insulated wires which are held to ceiling or walls by using plastic or wooden support. It is a kind of temporary wiring structure which is mainly used in temporary adjustments and fixings and it is not suited for fully functional purposes. It is simple and easy but not fixed wiring.

2. Wooden casing and capping wiring: Casing is the old type of wiring system, no one is using it nowadays as it is very hard and needs wooden or plastic capping support. We can customise this type of wiring and it uses VIR, PVC or any other insulated wires. It is not recommended for humid, acidic or alkaline conditions.

3. CTS or TRS or PVC sheath wiring: Cable Tire Sheath or C.T.S, Tough Rubber Sheathed or T.R.S is a type of wiring system. In this type of wiring system the rubber sheathed cables prevent unwanted electric shock to the users and a safe method of wiring. The cables used are moisturises, chemical proof but not suitable for outdoor usage.

4. Lead sheathed or metal sheathed wiring: In this lead or metal sheathing is used for wiring. The sheets contain nearly about 95% of lead. The metal or lead sheath will give you an extra protection from all weather conditions.

5. Conduit wiring: It consists of two types of wiring patterns they are:

• Surface conduit wiring: If the wiring is conduit to the wall or roof then it is known as conduit wiring. We need to put holes to install this type of wiring.
• Concealed Conduit Wiring: If the wiring conduit is concealed under the plasting then it is called concealed conduit wiring. The wiring lies inside the wall, floor or roofs. It makes home more beautiful and exactly fits for all your customisations.

Panel wiring:

How do you wire a panel, and what are the different kinds of panel wiring?

The electrical panel is also referred to as a load centre, as electrical panels are what will contain control systems. Power devices within an electrical panel deliver the current required to each device and protect them. An electrical panel is a metal box with a door, usually built into a wall in an out-of-the-way corner of your home. Inside, you'll find all your home's breaker switches with toggle breaker switches can be on and off. They'll also shut off automatically when too much electrical current runs through them, which is the main advantage.

1. Main breaker panels have a built-in main breaker that can shut off all power to your home. The main breaker is a large two-pole circuit breaker that limits electricity inside to protect circuits. Main breakers are installed when the metre and feeder cable are within 10 feet of the panel. It acts like mcb. Mcb full form in electrical terminology is Miniature Circuit Breaker

2. Main Lug Panels do not have a main breaker. This type of electrical panel terminates connection in the event of a fire, then disconnecting at metre lets firefighters cut the power without entering the building.

3. Sub-Panels is a smaller electrical panel that services a specific home area. It holds separate circuit breakers from the main panel and is located near the powers/ switch boards. Sub-panels are best when multiple circuits are needed in a single area separate from your main house. That sub-panels do not increase the amount of available power.

4. Transfer Switches are a type of sub-panel that transform portable generator power into electrical power through your breaker panel. If you live in an area where storms are common, you may have a permanent backup power generator that uses an alternative power source, like propane or natural gas. You can wire the generator directly to the household electrical panel with a transfer switch which provides a seamless switch from utility service to backup power when the power goes out.

Switches and outlets:

How do you wire a switch or outlet, and what are the different types of switches and outlets?

Switches are devices that turn on and off home or industrial electrical appliances and other devices in the home. There are different styles and colours to suit your design as per choice. The most common wall switches you use in your home and elsewhere.

1. A single pole switch is most common in use. These will control lights, fans, or other devices from a single location by ON/OFF marking.

2. A double pole Switch is generally used in industrial applications, and sometimes it is seen in some home wiring systems. A double pole or two-way switch is two one-way switches combined into one.

3. A smart switch is a new wall switch that controls through a non-traditional. Many modern smart switches allow you to check on lights and turn them on or off with a smartphone app or anywhere you have an internet connection. They can be programmed to automatically turn lights or appliances on or off when you choose.

Conclusion:

If you get to know about the wiring system you can plan and can customise as you like. When it comes to wiring, we have to be aware of a few things like safety, location, capacity, corrosion etc. Upgrading your light switches and outlets should be included in any home renovation. We shortlisted some factors that should be considered while purchasing designer switches. To make buildings or complexes look more beautiful, lightning is very important. So, before buying electrical, you should be careful about selection. They should provide you with better insulation and should avoid short-circuiting. A common mistake that all people make when wiring a house is not using the right type of wire for the job. Selecting electrical wire that is specified for the purpose you intend to use it.