Electrical Wiring Installation. Methods of Mounting
Sequence of Installing Electrical Wiring by Yourself
Methods of Mounting Electrical Wiring
The methods of mounting electrical wiring differ depending on the basis on which they are installed.
- Wiring in plastered brick and concrete is carried out in grooves cut into the plaster.
Photo 1 — Wiring in a Groove
- Wiring on wood is performed in hermetically sealed metal conduits and metal junction boxes, or openly using insulators or cable channels.
Photo 2 — Wiring Installed in a Box
- For gypsum board walls, wiring is installed in PVC corrugated tubes and metal conduits.
Photo 3 — Installation of Wiring Hidden Behind Gypsum Board or Suspended Ceiling
Wires are pulled along auxiliary structures, distribution and mounting boxes are installed. Wire connections are made in distribution boxes. Methods of connecting wires:
- soldering;
- welding;
- specialized clamps.
Wire twisting is also used, but according to standards it should only be used as a preparation for soldering.
Internal wiring is connected to circuit breakers, RCDs and meters, external wiring (with the help of a qualified electrician) is installed, power cables are brought to the internal panel, and connection (with the same electrician) is made.
Some Installation Rules for Electrical Wiring
- It is preferable to install electrical wiring in full scope all at once and entrust it to one contractor.
- Copper and aluminum wiring in connections behave poorly – the contact deteriorates over time. If it is necessary to connect copper and aluminum wire, special terminals should be used.
- Connections are made only in distribution boxes, which must provide access.
- The service life of aluminum wiring is from 15 to 30 years. Old aluminum wiring in apartments requires replacement with more durable copper wiring.
- It is not advisable to save money on electrical fittings – outlets and switches. They are just as important a part of the system as the wires themselves. The choice of these components affects the safety and comfort of using electricity.
- Cable routes should only be laid along strictly vertical and horizontal lines, parallel to architectural lines. The routes should be as short as possible. The wiring plan, especially for concealed wiring with marked routes, should be preserved.
- The cross-section of wires in different groups is selected based on the power of equipment connected to them. For example, a separate wire with a larger cross-section should be used for exhaust fans and electric stoves on the kitchen, rather than for regular outlets.
Cost of Electrical Wiring Installation
There are parts of electrical wiring that can be attempted to install by yourself, and there are works that can only be done by an electrician with certification. The cost of full electrical wiring installation, depending on the volume and complexity of the work, can range from several thousand hryvnia to several tens of thousands of rubles, but safety and life are incomparably more valuable.