Electrical Wire Information

Bundle of electrcial wire.

Mains wiring is standard electrical wire manufactured in copper and aluminum and used in varying capacities, depending on how much current will be carried, the location of the wiring and the thickness of the wire needed. Copper has long been the preferred choice for conducting electricity within homes and businesses.

Copper and Aluminum

Mains wiring is commonly made of insulated copper cables. It takes factors into account such as electrical and mechanical properties of conductor material and price. Copper has always been the preferred material for household wiring. Thick mains feeder cables that carry electrical current through distribution panels are sometimes made of aluminium due to it being less costly. Aluminum is softer and weaker than copper, as well as a less effective conductor of electricity, so it is not used in smaller sizes for wiring homes.

Precautions

Precautions are needed to minimize the likelihood of short circuits resulting from poor wiring installation methods and misuse of electricity. Protective devices, such as fuses and circuit breakers, guard against shorting out circuits and overloading wiring. Electrical wiring is rated for maximum current capacity and overloading occurs when too much current is pulled through the wire. Overheating results, melting wiring insulation and increasing the chances that the copper wiring will melt.

Working with Wiring

When working with wiring in a structure or an electrical device, disconnect from the mains. Use only properly sheathed probes when live circuits must be tested and power devices through protection equipment, such as an isolation transformer. Make sure that there is someone else with you and inform them of what you are doing when working with mains or higher voltage. Electrical safety should be emphasized, prioritizing personal safety as outlined in legal requirements and regulations in specific geographic areas.

References

• Aalto University: Electrical Wiring Page