Electrical Wiring, Colour Coding and Installation
Electric Wiring can be termed as the source of electricity conduction being connected to various electrical apparatus or devices.
Electrical wiring with regards to installation can be broadly classified as follows (refer diagram below)
Type 1: Ring type electrical cable wiring: Simple! To make it easy for you, let me give you a perspective. Just as the name suggests, the ring type electrical wiring originates from a single device and returns to the same device forming a continuous loop or a ring.
Now, where can these types of electrical home wirings be used?
These can be used in areas where devices share the same cable feed. They make the best fit for appliances that can used at different times of the day. Ring wiring would typically be installed in bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens (except major Appliances such as cookers), partitioned office areas, etc.
Type 2: Radial Electrical Wiring: Look at the name closely! Radial! A wiring that is connected to one source and “branches” out towards areas of supply can be termed as radial electrical wiring.
Now, where can these types of electrical home wirings be used?
Unlike the ring type, these types of wirings largely focus of big appliances that are under continuous operations. Some examples could be boilers, water pumps, cookers, heaters, air conditioners, safety alarms etc.
Type 3: Final Electrical Wiring: Again, let us bring our attention to the word “final”. electrical wiring that connects source and appliance directly can be termed as final electrical wiring via socket-outlets, switched flex outlets, isolators, ceiling roses, etc.
The sizing of final electrical wiring must be in accordance with the connected load on each circuit.
Type 4: Distribution Electrical Cable Wiring: Distribution! An electrical wiring amongst distribution boards can be called distribution electrical wiring.
Colour Coding for Electrical Wires:
Following colour coding standards is essential and mandatory since each colour signifies a particular function of the wire. India follows the RGB code where R stands for Red, G stands for Green and B stands for Black.
Red — Red wire indicates the phase in electric circuit which can be considered as a live wire. It must be kept in mind that a red wire can be connected to only red and black other wires.
Black — Black wires denotes neutral wire which is connected to neutral bus bar inside an electric panel. Note that black wire must be connected to black wire only.
Green — Green wire signifies earthing and can be connected to green wire only
Let us quickly get into installation: -
All electrical home wiring installation must follow IEE regulations or otherwise approved by a corresponding standard of equal value. Also, all the wiring should strictly be rigid PVC conduit placed in the wall or ceiling or false ceiling.
Some of the other IEE regulations that need to be followed are (Source — Electricveda.com):
a) Selection of the size of the conduit
b) Usage of factory-made conduit
c) Conduit to be kept at 100mm from pipes and other non-electricals
d) Individual conduits to be used for:
- Lighting System
- Power Outlets
- Emergency Light
- Telephone System
- Fire Alarm System
- Sound System
- Television System
- Computer System
e) Conduit run on surfaces shall be supported by PVC saddles
f) Saddles shall be at intervals of not more than 60 cm
g) Fixing screws must be rustproof.
h) Exposed conduits shall be neatly run parallel or at right angles to the wall of the building.
i) Pull boxes must be provided at the right angles and at a distance not exceeding 20-meter length.
j) Suitable fish wires shall be drawn in all conduits before they are embedded.
k) Inspection boxes shall be provided for periodical inspection to facilitate draw and removal of cables. Such inspection boxes shall be flush with the wall in the case of recessed conduits.
l) Inspection boxes shall be spaced at not more than 12 meters apart or two 90-degree solid bends or equal.
m) Use of PVC conduits in places where ambient temperature is 60-degree c or above is prohibited.
n) PVC conduits shall not be used in outdoor system. Conduits shall be free from sharp edges and burrs and grease or oil shall not be used for the purpose of pulling the wire. The entire system of conduits must be completely installed and rendered electrically continuous before the conductors are pulled in.
o) A ground wire of not less than 2.5 sq. mm copper shall be run inside each conduit. The wire shall be insulated, and colour coded.
Top 5 Tricks for Great Electrical Wiring:
Electrical home wiring can go for a toss if not performed with efficiency.
Follow these #tricks to get it right!
One) Tried and Tested:
2000+ deaths occur per year in the country due to electrocution. If this number astounds you, note that 2016 saw over 11,000 electrical accidents in the country. Nearly 4,800 of these accidents were fatal.
Hence, always check the wiring and the devices before you start working on them to avoid electric shocks.
Two) Detangle
a) Uncoil the cable and straighten it out.
b) Arrange it on the floor to make the handling easier.
c) A neat working is a better working
Three) Replace and check the amp!
Old isn’t gold all the time. Get rid of the old wiring and choose carefully among plethora of options available including flame resistant, heat resistant etc.
Amp checking is a must for all wiring during both installation and replacement. E.g. a 30-amp circuit must have a right-gauge wiring to prevent fire hazard.
Four) Stay Grounded
Understanding the grounding system is imperative. It helps redirect extra current in case there is a slip or fault. Following the wiring diagrams to ensure effortless work is the key.
Five) Clamp it and Box it
Accidents can lead to irreparable damage. Protective enclosures not only protect the wiring and enhance the durability but also enable protection to people working on it. So, Clamp it or Box it!
