Wires and Cables 

Wires and cables form the arteries of the electrical system. Be it an indoor setting or an outdoor layout, these components are of top priority. To enable a smooth supply of electricity and to ensure optimal electrical safety each wire or cable has to be installed carefully. The wires and cables are attached from the fuse box to the appliances and fixtures. Let us understand the basic difference between wires and cables before we continue.

Top 4 points that are to be kept in mind for both wires and cables.

• Worn out or old wires and cables should be replaced with new ones immediately to avoid hazards.
• Wires and cables must have safety closures.
• Be careful while making the choice of wires and cables since each has a specific application.
• Keep it at a safe distance from children to avoid any mishaps.

Types of wires and cables

Wires can be divided into two types:

Solid wires: These are composed of a single conductor and can further be classified as bare or insulated. They are used for higher frequencies due to their low resistance property.

Stranded wires: As the name rightly suggests, these wires are comprised of many thin strands of wires intertwined together. Their design makes them perfectly flexible and durable. Their cross-sectional area as compared to solid wires is much higher.

Cables are of over 20 + types. They can broadly be classified as twisted cable, coaxial cable, multi-conductor cable, and fiber optic cable.

Twisted Pair Cable: Imagine a braid. As the term “pair” in the name suggests, they encompass two cables braided together. These cables are generally used for signal transmission. Applications: telecommunications.

Multi-conductor cables: The name reference clearly suggests the presence of two or more conductors. They are designed to safeguard signal integrity. They have found their applications in instrumentation, communications, etc.

Coaxial cables: The core consists of a solid conductor surrounded axially with the foil conductor. These are separated by an insulating dielectric. Applications: TV cables

Fiber optics cables: With excellent bandwidth, they are capable of transmitting a large amount of data. They have recently gained momentum due to their low interference susceptibility.

Colour Coding for Electrical Wires:

Following color coding standards is essential and mandatory since each color 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 the 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 denote neutral wire which is connected to a 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.

Cable Color Code

Colour coding for the cables is done to decipher active, neutral, and earthing. There is no specific color coding designated by NEC. Every country has its own norms and color-coding standards. Yet, one should be mindful of not using green/yellow, green, yellow, light blue, or black for active conductors.

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!

1. 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.

2. Detangle

Uncoil the cable and straighten it out.

Arrange it on the floor to make the handling easier.

A neat working is a better working

3. Replace and check the amp!

Old isn’t gold all the time. Get rid of the old wiring and choose carefully among a 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 right-gauge wiring to prevent a fire hazard.

4. 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.

5. 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!