For every building project, electrical wiring requires expert attention. It directly affects the safety of human beings and the utilities and equipment they handle. All conduits, outlets, junction boxes, pull boxes, pull wires, ceiling roses, and accessories shall be included in the scope of electrical wiring, including supply, installation, testing, and commissioning. The article provides comprehensive information on the use of various installation methods, cable installation, and materials in building construction projects.
1. Wiring and installation methods for conduits
Tube wiring is a method of wiring that uses steel or PVC tubes to provide good mechanical protection to its conductors. Conductors are also highly protected against fire hazards thanks to it. By installing saddles or hooks on the surface of walls or roofs or by concealing them in walls, roofs, or floors, conduit pipes can be installed.
Nowadays, most buildings are constructed with conduit wiring (PVC conduits or galvanized pipes, depending on the site requirements and project specifications) mostly in two types: 1) Surface or Open type conduit installation, and 2) Recessed or Concealed type conduit installation.
2. Infrastructure Installations Of Steel Conduits And Fittings
A steel conduit or fitting is constructed from a heavy, medium, or light gauge of steel. The technology used for manufacturing these tubes depends on the gauge and surface treatment of the steel.
3. Galavaniated Rigid Steel Conduit
Electrical raceways made from galvanized rigid steel conduit are recognized as the most secure and protective form of raceways. Conduites made of steel provide excellent physical / mechanical protection for wiring, and also serve as ground shields, reducing EMI (electro-magnetic interference) and minimizing the effects of external RFI (radio frequency interference). The conductor also serves as a ground conductor, which simplifies installation and reduces wiring requirements. Stainless steel conduit is able to be installed indoors and outdoors, in dry and wet locations, exposed and concealed, in a wide range of environmental conditions and in hazardous locations.
4. EMT (Electrical Metallic Tubing) Galvanized
Electrical Metallic Tubes (EMT) are similar to rigid steel conduit, but are lighter, with a weight of approximately 40 percent that of rigid steel conduit of the same nominal size. It can be used either for exposed or concealed work, as long as it is not subjected to severe physical damage during installation or afterwards. EMT may be used only for systems not exceeding 600 volts and for non-hazardous locations (except those covered by 502-4(b) of Class II Division 2). Steel EMT installed in concrete at grade or above usually does not require any additional corrosion protection. For concrete below grade level and where cinders or soil may be present, a supplementary corrosion protection system consisting of a protective coating of bitumastic or asphalt base paint is generally employed. In accordance with NEC Section 348-1, unless the conduit is at least 18 inches below permanently moist cinder fill, EMT under permanently wet cinder fill must be covered by concrete encased in at least two inches of cinder-free concrete. Click here for more information.