BASIC ELECTRICITY NTC 3

TOPIC: Electrical Wiring

Electrical wiring is an electrical installation of cabling and associated devices such as switches, distribution boards,
sockets, and light fittings in a structure. Electrical wiring is the electrical power distribution through the wires in
a perfect manner for economic use of wiring conductors inside a room or building with better load control. The
different types of electrical wiring that are used usually vary according to three factors: purpose, quantity of
electricity to be carried, and location. For example, a home will require less power than an office building. This
means that the appropriate electrical wiring system will typically try to maximize energy efficiency in a safe
manner. Electrical wiring system is classified into five categories:
• Cleat wiring
• Casing wiring
• Batten wiring
• Conduit wiring
• Concealed wiring

Comparison Between Different Wiring Systems:

Cleat Casing Capping Batten

Feature Conduit Wiring
Wiring Wiring Wiring

Life Short Fairy Long Long Very Long

Cost Low Medium Medium Highest

Mechanical Protection None Fair None Very Good

Possibility of Fire Nil Good Good Nil

Installation Very Easy Difficult Easy Difficult

Inspection Easy Easy Easy Difficult

Repair Easy Slightly Difficult Easy Difficult

Popularity Nil Fair Nil Very High

Semi- Semi-
Type of Skill Highly Skilled Highly Skilled
Skilled Skilled

Factors that determine selection of system of wiring

▪ Type of wire and used material
▪ Nature of load
▪ Safety of the system
▪ Dampness
▪ Corrosive fumes
▪ Fire hazards or other special conditions
▪ Construction of building
Wiring accessories: Wiring accessories are used for connecting appliances. Examples are Switch, Lamp Holder,
Ceiling Rose, Socket, Plug, Fuse, lighting points, and switches:

Wiring Accessories
Wiring Color code
To enable wires to be easily and safely identified, all common wiring safety codes mandate a colour scheme for
the insulation on power conductors.

Wiring safety codes

Wiring safety codes are intended to protect people and property from electrical shock and fire hazards. Regulations
may be established by city, county, provincial/state or national legislation, usually by adopting a model code (with
or without local amendments) produced by a technical standards-setting organization, or by a national standard
electrical code.

Types of wiring
Surface wiring: Surface wiring refers to electrical wiring systems that are mounted directly onto the surface of
walls and ceilings. Surface wiring is an easy and affordable way to add new lighting, switches, and outlets without
cutting into existing walls. Surface wiring systems are used to extend electric current and power from existing
outlets or fixtures to a new location, without having to tear up floors or cut into walls or ceilings. It is important to
realize that surface wiring is only an acceptable practice indoors, and poses many safety concerns when
implemented outside.
Surface Wiring Components
Before installing surface wiring, it’s essential to understand the various components involved. Surface wiring
systems consist of:
• Wireways — Channels made of plastic or metal that enclose and route the wires. Wireways come in
different sizes to accommodate various wire gauges.
• Conduit boxes — Places where wires connect to fixtures and devices.
• Couplings — Fittings that join wireway sections together.
• Elbows and corners — Fittings that allow the wireway to turn at 90-degree angles.
• Other fittings — Tee connectors, end caps, and mounting clips stabilize the wireway.
These components combine in various configurations to create a complete surface wiring pathway.

Maintaining and Repairing Surface Wiring: Properly installed surface wiring requires minimal maintenance.
Periodically inspect wireways for damage. Look for cracks, deformities, or other defects. Replace damaged
sections immediately. Make sure cover plates on boxes and fittings are secure to prevent debris from entering
wireways.

Cleat Wiring
A system of wiring in which wires or cables are installed on cleats made from porcelain, plastic, or hardwood, is
called cleating wiring system. This is the cheapest, simplest, and easiest form of wiring, which is most commonly
used for momentary or temporary objectives. This wiring can be done both in vertical and horizontal directions.
Remember that cleat wiring is carried out in places where there is no danger of any sort of blow to wires because
wires remain exposed or open in this type of wiring system. The checking or inspection of such types of wires is
relatively easy due to being in an open condition. However, the application of the cleat wiring has almost ceased
nowadays.

Advantages of Cleat Wiring:

(1). This is a cheap and simple system of wiring
(2). Its application for temporary purposes is very appropriate. For example, in under-construction buildings or
army camping, etc.
(3). It is quite easy to search for a fault and repair it quite quickly by inspecting the exposed wires.
(4). This wiring can be done quite quickly and easily
(5). This wiring can be removed or uprooted as and when required without too much material loss
(6). Alterations or additions can be done in this type of wiring during times of need
(7). Inspection of this type of wiring system is possible quite easily
(8). In case of wiring has been removed, it is possible to use its paraphernalia at some other places or for some
other tasks.
(9). No expert technicians are required for this type of wiring

Disadvantages of Cleat Wiring:

(1). Cleat wiring cannot be installed for everlasting or permanent purposes, because sagging takes place in wires
at several spots after the passage of some time.
(2). As cables in this type of wiring are not covered, therefore they are likely to be damaged through oil, steam,
moisture, smoke, rain, and chemical and acid effects.
(3). After some time, smoke and dust build-up on wires, as a result, they present a very shabby and decrepit.
(4). This type of wiring cannot be considered enduring due to weather consequences and fire dangers.
(5). It can be used only for low temperatures 250/ 440 volts
(6). It is extremely weak mechanically and exposed to blow or concussion at any moment
(7). As this type of wiring is temporary, therefore an imminent danger of some electric shock always persists
(8). Cleat wiring entails a risk of catching fire at any moment
(9). This type of wiring cannot be used in sensitive or important places
(10). This type of wiring is neither endurable nor reliable.

Conduit wiring

An electrical conduit is a tube used to protect and route electrical wiring in a building or structure. Electrical
conduit may be made of metal, plastic, fiber, or fired clay. Most conduit is rigid, but flexible conduit is used for
some purposes. Conduit wiring is simply wires or cables routed inside the wall in metal or plastic pipes. Because
electrical current passes via the wires, it must be safeguarded from external threats such as rodents, fire, and short
circuits. Conduits protect wires from exposure, lowering the risk of short circuits, electrocution, and fires. This
type of wiring system is most widely used as compared to the rest of the wiring systems. Although size and type
are key aspects, there are many characteristics to consider when choosing an electrical conduit, including Cable
fault, Toxicity, Weight, Durability, Temperature range, Support spans, Burn-through, Coefficient of friction,
Conductivity, Distance between expansion joints, Material cost, Field handling, Memory and Labor cost. The
correct conduit should:
i. Be durable and long-lasting
ii. Be fire-resistant as dictated by environment/application
iii. Allow for cables to easily be pulled to areas that may be inaccessible in the future, and unaffected by
any pulling lubricants with limited or no burn-through
iv. Be cost-effective.
Types of Conduit Wiring
1. Surface Conduit Wiring
2. Concealed Conduit Wiring
Surface Conduit Wiring
If conduits are installed on the surface of a roof or wall, it is called conduit wiring. For this type of wiring, the first
holes are made on the wall surface in a straight line at equal distances. Then rowel plugs are fixed into these holes
and saddles are installed above these rowel plugs through screws. After this, conduits are installed above it. The
size of the conduit used in this type of wiring depends on the number of wires going to be passed through it.
Moreover, the size of conduit which is used in wiring, and fittings will also be used of the same size.

has been illustrated. This type of wiring is done away from gas, water, and steam pipes. This type of wiring is
extremely suitable for houses, factories, and industries.
Concealed Conduit Wiring
If PVC conduit is concealed by means of carving grooves on the wall, and then plaster is done above it, this type
of wiring is called concealed conduit wiring. As this type of wiring is not visible from outside, only switches and
lamp holders are visible, therefore it is known as concealed conduit wiring. In other words, wiring carried out
inside a pipe within a wall is called concealed wiring. Only junction box spots remain visible, wherefrom wiring
can be looked after and repaired. Prior to putting concrete on a roof during a linter, PVC conduit pipes are spread
all over the roof, whereas prior to doing plaster on the building walls, grooves are dug onto the walls, and then
conduit pipes are fixed in these grooves. It is then plastered. After the plaster has been completed on roofs and
walls, wires are inserted into these fitted conduits with the help of steel wires. As conduits are not visible in this
type of wiring, therefore it remains protected against fire, water, moisture, and other weather conditions. In the
concealed wiring system, all switchboards are also fitted on walls and flush-type switches and sockets are used in
this type of wiring. This type of wiring is commonly used in houses, offices, bungalows, and all other modern
buildings, etc.

Classification of conduit materials:

Conduit systems are classified by the wall thickness, mechanical stiffness, and material used to make the tubing.
Materials may be chosen for mechanical protection, corrosion resistance, and overall cost of the installation (labor
plus material cost). Wiring regulations for electrical equipment in hazardous areas may require particular types of
conduit to be used to provide an approved installation. There are seven common types of electrical conduit, each
with a unique application. Typically, these conduits are divided into metal conduits and non-metal conduits. Metal
conduits include: Rigid metal conduit, Flexible metal conduit, Liquid-tight flexible metal conduit, Intermediate
metal conduit, Electrical metallic tubing. Non-metal conduits include: Rigid PVC conduit, Electrical non-metallic
tubing

Conduit Fitting
In a conduit wiring system, different types of accessories or materials are used for the purpose of joining pipes,
which are known as fittings. For example, elbow, junction box, union, socket, nipple, cross joint junction, clip,
saddle, grips, inspection band, inspection T, etc. Bending of a conduit when required, is also included in it.
There are two types of conduit fittings, Surface and concealed. Surface fitting is done for the purpose of wiring
which is mostly carried out in factories, workshops, go-downs, hospitals, and other commercial organizations. Its
advantage is that wiring can be inspected as and when required. On the contrary, concealed fitting is used for
concealed wiring, which is mostly carried out in homes, offices, shops, hotels etc. As conduit is installed in a
concealed manner in this type of wiring, therefore this type of wiring normally presents a very beautiful
appearance. However, its inspection is relatively difficult whenever required.
Types of conduit fittings
Box use conduit fittings are typically inserted into a knockout within a junction box. The threaded end of the fitting
is secured with a lock nut from within the box. On the other end of these conduit fittings there is typically a screw
or compression ring, which is tightened down upon the inserted conduit.
Nonthreaded conduit fittings may be secured with set screws or a compression nut that encircles the conduit. Other
types of conduit fittings include adapters, bulkhead fittings, caps, couplings, elbows, expansion joints, flanges,
nipples, plugs, reducers, setscrew connectors, squeeze clamp connectors, tees, sweeps, wyes, and more.

Conduit Fixings
Conduit fittings are connectors and fittings used to connect one piece of conduit to another, or to connect conduit
to an electrical box. They are available in various metals, as well as with different levels of moisture
protection. The accessories which are utilized in order to tightly install a surface conduit on walls are called
conduit fixings. For this purpose, different types of clips and saddles are used. The distance of saddle with the
conduit is retained at approx. 3 feet and, in every fitting, their distance is maintained 4 inches. Saddles are installed
on rowel plugs or wooden dowel pins with the help of rust-free round-headed screws. Saddles can be found in
different sizes and shapes according to needs e.g., spacer bar saddle, distance saddle, multiple saddle and girder
clip, etc.

Precautions in Surface Conduit Wiring

1. Conduit should be selected according to the number of wires and sizes in such a way that a reasonable space
is available after inserting the wires.
2. Conduit fittings must always be installed on walls according to conduits weight
3. Rowel plugs or dowel pins are planted at a reasonable distance according to the sizes and weight of pipes
4. An earth wire of an appropriate size should also be run along pipes and it should be earthed at reasonable
distance.
5. Conduits should be kept apart from water and gas pipes
6. Wires should not be penetrated through the conduit in excess of the required numbers
7. Wires of opposite polarity must essentially be passed through metal pipes so that a substantial voltage drop
does not occur as a result of AD current
8. Pipes should reach inside up to the metal boards and bushes should be installed on their heads or ends
9. PVC pipes must not be used in places where the danger of mechanical disruption or wear and tear persists
10. After grafting grooves or narrow strips on metal pipes, its edges should adequately be smoothened through a
sandpaper
Advantages
Surface conduit wiring has under – mentioned advantages;
1. Alterations or additions are possible in this system according to future needs
2. Its revamping, repairing, and maintenance is quite easy
3. In case wiring is performed in an expert manner, it seems relatively good-looking
4. In the case of PVC conduit, this wiring remains protected from rust as well as fire
5. This type of wiring can also be used in places prone to weather as well as chemical impacts
6. As a result of proper earthing of metal conduit, no danger of an electric shock exists in this type of wiring
7. It has a long life
8. It is a reliable and popular method for wiring purposes
9. Most of the accessories used in this type of wiring, can be reused as required
Disadvantages
1. It tends to be less attractive as compared to the concealed wiring
2. It requires significant labor and skilled technicians
3. As dust and cobwebs etc. form on conduit, therefore they require occasional cleaning or dusting
4. They are not protected against mechanical shocks and as a result of such blows, there always remains a risk
of conduit getting uprooted
5. If earthing has not properly been done, then in the case of metal conduit, the risk of an electric shock lingers
on
6. A significant amount of time is required for the purpose of installing this type of wiring
7. It is comparatively expensive due to the large application of accessories e.g., elbows and Ts, etc.
8. It is difficult to trace out fault and repair it quickly. Repair work involves a lot of time-consuming
9. If a metal conduit has been used in wiring, it becomes imperative to get it earthed, which obviously involves
extra costs
 10. During the wiring process, the straightness of the conduit is always kept in mind for beautification purposes

Precautions in Concealed Conduit Wiring

The precautionary measures being employed for concealed conduit wiring are nearly similar to those being adopted
for surface wiring, however following some precautions are specifically associated with concealed wiring, which
must necessarily be kept into mind;
1. On a concrete roof, conduit must be spread before the roof is being concreted
2. At the time of putting conduits on a concrete roof, pipes of different points should be combined directly,
and bends should be avoided as far as possible.
3. Mouths of conduits should properly be covered with some paper, so that cement does not freeze on it during
plaster
4. Pipe must essentially end up within the box
5. Every metal box must duly be earthed
6. Wires should be passed through conduits prior to fittings
7. For making connections in a concealed wiring, the looping in the method should be adopted (i.e., every wire
which reaches a certain point may be joined with that point and then without cutting, bend it towards another
point). Though more wire is consumed under this method, however wires are neither cut nor any kind of
bend is put on them.
8. As moisture infiltrates into pipes during watering of the plaster, therefore a cotton cloth must be passed
through the pipes prior to the inserting of wires into the pipes, so as to clean up the moisture
9. Metal conduits being used on walls and ceilings must properly be painted so as to protect them against rust
etc.
10. It is common that junction boxes to move down from the wall surface as a result of plaster. For this purpose,
a special type of paint must be used in order to bring the junction box’s surface equal to the wall surface, so
that wiring does not seem obnoxious.
11. At the time of dragging wires into the conduit, wires reels or drums must rotate freely so that wires could
enter into pipes perfectly straight.
12. The number of cables going to be passed through a conduit should be such that enough space or capacity
remains available even after the existence of these wires.
Advantages of Concealed wiring
1. This wiring seems pretty attractive due to the fact that the conduit is buried with the walls.
2. It is protected against all sorts of weather as well as chemical effects
3. It is quite enduring as a result of being protected against mechanical shocks
4. It remains protected against fire eruption
 5. As the straightness of wiring is not cared about in this type of wiring, therefore the usage of elbows and
Ts, etc., is relatively less. As such, it is less time consuming and also less costly
6. There is no danger of conduits getting uprooted
7. It is one of the safest wiring systems
8. It is most popular as well as reliable as compared to the rest of the wiring methods
9. There is no menace of electric shocks or accidents
10. There is no need to earth it due to the application of PVC pipe.
Disadvantages of Concealed wiring
1. Once the wiring has been completed, additions or alterations in wiring become difficult
2. It is more costly as compared to other types of wiring
3. It is difficult to find out the defect and remove it
4. As a result of making grooves in the wall, there is an imminent danger of the building getting unstable
and weak
5. Extra hard work is required for making grooves apart from being time-consuming
Uses of Conduit Wiring
As a result of being protected against setting on fire, getting rusty, safeguarded against mechanical shocks, free
from chemical and weather conditions, being beautiful, enduring, and safest, the conduit wiring system is the only
wiring system, which is being considered the most popular despite being expensive and it is widely used in the
following places;
(i). Places where extreme dirt and dust exist or where cotton wool work is performed e.g., textile mills, sawmills,
flour mills, etc.
(ii). Places and areas having moisture e.g., cold storage, etc.
(iii). Workshops etc.
(iv). All such places, where the danger of fire breaking persists e.g., oil mills, varnish factories, ammunition
companies, etc.
(v). Places where important documents are preserved e.g., record rooms, courts, etc.
(vi). Ordinary residential and public buildings, where beautification is given foremost attention

Trunking Wiring System

A casing or sheath made of steel or some other insulating material (plastic), one side of which can be opened (so
that cable can be inserted or ejected through it from there), is called a trunk. A trunking wiring system means such
a modern wiring system, in which a very large number of small cables or multiple lengthy cables are spread inside
steel sheets or plastic-made trunks, and these trunks are closed through covers or lids to complete the wiring. In
this system, small and large cables can be used together, however, its dependency on the number of these cables
is restricted through the wiring regulations. Normally, breadthwise trunks range from 2/3 inches x 2/3 inches to 9
inches x 4 inches (i.e., from 4 x 4 cm to 23 x 10 cm). However, trunks larger than this size can also be installed.
Trunking is normally designed in 6 feet or 8 feet lengths, along which all necessary accessories e.g., bends, tees,
flanges, reducers, etc., exist just similar to conduit wiring. Remember that if trunking is steel-made, it should be
electrically continuous and inevitably be earthed. A Trunking system is commonly used in large industrial and
commercial installations.

Ducting Wiring System

A duct means a passage or path for spreading one or more cables underground or on construction, which remains
closed from above. Thus, an underground system of ducting, in which concrete ducts are constructed under the
floor or inside the ground, for spreading cables, is known as ducting wiring system. In other words, a closed path
an underground or in an under-construction building, which is used for passing one or more than one cable, is
called ducting system. Apart from concrete, trunks can also be fabricated from iron, wood, fiber, etc. However,
the usage of wood and fiber is less compared to concrete and iron.
Earth or floor is excavated in a round or rectangular shape for earthing. After this, concrete ducts are constructed
in this digging, on which cables are placed. Then iron or concrete slabs are laid on them so that they could be
removed as and when required. This type of wiring system is used in large buildings, government buildings, large
stores, offices, airports, oil refineries, powerhouses, industrial and commercial organizations, etc.

Batten Wiring
Batten wiring is an electrical installation method where insulated wires are run over wooden battens.
Predominantly used in the early to mid-20th century, this method has largely been replaced by more advanced
wiring systems in modern construction but still finds relevance in certain situations due to its simplicity and cost-
effectiveness.
However, batten wiring also has notable drawbacks. It is not aesthetically pleasing and does not blend well with
modern interior designs. More importantly, the exposed nature of the wiring makes it vulnerable to physical
damage, which can lead to short circuits or fire hazards. This vulnerability also extends to environmental factors
like moisture and dust, which can deteriorate the insulation over time, increasing the risk of electrical hazards.
In summary, while batten wiring is a testament to the evolution of electrical installation techniques, its use in
contemporary settings is limited due to advancements in safety and aesthetic preferences. It remains, however, a
useful and cost-effective method for certain specific applications where these modern requirements are not a
priority.