Electrical wiring Windsor ON

Electrical wiring is the bread and butter of what most electricians work with when performing electrical installations or electrical repairs. For your own information, we’ve listed some basic terminology and concepts regarding wiring, but it is always best to consult your licensed electrician.

Wire Sizing:  Choosing the size of wiring is so critical in making sure the designated appliances or fixtures will work properly, as well as eliminating the risk of short circuits or fires. The size of the wires specifies the diameter of the wire’s metal conductor. The gauge of a wire refers to its current-carrying capacity, in other words how many amps the wire can comfortably manage.

Wire Sheathing:  You might recognize some photos of wires bundled together and wrapped by a cable covering. That plastic sheathing is referred to as a non-metallic (NM) cable and usually houses a minimum of three wires. They are often used for light fixtures, appliances, outlets, switches, basically most interior circuits.

Wire labeling:  Wires and cables usually have information printed or stamped on the actual wires themselves or the sheathing. The labeling gives important information such as type of insulation, the number of wires contained in the cable, size, material and other pertinent special ratings of the wire. Feel free to ask us the specifics when you see us.

Wire colour coding:  You can find colour coding either on the individual wires and/or on the cables or conduit which hold the wires. The colour coding of the cables refers to the the size of the individual wires as well as the cable’s amperage rating. For example, a yellow non-metallic cable is used for 20 amp circuits. Other colours would have different amperage capacities. The colour coding on the the actual conduction wires usually relates to the wire’s standard use. For example, red and black wires are for “hot” or current-carrying connections. White wires are for grounded or “neutral” connections. Copper or green wires are usually used for grounding wires.

Outdoor cables:  The cables we’ve referred to up to this point are the standard cables found indoors. However, if cables are to run outside for outdoor appliances and devices (think hot tub installation or emergency generator installation), special direct burial cables should be used. They can be installed underground and are embedded in solid vinyl to protect them from the elements such as moisture.

Fill capacities:  This refers to the maximum number of wires that can safely be enclosed in a conduit. The fill capacity depends on various factors such as the size of conduit, the gauge of the electrical wires and the conduit material. Here’s another point of consideration: different materials such as metal and plastic have different fill capacities, so even if both cables are the same size, for example, the fill capacity may be different.

Electrical disconnect switch:  This provides a backup means to shut off the power to a home’s electrical system from the outside. It is usually installed below the electric meter. It is an option when the main electrical service panel is found inside the home, but access from utility or emergency workers is required.

Now that you know some basic terminology and concepts, you can ask your electrician in a more informed manner when you need some electrical installations or repairs done. Be sure to call us with details about your home or business’s electrical needs, whether it's for smart home installation, hot tub or appliance installation or phone and internet wiring - we will guide you in the right direction.

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226-799-2100