Electrical wiring is not only a fundamental component of building construction, but it also holds significant importance in ensuring the safety and security of a house. The general lack of sensitivity towards this matter can potentially lead to disastrous consequences, and therefore, it is crucial to prioritize the importance of electrical wiring and ensure that any work related to it is carried out by a qualified professional.
In this regard, it is a common trend in our society to either rely entirely on the advice of a contractor or due to lack of knowledge, individuals make incorrect choices. There are many low-cost and substandard aluminum wire cores available in the market, but these are of extremely poor quality and are prone to early damage.
Electrical wiring is one of the essential components, In Pakistan’s residential sector, there are a limited number of wiring types available, and it is crucial to determine which option is safer and more durable for long-term use in your home, as well as consulting with experts for their recommendations.
The question is, what are the types of electrical wiring available for the residential sectors? What types of wire cores should be used in houses? Why do experts recommend copper wirings? What is the difference between aluminum wire cores and copper wire cores?
What Types Of Electrical Wiring Are Available For Houses In Pakistan?
Before deciding the best wiring for the house, one may have to keep certain factors in your mind, first the size of the house, the electrical load, and personal preference. Well, a few common types of wiring are mentioned below which can guide you a bit about it.
PVC-insulated copper wires: Most commonly used type of wiring in houses and residential buildings. They are best in conductivity, long-lasting, and have good insulation properties.
Aluminum wiring: This was one of the oldest and most traditional types of wiring. It was commonly used in Pakistan because it is cost-effective.
Non-metallic sheathed cables: Known as Romex cable is a popular option for new residential construction. A plastic sheath encloses multiple insulated wires that are grouped.
Types Of Wire Cores Used In Houses.
Generally, Electric wires are known as all-purpose wires. These wires are usually manufactured in different sizes and cores. However, the mentioned categories are only required during house construction.
Single Core 3/.029 or 1.5 mm: In a residential home, single-core wires with a diameter of .029 inches are commonly used to supply power to low-voltage appliances and devices. These wires typically contain 3 copper conductors enclosed within the insulation.
Single Core 7/.029 or 2.5 mm: 7/.029 wire is used as the primary wire for each room of the house connecting the room to the main distribution box. The 7 indicates the copper conductors enclosed within the insulation with a diameter of 0.29 inches for each conductor. It carries the complete burden of the entire room although heavy appliances such as Air Conditioners are wired separately.
Single Core 7/.036 or 4 mm: 7/.036 or 4mm is one of the highly popular choices in residential projects, Houses consists of many high-voltage appliances like Air conditioners, electric heaters, electric geezers, oven, etc. 4mm is the preferred wire for devices. The copper conductors are 7 inside the insulation and the diameter in the inches of each conductor is .036
4 Core 19/.052 or 25mm: A crucial wire that plays a vital role in house construction is the 4 core 19/.052 wire. This wire is used as the primary connection between the main electric supply, which comes from high voltage wires, and your house. The 4 core wires are available in both copper and silver strands. It should be noted that while the main supply high voltage wires fixed by the government are made of silver, it is recommended to use high-quality copper strands for optimal safety and performance.
Coaxial cable RJ-6/RJ-7: One essential cable required in modern houses is the Coaxial cable, it is available in two grades, RJ-6 and RJ-7. RJ-6 represents a superior quality signal transmission, making it a preferred choice for a variety of applications such as networking, communication dishes, television connections, and long-range CCTVs.
Why is Copper Wire Recommended?
There are multiple reasons why experts recommend the use of copper wire in electrical wiring, we will be highlighting three key factors that make it an ideal choice.
- Better Conductivity: Electrical conductivity describes the material’s capability to transfer electrical charge. Copper is the best transmitter of electrical charge when compared to other metals. This property makes copper an excellent conductor and a favorite choice of experts.
- Flexibility: Electrical cords should be flexible enough to bend around several things. One of the advantages of copper is its ductility, which allows it to be easily formed and shaped without breaking or cracking, even when bent.
- Melting point: Professionals highly recommend using copper in electrical wiring due to its superior fire safety properties. Copper has a high melting point, making it difficult to melt, burn or deform under high loads. This means that copper wire is less likely to catch fire or melt if it becomes overloaded, making it a safer option for electrical wiring.
What Is The Difference Between Copper & Aluminium?
- Copper has a greater ability to conduct electricity compared to aluminum, resulting in a higher current carrying capacity per unit area of a cross-section in copper wires as compared to aluminum wires.
- Aluminum is vulnerable as it is more susceptible to corrosion than copper, and the result is poor electrical connections and increased resistance over time.
- Due to its higher coefficient of thermal expansion than copper, aluminum is more prone to expanding and contracting with temperature changes. This may result in the gradual loosening of wire connections, which can eventually lead to heightened electrical resistance and potential fire risks.
- Copper wires are ten times stronger than Aluminum, so the hazards of damage or break during installation or use are less as compared to Aluminum.
- Normally electrical devices or components are compatible with both wirings like copper and Aluminum but some particular types of machinery and apparatus are typically designed for Copper.
To summarize, household electrical wiring is a critical and sensitive aspect that must be handled with utmost care. Any compromise or negligence in this matter can pose serious life risks. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize safety and take all necessary precautions when it comes to electrical wiring in houses.
