Electrical wiring carries electricity and varies based on purpose, location, and amount of electricity needed. Wires are made of copper and insulated with materials like plastics and fibers. International standards exist for wire types and color coding. Outdoor wiring must withstand the elements. Fiber-optic and Wi-Fi systems may replace traditional copper wire in the future.
Electrical wiring refers to the system of conductors and other devices used to carry electricity. The different types of electrical wiring used usually vary based on three factors: purpose, amount of electricity to be carried, and location. For example, a house will require less energy than an office building. This means that the proper electrical wiring system will typically seek to maximize energy efficiency in a safe manner.
The wire itself is also known as an electrical conductor. It is commonly made of copper and other similar materials which are good at transmitting current. The wire is usually insulated, in order to protect the conductor from damage. Insulation can be made from materials such as plastics and fibers. The type of insulation used usually depends on where the electrical wiring is to be installed.
There is an international standard for the types of wires and cables used in electrical wiring systems. This allows electricians and lay people to know what kind of wires make up an electrical system. For example, color coating is used to help identify cables for safety, installation and repair purposes. These colors, however, are not the same everywhere. For example, a brown colored wire usually denotes a live wire in European Union countries, Australia and New Zealand. Conversely, a black brass color is used for these wires in the United States and Canada.
Twisted wires are a type of electrical wiring often employed in homes. This design consists of a series of small gauge solid wires that are wound around a central wire. Stranded wire can increase the amount of electrical energy that can be carried in the wire. It is also commonly used because it is flexible and easy to shape, ideal for mounting electrical cables behind the walls of houses.
Wiring systems that are located outdoors should be able to withstand the elements. Common insulators for outdoor cables include thermoplastic materials. The insulation on this type of system should also be resistant to ultraviolet light.
Fiber-optic and wireless, or Wi-Fi, systems can change the future of electrical wiring in residential homes. For example, the traditional material of copper wire could be replaced by fiber optic systems, which use pulses of light to carry electric current. The Wi-Fi system uses radio waves that are carried in the air and received by a central receiving connector. This application is already used by some home computers to allow the use of the Internet and replace the need for modems and many connection cables.
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