Installation of open wiring: an overview of the technology of work + analysis of the main mistakes

Installation in a skirting board

The most aesthetic way of laying open electrical wiring is to install it in decorative skirting boards. At its core, this method is quite simple, but it should be borne in mind that you will have to purchase an additional non-combustible sealant. Since most skirting boards burn beautifully and brightly. The use of such material is simply necessary. Electrical wires often heat up, and no one is safe from a short circuit. Using this installation option, you get electrical wiring completely invisible to the eye, but the housing safety factor decreases significantly.

What type of wiring to choose?

There are two wiring options - closed and open. The first option acts as practical and aesthetic, since communications are not visible on the surface of walls, floors and ceilings. This method can be equally applied in apartments and houses made of concrete structures.

What can not be said about timber frame houses. Here it is advisable to install an open-type electrical network. Since - this is a certain risk of accidental ignition of electricity in the event of a malfunction or non-compliance with the PUE during installation.

Benefits of open wiring

1. If there are malfunctions, it is always easy to find the place of damage and remove the wire.
2. The work is considered simplified and does not require a lot of time and money.
3. Wiring is carried out in special cable channels, which naturally emphasize the design of the room.
4. There is the convenience of connecting additional points and branches of the electrical network.

Among the shortcomings, one can single out a high risk of mechanical damage and sometimes does not fit well into the overall arrangement of rooms.

Ceiling electricity wiring

Advantages of closed wiring

1. Does not spoil the appearance of the room and decorative finishes.
2. Reliably fixed in the walls and meets fire safety.
3. There is practically no chance of damage, except in the process of repair work.
4. All elements remain durable.

Along with so many advantages, there is one significant drawback - the difficulty of finding a broken conductor.

General information about electrical wiring.

Wiring is called a set
wires and cables with related
fasteners supporting protective
structures and details.

Wiring is divided into the following
kinds:

open
- laid on the surface of the walls,
ceilings, trusses, etc. With open
electrical wiring use various
ways of laying wires and cables:
directly on the surface of the walls and
ceilings, on strings, cables, in pipes,
boxes, on trays, in electrical
skirting boards, etc.

Hidden - laid inside constructive
building elements (walls, floors,
foundations, ceilings). With hidden
electrical wiring wires and cables
laid in closed channels and
voids in building structures
plastered furrows, under
plastering, embedding in
building structures, pipes and
etc.

For electrical wiring, an installation
equipment: switches, plug
sockets, cartridges and boxes.

Basic document for installation
electrical wiring - approved
design and estimate documentation.

APPLICATION FIELD OF OPEN WIRING

Installation of electricians in the country and in a wooden house is certainly better to do in an open way:

• cheaper;
• faster;
• more convenient when repairing or changing the wiring diagram.

A box or plinth will be optimal as a supporting and protective structure. They can be laid along the walls quite aesthetically, but when lighting is connected, the ceiling gasket may not look very good. In this case, it is possible to combine two types of wiring: openly lay along the walls, and hidden behind the ceiling.

For hidden laying on combustible surfaces, the PUE prescribes the use of a metal pipe. This, of course, is a little expensive, but in this case, the volume of hidden work is small, which means that the costs will increase slightly.

By the way, passages through walls and ceilings must also be made in pipes.

In any case, you should carefully consider the choice of circuit breakers and pay attention to the compliance of their characteristics with the cross section of the wires used. There are certain nuances here and they are discussed in the article at the specified link .. The option with an open antique wiring I don’t consider it - it’s expensive and not for everybody.

I don’t consider the option with open semi-antique wiring - it’s expensive and not for everyone.

Open wiring in the apartment.

On the one hand, this is nonsense, on the other hand, there are situations when you cannot do without open wiring.

First of all, this concerns the need to install additional outlets in a convenient place. Of course, if the installation is carried out "for oneself" in a new building, then it is possible to determine the location of electrical installation products at the design (planning) stage.

In old apartments, it is difficult to do without it. For this, it is easier and more convenient to use boxes or skirting boards, although when laying in inconspicuous places, you can also use a corrugated hose.

In this case, several points should be taken into account:

1. Laying on walls covered with wallpaper should be considered as installation on combustible structures.

2. Since, most likely, you will connect to the existing wiring somewhere (in a switch box or even an outlet), you need to exclude the possibility of overloading the existing line, and in old apartments, the electrical wiring has a low load capacity.

Do not forget that any work with electricity must be carried out in compliance with the rules of electrical and fire safety.

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Wiring errors

Lack of a well thought out scheme. It is impossible to make high-quality electrical wiring without a circuit. It is simply impossible to keep everything in your head, what goes where and what goes where. Also, the absence of a wiring diagram will lead to the formation of subsequent errors, and to a large accumulation of wires in one place. All this threatens with troubles in the future, and the quality of the electrical wiring will decrease significantly.

The use of low-quality electrical products. You can't skimp on cable quality. A striking example of this is the PUNP wire, which has been banned for operation since 2017. It contains not only thin insulation made in violation of GOST, but also combustible materials for its manufacture. Also in this cable the section is underestimated, so the wiring is dangerous.

Lack of stock. It is better to choose cables and other materials for wiring with a small margin of 20%. Also, it would be better if the cable section is selected with a small margin. All this, one way or another, will make the wiring better and more reliable. The same products, as well as a small margin of power, and you don’t have to worry that the wiring will not withstand the loads designed for it.

Wrong calculation. Take more seriously the connection of powerful electrical consumers, hobs, etc.Very often, due to ignorance or for other reasons, this is not given due attention, and the hob is connected to a regular 16 amp socket. At the same time, you should know that a 16 amp socket can withstand a little more than 3 kW of load. It is not worth talking about what will happen if you connect 5 or 6 kW to it - the socket will simply melt. The same applies to the cross-section of wires that will have to withstand the load from the hob.

Errors in the calculation of the wiring section. When drawing up a wiring diagram, as already mentioned above, you should pay more attention to the calculation of the wire cross section. The diagram should clearly indicate which room and where, as well as which section the wires should go to. All this will further protect the electrical wiring from possible loads, short circuits and fire.

Connecting cables of different materials

The vast majority of old wiring is made of lightweight, but fragile, conductive material - aluminum. Modern conditions for organizing electrical networks provide exclusively for copper wiring. And this is no coincidence. Copper conductors are characterized by increased durability, resistance to high currents, elasticity and less oxidation, the possibility of safe soldering or welding.

Another argument in favor of choosing copper wiring is the rapid oxidation of aluminum-copper connections, which happens very quickly when connecting new lighting fixtures with copper cable to outdated aluminum networks.

Wire diameter and protective device rating

One of the most common mistakes is the mismatch between the wire diameter and the power consumption.The growth in the power of household appliances and their concentration in one room require a corresponding increase in the cross section of the wires. The wiring laid earlier usually has a cross section of no more than 2.5 mm2, which allows the connection of household appliances with a current consumption of more than 16 A. This current corresponds to a power of 3500 W. If you take into account all the electrical appliances in the modern kitchen, it turns out:

• Electric stove;
• Electric kettle;
• Microwave;
• Fridge;
• Toaster;
• Dishwasher;
• Washing machine.

The list is only approximate, but the total power consumption can reach almost 10 kW. A similar situation is observed in the bathroom with an electric boiler.

In order not to bother with the calculations of the consumed current, you can have with you a table of correspondence between power and current at normal voltage:

The dependence of the amount of current consumed on the power of electrical appliances at a supply voltage of 220 V
Power, watt (BA)	100	300	500	700	900	1000	1200	1500	1800	2000	2500	3000	3500	4000	4500	5000	6000
Consumed current, A	0,45	1,36	2,27	3,18	4,09	4,55	5,45	6,82	8,18	9,09	11,36	13,64	15,91	18,18	20,45	22,73	27,27

Thus, for rooms with a high expected load, wiring should be carried out with a separate conductor with a cross section of at least 1 mm2 for every 4-5 A of current consumed.

Separate sections of wiring in the house must be connected through separate circuit breakers, the operation current of which must correspond to the connected load. It is impossible to install an automatic machine with a tripping current for the current of the entire connected load. Usually, all electrical appliances do not turn on at the same time. Here you need to foresee everything as much as possible and take into account only the most probable combinations of switching on the load. The current of the machine must be selected from a number of standard values:

1, 2, 3, 6, 10, 16, 20, 25, 32, 40, 63, 80, 100 A.

If there is no similar in the series, then the nearest larger value is taken.If fuses of the old type (plugs) are used, then thick wire “bugs” cannot be used instead of standard fuses to increase the allowable current. The thickness and material of the fuse links in such fuses are strictly standardized depending on the current, and it is impossible to choose a suitable replacement at home.

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Contact connections

If you still cannot refuse the use of intermediate junction boxes, special attention should be paid to connections - the weakest link in any home electrical network. In no case should contacts be connected even for lightly loaded sections of the system by means of artisanal twists

When choosing the location of junction boxes, a compromise must be found between the aesthetic side of the issue and the correct location for safety. In the event of a malfunction or, if necessary, to check the contact connections, finding the junction box should not cause problems.

To prevent damage to the contacts during the passage of currents, safe connectors (terminals) are selected or soldering (low-melting solder type POS-40 or POS-61) or welding of contacts is carried out.

Does power consumption matter?

In addition to design, it is necessary to take into account such a moment as the power consumption in the house.

In a multi-storey apartment building, they are usually standardized, but in a separate cottage, before approving the documents, you will need to know what kind of allocated power to request from the electricity supplier.

This table will help you to determine the total power consumption. It shows the average indicators for various household electrical appliances and power tools, more accurate data can be found in the equipment data sheets

It is a mistake to assume that the total power consumption is the sum of the individual powers. Simultaneous inclusion of all devices in the network actually does not occur, therefore, in the calculations, it is necessary to use such a value as the simultaneity coefficient.

For sockets, it is a maximum of 0.2, that is, at the same time, usually no more than 20% of power points are involved.

Installation in a cable channel

Now open electrical wiring is most often hidden in a plastic cable channel. It is a box that consists of two parts. A base that attaches to a wall, floor or ceiling, as well as a top cover that snaps into place at the top. Such cable channels may be metal, but for the most part they are plastic. Flame retardant and protect cables from mechanical damage. The appearance of such open wiring is much more presentable than in the first two cases. The Russian market is represented by a huge selection of different cable channels, which differ not only in size, but also in colors. Thus, you can choose a box that will be combined with the interior of the room.

Power outlets and lighting

A typical power supply scheme from 30-40 years ago is the connection of all sockets through junction boxes to 1-2 wiring lines. Given the fact that the load from electrical equipment has increased significantly, this scheme becomes unacceptable. Remember, one circuit breaker that controls the power of all rooms at the same time will not protect a separate network link from overloads.

Sockets through which power will be supplied to especially powerful devices must be connected from individual wiring lines brought directly to the shield, with separate automatic protective switches of sufficient rating. This is how it is worth powering water heaters, heating electric boilers, ovens, washing machines, and other equipment with high energy consumption.

Polyethylene products

Modernity, which dictates its own rules to each of us, offers consumers of any market segment the opportunity to choose. The object of our discussion is no exception - the wiring of an electric cable in pipes.

The choice is represented by plastic, copper, steel and aluminum samples. Each of them has a different market price. Much depends directly on the cable itself, and on the type of room.

But one of the materials is suitable for use in absolutely any environment under any conditions - plastic pipes.

In addition, the cost of a plastic analogue allows you to add one more tick to the column of advantages of this element, since it is actually identical to the cost of other types of pipes that were listed above.

1. Another advantage that is typical for elements such as plastic pipes is the ease of installation.If it is necessary to use special welding machines to connect steel and aluminum counterparts, then plastic pipes can be connected using conventional burners or couplings, which are not in short supply on the market.
2. Also, plastic lines can be laid at an angle, regardless of the number of bends. In order to realize the bend, you can resort to buying corner adapters. In turn, using plastic pipes, you can save a little and purchase a cable with insulation of not so high quality. After all, plastic is not a conductor, and even if the cable breaks for some reason, the wiring in a plastic pipe poses no danger.

For the above reasons, we can conclude that for greater savings and ease of installation work, it is best to use, which have a large number of advantages over the listed counterparts.

But there are situations when such materials are not suitable, and only metal analogues are salvation. For example, when it comes to laying a cable in a concrete floor or in a foundation. In this case, strength comes first.

The types of cable laying inside the building are not new and something unusual for us, especially since in most apartments the wiring is implemented in this way. But these types of tracks have already exhausted themselves due to the complexity of installation and repair work.

So, for example, in the event of a break or other reasons that require wiring replacement, the household will have to resort to large-scale repair work - chiselling the entire highway. And it is difficult and not aesthetically pleasing. In addition, you need to take care of the presence of a puncher, things are not cheap.

In the case of using a tube cable for wiring, if repair work is necessary, it is not at all necessary to resort to the help of an electrician - all work can be done by yourself without the use of equipment and experience in this field. Due to the free movement of the cable through the pipe, it can be easily pulled out and checked for breaks or oxidation. In turn, understanding and knowing the cause of the breakdown indicates that half the work has already been done.

Safety Precautions When Installing Electrical Wiring

To protect yourself and those who may accidentally be nearby, the following rules must be observed during electrical work:

1. Use only serviceable equipment - power tools, carrying, extension cords.
2. Before starting work, be sure to turn off the power supply using automatic machines and RCDs. In order not to accidentally turn on the voltage at the site, you can hang a sign or warn the neighbors.
3. For insurance, use testers and indicator screwdrivers.
4. Make sure that the insulation on the handles of the tool is in order.
5. Try not to work alone - you may always need help with work or medical care.

Separate rules apply to working with a puncher, wall chaser or a powerful drill. In addition to protective clothing, gloves (with an insulated handheld) and a mask (respirator) are required. Shoes should tightly cover the legs and not slip.

Laying electrical wiring under the ceiling must be done only from the platform: chairs or tables are absolutely not suitable.

Every professional electrician is familiar with the rules for providing first aid in case of electric shock, but, unfortunately, the townsfolk do not always act correctly.

The main mistake that people who try to help make is an attempt to drag the victim away from the source of the lesion. Under no circumstances should this be done. The first step is to remove the voltage - turn off the breaker

Ideally, in any room where electrical work is carried out, it is necessary to have a fire extinguisher on hand. It is strictly forbidden to pour sparkling or flashing wires with water.

Electric meter installation

According to the requirements of the energy supervision authorities, electricity meters in private homes should be installed in places with the possibility of constant access by controlling persons. Consequently, the shield has to be mounted outside, where the components placed in it are exposed to weather conditions. With this in mind, two switchboards are installed in a private house:

• outdoor - to accommodate the electric meter and the required minimum of additional devices (at the expense of the energy supply company);
• internal - located in the house, connected to an external shield, equipped with the equipment necessary for the safe and convenient management of the housing power supply system (at the expense of the owner of the building).

Installation of power electrical equipment

Power electrical equipment is a low- and high-voltage devices, lines and auxiliary products designed for the production, transformation, transmission, distribution and conversion of electrical energy into the required form of energy. By appointment, power plants are domestic and industrial. They are also characterized by voltage - up to 1000 V and above.They can be fixed installation and mobile. By design, they can be complete and individual. By location - freestanding and built-in.

All of them pose a danger to humans if mishandled. Their installation must be carried out taking into account special requirements. They can be mounted on existing facilities, newly built, under repair. Installation of power electrical equipment should only be carried out by electricians specialized in a particular type of installation. The list of works carried out by them is quite extensive:

1. installation of power lines;
2. installation of internal power supply systems;
3. installation of storey and individual boards, input-distributing devices, distribution points;
4. installation of products and equipment for electric lighting indoors and outdoors;
5. installation of transformer substations;
6. installation of backup power supplies;
7. connection of various equipment to the electric networks of power transmission companies.

Preventive measures to prevent short circuit

Most short circuits and the resulting fires can be avoided. To do this, follow simple rules:

1. Do not overload the power (current) wiring. Select the cable cross-section and lay it in accordance with the requirements of the PUE.
2. Periodically inspect the electrical panel, sockets and switches. The smell of burning, smoke, sparking and crackling are harbingers of a short circuit and a fire.
3. Replace old circuit breakers with new ones. Especially if the revision of the shield has not been carried out since Soviet times.
4. If you use fusible plugs at the entrance to the apartment, then in no case put so-called bugs on them.Even if a familiar electrician "did it 100 times and everything was fine." It is best to replace the plugs with automatic machines.

A short circuit refers to those problems that are easier to prevent than to correct the consequences. Any wiring, various devices and shields need periodic inspection by a specialist. Compliance with this rule will ensure long and safe operation of electrical equipment.

If it was not possible to avoid a short circuit, then it is necessary to think about its causes. Old, too thin and animal-damaged wiring must be replaced. Raw - drying and further testing by a professional electrician using a megger or more advanced instruments.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

You can learn how to work with tools, wires and various electrical appliances, as well as plan work, by watching a useful video.

Chasing walls and mounting on the ceiling:

An interesting theory about electrical wiring and protection:

Mounting the socket block:

Electrical work is considered completed when the wires are connected and masked, the junction boxes are closed with covers, and the electrical panel is fully equipped. You can replace the socket or install a chandelier at any time - the installation of lighting fixtures and decorative elements is most often done after finishing work.

But with any manipulations with electrics, remember the most important thing - the safety of human life.

Do you have considerable experience in electrical work and have you independently been involved in the design and installation of electrical wiring in the house? If you notice errors or inaccuracies in the instructions given by us, please point them out to us by leaving a comment in the block under this article.

Or are you just learning the installation rules and want to clarify some of the nuances? Ask your questions - we will try to help you.