While you should never handle electrical problems on your own, you will need to have a basic understanding of electrical wiring when you get your wiring replaced. Your electrician will discuss the available options, and it helps if you understand some of the basic terminology. Once you understand the differences between various types of wiring, you can get started on the next step in your repair project in Niceville.
Wiring Terminology
To fully understand the types of home wiring you can get installed, it’s essential to understand basic terminology and labeling. For example, cables and wires are different terms that electricians use. While an electrical wire is any material that conducts electricity, cables are a combination of multiple wires.
Color Coding
Each cable has a different color sheath. The color helps you tell the size and amperage of the wires inside the cable.
- Black: 6-gauge or 8-gauge wire
- Orange: 10-gauge wire
- Yellow: 12-gauge wire
- White: 14-gauge wire
- Gray: Underground feeder cables
This type of color coding didn’t exist prior to 2001, and modern builders aren’t required to follow it. If you have an older home or simply don’t know if the manufacturer used color coding, it’s a good idea to ask a professional electrician for help.
Wire Color Coding
While cables don’t have required color codes, wires do.
- White: A white wire is neutral and is responsible for taking the current back to the breaker panel.
- Black/Red: These colors mean that they are hot wires. A hot wire carries electrical current from the panel to where it is used. For example, it may bring the current to an appliance or a light switch.
- Bare/Green: If you see this color combination, it means that you are looking at a ground wire. These wires are used with ground faults and can return the current.
Size
When you hear an electrician talking about the size of the wire, they’re talking about its diameter. A small wire has a bigger gauge. Each wire must match the circuit’s amperage. Otherwise, the wiring may cause a fire or short circuit.
The Most Common Types of Home Wiring
After you schedule an appointment with Mister Sparky, we can discuss the different types of wiring and cables your home requires.
Non-Metallic Cables
You will typically find this kind of cable in homes that were made after the mid-1960s. Romex cable is another name for this cable type, although Romex is technically just the name of the brand.
Non-metallic cables typically have at least three individual conductors in a plastic jacket. Each cable has a hot wire, neutral wire, and ground wire. Typically, this type of cable is used for indoor wiring.
Armored Cables
This kind of cable has an extra layer of protection, so it is commonly used in areas that have stringent local ordinances. However, armored cables should never be used in any building that is taller than three stories.
Underground Feeder Cables
Armored cables and non-metallic cables are intended for dry, indoor environments. For outdoor or wet conditions, you need an underground feeder cable. This type can be buried underground. Because it is wrapped in a solid plastic material, it can get wet without a problem.
Low-Voltage Wiring
If the circuit needs less than 50 volts, an electrician may use low-voltage wiring. For example, this type of wiring may be used for your landscape lighting or doorbell.
Metal-Clad Cables
Even when your wiring is indoors, it may still need an extra level of protection. For example, you may want a metal-clad cable for an unfinished basement.
Is Copper or Aluminum Wiring Better?
Copper has been the wiring material of choice since the start of the nineteenth century. However, it became less common in the 1960s because its price increased. Around 1965, electricians began using aluminum instead because aluminum was less expensive.
Unfortunately, aluminum is a dangerous type of material to use in homes. It expands when it is heated. Over time, this can cause it to become loose. Additionally, aluminum is more likely to cause a fire. Because of all these reasons, it is generally better to avoid using aluminum wiring in a building.
What Is a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)?
A GFCI is important because it serves as a circuit breaker. If there is a ground fault, it will stop electricity from flowing through your system. Normally, this kind of ground fault occurs when something in the electrical system is broken.
The GFCI is responsible for monitoring where the current travels in your system. If it notices an imbalance in the electrical current, the GFCI will act to turn off the electrical current. By doing this, it can prevent a fire and additional damage to your electrical system.
GFCI outlets are common in modern homes. The National Electric Code (NEC) even requires GFCIs in any area that has water, like a bathroom, garage, or kitchen. However, older homes don’t always have GFCI outlets, so you may want to add one when you update your home.
Why You Should Exercise Caution About Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Projects
While you may want to save money on your wiring job, DIY projects are not a good idea. In the short run, you may cause damage to your house or get electrocuted. DIY wiring can also lead to arc faults and electrical fires.
Get Help With Your Home’s Electrical Wiring
If you’re trying to set up your home’s electrical wiring, we can help. The electricians at Mister Sparky have years of experience in helping local residents determine the right type of wiring for their homes. We can help you compare the available options. Then, we can quickly complete your project so that you can enjoy updated wiring in your home.