Types of Electrical Wiring for Commercial Buildings
April 26, 2023
We can’t do without electricity. That’s a simple fact of modern-day living. And since electricity is very vital to our day-to-day activities, it makes sense to pay attention to how it is delivered to our homes and offices.
When it comes to electrical wiring, no one size fits all scenarios. The way an electrician would wire a home in the suburbs is different from the way he would wire an office complex in the heart of the city. For example, different amounts of power, wiring, protection, components, devices, safety regulations, installation, and maintenance are required to meet the demands of a commercial building, than a residential home.
In this article, we would look at the various types of electrical wiring you’d find in commercial buildings.
TYPES OF ELECTRICAL WORK USED IN COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS
Electrical wiring for commercial buildings can be classified into three major types:
- Raceways & Conductors
- Busways
- Cable Assemblies
Raceways & Conductors
This is one of the most popular types of electrical work in commercial buildings today. This style of commercial electrical wiring uses raceways & conductors to transmit electricity in stiff or adjustable tubes and conduits. The entire electric circuit is completed when an equipment ground conductor is connected to the whole layout.
Advantages of Using Raceways & Conductors
The conductors used in this type of setup are highly resistant to heat. They are usually copper or aluminum-based and the extent to which a conductor transmits electricity depends largely on the type of material the conductor is made from. Aluminum conductors are usually used for feeders, while copper conductors are better used as circuits.
Not all commercial wiring needs to be in conduit, but it's the most common method for several reasons. Conduits offer crucial protection for the wires, especially when there are exposed areas (high traffic areas) and harsh environments (chemicals, moisture, etc).
Disadvantages of Raceways
It's important to note that the specific types of conductors and raceways used will depend on various factors like the building code requirements, which can be difficult to navigate without a professional. All of this depends on the intended use of the circuit, and the environment where the wiring will be installed.
While raceways are the most economical cable and wire management system out there. However, some types cannot be installed in locations subject to physical damage. A qualified electrician will determine the most suitable options for each application.
Common Uses in Commercial Buildings
The most common types of Raceways & Conductors used in commercial buildings include RMC Metal Raceways, EMT Raceways, PVC Conduits, and FMC Raceways.
BUSWAYS
The Busway type of electrical wiring is typically housed in a metal compartment. Busways usually come from the factory with pre-installed bus bars and contain conductors that are insulated completely sometimes, or left as they are (without covering) in others.
Advantages of Busways in Commercial Electrical Wiring
One amazing feature about Busways is that you can integrate them into an already installed raceway system, provided such a system can handle several types of wiring, including (but not limited to) plug-in and feeder series.
One of the major advantages Busways have over other types is that they are relatively easy to find. They also come in different sizes and amp ratings, which makes them an ideal choice for a wide variety of scenarios. This feature makes using Busways a cost-effective method of the electrical wiring of commercial buildings.
Disadvantages of Busways
Busways are the most economical way to move large numbers of signals or data at high speeds, but it's important to determine where installed costs will be a factor. Since busway runs can contain many elbows and offsets, installation times can vary.
Common Uses of Busways in Commercial Buildings
Busways are used in commercial buildings such as manufacturing facilities, data centers, hospitals, high-rise office buildings, and large retail stores to provide power needs, flexibility and a safe, reliable electrical option.
CABLE ASSEMBLIES
Cable assemblies comprise several insulated or non-insulated conductors that may (or may not) have an equipment grounding conductor attached to them. Cable assemblies – also called Wiring Harnesses – are built at the factory and are usually enclosed in casings made from metal or PVC.
Advantages of Cable Assemblies
Cable assemblies are popular in commercial buildings for good reason. They combine multiple wires into a neat sheath, reducing clutter and improving aesthetics. Factory-made and tested, they ensure reliable connections and durability. The pre-assembly saves installation time and simplifies maintenance. They can be customized for exact length to save space and color-coded to minimize errors. These benefits make them ideal for various applications in commercial buildings, from power distribution to data centers.
Disadvantages of Cable Assemblies in Electrical Wiring for Commercial Buildings
While there are many benefits of cable assemblies in electrical wiring for commercial buildings, there are a few things to consider. One being that, one the assembly is installed, there are no changes that can be made after the fact.
Additionally, they require more support and are more vulnerable to damage than wires in conduits. Additionally, they're not ideal for exposed areas, harsh environments, or needing fire resistance. While they can improve aesthetics and save time during installation, careful planning is key to ensure they fit your application's needs. Consulting an electrician is recommended to determine if cable assemblies are the right choice for your project.
Common Uses of Cable Assemblies in Commercial Buildings
They come in different layouts and the ones commonly used for commercial building electrical wiring include Metal-Covered Cables, Armored Cables ( or Type AC), Metal-Sheathed, Mineral-Insulated Cables (or Type MI), Underground Feeder Cables (or Type UF), Service-Entrance Cables (Type USE or SE) and Non-metallic Sheathed Cables (Types NMC, NMS, and NM)
Find The Right Commercial Electrical Wiring For Your Building
Using the right commercial wiring can make a difference in your commercial building. It also helps ensure your building meets current electrical wiring standards. Whether it’s for new construction or making upgrades to your current wiring system, this is a job that is best handled by professionals. Ensure your project is done right, by contacting YES! here for more information about both Residential and Commercial Electrical Wiring.