Electrical wiring
[edit] Introduction
Electrical wiring is defined in the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) as ‘wiring systems’, with the following definition:
| ‘An assembly made up of cable or busbars and parts, which secure, and if necessary, enclose the cable or busbars.’ |
Wiring as a term in such instances is usually taken to mean ‘cabling’ and the installation of cables within a building.
[edit] Cables and cabling
A cable, in the context of electrical installations in buildings, is an insulated conductor of electricity, usually copper or aluminium, with a protective casing which acts as an insulator. Cables are used to transmit electrical energy or data or telecommunications signals from one point to another.
The usual attributes of an electrical cable include:
- They are flexible enough to be drawn through or laid into a containment system.
- Where appropriate, they can be clipped directly or suspended from a building’s structure.
Flexible cables (often simply called flex cables), comprise finer strands of conductor material, and are used where regular movement or articulation is expected that could damage regular cables.
Cable insulation materials may comprise common plastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), modified synthetic materials, or rubber. Other forms of insulation include mineral powder housed within a metallic outer casing.
The way different cables behave when subjected to fire conditions is the subject of extensive research. Toxic gas emissions, density of smoke and fire propagation speeds can vary widely with different forms of cable. This is a key consideration when selecting materials for buildings.
Since 2017, cables marketed and made available in the European Union (EU) must carry a ‘Euroclass’ classification, categorising their reaction to fire conditions.
--ECA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Arcing.
- Articles about electricity.
- Earthing.
- ECA articles.
- Electric.
- Electrical appliance.
- Electrical conduit.
- Electrical consumption.
- Electrical energy.
- Electrical equipment.
- Electrical installation.
- Electrical power.
- Electrical safety.
- Electrician.
- Electricity bill.
- Electrotechnical Assessment Specification guidance for installers.
- Grommet.
- IET announces release of 18th Edition Amendment 2.
- Panelboard.
- Premises wiring system.
- Ring circuit.
- Safe isolation for low voltage.
- What to know about foundation earthing.
Featured articles and news
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.