If you are an electrician, you might be familiar with some basic wiring methods. Nowadays, where almost everything runs on electricity, the knowledge of electrical systems has become an important part of daily life. While expert electricians like Rush Electrical Service can get the job done, having a little electrical knowledge wouldn’t hurt.

Homeowners will want to know electrical wiring methods to help them understand problems that can occur in their homes. This knowledge gives you an idea of which wiring repair method requires a professional and which ones you can safely troubleshoot yourself. Whether you work as a professional electrician or want to work around the house, here are some basic wiring methods you should familiarize yourself with.

Cleat Wiring

In cleat wiring, PVC insulated cables are fastened to the wall using wood, plastic, or porcelain cleats. The bottom cleat has groves that allow space for wiring.

Advantages:

Cleat wiring is significantly easier to install and is less costly. You can quickly install cleat systems as temporary solutions for new construction before permanent wiring is installed.

Disadvantages:

Cleat wiring is not a permanent solution since cleats leave wires exposed to open air, smoke, moisture, and other hazards. Exposed wires will likely malfunction and won’t last as long as enclosed wiring systems.

Casing and Capping Wiring

Casing and Capping are one of the oldest methods of wiring. It is popularly used even by today’s standards and is still a preferred wiring system. PVC wires are placed inside a plastic casing covered with a cap, hence the name. The casing is a rectangular strip with groves where cables run through.

Advantages:

Casing and Capping are cheaper than conduit and sheathed wiring systems. It is safe from humidity, dampness, and smoke. Repairing is virtually easy since phase and neutral wires are installed in separate slots. This type of wiring method also reduces the risk of electrical shock.

Disadvantages:

The casing is made of plastic, so it can easily catch fire in case of a short circuit. This wiring is not recommended in acidic conditions in certain industries. And because the wire is enclosed in a plastic casing, finding any wiring fault can be difficult.

Batten Wiring

Batten wiring is an electrical wiring method where wires are laid over the batten. A batten is a square-shaped long, flat strip used to hold things in place – in this case, wires. It fastens wires against the wall. Battens can be made of wood or metal.

Advantages:

• Easy and simple installation.
• Suitable for indoor applications.
• Has aesthetic properties.
• Durable.
• TCS or PVC sheathed batten wiring can withstand alkaline and acidic chemical effects.

Disadvantages:

• Not suitable for outdoor wiring.
• Has a high risk of causing a fire.
• Not suitable for heavy wires.
• Corrosion may occur in metal-sheathed batten wiring.
• Metal battens can give an electric shock if enclosed wires short circuit or insulation is damaged.

Conduit Wiring

In a conduit wiring system, wires are slid into metal or flexible plastic tubes that are run through walls or ceilings, protecting the wires from damage.

Advantages:

• Conduit wiring is waterproof.
• Lasts longer than other methods.
• Clean and neat appearance.
• Durable and reliable.
• Has high resistance against corrosion.
• Little to no risk of fire and electric shock.
• Wires are protected from mechanical wear.

Disadvantages:

• Difficult to install.
• Significantly expensive to install.
• Takes time to install.
• It can be hard to find wire defects as the wires are enclosed.

Which method is the most effective?

Modern homes and buildings mostly use a conduit wiring system. This type of wiring gives the best wire protection against outside elements and mechanical trauma or damage from pests, such as rats. Though quite expensive and time-consuming, conduit wiring systems are more permanent than the other methods, making them a preferred choice for many electricians. Conduits are also easy to alter, so new connections are a breeze to make.