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3 Types of Commercial Electrical Wiring and What They Are

Nov 10, 2022

When compared to residential properties, commercial properties have vastly different power requirements. Not only that, but when it comes to electrical wiring, commercial properties may have special wirings that homes may not even have. Either way, understanding the types of electrical wiring available for commercial buildings is vital to know which one works best for which situations, allowing the whole building to be powered not only optimally but also safely.


That said, let's talk about three different types of electrical wiring in commercial buildings:


1. Conductors and Raceways


Raceways are enclosed channels that are used to protect and route electrical wiring and cables in commercial buildings. Conductors are the materials that carry the electrical current through the raceway.


Raceways can be made of metal or non-metallic materials and are available in a variety of sizes and shapes to accommodate the specific needs of the application. Metal raceways are typically made of steel, aluminum, or copper, and are used in applications where high levels of durability and/or fire resistance are required. Non-metallic raceways are made of plastic or fiberglass and are used in applications where weight and/or cost are major considerations.


Meanwhile, conductors are typically made of copper or aluminum and are available in a variety of sizes and shapes to accommodate the specific needs of the application. Copper conductors are typically used in applications where high levels of conductivity are required, while aluminum conductors are typically used in applications where weight and/or cost are major considerations.


2. Cable Assemblies


One type of electrical wiring that is used in many commercial buildings is insulated cable assemblies. These assemblies are made up of insulated cables that are used to carry electrical current. The insulation around the cables helps to protect against electrical shocks and fires. Insulated cable assemblies are typically used for high-voltage applications, such as in power plants or for industrial equipment.


There are many different types of insulated cable assemblies, and the type that is used will depend on the specific application. For example, there are assemblies that are designed for wet or damp locations, and there are also assemblies that are specifically designed for use in hazardous areas.


Insulated cable assemblies are an important part of the electrical system in many commercial buildings. They are used to carry electrical current and to protect against electrical shocks and fires. When selecting an assembly for a commercial building, it is important to consider the specific needs of the building and to choose an assembly that is designed for that environment.


3. Busways


Most commercial buildings have a large number of electrical devices that need to be powered. Busways are a type of electrical wiring that is used to distribute power to these devices. Busways are typically used in large buildings where there is a need to power a large number of devices.


Busways are typically made up of a series of metal conduit pipes that are connected together. These pipes are used to carry electrical cables that distribute power to the devices that are connected to the busway. Busways are typically installed in the ceilings or walls of commercial buildings.


Simply put, busways are a convenient way to power a large number of devices in a commercial setting. They are also relatively easy to install and maintain.


Conclusion


As you can see, these are the three major types of electrical wiring and assemblies you can find in many commercial properties. How they use it and how much of it they use can vary from one commercial property to the other, but they're all important in ensuring that the property is powered properly to fuel day-to-day processes.


B-Town Electric specializes in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical, meeting various needs to ensure every property is powered effectively and efficiently. If you are looking for
commercial electrical contractors in Massachusetts, work with us today!

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