Today, exposed electrical wiring is mainly found in three cases:
- In wooden houses, where this is due to the requirements of fire safety and the characteristics of the structure itself.
- Lofts and high-tech style, where all communications are publicly displayed is a traditional design technique.
- Historic buildings, where any major renovation work related to reconstruction, including those related to wall chipping, has to be coordinated with a number of government agencies.
We wrote that the electrical wiring in a wooden house can be closed. But in this case, you have to use modern technologies that will make it possible to make channels for wiring inside a wooden wall that meet all fire safety requirements. Such channels will have to be provided at the construction stage, which can significantly complicate the process and make building a house more expensive..
Therefore, in wooden houses built according to traditional Russian technology, the owners often prefer the simpler way of installing electrical wiring – open.
The four most important rules for open electrical wiring in a wooden house:
- There must be an open air gap between the wire and the wall so that a short circuit does not cause a fire.
- Sockets and switches are mounted on a non-combustible base, substrate.
- The distance between the wire fasteners, holders, should not be more than 50 centimeters. If there is a turn or corner, then there should be more holders.
- All wire connections must be protected by special boxes designed specifically for such cases.
Important! In order to prevent the accumulation of fire hazardous dust in the places where the cable passes through wooden walls and ceilings, it should be placed in a steel pipe. In addition, if mice are in a wooden house, they can threaten the integrity of open electrical wiring..
A very popular option is to use retro wires when installing open electrical wiring. They are much more aesthetic indeed. Retro wires are stranded copper cables that are encased in PVC insulation. On top of such insulation there is a casing made of artificial non-combustible silk. The twisted retro wiring looks quite attractive, you can choose the appropriate sockets and switches. Such wires can be of different colors, so it will not be difficult to pick up for wall decoration. But remember that factory-made retro wiring costs a lot more than regular cable..
Fans of high-tech and loft styles claim that laying open electrical wiring is an excellent and easiest option. In fact, there is no need for one of the dirtiest repair processes – creating channels in the walls using a chasing cutter and a puncher. No need to create recesses for mounting boxes. If the wiring begins to shorten, there will be no need to hammer the walls again, nullifying all efforts to repair the apartment, it is easier to find the problem, as well as replace the cable section.
Open wiring can be protected in various ways, pass through special channels. For such purposes, you can use:
- Corrugation, which is also used to protect the cable in case of installation in the floor or between partitions. However, the corrugation looks too ugly, therefore, in residential buildings it is practically not used openly.
- Plastic cable ducts. They come in a variety of colors, but traditionally remain white..
- Pipes. Metal or plastic pipes can be used.
To conduct the cable channel, you will need rotary angles, external and internal, smooth or at 90 degrees, tees, transitions, end caps, boxes for wire junction points. All these accessories will help to make installation easier, and the wiring itself will look more aesthetically pleasing..
As in the case of conventional electrical wiring, if this is your first time doing such work, it is better to invite a specialist who will do everything according to the rules, reliably and quickly. Surface wiring usually takes less time.
What are the key features and potential use cases for open wiring?
Can you provide more information on open wiring? What are its key features and how is it typically used?
Can open wiring be used in residential buildings as well, or is it mainly for industrial applications? What are the main features and benefits of open wiring compared to concealed wiring? How does it affect maintenance and troubleshooting of electrical systems? Are there any specific safety considerations or regulations that need to be followed for open wiring installations?
Open wiring can be used in both residential and industrial buildings, although it is more commonly seen in industrial applications. The main feature of open wiring is that the electrical wires are installed in surface-mounted conduits or raceways, making them easily accessible for maintenance and troubleshooting. This accessibility is a major benefit compared to concealed wiring, which is hidden within the walls and can be harder to access.
One key advantage of open wiring is that it allows for easier modification and upgrades to the electrical system without the need to tear down walls. This can save time and money during renovations or additions to a building. Additionally, open wiring provides better heat dissipation, which can help prevent overheating and potential fire hazards.
Maintenance and troubleshooting of electrical systems with open wiring are simpler and quicker due to the visibility and accessibility of the wires. However, it is important to ensure that the wiring is properly secured and protected to prevent damage or accidental contact.
Specific safety considerations and regulations need to be followed for open wiring installations to prevent electrical hazards. The wiring must be adequately insulated, supported, and protected to minimize the risk of electrical shocks or fires. Regular inspections and maintenance are also necessary to ensure the safety and functionality of the electrical system.