wiring in apartments in old houses in most cases, already worn out and should be replaced.In addition, the old domestic network is absolutely not designed for the power of modern appliances.Of course, when buying new cables should consider some important factors.About what kind of wire used for wiring in an apartment is best, and discuss in this article.
What to consider when choosing
The first thing you need to decide - this is the future of cable cross section.This parameter depends upon such factors:
- network length and hence resistance;
- expected load on it;
- material manufacturing.
deciding which wire is used for wiring in an apartment with a large network of short load, should focus on the heating conditions.Cross-section of cables for long lines to a large extent depends on the resistance.Also in this case, the mechanical strength is important.
regard to the material of manufacture, at the moment used two kinds of cables: copper and aluminum.In the first case the cross section is smaller in the second - greater.For this reason, the vast majority of home owners currently prefer to hold out in the apartments of copper cables have better conductivity.
consumption load
cross-section wiring in the apartment must be such that the owners subsequently had the opportunity to connect the device the necessary power.The current value for this particular appliance is defined by the formula I = P / V, where P - is its capacity (you can see the data sheet), V - voltage network.At home it is usually 220 V. Thus, for example, to a heater having a power of 2000 W, the current value will be 9 A.
Then calculated the total current of all prospective customers.The cross section of the copper wire is selected from the allowed 10 amps per square millimeter.Aluminum - 8 A. In that case, if the wiring is hidden, these values must be multiplied by a correction factor - 0.8.Open wiring in the apartment is almost never used.However, if for any reason we have to choose this option, you must use a wire cross section of at least 4 mm2, having sufficient mechanical strength.With greater precision current load of copper and aluminum cables can be found on special tables.
wires for wiring in an apartment is better to choose with some reserve power.This will allow in the future to connect to the network the new appliances, the purchase of which is not currently planned.
In normal city apartments for lighting often choose copper wire 1.5 mm2, for sockets - 2.5 mm2.The cuisine is best to reach the cable 4 mm2, as there is usually a lot of powerful appliances - stove, refrigerator, dishwasher and so on. D. Mounting the cable entry into the apartment selected in such a way that the section was a step above the required for the most powerful instrumentthat will be used.
Resistance
question of which wire used for wiring in the apartment, including the amounts and the correct selection of the cross section in terms of possible voltage losses.The lines even in urban apartments are quite long.In this case the voltage drop in the cables can reach an unacceptable value.Choosing to do so that this value does not exceed 5%.To calculate the voltage loss should first calculate the load torque.For this power in kilowatts is multiplied by the cable length in meters.Further on special tables to determine its own percentage of loss.It will depend on the load torque, cable section and its length.There are separate tables for three-phase and single-phase networks.However, one should know that they are specified percentage losses without heating cable when current passes through it.Therefore, choose the section of the wire in this case should also be a reserve.That is, look at the table value corresponding to no 5, and 4%.
Soft wire
for dwellings are generally selected soft flexible cables.Each core in this case consists of a large number of thin wires.These cables are easy to pull on apartments complex layout with lots of twists.The only drawback of the soft wire is that when connecting the wiring has to compressing them and pressed onto them special tip.
Hard
There is another kind of cables - hard.In this case, each core consists of a single conductor.In principle, it does not matter what kind of wires for wiring in the apartment will be selected - flexible or rigid.The main thing is to match the cable loads it from consumers.For city apartment usually choose three-core versions with a grounding wire.Insulation in this case will have a different color.Brown and red correspond to phase conductor blue - zero, yellow - earth.
most commonly used brand wire
One of the most popular options is the NYM cable for wiring in the apartment suited very well.He represents a flexible option of single-wire cores and has a circular shape.Another advantage is the presence of two insulations.The latter circumstance makes it fireproof.
Another type often used in apartments, - single-wire cable VVG, which can be round or flat.This option is more compact than NYM, and accordingly, and more convenient to laying.Its advantages, among other things, can be attributed not too expensive.
third popular option - stranded PVA.This round cable has very good flexibility.In most cases it is used for home appliances as the power cord.However, for the installation of the lines it fits very well.
What else you need to know
In case the wiring is supposed to pull the drywall finishing or boarding ceiling, use a cable that does not support combustion.Such options are marked with the letters "NG".Better yet, use non-combustible cables with index «ls».The insulation of the wires in the case of fire will not release a lot of smoke and harmful gases.
best if cable wiring in the apartment will be double insulated.In any case, it does not skimp on costs.Otherwise, for example, by flooding the apartment may still fire, as single isolation quite often simply damaged during assembly or during operation.
How to choose switches
So you've decided on by a wire used for wiring in the apartment.However, the cables - this, of course, is not the only element of the network.Apart from them, you will need to buy another, and other accessories.Switches are selected primarily on the basis of what kind of cabling used in the apartment - open or closed.Of course, the first option in this case is rarely used.Therefore, urban apartments, likely will need to purchase flush switches.
addition, these network elements are available with screw and screwless clamp.The first option may be a good choice if the wiring in an apartment with stretched aluminum cables.The last may eventually podplavlyatsya slightly and begin to sparkle.In this case, it will be enough just to tighten the screws.For copper wiring usually choose switches with grip terminals.They are more convenient when connecting.
Choice outlets
This element is best to choose, focusing on manufacturers.However, the need to guard against counterfeiting.In the latter case, may come from the sockets, for example, an unpleasant odor.In addition, low-quality goods are often made of very thin or soft plastic.The outlet must be sufficiently severe.Also pay attention to the grounding contact.He did not have to bend.
to take with you to the store and try to plug it into a wall outlet plug.Of course, it should not hang and fall.For this embodiment, as an external wiring in an apartment, as in the case of switches, sockets are used special design.
Today, the market can meet and special kinds of sockets are equipped, for example, the USB connectors or LED-illumination.If desired, you can select that option.
Well, we hope our article will help you determine the order which wire used for wiring in a city apartment.Option at the moment, there are many.The most important thing - is to use cables suitable for power devices and maximum security.
