Wires are used for passage of electric current in many ways from generating power

plant to various distribution levels like (1) In overhead Transmission and distribution lines,(2)
In giving service connection to various consumers,(3) In winding coils of electrical
machines,(4) In house and industrial wiring,(5) In underground cables etc.

For conduction of small current, single standard insulated copper conductors are used. As
per the current rating, the conductors have specific diameter or cross-sectional area and level
of insulation depends upon voltage rating. Following various types of wires and cables are used
in domestic and industrial wiring:

(1) V.I.R.( Vulcanized India Rubber) wire

(2) C.T.S. or T.R.S. (Cab tyre Sheathed or Tough Rubber Sheathed) wire
(3) Weather proof wire
(4) L.C.(Lead Covered) wire
(5) MICC (Mineral insulated copper covered) wire
(6) PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride) wire
(7) Flexible wire

1) VIR (Vulcanized India rubber) wire:

In this type of wires conductors are made up of aluminum or copper. A layer of

vulcanized rubber is provided over it. There may one or two layers. Over this a cotton tape is
wound and braiding of impregnated cotton is wound over it.

Figure 1 Single Braided VIR Wire FIGURE 2 Double Braided VIR Wire

Single braided wire and double braided wire is shown in figure. These types of wires can bear
little mechanical stress. Due to the effect of water, moisture etc. its insulation properties are
reduced. Chemicals also effect the insulation and it may be cut due to the sharp tools etc. Due
to excessive heat the rubber may melt.

2) CTS or TRS (Cab tire Sheath or tough rubber sheath) wire:

In this type of wire layer of strong and durable rubber is provided over the
conductor. Its mechanical strength is more than that of the VIR wire. Effect of heat, moisture
and water is less in it. This type of wire is available in varieties of single core, twin cores and
three cores. It is used in house wiring and industrial wiring. Single core and twin core wire is
shown in figure.
FIGURE 3 Single Core TRS Wire FIGURE 4 Twin Core TRS Wire

(3) Weather proof wire:

On this type of wire there is no effect of atmosphere. A layer of rubber is

provided on copper conductor. Braiding of cotton is provided on this. It is made waterproof by
dipping it into waterproof compound. This type of wire is available in single core or double
core types. Outer sheath is inflammable so it is ot used in casing-capping type wiring and the
places where there are inflammable materials. It is useful in service connections. Its use is
nowadays has become limited.

(4) LC (Lead Covered) wire:

In this type of wire coating of insulated rubber is provided on the conductor. A

tube made of lead is kept over it. Due to there is no effect of moisture on the rubber. So it is
used in the place where there is presence of moisture. As Lead is soft. It is easily affected by
mechanical stresses. So care has to be taken while using it. This wire can be used directly on
wooden batten.

(5) MICC (Mineral insulated copper covered) wire:

In this type of wire coating of magnesium oxide is provided as insulation on the

copper conductor. Over this copper sheath is provided. When this wire has to be used in moist
atmosphere, a serving made of PVC is provided over this. This wire is less affected by
temperature. This type of wire is used in wiring in mines, factories, refineries, furnace, boilers,
rolling mills etc.

FIGURE 5 MICC Wire

(6)PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride) Wire:

In this type of wire insulation made of poly vinyl chloride is provided over
copper or aluminum conductor. PVC wires are widely used and use of paper and rubber
insulated wires is reduced. This type of wire is manufactured for voltage rating of 11 KV. It is
available in single PVC and double PVC Types. This type of wire is also available in twin core
and three core circular and two core flat types.

FIGURE 6 Single PVC Wire FIGURE 7 Double PVC Wire

(7)Flexible wire:

FIGURE 8 Flexible Wire

In this type of wire instead of using thick conductor many thin copper conductors of 36
gauges are used. This is called stranding. These wires are available in the size of 14/36, 23/36,
40/36 etc. These strands are twisted and PVC insulation is provided over it.

Such two wires of different colors of insulation are twisted together and coil is prepared.
As the flexible wire is used instead of thick wire, the wire can be bent in any direction. This
type of wire is used in giving connections to table lamp, fan, tube light etc.

CABLES: Cables are classified according to basis of construction.

(1)Low tension cable

(2) Belted cable

(3) Screened or H type cable

(4) SL type cable

(5) HSL type cable

(6)Super tension Cable

(1) Low Tension cable:

Vulcanized India rubber (VIR) cables are manufactured for the voltage ratings
of 250/440V and 650/1100V. Aluminium or copper core is used. Insulation of VIR is provided
on the core. Braiding of cotton, tough rubber sheath or metal sheath is used.
Figure 9 Construction of Single Core PVC Cable Figure 10 screened or H type cable

PVC cables are becoming popular. In this, there is insulation of PVC over the copper or
aluminium core. Sheath of PVC is provided over the insulation. There is armoring of steel tape
or steel wire over the sheath. There is covering of PVC over the armoring which works as the
serving.

(2) Screened or H type Cable:

This type of cable was developed by M Hochstadter so this type of cable is known as
the H type Cable. Figure shows the telescopic view of this type of cable. Each core is insulated
and then a screen of metalized paper is wound round it. So this type of cable is called the
screened type cable. Metalized screen is perforated so the process of impregnation can be done
easily.

(3) Belted cables:

Belted cables are used for the medium voltages. Construction is similar to the
LT Cables. There is paper insulation surrounding the core, which is called the belt. Figure (a)
shows two-core shaped cable. Figure (b) shows three core shaped cable. Figure (c) shows the
round core three-core cable while figure (d) shows four-core shaped cable.
 Figure 11 Belted Cables

(4) SL cable:

SL cable means separate lead sheathed cable. In this Type of cable, there is
paper insulation surrounding the core. There is Separate lead sheath over each core. So all the
three cores work as separate cable and the dielectric stress become radial. No overall lead
sheath is used surrounding the three cores. Bedding, armoring and serving are provided like
other cables.

Figure 10 SL Cable Figure 11 HSL Cable

(5) HSL Cable:

This type of cable is the combination of H type and SL type cables. Paper insulation is
provided over each core. Metalized paper is wound over the insulation and lead sheath is
provided over this. Filler space is filled with copper woven fiber material. Bedding, armoring
and serving are provided as usual.
(6) Super Tension Cable:

In this type of cable no additional arrangement is made to prevent the formation of

voids. If the cables are to be used for 132 KV and 220 KV, arrangement has to be made to
prevent formation of voids and to increase the dielectric strength. This can be achieved by two
ways.

(1)By using the oil filled cables

(2) By using the gas filled cables.

Figure 12 Single Core Cable with Oil Channel in Conductor Figure 13 single core oil filled cable with
oil channel in the sheath

Figure 14 Three Core Cable with Oil Channel in the Filler Space
There are four types of wiring used in domestic wiring.
(1)Cleat wiring
(2) Batten Wiring
(3) Casing-Capping Wiring
(4) Conduit wiring
DOMESTIC WIRING:

(1)CLEAT WIRING:
Cleat is in two parts. Two or three
grooves are provided in the bottom part.
Cleats are made from China Clay material.
There is one hole in each part to allow the
screw to pass through. Wires are placed in
grooves and after putting the top cleat, it
is fitted on wall. Distance of half a metre
is kept between the adjacent cleats.
Vulcanized India rubber (VIR) wire is
used in cleat wiring. This type of wiring is
used only for temporary use. It cannot be used for permanent use. Wires are in the open
atmosphere so there is effect of dust, moisture, fumes etc.

(2)BATTEN WIRING:
In this type of wiring a long wooden batten is
fitted on the wall with the help of screws. Small clips
are fitted on the batten with the help of small nails.
Wires are fitted on the batten with the help of clips. The
type of wiring depends upon the type of wire used.

(a)PVC Wiring:
In this type of wiring PVC wires are used.
Single PVC or double PVC wires are used. PVC wires on batten wiring are popular for house
wiring.

(b) TRS/CTS wiring:

In this type of wiring Tough Rubber Sheath (TRS) or Cab Tire Sheath (CTS)
wires are employed. It is fitted on the batten with help of clips. As special type of rubber is
used instead of ordinary rubber there is no effect of moisture. This type of wiring is costlier
than PVC wiring.

(c) Lead Sheath wiring:

In this type of wiring lead sheath wire is used. So there is no effect of moisture,
fumes etc. Moreover mechanical protection is available. It is necessary to earth the lead sheath.
(3) CASING-CAPPING WIRING:
There are two types of casing- capping wiring: (A)Wood casing-capping wiring and
(B) PVC Casing-capping wiring

(a) Wood casing-capping wiring:

In this type of wiring there is long strip of wood with two grooves along the
length. This is called casing. Casing is fitted
on the wall with the help of screws. VIR
wires are kept in the grooves. Casing is
covered by thin strip of wood. It is known
as capping. In this type wiring there is
protection against moisture, dust,
mechanical damage etc. but there is no
protection against fire.

(b) PVC Casing-Capping wiring:

Recently PVC Casing-capping type wiring is becoming popular. It is called PVC
Channel wiring also. PVC Channel is in two parts. One is the base and the other is the top.
Base is of C section. Holes are drilled at regular intervals in the base for fixing. Channel is
fixed on the wall or ceiling with the help of screws passing through these holes. There is snap
on cover which is fixed on channel by pressing it. No nail or screw is needed for this. Channels
are of two types: continuously slotted type and rigid type.

In Continuously slotted type channel, slots are given on both the side walls. Wires are
taken in and out of the channel through these slots. In rigid type channel no slots are provided.

This type of wiring is light in weight and can be easily installed. Wires are not to be
pulled as in conduit wiring. Its cost is less and fault can be detected easily, as the channel can
be opened easily. In addition to this the appearance of wiring is also good.

(4) CONDUIT WIRING:

In this type of wiring long thin hollow tube of steel or PVC called Conduit is used.
Conduit is fixed on wall with the help of saddle. Inspection boxes are provided at certain
intervals.

PVC or VIR wire is kept in conduit. In conduit wiring there is protection against
moisture, dust, mechanical damage, fire etc. however in PVC Conduit wiring there is no
protection against fire.
Types of conduit wiring:

Conduit wiring can be done by two ways: (i) surface conduit wiring and (ii)
concealed conduit wiring, in surface conduit wiring conduit is fixed on the surface of the wall
or ceiling with the help of saddle. While in concealed conduit wiring Conduit is kept under the
ceiling or wall. So conduit is not visible. So the appearance of the room is not spoiled due to
the wiring. It is necessary first to decide precisely the locations of points because it is very
difficult and costly to alter the locations afterwards. Surface conduit wiring are shown in figure.

TYPES OF CONDUIT:
For wiring the following type of conduits are used:
(1)Rigid steel conduit
(2) Rigid non-metallic conduit
(3) Flexible steel conduit
(4) Flexible non-metallic conduit
1) RIGID STEEL CONDUIT:
This type of conduit is made up of steel. There are two types:

(a)Heavy gauge screw type

Heavy gauge conduit is either solid drawn or welded type. Solid drawn conduit is
costly. It is used only for gas proof or explosion proof wiring installations. While seam welded
type heavy guage conduit is used for domestic, commercial and industrial wiring installations.

(b) Light gauge.

Light gauge conduit is manufactured by bending the thin sheet of steel. The vertical
joint is sometime open. So it is not useful for weather proof wiring installations. This type of
conduit cannot be used as earth conductor, but separate earth wire should be run.

2) NON-METALLIC CONDUIT:
Non-metallic conduit is made of fiber asbestos, PVC, high density polythene (HDP) or
poly vinyl (PV). PVC conduits are widely used as it gives protection against moisture and
chemical surroundings. Its weight is less and is less costly and can be installed easily. This type
of conduit can be buried in wall or ceiling.

3) FLEXIBLE CONDUIT:
Where there are vibrations of the machine and where there is no possibility of installing
rigid conduit.
(5)Wiring inside Suspended Ceilings (False Ceilings)
Wiring inside Suspended Ceilings (False Ceilings) shall be surface wiring through conduits or
through PVC channels mentioned under the heading of Surface Wiring Methods. Cables shall
not be placed loosely and haphazardly on the suspended ceilings. Placing naked cables inside
the suspended ceiling is not permitted. Cable joints with PVC tape wrapping is not allowed for
connection of a fitting from the ceiling rose or from a junction box inside the gap space.

(6) Wiring through Cable tray

Wiring for connections to some machines may be
carried through a cable tray suspended from the
ceiling. This is very rare for a domestic building.
However in a commercial / office or industrial
building this technique may be needed. In special
circumstances Cables may be pulled through pre
laid GI/ PVC pipes under the floor where there will
be no chances of water accumulation in the floor or
condensation.

RELIABILITY

Cable tray systems offer unsurpassed reliability, resulting in less need for maintenance and
Considerations for all installations but especially for such industries as data communications
and financial services. In addition, since cable tray is not a closed system, moisture build up
problems are eliminated and damage to cable insulation during installation is also greatly
reduced.

ADAPTABILITY

A major advantage of cable tray systems derives from their adaptability to new needs and
technology. They are especially useful in situations where changes to a wiring system are
anticipated, since new cables can be installed by laying them in the tray, instead of pulling them
through a pipe

MAINTENANCE

Cable tray wiring systems require less maintenance than conduit systems. When maintenance
is necessary, it is easier, less time-consuming and less labor intensive.The physical condition
and status of both the cable tray and the tray cables can be inspected visually, something that
is not possible with conduit systems. In addition, it is also easy to see if there is sufficient
capacity in the trays for additional cables.

SAFETY

A conduit wiring system can serve as a flow-through for corrosive, explosive and toxic gases
in the same way that it channels moisture. The conduit installation process can also present a
safety issue for electricians. The process requires that a conduit system be installed from one
enclosure to another before pulling in the conductors, leaving the electricians exposed to any
live, energized equipment that may be in the enclosures.
(7) RACE WAYS
Surface raceways

•This type of "decorative" conduit is designed to provide an aesthetically acceptable

passageway for wiring without hiding it inside or behind a wall. This is used where additional
wiring is required, but where going through a wall would be difficult or require remodeling.

•Advantages: Allows adding new wiring to an existing building without removing or cutting
holes into the dry wall and plaster, concrete, or other wall finish. Allows circuits to be easily
locatable and accessible for future changes, thus enabling minimum effort upgrades.

Under floor raceways.

A raceway installed beneath a finished floor to distribute electric conductors and

communications wiring. In steel-frame buildings, with cellular steel decking, single-level
raceways may be included in the structure of the floor itself. A concrete header across the
cellular runs provides the means of entering from the finished floor.