 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In the last few decades, the amount of electrical energy consumed
annually by the average Canadian family, has risen at a phenomenal
rate. Modern technology is constantly introducing new and improved
ways to obtain the most benefits through electrical living. Because
electrical appliances and conveniences in the home can operate
only as efficiently as the wiring system which supplies power,
copper building wire is the dominant material used.
Virtually all of the terminations in building wire circuits are
threaded screw connections, or spring-loaded push-in terminals.
Reliable terminations are essential to safety and efficiency.
Copper has high resistance to creep. It does not back-away and
deform under pressure, where loss of contact pressure causes over-heating,
loss of conductivity which progressively aggravates the situation,
and then fire danger is at hand. And, with push-in terminals,
there is no risk of a copper conductor breaking off after a period
due to the pressure from the spring-loading device.
The electrical power requirements for lighting and standard plug
receptacles is 110 volts. For a kitchen range, domestic hot water
heater, clothes dryer, air conditioning, and electric heating,
the power is usually 220 volts.
For the heavier electrical power circuits of a system, Single
Conductor Cables may be used. In larger systems, such as those
for multi-family dwellings, these cables may be installed in rigid
conduits. Copper's strength is important whenever cables are to
be pulled through conduits.
The principle cables for circuits in the average home are NMD90
and NMWU. These cables have ratings of 300 volts. Some circuits
may utilize Armoured Cable.
Power enters a residence through the Service Entrance Cable, and
because of the many advantages, it should be installed underground,
using copper. Many years ago the electrical service main switch
and fuse box were 60-amp capacity. Then 100-amp services became
common practice for single-family dwellings. Now, because of the
increase in types of electric facilities available, and in the
use of electricity, larger homes have 200 or 400-amp services.
Copper Low Voltage Cable is required for such things as door bells,
fire and smoke alarms, and there are TV cables and telephone wire
for the telephones. With the rapid increase in the use of personal
computers, and persons working from their homes, it has been a
natural development that power and communications needs should
be provided for on a room to room basis.
 |
|
Typical residential heat pump/air conditioning unit.
|
 |
|
Copper Non-Metallic Sheathed Cable (NMD) wiring to a double switch
receptacle.
|
 |
|
Residential security systems are wired using Copper Low Voltage
Cable.
|
|
|
|
