Mobile Commercial Wiring, Toronto

When it comes to electrical wiring, it is always necessary to hire a licensed electrical contractor to ensure that the work is completed safely. Though electrical wiring in a residential facility is a fairly straightforward procedure, wiring for a commercial property is usually more complex, and requires the expertise of a skilled and knowledgeable electrician. In addition, there are different types of electrical wiring for commercial properties, which take into account the different configurations which may be needed to accommodate heavy machinery or equipment.

The three main methods for electrical wiring in commercial buildings are raceways and conductors, busways and cable assemblies.

Raceways and Conductors

The raceway and conductor method is one of the most commonly used methods when it comes to electrical wiring. The use of raceways and conductors usually involves a conduit/tube with multiple insulated phase and an equipment grounding conductor. The actual design and installation will vary depending on the commercial property’s needs and specifications.

The most common type of conductors are THHN/THWN (thermoplastic high heat-resistant nylon jacket/thermoplastic heat and water-resistant nylon jacket) or XHHW (XLPE high heat-resistant and water-resistant) in copper or aluminum. Aluminum is typically used for feeders, while copper is used for branch circuits.

An advantage of raceways and conductors is that it allows for changes in circuit configuration, and raceways can be easily used for remodelling projects. On the other hand, some disadvantages are high installation costs, and a complex installation process due to more rigid routing requirements.

Busways

A busway is an enclosed raceway with factory-mounted busbars. There are typically two main types of busway configurations which are compatible with insulated or bare conductors – feeder style or plug in style. An advantage to using the busway method is that it is more compact in size than multiple conduits, and is available in a variety of ampere ratings ranging from 60 to 4,000 A. In addition, the total voltage drop with the application of busways is less impactful.

In contrast, a disadvantage of busways is a higher installation cost, and the limited space for bus plugs depending on the property’s layout. In addition, busways may be susceptible to failure due to water leaks within the property.

Cable Assemblies

Another common type of commercial electrical wiring is a cable assembly. Cable assemblies consist of multiple conductors (both neutral and insulated phase) with a bare and/or insulated equipment grounding conductor. A bare grounding conductor will need to be wrapped and enclosed in either a metallic or non-metallic sheath. Cable assemblies can be custom ordered, and usually come with THHN/THWN or XHHW-2 (copper or aluminum) conductors.

A few advantages of using cable assemblies is a lower installation cost, quicker installation time and flexibility on cable routing. On the other hand, a disadvantage is that changes in circuit configuration are not possible once installation is complete, and that more planning is required during the configuration and cable procurement stages.

Though these three commercial wiring methods are most commonly used, there may be other alternative methods available. Here at Made Electric, we can guide you through all possible wiring methods and advise you on the best configuration for your commercial property. Don’t hesitate to contact MADE ELECTRIC today! We are an ESA licensed company with years of experience, and we provide quality service in both commercial and residential areas. Our team operates within Toronto and the GTA, and we are committed to helping meet all of your needs.