Top 3 Types of Electrical Wiring For Commercial Buildings

Commercial electrical wiring is necessary in any commercial building and residential building including those that are low- or high-rise. The right type of commercial lighting wire is critical to the functionality of the business. To make sure you have everything needed. Estimate Florida Consulting offer a complete commercial electrical different types of electrical wiring, each appropriate for various applications.

Electrical wiring is a bit different in commercial buildings than it is in residential ones. Office equipment, machinery, and electronics may require different wiring and cable organization than heavy-duty machinery or warehouses.

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In addition to the electricity needs and uses, there are other considerations to take into account when it comes to commercial wiring. One of the most important considerations is safety, as any irregularities in the electrical wiring can put employees at risk and stop business operations. Any commercial building with extensive electrical wiring should have its functionality checked regularly by an expert; it’s the only way to ensure the safety of everyone.

In the following article, you will discover the three main types of electrical wiring method in commercial buildings and their specific advantages.

Electrical Wiring Systems

Common Raceways

Busway Installation

Commercial Wiring

1. Raceways & Conductors

NFPA 70: National Electrical Code, is the body of rules that requires that wiring installed in homes and commercial buildings be safe and fit for purpose. As well as setting requirements for electrical wire and connectors, the Code also requires that installations be properly tested and that all documentation be kept on site.

The NEC Article 300 contains general requirements for wiring methods and materials, including raceways, cable fittings and fasteners, surface-mounted apparatus, and nonmetallic sheathed cable.

The Raceway and Conductor Method is one of the most common methods used during electrical installations. It employs raceways and conductors to conduct electrical current using flexible or rigid nonmetallic conduit and tubing in combination with an equipment ground conductor to complete the circuit.

Every installation is specifically designed based on your project’s design drawings and specifications and performed by professional installers who have the experience to ensure that your system is properly designed, and that it works as planned.

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 aluminium are the most common types of conductors.Copper and aluminium conduct electricity differently. Copper is usually specified for branch circuits, while aluminium is typically specified for feeders.

The most common ones used in commercial applications are:

RMC Metal Raceways

RMC metal raceways are designed for use in natural and artificial light used in applications where maximum protection against physical damage is required.RMC raceways are made with heavy-duty blanks and zinc-coatings for added flexibility.The smooth-walled design offers an aesthetically pleasing look, while the adjustable flange provides a broad range of support and masticating options.
Raceway is an IMC

Raceway is an IMC – intermediate metal conduit, a thin-wall version of the RMC that features a corrosion resistant coating on the interior and a galvanised exterior. Raceway comes in several diameters and with several accessories.
FMC Raceway

FMC raceway is a great product to use as it’s easy to install, flexible and cheap. It doesn’t conduct electricity like electrical conduit, and comes in multiple metal types such as aluminium and steel. FMC raceway can be installed by unskilled or semi-skilled labour, and it is available in a variety of different shapes and materials.
EMT

EMT is the most popular raceway for commercial and industrial applications. This threadless, reusable metal tubing can transmit electrical power safely through long distances. EMTS serves as a secure enclosure for wires and cables, accommodating all cable types including fibre optic. EMT White has a zinc-plated surface on both interior and exterior of the tubing, which covers minor imperfections.
PVC Conduit

PVC conduit is commonly used for underground applications, where it has been directly buried or encased within concrete. It is good for hot, dry environments and its corrosion resistance is better than other types of conduit, especially in aggressive soils.

Advantages of Raceways & Conductors

IMC, RMC and EMT can be used in places subject to physical damage or which see extreme fluctuations in temperature.
The advantage of Raceways is that they can be easily used for remodel work.
More flexibility in installation, fewer openings to be protected against the elements, greater ease in removal for maintenance work and replacement, faster installations where the conductors have already been run between buildings, etc.
VC underground raceway systems can create cost savings for you. Raceways are easy to install and come in a multitude of colours and sizes.

Disadvantages of Raceways & Conductors

The flexible raceway system can be expensive to install. Raceways are limited to the number of bends allowed before a junction box is required.
PVC has several limitations in terms of applications. As a thermoplastic material, it tends to soften at high temperatures and is difficult to polish. It is also a poor electrical insulator and should not be used for raceways carrying electrical current.
Raceways are the most economical cable and wire management system out there. However, some types cannot be installed in locations subject to physical damage.

2. Busways

A busway is a type of wiring that has a metal enclosure. It contains bus bars that are pre-mounted at the factory. The busways may have insulated conductors or bare ones in some configuration. They can also be incorporated into a raceway system that can accommodate several wire types including feeder and plug-in styles.

Advantages of using Busways

Busways can be specified in different sizes (diameters) and ampere ratings from as low as 60 Amps to over 4000 Amps. The main advantage of busways is that they are readily available anywhere in the U.S.
Compact size of busways and bundles compared to multiple conduits for the same load. This advantage makes it more cost effective in some applications, especially in existing buildings.
Busways have a Long of performance and reliability. Adding or changing the load takeoff points is simple and convenient with plug-in busways.
When it comes to duct applications, a circuit is only as strong as its weakest component. With our bus duct feeder, you'll enjoy up to 50% less voltage drop over a standard white lug.

Disadvantages of using Busways

Busways are the most economical way to move large numbers of signals or data at high speeds, but it's important to determine where installed costs will be a factor. Since busway runs can contain many elbows and offsets, installation times can vary.
Busways cannot be used in locations subject to physical damage. Busway installation requires electrical conduit for termination, and a durable above ground junction box must be mounted.
When a vertical rack is needed, there is limited space for the bus plug. With the high density mounting rails and the back-to-back, side-by-side mounting of multiple racks, this system can fit into any configuration where space is limited.
Double-wall busways save space by eliminating conduits and raceways, provide easy access to relay devices, and allow for the addition of lighting and patching.

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3.Cable Assemblies

Cable assemblies, also known as wiring harnesses, consist of multiple conductors, both bare and insulated phase wires with an insulated and/or bare equipment grounding conductor. These are enclosed in a metallic or nonmetallic sheath. Cables are factory-assembled cables for easy installation. Check out our selection of wire and cable assemblies. Cable Assemblies standard products are available in a variety of conductor configurations.

You can also custom order assemblies with specific conductor configurations. The standard assemblies usually come with THHN/THWN or XHHW-2 conductors.The most common types used in commercial buildings are:

Armoured cable (type AC)

Armoured cable is typically used for branch-circuit connections between luminaires and power receptacles, as well as different types of drops. A metallic sheath of either steel or aluminium armour can be used. It’s typically used in institutional, industrial, and commercial projects.
Metal-clad cable

Metal-clad cable is an in-ground wiring method for permanent installations. This low-voltage cable is constructed of individual insulated wires, or wire bundles, fed and protected by a continuous metal sheath varying from steel or aluminium to lead or copper. MC is often used with direct burial, but can also be suited to dry conduit runs.
Mineral-insulated, metal-sheathed cable (Type MI)

In the electric utility industry, mineral-insulated cables are used instead of traditional steel ones. The magnesium oxide coating on the conductors is seamless, so it’s more durable than other types of insulation. That makes it a good choice for situations such as compliance with NEC 700 emergency systems.
Nonmetallic sheathed cable (Types NM, NMC, NMS)

Romex Nonmetallic sheathed cable is used in residential and light commercial construction, cables rated at 300 Volts or less are probably non-armored nonmetallic sheathed cable. In a typical household construction, 2-wire NM cable is used as the service entrance cable and 3-wire NM cable is used as branch circuits packaged together to incorporate a grounded conductor into run-of-the mill wiring systems that comprise of one or two fixtures on a 15 Amp circuit that leads to one or two separate switches.
Service-entrance cable (Types SE, USE)

Service-entrance cable is used to distribute electricity from the service drop to the branch-circuit power panel. It is typically installed in attics and crawl spaces, where it is not subject to physical damage. Service-entrance cable has an AC voltage rating of 125/250 volts, with Ampacity of 90 Amps (CMR) or 60 Amps (CM).
Underground feeder and branch-circuit cable (type UF)

The Underground Feeder Kit comes with an underground feeder, a cable clamp, hardware, and instruction guide. It is designed to protect underground cables in adverse conditions and places that are difficult to work in. This set of underground conductors generally used for outdoor direct burial feeders, as well as branch circuits to detached garages, provides protection from nails or rodents digging up the installation area.

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Advantages of using Cable Assemblies

One-time low installation fee of just to install your new security system.
The installation time is faster, besides the operation and vibration noise can be reduced by 50% compared with traditional types.
Assembled at the factories, these models have been fully factory tested to ensure trouble-free installation.
The Type MI safe is resistant to fire for 30 minutes at temperatures of over 1,230°F with an amazing NIJ rating of Class 350.

Disadvantages of using Cable Assemblies

Need to be supported and secured at shorter spacing
No changes after installation
This product cannot be installed in locations subject to physical damage. Please consult an authorised contractor for more information.
This item is designed to respond to your needs and would require a special abandonment process.
With their smart and simple design, planar cable assemblies are easy to manufacture. They have connectors built in, allowing out of plane cabling, and can be terminated with a wide range of connectors.

Cost to Wire a 1,000 Sq.Ft. House

The average cost to wire a 1,000 sq.ft. home is $5,000 to $7,000. This includes the rough wiring before the walls are installed. Once the walls are in, these costs incorporate the finish installation of outlets, switches, and readying for light fixtures and appliances. Costs include the materials and labor but do not include things like the light fixtures. Your costs can be higher if you need heavy wiring, such as ethernet, or have complex electrical needs.

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Cost to Wire a 1,600 Sq.Ft. House

The cost to wire a 1,600 sq.ft. home is between $6,300 and $11,000. These costs are for the labor and materials used in the wiring process. They include the initial rough wiring and the finish work. This includes the installation of all outlets, switches, and rough installation of light fixtures and appliances. Costs do not include the light fixtures or appliances. If you have complex electrical needs or require heavy cabling, your costs could be higher.

Cost to Wire a 2,500 Sq.Ft. House

The cost to wire a 2,500 sq.ft. home is between $12,500 and $17,500. These costs are for the materials and labor in the project. They include the rough-in electrical work before the walls are closed. They also include the final finish work. This includes the outlet and switch installations and the wiring for lights and appliances. Costs do not include the light fixtures, appliances, or final installation.

Cost to Rewire a House per Square Foot

Rewiring home averages $8 to $12 a square foot. These costs include removing all existing wiring and installing the new wiring. Depending on how accessible the wiring is, sometimes the walls can remain closed and only access holes need to be cut. Other times, the walls must be opened partially, and you have additional costs for the labor and repair.

Cost to Rewire a 1,000 Sq.Ft. House

The average cost to rewire a 1,000 sq.ft. home ranges from $8,000 to $12,000. This includes removing all existing wires and replacing them with new ones. Costs include labor and materials. It also usually includes replacing the home’s outlets and switches. You may also need to upgrade the wiring for light fixtures and appliances. Sometimes, these items also need replacement during the process, but the costs do not include the fixtures.

Cost to Rewire a 1,600 Sq.Ft. House

The cost to rewire a 1,600 sq.ft. home averages $12,800 to $19,200. Rewiring costs include the complete removal and replacement of all wiring. They also include the replacement of all outlets and switches. These costs include the labor and materials for this job. If your walls are hard to access, your home has complex electrical needs, or the light fixtures or appliances require replacement, your costs will be higher.

Cost to Rewire a 3,000 Sq.Ft. House

The average cost to rewire a 3,000 sq.ft. home ranges from $24,000 to $36,000. Costs include the project’s labor and materials. Rewiring a home includes the complete removal and replacement of all wiring. This also includes the replacement of all outlets and switches. Costs usually include a circuit panel upgrades. Costs may be higher or lower, depending on how hard the wiring is to access.