What is the difference between domestic and commercial wiring?

While there are many overlaps between domestic and commercial wiring, these are the two distinctive types of electrical wiring that require different efforts from the electricians, resulting in electricians having different specializations as commercial or domestic. While the level of expertise is required regardless of the type of work performed, electricians who install commercial wiring are generally supposed to be more experienced because they deal with more regulations and technicalities of the job. Here are the ways in which domestic and commercial wiring compare in terms of location, types of cables used, power distribution, installation, and the applicable safety concerns.

Differences in Types Of Wire Used

Types of wire used in commercial buildings include tray cables, portable cord cables, aluminum utility wire, mining, industrial cables, and all kinds of copper building wire. In homes, commonly used cables include THHN THWN 2, Romex Type NM-B cables, Underground Uf-B cables, SER and SEU cables, and portable cords. Nassau National Cable carries all of the wirings for residential and commercial purposes at some of the most appealing prices in the industry, thanks to our vast network of trusted suppliers.

Power Distribution

Power distribution in commercial and residential wiring varies greatly because the expected electrical loads are vastly different. In-home wiring, the electricity consists of one power phase that is worth 120 volts. In some limited cases, electrical equipment like a fridge or air conditioning systems may require 240-volt electricity, and a two-phase circuit is required in this case.

With commercial wiring systems, three-phase electricity is the golden standard. The biggest leg of the three-phase system is rated 208 volts, whereas the two others have a 120-volt rating.

Installation and Safety Considerations

Residential electrical wiring is always fully covered within sheath insulation. This is meant to protect residents from electrical shock. In residential buildings, the wire and cable are installed in drywall, whereas in commercial buildings, the wires are installed in conduit or into the ceiling, making them easier to replace both in case of electrical faults and when the building undergoes frequent renovations.

In commercial applications, this wiring is normally run through conduits or ceiling rafters where it is easily accessible to service. For residential applications, the wiring is normally hidden from view within walls and attic crawl spaces.

Wiring systems in the office buildings should be more efficient because they use the amount of electricity that exceeds those found in the residential buildings. Because the danger of electrical fires is always greater in commercial property, the installed cables should have flame-retardant thermoplastic insulation.

Location

Residential or home wiring is installed in private houses, apartment buildings, hostels, guesthouses, and hotels. Commercial wiring can be found in office buildings, hospitals, schools, malls, universities, shops of all kinds, and warehouses.