DOCSLIB.ORG

Wire and Cables

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Wire and Cables ALCAN CaBLE INSTALLER’S HANDBOOK FOR ALCAN WIRE AND CABLES ABOUT THIS GUIDE This guide is intended to provide introductory technical Wire and cable products supplied by Alcan comply with data to aid the correct selection of wire and cable for the codes, standards and product specifications as permanent installation in commercial, institutional and indicated in this guide. industrial premises. Such installations are governed by the Weights and measurements are subject to manufacturing requirement of the Canadian Electrical Code Part I, and tolerances and product design changes. Consequently, enforced by the appointed authority having jurisdiction in Alcan does not accept responsibility for costs incurred by this area under provincial law (federal law in the case of a purchaser as a result of weights and measurements not federal territories), with or without Code amendments as conforming exactly to those indicated. the case may be. Wires and cables in installations falling under the jurisdiction of the provincial and territorial inspection authorities are almost invariably required to be certified to the requirements of CSA standards under the approval of the CSA Technical Committee on Wiring Products. This guide provides information on standard products stocked by Alcan’s Distributors. Alcan manufactures a wide range of additional products in various sizes which can be supplied by special order. For more information, contact your distributor or visit www.cable.alcan.com for the most current list of product offerings. ABOUT ALCAN Alcan is a name people know and trust. For over a We’re committed to the success of our products, and to century, our products have helped supply communities the satisfaction of our customers. That’s why Alcan will with power from coast to coast across the continent. And continue to be a name people know and trust. in that time we’ve become synonymous not only with aluminum, but with the latest technology and highest standards of quality and service. We offer a full range of bare and insulated wires to both the utility and distribution markets, and support them with technical experts specifically trained to help our customers achieve their desired end results. We believe our customers’ satisfaction relies entirely on the quality of our products. That’s why we work hard to ensure they’re consistently superior to anything else on the market. Our distribution centre, technical centre and manufacturing facilities have all attained ISO 9000 certification, and we’re proud to have the only North American manufacturing plant with the triple accreditation of ISO 9000, 14000 and 18000. www.cable.alcan.com 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Engineering Information . 4 Table 5-9 . 27 Alcan Armoured Cables . 5 Table 5-10 . 28 Fire Test Standards . 8 Diagram 4 . 30 Splicing and Terminating Conductors . 10 Table 5-11 . 31 Single- vs Multi-conductor Constructions Table 5-12 . 32 General . 12 Notes and Corrections to Tables 5-5 to 5-12 . 33 Voltage Drop . 13 APPLICATION RULES Magnetic Fields and Harmonics . 13 Section 4: Conductors Circulating Currents . 14 Rule 4-004: Ampacity of Wires and Cables . 36 Installation of Single-conductor AC90, ACWU90 and Rule 4-008: Sheath Currents . 38 TECK90 Cables . 15 Section 8: Circuit Loading and demand factors Recommended Configuration for Parallel Operation of Rule 8-100: Current Calculations . 38 Single-conductor Cables in Free Air . 17 Rule 8-102: Voltage drop . 38 ALLOWABLE AMPACITIES Rule 8-104: Maximum Circuit Loading . 39 Diagram 1 . 19 Rule 8-106: Use of Demand Factors . 40 Table 5-5 . 20 Section 12: Wiring Methods Table 5-6 . 21 Rule 12-012: Underground Installations . 41 Diagram 2 . 23 Rule 12-106: Multi- and Single-conductor Cables . 42 Table 5-7 . 24 Rule 12-108: Conductors in Parallel . 43 Table 5-8 . 25 Diagram 3 . 26 www.cable.alcan.com 2 Rule 12-118: Termination and Splicing of Aluminum Conductors . 43 Rules 12-600 - 12-618: Armoured Cable Work Rules . 44 Rules 12-2200 - 12-2210: Cables in Trays . 47 TABLES Conductor Ampacities . 50 Table 5A: Correction Factors . 52 Tables 5B/5C: Correction Factors . 53 Table 5D: Current Rating Correction Factors . 54 Table 8: Percent Conduit and Tubing Fill . 54 Table 9: Cross-sectional Areas of Conduit and Tubing . 55 Table 10: Dimensions of Insulated Conductors . 56 Table 16: Min. Size of Bonding Conductors . 58 Table 17: Min. Size of Grounding Conductors . 59 Table 18: Min. Size of Grounding Conductors . 60 Table 21: Supporting of Conductors in Vertical Runs of Raceways . 61 Dimensions of Stranded Bare Conductors . 62 DC Resistance Values of Stranded Conductors . 63 Table D6: Tightening Torques . 64 Table D7: Tightening Torques . 65 www.cable.alcan.com 3 ENGINEERING INFORMATION NUAL® • Thermosetting wires (RW90 XLPE, RWU90 XLPE) to The term NUAL refers to Alcan manufactured aluminum CSA Standard C22.2 No. 38 alloy conductor material, designated as “ACM” in the • Nonmetallic Sheathed Cable (NMD90) to Canadian Electrical Code. NUAL is produced in rod form CSA Standard C22.2 No. 48 and afterwards drawn to the appropriate wire diameter for • Armoured Cable (AC90, ACWU90*) to CSA Standard fabrication into solid or stranded conductor building wire C22.2 No. 51 and cable. • TECK* Cable to CSA Standard C22.2 No. 131 NUAL is CSA-certified in finished building wire form, as well as in raw material form as rolled rod for processing • Service cables for underground installations (USEI, by cable fabricators into finished wire and cable. Meeting USEB) to CSA Standard C22.2 No. 52 all of the physical and electrical requirements of • Service cables (neutral supported) for overhead aluminum to CSA and UL standards, NUAL in addition installations (NS-1, NSF-2) to CSA Standard C22.2 No. 129 provides superior connectability in both solid and Wiring methods described for NUAL are equally stranded conductor form. applicable to aluminum and copper conductors. NUAL is CSA-certified up to 2000 kcmil and is mandatory * With supplementary HL ratings for all hazardous locations. in sizes 12 and 10 AWG solid. NUAL conductors are supplied by Alcan in sizes 8 AWG and larger, other than Neutral-supported Cables, which have AA1350 phase conductors and an ACSR neutral/messenger conductor. www.cable.alcan.com 4 ALCAN ARMOURED CABLES AC90 AVAILABLE SIZES NUAL SPECIFICATION Single-conductor 1/0 AWG to 750 kcmil CSA C22.1 No. 51 Multi-conductor 6 AWG to 750 kcmil FT4 Rated: Vertical Cable Tray Test Alcan AC90 Single-conductor Cable Alcan AC90 Multi-conductor Cable NUAL Bonding NUAL Concentric Conductor Phase NUAL Bonding Conductors Conductor RW90 XLPE Interlocked NUAL Phase Conductors RW90 XLPE Interlocked Insulation Aluminum Armour Insulation Aluminum Armour www.cable.alcan.com 5 ACWU90 AVAILABLE SIZES NUAL SPECIFICATION Single-conductor 1/0 AWG to 1500 kcmil CSA C22.2 No. 51 Multi-conductor 6 AWG to 750 kcmil FT4 Rated: Vertical Cable Tray Test CSA C22.2 No. 174 Hazardous Locations ACWU90 Single-conductor Cable ACWU90 Multi-conductor Cable RW90 XLPE Interlocked NUAL Insulation Aluminum Armour RW90 XLPE Interlocked Phase Insulation Aluminum Armour Conductors NUAL Phase Concentric FT4-rated, AG14 NUAL Conductors NUAL Bonding PVC Jacket Bonding FT4-rated, AG14 Conductor Conductor PVC Jacket www.cable.alcan.com 6 TECK90 AVAILABLE SIZES NUAL SPECIFICATION Single-conductor 1/0 AWG to 1000 kcmil CSA C22.2 No. 131 (TECK) Multi-conductor 6 AWG to 750 kcmil CSA C22.2 No. 174 (Hazardous Locations) FT4 Rated: Vertical Cable Tray Test TECK90 Single-conductor Cable TECK90 Multi-conductor Cable FT4-rated FT4-rated Concentric AG14 Non- Interlocked NUAL AG14 90˚C AG14 PVC hygroscopic Aluminum PVC Jacket NUAL Bonding PVC inner jacket Jacket NUAL filler Armour Phase Conductor Phase Conductors Conductors ALCAN B 1/C 750 KCMIL AL A ALCAN B 3/C 750 KCMIL AL RW90 NUAL RW90 XLPE Interlocked Bonding XLPE 90˚C AG14 Insulation Aluminum Conductor Insulation PVC inner jacket Armour www.cable.alcan.com 7 FIRE TEST STANDARDS FT1 & FT4 RATINGS The unjacketed construction, type AC90, is not required to The CSA Standard for AC90, ACWU90 and TECK90 cables meet the FT4 test. Its interlocked aluminum armour is require that all cables meet the Vertical Flame Test (FT1 considered equivalent to insulated conductors in metal Bunsen burner test) to CSA Standard C22.2 No. 0.3. In conduit and is highly resistant to flame spread. addition, a much tougher level of performance is specified Appendix “B” of the CEC explains the application of cables in the CSA Vertical Flame Test – Cables in Cable Tray to bearing the FT1 and FT4 designations. CSA Standard C22.2 No. 0.3. All Alcan ACWU90 and TECK90 cables meet both these FT1 - Wires and cables that are suitable for installation in levels of flammability performance. Typical results are buildings of combustible construction; and shown in the following table. Compliance is indicated by the designation “FT4” printed on the outer PVC jacket and on FT4 - Wires and cables that are suitable for installation in: shipping tags. (a) buildings of noncombustible and combustible PVC-jacketed cables meeting the FT4 standard are accepted construction; and by the National Building Code for installation in all parts of (b) spaces between a ceiling and floor, or ceiling and noncombustible buildings, including vertical shafts and roof, that may be used as a plenum in buildings of return air plenums. The 2002 Canadian Electrical Code Part combustible or noncombustible construction. I reflects an equivalent performance level requirement, Wires and cables with combustible insulation, outer jackets harmonizing the two major installation codes. or sheaths that do not meet the above classifications should Note: Check with your provincial building code officials to be located in enclosed noncombustible raceways, masonry ensure compliance with local amendments. walls or concrete slabs. www.cable.alcan.com 8 Wire and cable passing these tests will be marked FT1 or WARNING FT4 directly on their jackets.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Best Practice Guide to Cable Ladder and Cable Tray Systems
    Best Practice Guide to Cable Ladder and Cable Tray Systems Channel Support Systems and other Associated Supports November 2012 BEAMA Best Practice Guide to Cable Ladder and Cable Tray Systems Including Channel Support Systems and other Associated Supports Companies involved in the preparation of this Guide Contents INTRODUCTION 5 DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS 6 1. Packing Handling and Storage 8 1.1 General Packing and Handling 8 1.2 Loading and offloading recommendations 9 1.3 Storage 11 2A. Installation of the system 12 2.1 Common tools for Installation 12 2.2 Structural characteristics 12 2.3 Support Systems 18 2.4 Straight cable ladder and cable tray lengths 29 2.5 Coupler types (refer to manufacturer’s literature) 32 2.6 Fixings 36 2.7 Fittings 36 2.8 Accessories 39 2.9 Site modification 39 2.10 Earth protection and EMC 40 2B. Installation of Cable 41 2.11 Preparation 41 2.12 Wiring Regulations 41 2.13 Power Cables 41 2.14 Data Cables 46 2.15 Expansion 46 2.16 Electro Mechanical Effects 46 3. Environment 48 3.1 Selecting the right material and finish 48 3.2 Finishes 56 3.3 Non-Metallic systems 61 3.4 Loadings 63 3.5 Temperature 65 4. Health & Safety 67 5. Maintenance 68 5.1 Inspection 68 5.2 Removal of cables 68 5.3 On site repairs 68 6. Sustainability 69 6.1 Sustainable development 69 6.2 REACH regulations 69 6.3 The management of WEEE and RoHS 69 6.4 Environmental footprint 70 7. Applicable Standards 71 Companies involved in the preparation of this Guide 72 FIGURES Figure 1: Methods of removal 9 Figure 2: Loaded beams 13 Figure
    [Show full text]
  • Solar PV and the Electrical Code
    PV and the Electrical Code Page 1 PV and the Electrical Code Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) PV and the Electrical Code Page 2 This course was prepared by the Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) 2378 Holly Lane, Suite 208 Ottawa, Ontario K1V 7P1 Tel: (613) 736-9077 FAX: (613) 736-8938 Email: [email protected] www.cansia.ca Authors: Charles R. Price Eric Smiley with funding assistance provided by Natural Resources Canada Renewable and Electrical Energy Division Ó Canadian Solar Industries Association 2004 Version 1.2 Notice to the Reader Publisher and authors do not warrant or guarantee any of the products described herein or perform any independent analysis in connection with any of the product information contained herein. Publisher and authors do not assume and expressly disclaims any obligation to obtain and include information other than that provided to it by the manufacturer. The reader is expressly warned to co nsider and adopt all safety precautions that might be indicated by the activities described herein and to avoid all potential hazards. By following the instructions contained herein, the reader willingly assumes all risks in connection with such instruction. The publisher and authors maks no representation or warranties of any kind, including but not limited to, the warranties of fitness for particular purposes or merchantability, nor are any such representations implied with respect to the material set forth herein, and the publisher and authors take no responsibility with respect to such material. The publisher and authors shall not be liable for any special, consequential or exemplary damages resulting, in whole or in part, from the readers’ use of, or reliance upon this material.
    [Show full text]
  • Answer the Purpose: 4
    Page 26 1. CONDUCTORS Conductors are defined as materials that easily allow the flow of _________. Metals are _______ conductors while insulators are ______ . The 2 common metals used for conductors in the electrical trade are: ___________ and ______________. Aluminium has become more prevalent for larger C.S.A. conductors as it is cheaper and lighter but more brittle than copper. Current/ Copper/ Aluminium Thermoplastic-sheathed cable (TPS) consists of an outer toughened sheath of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) (the thermoplastic element) covering one or more individual cables which are PVC insulated annealed copper conductors. It is a commonly used type of wiring for residential and light commercial construction in many countries. The flat version of the cable with two insulated conductors and an uninsulated earth conductor all within the outer sheath is referred to as twin and earth. In mainland Europe, a round equivalent is more common. Flat cables (or festoon cables) are made in PVC and Neoprene and are used as trailing cables for cranes, open filed conveyors and shelve service devices. Flat cables offer the advantages of extremely small bending radius’s, high flexibility and minimum wastage of space. Thermoplastic-sheathed cable (TPS) consists of an outer toughened sheath of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) (the thermoplastic element) covering one or more individual cables which are PVC insulated annealed copper conductors. It is a commonly used type of wiring for residential and light commercial construction in many countries. The flat version of the cable with two insulated conductors and an uninsulated earth conductor all within the outer sheath is referred to as twin and earth.
    [Show full text]
  • Don't Be Confused by Your Fuse
    Head Office Neptronic® 400 Lebeau Blvd. HVAC Controls Electric Actuators Actuated Valves Montreal, Quebec, Canada H4N 1R6 Tel.: (514) 333-1433 Humidifiers Electric Heaters Fax: (514) 333-3163 Toll Free: 1-800-361-2308 Don’t be confused by your fuse: MCA and MOP for your humidifier explained Before we start, we need first to understand what MCA and MOP are. The minimum circuit ampacity (MCA) and maximum overcurrent protection (MOP) ratings provide a guide for safely connecting field-wired equipment to the building mains. Understanding these ratings, and their relationship to each other, is critical to properly selecting wire and circuit breaker sizes. What is MCA? Minimum Circuit Ampacity (MCA) is a calculated value that specifies the minimum main power wire size. It is also used to determine the minimum wire size required for a field wired product. This specification is necessary in order to guarantee that the wiring will not overheat under expected operating conditions. The wire size takes into account the normal current draw, aging of components and anticipated faults. More specifically, the MCA is the highest steady-state electrical current that the unit should see when operating correctly. What is MOP? Maximum Over-Current Protection (MOP) is a calculated value that determines the maximum size of the over-current protection device (fuse or breaker). There are different MOP equations depending on your application. The maximum overcurrent protection (MOP) is the maximum circuit breaker size required to properly protect the equipment under anticipated fault conditions. The MOP takes into account startup surges and component aging. Supply wiring must be rated to carry the amps shown as MCA.
    [Show full text]
  • BICC Industrial Cables Catalog
    TECHNICAL INFORMATION Click here for Table of Contents 9. Technical Information Click the BICC logo above to return to the Section Index TECHNICAL INFORMATION 9.i BICC Cables has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided in this catalog, however, we cannot be responsible for errors, omissions, or changes due to obsolescence. All data herein is subject to change without notice. Data and suggestions made in this catalog are not to be construed as recommendations to use any product in violation of any government law or regulations relating to any material or its use. EFFECTIVE 1998-09-30 TABLE OF CONTENTS 9. Technical Information Glossary..........................................................................................9.01-9.07 Reference Standards........................................................................9.08-9.16 Cable Handling and Storage ...........................................................9.17-9.20 Cable Pre-Installation..............................................................................9.21 Cable Installation............................................................................9.22-9.28 Cable Testing ..................................................................................9.29-9.32 Common Color Sequence........................................................................9.33 Metric Conversion ..................................................................................9.34 Copper Short Circuit Currents................................................................9.35
    [Show full text]
  • Appendix 'C' Division 26 – Electrical Requirements
    The City of Winnipeg Bid Opportunity No. 496-2013 Template Version: C420130321 - RW APPENDIX ‘C’ DIVISION 26 – ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS The City of Winnipeg List of Contents Section 00 01 11 Bid Opportunity No. 496-2013 Page 1 Section Title Pages 260005 Electrical Scope of Work 1 260500 Common Work Results - For Electrical 7 260520 Wire and Box Connectors 0-1000 V 2 260521 Wires and Cables 0-1000 V 1 260522 Connectors and Terminations 2 260528 Grounding – Secondary 3 260529 Hangers and Supports for Electrical Systems 2 260531 Splitters, Junction, Pull Boxes and Cabinets 1 260532 Outlet Boxes, Conduit Boxes and Fittings 2 260534 Conduits, Conduit Fastenings and Conduit Fittings 3 260544 Installation of Cables in Trenches and in Ducts 3 262402 Service Entrance Board 3 262417 Panelboards Breaker Type 3 262726 Wiring Devices 3 262821 Moulded Case Circuit Breakers 2 265000 Lighting 2 The City of Winnipeg Section 26 00 05 Bid Opportunity No. 496-2013 SCOPE OF WORK Page 1 Part 1 General 1.1 GENERAL .1 Include in electrical section, provision of labour, new materials, tools, transportation, services and facilities for a complete electrical installation. The installation shall be left complete in all respects and ready for operation. Installation shall be deemed incomplete and final payment shall not be released until the electrical installation is completed to the complete satisfaction of the responsible Contract Administrator. .2 The electrical scope of work includes, but is not necessarily limited to the following provisions: .1 Provision of electrical distribution including CSTE, customer service termination enclosure, buried cabling and cabling in conduit for a 120/240 volt electrical distribution system consisting of a 200 Amp, 120/240 Volt circuit breaker panel c/w 100 Amp 120/240V sub distribution for Fly-over Girder utility power, and provision for an additional power sub distribution.
    [Show full text]
  • Electric Cooktop Installation Instructions
    ELECTRIC COOKTOP INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS INSTALLATION AND SERVICE MUST BE PERFORMED BY A QUALIFIED INSTALLER. IMPORTANT: SAVE FOR LOCAL ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR'S USE. READ AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE. WARNING FOR YOUR SAFETY: Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this or any other appliance. IMPORTANT INSTALLATION INFORMATION • All electric cooktops run off a single phase, three-wire or four-wire cable, 240/208 volt, 60 hertz, AC only electrical supply with ground. • Minimum distance between cooktop and overhead cabinetry is 30" (76.2 cm). For Standard Installation: * 30" (76.2 cm) min. for unprotected cabinet 24" (61 cm) min. for protected surface 30" Min. * (76.2 cm) B Cooktop Dimensions A C 4"X 8" (10.2 cm x 20.3 cm) opening to route armoured cable. Cooktop Cutout Dimensions 7¼" (18.4 cm) H*** E F D G 1" (2.5 cm) 35 1/8" (89.2 cm) **Note: D & E are critical to the proper installation of the cooktop. Please make sure to respect those Do not slide unit into cabinet cutout. dimensions. D reflects a finished dimension it is Protruding screws on the bottom of recommended to undercut this dimension and unit may damage the bottom front adjust upon installation of the appliance due to the finish. Figure 1 variation in countertop materials. CUTOUT DIMENSIONS H. DEPTH BELOW MODEL A. LENGTH B. WIDTH C. DEPTH LENGTH WIDTH COOKTOP*** D** E** FG 7 15 3 1 1 36 (91.4 ) 35 /8 (91.1) 25¾ (65.4) 7¾ (19.7) 35 /16 (91.3) 35 /16 (89.4) 22 (55.9) 1 /8 (2.9) Max.
    [Show full text]
  • Homeowner Electrical Wiring Guide
    Homeowner electrical wiring guide Including the 2015 Canadian Electrical Code amendments Table of Contents Homeowner electrical wiring guide .............................................................................................................. 1 Required inspections .................................................................................................................................... 2 Rough inspections (prior to any concealing) ............................................................................................ 2 Final inspection (electrical complete) ...................................................................................................... 2 Deficiencies and failed inspections ........................................................................................................... 3 Panelboards (service and sub-panels) .......................................................................................................... 3 Non-metallic sheathed cable NMD90 (Lumex) and armoured cable branch circuit wiring ..................... 3 Fittings, devices and junction boxes ......................................................................................................... 4 Lighting and fixtures...................................................................................................................................... 5 Receptacles (outlets) .................................................................................................................................... 5 Receptacles
    [Show full text]
  • Supply Circuit Disconnecting Means with Rotary Handles in Compliance with NFPA 79 and UL 508A
    www.eaton.com www.moeller.net Supply circuit disconnecting means with rotary handles in compliance with NFPA 79 and UL 508A Technical Paper Dipl.-Ing. Wolfgang Esser Supply circuit disconnecting means with rotary handles in compliance with NFPA 79 and UL 508A – Fulfilling key requirements of relevant North American standards – Abstract Introduction machinery, particularly those involving IEC style door mounted rotary handles, Differences between IEC and North In the IEC world the rotary handle is the its primary goal naturally is not to make American standards already become popular choice, and it’s by far the most component design more difficult, but apparent when discussing even the most widely encountered type of operating rather to provide industry floor person- basic of component accessories, such as handle for main disconnect switches in nel with an extra measure of protection the operating handle of a supply circuit these various countries. In the US and from electric shock through the use of disconnecting switch. For example, main Canada, the situation is markedly differ- suitable enclosures, specifically the disconnect switches equipped with door ent, and the use of similar rotary handles need for adequate interlocking provi- mounted rotary handles, and installed in for main disconnect switch applications sions with the supply disconnecting industrial control panels for industrial is not nearly as prevalent, chiefly due to means whenever there is the potential machinery applications, essentially the fact that the conventionally door for exposure to live equipment. require the use of an additional internally mounted operating handle separates The new supplementary handles Type mounted supplemetary handle in order to from the switch when the door is NZM…-XHB-DA(R)-NA from Eaton meet all of the requirements found in the opened, and this feature is considered Moeller fulfill all of the more stringent relevant North American standards deal- less than desirable.
    [Show full text]
  • Powercheck Phone: 604.684.3630 (Vancouver) Electrical Safety Services Toll Free: 1.800.517.3630 (Canada) Email: [email protected]
    #300–3665 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5R 5W2 PowerCheck Phone: 604.684.3630 (Vancouver) Electrical Safety Services Toll Free: 1.800.517.3630 (Canada) Email: [email protected] www.powercheck.ca Hazards of Electrical Wiring in Older Buildings by Brian Cook Leading Causes of Electrical Fires “Knob-and-tube wiring”, “aluminum wiring”, “60-amp electrical service” and “fuse boxes” have been the common indicators of homes with potentially high risks. Surprisingly, these components of the original wiring system are usually not the culprits of electrical fires, nor are they the best indicators if electrical fire hazard conditions are present. Though old and often well used, if the original electrical system has not been abused, for example by over-rating fuses or circuit breakers, or by cutting the original conductors to add on new circuits, the original electrical system will likely be found today to be in excellent condition. Focusing on these elements of the electrical system can easily miss the real electrical fire hazards. Study after study show, the vast majority of electrical fires in homes are a result of “handyman tinkering”, that being unauthorized individuals having made changes or additions to the original electrical system; changes or additions that were not in compliance with the electrical code. Handyman tinkering was particularly prominent in the 1960s, ‘70s, ‘80s and the ‘90s during time of home renovation. Faulty circuit breakers also play a significant role in causing electrical fires. One test conducted in Broken ground due to water pipe repair with PEX British Columbia in the 1970s found that circuit breakers over 15 to 20 years old were faulty, resulting in electrical fires.
    [Show full text]
  • Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter Explained
    What is an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter? Courtesy of Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia An Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI ) is a circuit breaker designed to prevent fires by detecting a non-working (i.e., non-intended/non-useful) electrical arc and disconnect power before the arc starts a fire. An AFCI should, but does not always, distinguish between a working arc that may occur in the brushes of a vacuum cleaner, light switch, or other household devices and a non-working arc that can occur, for instance, in a lamp cord that has a broken conductor in the cord from overuse. Arc faults in a home are one of the leading causes for household fires.[1] AFCI’s resemble a GFCI/RCD (Ground- Fault Circuit Interrupt/Residual-Current Device) in that they both have a test button, although it is important to distinguish between the two. GFCIs are designed to protect against electrical shock, while AFCIs are primarily designed to protect against arcing and/or fire. Electrical Code Requirements Starting with the 1999 version of the National Electrical Code (NEC, also called NFPA 70) in the United States and the 2002 version of the Canadian Electrical Code in Canada (CSA Standard C22.1), the national codes require AFCIs in all circuits that feed receptacles in bedrooms of dwelling units. This requirement is typically accomplished by using a kind of circuit-breaker (defined by UL 1699) in the breaker panel that provides combined arc-fault and over current protection. Not all U.S.A. jurisdictions have adopted the AFCI requirements of the NEC as written.
    [Show full text]
  • Technical Data 20 Amp 20 AX Switches
    Technical Data 20 Amp 20 AX Switches Brief product description: Features: A range of IP rated accessories designed to protect • Clearly marked terminals with backed out the potentially dangerous electricity supply in the most captive screws for easy installation arduous of conditions • 20 Amp, 20AX inductive rated • Covers to seal the fixing screws • Earth terminal in mounting box • All cable entries in the 4 sides have removable blanking caps. • Housing will accept alternative switch modules from the Grid range • Neon indicator that can be wired to illuminate when off or on depending on wiring blanking caps. Product Images WP12 / WP30 WP14 WP42 WP42 Rear View WP12/30/42 Side View Technical Specifications Standard(s) BS EN 60669-1 Rating 20 Amp 250V~ (20AX - no derating for inductive or fluorescent loads) Switch Type Single pole (WP12, WP14, WP42 products) Double pole (WP30 products) Contact Gap 3.0mm minimum Terminal Capacity 4 x 1.0mm² 4 x 1.5mm² 2 x 2.5mm² 1 x 4.0mm² IP Rating IP66 RoHS Directive No WEEE Directive No Number of 20mm cable entries 5 x 20mm. 1 in each of 3 sides and 2 in the remaining side 1 drill out entry 20/25mm in rear face Size 91mm x 91mm x 67mm 20 Amp 20 AX Switches Line Diagrams 1 4 9 4 91 67 44 WP12 / WP30 1 4 9 4 91 67 44 WP14 4 1 4 9 91 67 44 WP42 Packaging Information Cat No. Description Packaging Type Pack Quantity Barcode Product Inner Box Outer Box Each Inner Outer Individual Inner Box Outer Box Box Box WP12 20A 1G, 2 Way Printed Box / Printed Outer Box 1 / 10 5050765022132 / 5050765022231 WP42 20A 2G, 2 Way Printed Box / Printed Outer Box 1 / 10 5050765022149 / 5050765022248 WP14 20A 1G, 1W, "PRESS" Printed Box / Printed Outer Box 1 / 10 5050765022156 / 5050765022255 WP30 20A 1G, Double Pole Printed Box / Printed Outer Box 1 / 10 5050765022163 / 5050765022262 Weights & Dimensions Cat No.
    [Show full text]