A1-14 Applications of Conductors

• What are 4 application categories for conductors?

  1. power circuit wiring
  2. fixture wires
  3. low-voltage control circuits
  4. communication, alarm and signal circuits
• What is power wiring for?

  distribution of electrical energy within residential, commercial, and industrial buildings
• What is service equipment?

  the largest conductors and the main power source for all other circuit wiring
• What are the 2 types of power circuit wiring?

  Service and branch circuits
• What are branch circuits?

  Use a variety of conductor types to supply such things as lighting, receptacle outlets, heaters, dryers, ranges and motors
• What are fixture wires?

  used within electrical equipment such as lighting fixtures (usually a stranded, flexible wire with high-temperature insulation)
• Communication, alarm and signal circuits are ____ voltage and use ____ conductors

  Extra low / shielded
• According to CEC, what is considered low voltage?

  31V to 750V
• According to CEC, what is considered extra low voltage?

  30V or less. They typically use bell wire
• What types of cable are commonly used in wiring installations?

  -non-metallic sheathed cable

  -armoured cable

  -aluminum sheathed cable

  -mineral-insulated cable

  -neutral supported cable

  -service entrance cable

  -flexible cord cable
• What does corrugated mean?

  wavy, adding flexibility
• What is NMSC?

  Non-metallic sheathed cable - commonly used for dwelling units. It usually has a plastic sheathing and is also called Loomex.
• What are the 3 categories of NMSC?


  -Type NMD90 - D is for dry or damp locations and 90 stands for temperature

  -Type NMW - W stands for wet

  -Type NMWU - U stands for underground
• When is NMSC used (voltage rating)?

  Circuits not exceeding 300V and in buildings of combustable (wood frame) construction
• What is AC and where is it used?

  Armoured cables contain a metal sheath for protection and is commonly used in open wiring where there may be exposure to mechanical abuse. Referred to as BX and is used in residential, commercial and industrial applications of buildings made of metal/concrete
• What are the different types of AC?

  -AC - limited to dry locations

  -ACWU - suitable for wet or underground

  -TECK - very popular for service installations and exposed wiring in other adverse locations
• What is ASC?

  Aluminum sheathed cable
• What is MI?

  Mineral-Insulated cable has a magnesium oxide filler between the internal conductors and outer metallic sheath, making it fire resistant. Commonly known as Pyrotenax. It requires special splicing (termination kits used)
• What is NSC?

  Neutral supported cable, commonly used for overhead services. Common types are:

  -NS 75 - rated at 75 degrees

  -NS 90 - rated at 90 degrees
• What is a flexible cord?

  When 2 or more flexible wires are run together in a single jacket. They are generally not allowed for permanent wiring and are used for pendant and portable equipment
• What is a FCC

  Flat conductor cable - used to supply floor outlets in office areas of commercial buildings
• What are bus bars used for?

  Connected to panel boards / combination panels and protect circuits. They are used for large amounts of current and are used alongside splitters
• What is the combination panel?

  Connects the main breaker with branch panels
• What are splitters?

  Used to divide a service into smaller subfeeds
• What are busways?

  Highway for electrons. They provide plug-in openings at regular intervals for switches and tap-off devices
• What is a MCC?

  Motor control centres - a type of bus network: mechanical grouping of combination motor starters
• Bus bars usually determine the ____ rating of distribution panels

  amperage