AR 233 L&S | BUILDING UTILITIES 2

UNIVERSITY OF THE CORDILLERAS

WIRING AND
INSTALLATION
METHODS

PREPARED & PRESENTED BY:

AR. JOEVAN F. RONA, MSc.
TOPIC LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1. Identify and differentiate types of electrical wires and cables based on size,
insulation, application, and material.
2. Explain the function and importance of insulation, color coding, and preventive
maintenance in electrical wiring systems.
3. Classify different cable types and their appropriate applications, including
armored, metal-clad, non-metallic, service entrance, and underground cables.
4. Recognize various raceway systems and components such as conduits, cable
trays, connectors, and boxes, and explain their uses in electrical installations.
5. Distinguish types of raceways and describe their installation requirements,
including rigid and flexible conduits, surface and underfloor raceways, busways,
and cable trays.
Electric Power Distribution System via www.slideshare.net
Residential Electrical Service Drop via https://inspectapedia.com/
Service Drop via https://www.hometips.com/
Basic House Wiring Diagram via https://www.youtube.com/
WIRES AND CABLES
 WIRES AND CABLES

WIRES
They are electrical conductors 8
mm2 (AWG #8) and smaller in sizes.

CABLES
Those which are larger than the wires
(>AWG #8)
WIRES AND CABLES

AWG or American wire gauge is the

standard system that determines a
cross section of a wire using a gauge for
solid, round electrical wires.
 WIRES AND CABLES

Wires and cables are either:

1. Stranded wire
consists of a group of wires
twisted to form a metallic string.
The circular mil area of a
stranded wire is found by
multiplying the circular mil area
of each strand by the total
number of strand.
WIRES AND CABLES

2. Solid wire
also known as solid core wire, is a
type of electrical wire made from
a single, continuous strand of
conductive material, typically
copper or aluminum.
 WIRES AND CABLES

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Mil
describes and measures a round wire
diameter
equal to 1/1000 of an inch
ex. if a wire has 1 mil diameter, it has a
cross-sectional area of 1 circular mil
WIRES AND CABLES

Cord
insulated wire or cable

Electrical Insulation
A material with high electrical
resistance used to separate
conductors in a circuit and prevent
unintended contact between them.
 WIRES AND CABLES

Ampacity
The maximum current, in amperes,
that a conductor can carry
continuously without exceeding its
temperature limit under specific
conditions of use.
 ACTIVITY: WIRE OR CABLE?

Instructions:
1. Form two groups.
2. Listen carefully to the instructor's prompts.
3. When a wire size or description is called out, the first group to
respond correctly with "Wire!" or "Cable!" earns a point.
4. For bonus points, add "Solid!" or "Stranded!" based on the type
mentioned.

The instructor will give the prompts verbally.

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT WIRES & CABLES
1. INSULATION IN WIRES AND CABLES

Since wires and cables carry electric

current, insulation is essential to
prevent electric shock and short
circuits.
Insulation materials vary and include
Kynar, Neoprene, PVC, Silicone,
Rubber, and Teflon—each suited to
specific voltage levels. However,
every insulation type has a
breakdown voltage—the maximum
voltage it can handle. If this limit is
exceeded, the insulation can fail and
pose safety risks.
1. INSULATION IN WIRES AND CABLES

When choosing wires or cables,

always check the insulation rating.
Factors like temperature and
moisture can also affect insulation
performance.
2. COLOR CODING

Wires and cables are color coded;

this color corresponds to a specific
use. In the Philippines, these are the
wire color coding according to the
Industrial Practice:
Line: Red, Black, Yellow, Blue
Neutral: White
Ground: Green or green with
yellow stripes, bare copper wires

Note that the color coding is different in

each country.
3. PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE FOR
WIRES AND CABLES

If a wire or cable has defects, an

insulation tester can help identify
them. Before testing, make sure the
power is turned off. Skilled
electricians use insulation testers to
check for open circuits or shorted
wires.
3. PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE FOR
WIRES AND CABLES

A non-contact voltage tester is

commonly used to detect faulty
wires. However, repairing damaged
or defective wiring is not
recommended. Always call a
qualified electrician to handle
electrical repairs safely.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF ELECTRICAL WIRES
AND CABLES
 OPERATING
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION SIZE RANGE USAGE
TEMPERATURE

1.60 mm - 500
TW oil-resistant Ordinary
60 deg. C. mm2, solid and
thermoplastic building wire
stranded

THW oil, heat,

1.60 mm - 500 Building wire,
and moisture-
75 deg. C. mm2, solid and wet & dry
resistant
stranded location
thermoplastic

FIXTURE WIRE:
0.60 mm - 0.30 single conductor,
TF thermoplastic
60 deg. C. mm2, solid and 2-conductor twisted
fixture wire or parallel,
stranded 3-conductor twisted
 OPERATING
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION SIZE RANGE USAGE
TEMPERATURE

Polyethylene
#12 - MCM, solid insulated
Copper line wire
and stranded weather-
resistant wire

Polyethylene
Aluminum line insulated
60 deg. C. 12-400 AAC
wire weather-
resistant wire

Bare overhead
Base copper
Copper: transmission
wire, solid and
1.60 - 500 mm2 line and ground
stranded
wire
 OPERATING
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION SIZE RANGE USAGE
TEMPERATURE

Appliance
High-
machine tool,
temperature 105 deg. C. #18 - #8
motor lead, and
wire switchboard wires

1.50 mm - 30
Armored (BX) mm2, solid and
50 deg. C. General purpose
cable stranded, 2-3 &
4 conductors

TV antennae 300 ohms TV

#24 - #20
wire wire
 OPERATING
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION SIZE RANGE USAGE
TEMPERATURE

Primary wire, plug

Automotive wire 105 deg. C. #18 - #2 and battery cable

Power cable for aerial

#14 - #10, and duct, 600 volts
Power cable 60 deg. C. Power cable for aerial,
# 8 - 1000 MCM duct, and direct burial,
600 volts

For exposed or
1.50 mm - 2.60
Non-metallic concealed works in air,
mm2, 2, 3, & 4 voids in masonry
sheathed cable, 60 deg. C. blocks, or areas not
conductors,
type NM exposed to excessive
round or flat moisture, 600 volts
 OPERATING
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION SIZE RANGE USAGE
TEMPERATURE

#22 - #4; 2, 3,
Royal cord 60 deg. C. and 4 Portable cord
conductors

Extension cord,
#14 - #10,
Jacketed wire telephone
# 8 - 1000 MCM
equipment

Arc welding
Welding cable 60 deg. C. #6 - 4/0 GA
machine
 CHARACTERISTICS OF SELECTED
INSULATED CONDUCTORS FOR GENERAL
WIRING
 OPERATING APPLICATION
TRADE NAME TYPE LETTER
TEMPERATURE PROVISION

Moisture and heat resistant rubber KHW 75 deg. C. Dry and wet location

Thermoplastic, T, 60 deg. C., Dry location,

Moisture resistant thermoplastic TW 60 deg. C. Dry and wet location

Thermoplastic heat resistant, THHN,

90 deg. C., Dry location,
Moisture and heat resistant THW
75 deg. C. Dry and wet location
thermoplastic
 OPERATING APPLICATION
TRADE NAME TYPE LETTER
TEMPERATURE PROVISION

Moisture and heat resistant

THWN 75 deg. C. Dry and wet location
thermoplastic

Moisture and heat resistant cross

XHHW 90 deg. C. Dry location
linked thermosetting

Polyethylene, 75 deg. C., Wet location,

Silicon asbestos, SA, 90 deg. C., Dry location,
Asbestos and varnish cambric AVA 110 deg. C. Dry location
RACEWAY
CONDUIT - FLEXIBLE
CONDUIT - RIGID
CONDUIT COUPLING
CONDUIT SUPPORT
CABLE TRAY
CONNECTORS
OUTLETS AND RECEPTACLES
RECEPTACLE OUTLET
JUNCTION BOX
PULL BOX
CABLE WIRING METHODS AND MATERIALS
CABLE WIRING METHODS AND
MATERIALS
Armored Cable ( AC, ACT, and ACL )
is an electrical cable protected by a
metal or lead sheath to prevent
physical damage. It is designed for
added durability and safety,
especially in harsh or high-risk
environments.
commonly used in industrial facilities,
underground installations, and
outdoor settings, it ensures reliable
power transmission by shielding the
inner conductors from impact,
moisture, and corrosion.

ARMOURED CABLE via https://www.indiamart.com/

ARMOURED CABLE CONSTRUCTION via https://www.electricalvolt.com/
 CABLE WIRING METHODS AND
MATERIALS

Metal Clad Cable ( MC )

is a group of insulated wires wrapped
in a flexible metal cover. It can be
used in both visible and hidden
installations to carry electricity in
branch circuits and feeders. It may
also be placed in cable trays if
allowed.

Image via ttps://www.archify.com

CABLE WIRING METHODS AND
MATERIALS

Metal Insulated Cable, Metal Sheathed

Cable ( MI )
is a factory-made cable with one or
more wires insulated by tightly
packed mineral material and
covered by a sealed copper sheath. It
is waterproof, airtight, and can be
used in dry, wet, or constantly damp
areas for service, feeder, or branch
circuits. It works for both indoor and
outdoor setups, whether hidden or
exposed.

Image via https://www.yifangcable.com/

 CABLE WIRING METHODS AND
MATERIALS

Non-metallic Sheated Cable (NM and

NMC)
NM cable is a factory-made bundle
of two or more insulated wires with a
moisture-resistant, flame-retardant
plastic cover. It’s mainly used in
houses and small buildings, but not
allowed in certain areas.

Image via https://www.thespruce.com/

CABLE WIRING METHODS AND
MATERIALS

Shielded Non-metallic Sheated Cable

(SNM)
is a factory-assembled cable with
two or more insulated wires inside a
tough, non-metal core that resists
moisture and fire. It’s wrapped with a
metal tape and wire shield for extra
protection, then covered with a
strong outer layer that protects
against water, heat, oil, rust, mold,
and sunlight.

Image via https://au.grandado.com/

Shielded Non-metallic Sheated Cable (SNM) via https://au.grandado.com/
 CABLE WIRING METHODS AND
MATERIALS

Service Entrance Cable (SE & USE)

It is a single or multi-wire cable, with
or without an outer cover, mainly
used for service connections. It can
be installed in cable trays, raceways,
or hung using a messenger wire for
support.

Image via https://woltcables.com/

Service Entrance Cables via https://www.nachi.org/
CABLE WIRING METHODS AND
MATERIALS

Underground Feeder and Branch Circuit

Cable (UF)
designed to resist moisture and can
be buried directly in the ground. It is
used for supplying power as a feeder
or branch circuit in underground
installations.

Image via https://i5.walmartimages.com/

 CABLE WIRING METHODS AND
MATERIALS

Power & Control Tray cable (TC)

a factory assembled two or more
insulated conductors with or without
associated bare or covered
grounded conductor under
nonmetallic sheath.

Image via http://www.cmewire.com/

TC-ER via https://www.jadelearning.com/
CABLE WIRING METHODS AND
MATERIALS

Flat Cable Assemblies (FC)

a set of parallel wires joined together
by an insulating strip, made for easy
installation in metal surface
raceways. It is used for branch
circuits up to 30 amperes and only in
areas where it won’t be exposed to
heavy damage.

Image via https://sourceeng.com/

 CABLE WIRING METHODS AND
MATERIALS

Flat Conductor Cable (FCC)

made of three or more flat copper
wires placed side by side and
enclosed in insulation. It is used for
general and appliance branch
circuits, especially for wiring under
carpets on smooth, hard floors. It
connects to floor-mounted outlets
and is limited to areas up to 914 mm².

Image via isting.toomanyamps.com

CABLE WIRING METHODS AND
MATERIALS

Medium Voltage Cables (MV)

has one or more insulated wires and
is rated for 2,001 to 35,000 volts. It is
used in power systems and can be
installed in wet or dry areas, inside
raceways, or on cable trays.

Image via https://www.basec.org.uk/

Image via https://www.keystone-cable.co
 CABLE WIRING METHODS AND
MATERIALS
Integrated Gas Spacer Cable (IGS)
factory-assembled set of one or
more insulated wires placed inside a
loose, flexible plastic conduit, rated
for up to 600 volts.
designed for underground use and
can serve as service entrance, feeder,
or branch circuit wiring. It uses SF₆
(sulfur hexafluoride) gas for
insulation. This type of cable is cost-
efficient and easier to install since it
removes the need for on-site conduit
assembly or wire pulling.

Image via https://www.designworldonline.com/

Image via https://www.designworldonline.com/
 ACTIVITY: "What Am I?" – Cable Edition (Group Activity)

1. Form two groups, A and B.

2. I will read a clue describing a specific cable type based on its
materials, use, or features.
3. Each group will have 10 seconds to discuss quietly and agree on their
answer.
4. After 10 seconds, I will call on a group to respond (alternating turns).
5. If their answer is correct, they earn 1 point.
6. If the answer is wrong, the other group gets a chance to steal the
point.
7. A bonus point is awarded if the group can also state one practical
use or application of the cable.
8. The group with the highest score after 10 clues wins.
RACEWAY METHODS AND MATERIALS
CABLE WIRING METHODS AND
MATERIALS

Raceways
a closed conduit that forms a
physical path for electrical wiring. It
serves to protect cables from various
hazards such as heat, moisture,
corrosion, and physical damage.
essential in both commercial and
industrial settings, ensuring that
electrical systems are safe and well-
organized.

Image via https://engineersblog.net/

 CABLE WIRING METHODS AND
MATERIALS

Conduits
Either pipes or tubing, which are
either flexible or rigid for electric
wires. The most common electrical
raceways.

Image via https://reganindustrial.com/

 CABLE WIRING METHODS AND
MATERIALS

Difference Between Raceway and

Conduit
Raceway is a general term for any
enclosed channel designed to hold
and protect electrical wires. It
includes different types such as
conduits, cable trays, and wireways.
Conduit is a specific type of raceway.
It refers to a tube (metal or plastic)
that fully encloses electrical wires to
protect them from damage.

Image via https://www.ctube-gr.com/

 CABLE WIRING METHODS AND
MATERIALS

Fittings
Accessories like locknuts, bushings,
couplers, adapters, nipples, and
connectors are parts of a wiring
system mainly used for mechanical
support and connection, not for
carrying electrical current.

Image via https://fity.club/

CABLE WIRING METHODS AND
MATERIALS

Connectors
A metal sleeve, usually made of
copper, that is slipped over and
secure to the butted ends conductors
in making a joint. Also called a
splicing sleeve.

Image via https://yaoqianele.en.made-in-china.com/

TYPES OF RACEWAYS
 TYPES OF RACEWAYS

Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC)

circular metal raceway designed for
electrical wiring, complete with
approved couplings, connectors, and
fittings. It has a wall thickness thinner
than Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC) but
thicker than Electrical Metallic Tubing
(EMT).
suitable for all types of environments
and building types, including areas
with harsh or corrosive conditions
when properly coated for protection.

Image via https://www.evt-electrical.com/

TYPES OF RACEWAYS

Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC)

similar to that of IMC and when
installed in concrete or in contact
with coil, it does not generally require
supplementary corrosion protection
unless subject to severe corrosive
influences

Image via https://ar.inspiredpencil.com/

 TYPES OF RACEWAYS

Rigid Non-metallic Conduit (RNMC)

Resistant to moisture and chemical
exposure.
Common materials include:
For underground use: fiber,
soapstone, rigid polyvinyl chloride
(PVC), fiberglass, epoxy, and high-
density polyethylene (HDPE)
For aboveground use: primarily
PVC

Image via https://alibaba.com/

TYPES OF RACEWAYS

Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT)

a general-purpose raceway similar
to rigid metal conduit (RMC) and
intermediate metal conduit (IMC). It
is suitable for both exposed and
concealed installations, as long as it
is not exposed to heavy physical
damage or corrosive conditions—
unless properly protected.

Image via https://www.eaststeelpipe.com/

 TYPES OF RACEWAYS

Flexible Metallic Tubing (FMT)

circular in cross-section, flexible,
metallic and liquidtight without a
nonmetallic jacket
used in dry locations, in accessible
locations when protected from
physical damage or concealed such
as above suspended ceilings and
branch circuits

Image via https://www.electricalsinformed.com/

TYPES OF RACEWAYS

Surface Metal Raceway

used for exposed wiring where the
possibility of severe physical damage
is not a problem
restricted to dry locations and
voltages under 300 volts
its principal use is for rewiring or
extending existing electrical system.

Image via https://ph.pinterest.com/

 TYPES OF RACEWAYS

Under Floor Raceways

also known as underfloor ducts, these
are duct systems installed within or
flush with the concrete floor
include junction boxes and fittings
that allow access along the duct’s
length for power outlets and
telephone connections
the system may have single, double,
or triple ducts running side by side to
carry power, telephone, and signal
lines separately

Image via https://www.indiamart.com/

TYPES OF RACEWAYS

Cellular Floor Raceways

may be made of metal or concrete,
where specific cells in the cellular
floor system are designated for
power or signal wiring. Header ducts
connect to these cells and carry the
wiring to panel boards or electrical
boxes as needed.

Image via https://ph.pinterest.com/

 TYPES OF RACEWAYS

Wire ways
essential components in electrical
installations, designed to route, organize,
and protect electrical wiring
often referred to as troughs or gutters
and are used in environments where
contaminants may pose a risk to wiring
cannot be buried, concealed in walls or
exposed to corrosives atmosphere for in
general they are mounted exposed
outdoors and may carry systems rated at
600 volts

Image via https://www.globalspec.com/

TYPES OF RACEWAYS
Busways
factory-assembled metal enclosure
containing bare conductors, such as
copper or aluminum bars, rods, or
tubes, designed to carry high
currents ranging from 50 to 6,000
amps
conductors are supported by
insulators and may come in solid bar,
hollow tube, oval, or I-beam shapes
can be installed horizontally or
vertically and are approved for use
as feeders or service entrance
conductors

Image via http://www.electricalaxis.com/

 TYPES OF RACEWAYS

a. Continuous plug in Busways

used to serve equipment that may be
relocated periodically, such as in
wood working shops.
have regularly spaced openings that
permitted plugging of switches or
circuit breakers and conduit or
flexible cable is then run from devices
to the equipment being served.

Image via https://www.tbcbusway.com/

TYPES OF RACEWAYS

b. Trolley Busways
permits travelling equipment to be
connected to a power source
a rolling power takeoff in contact with
the busways conductors
as the equipment moves, the trolley
contact on the conductor.

Image via https://www.liveauctionworld.com/

 TYPES OF RACEWAYS

Cable Trays
are open raceway like assemblies
made of steel aluminum or a suitable
non-metallic material
they are used in buildings to route
cables and support them out of the
way of normal building activities

Image via https://metalegypt.org/

TYPES OF RACEWAYS

a. Trough Type Trays

protect cables from damages and
give good support and ample
ventilation through straight sections

Image via https://www.indiamart.com/

 TYPES OF RACEWAYS

b. Ladder Trays
provide maximum ventilations to
power cables and other heat
producing cables

Cables suitable for use in cable trays are

marked CT (Cable Tray) on the
outside of the jacket

Image via https://ar.inspiredpencil.com/

TYPES OF RACEWAYS

Cablebus
an approved assembly of insulated
conductors with fittings and
conductor terminations in a
completely enclosed, ventilated
protective metal housing

Image via https://www.superiortray.com/

 ACTIVITY: RIGID VS FLEXIBLE CONDUIT DEBATE

1. Form two groups.

a. Group A will defend Rigid Conduit
b. Group B will defend Flexible Conduit
2. Each group must explain why their assigned conduit type is more
practical, safer, or more efficient in real-world applications.
3. You have 3 minutes to organize your points. Focus on durability,
ease of installation, cost, protection, and typical applications.
4. Presentation:
a. Choose 2 representatives from each group.
b. Each representative will present one main point (about 30
seconds each).
5. After both sides present, the rest of the class will vote on which group
made a stronger case, based on clarity, relevance, and reasoning.
 END.
Thank You!

AR. JOEVAN F. RONA, MSC.

UNIVERSITY OF THE CORDILLERAS