Electrical wiring is interwoven throughout an entire home or building. The wiring leads to outlets, light switches and other electrical components in the home. The wiring is the vein that electricity travels through. What many people don’t often notice or realize is the protective coating on the wiring and what role it plays. Simon Electric will share what the protective coating on electrical wiring does and why it is essential.
What is PVC Coated Wire?
The protective coating surrounding electrical wiring is a PVC or polyvinyl chloride plastic that coats all electrical wiring. PVC coated wiring was first used during the 1950’s however, up until the 1970’s all electrical wiring, which was once aluminum, is now made of copper which is far safer and more efficient. The PVC coating insulates the wiring which protects the home or building from electrical discharges and fires. For almost 70 years, PVC coated wiring has been used in homes to prevent house fires. However, they do have their own potential problems. When the electrical wiring is installed incorrectly, the PVC coating can release HCI fumes. HCI fumes are basically a hydrogen chlorine which is toxic in large quantities. The risk of PVC releasing fumes occurs if the PVC liquefies or melts.
Waterproof or Water Resistant PVC Wiring
The PVC coating can serve to protect the copper wiring from water exposure. As most people know, water and electricity should never mix. PVC is essentially a waterproof plastic that can keeps moisture from contacting the wiring. Where walls and ceilings will often have both wiring and plumbing, with wiring running lower than the plumbing, it is essential to protect the wiring from leaks or flooding when they occur. As the PVC coat can protect the wiring from water and prevent electrical fires, the PVC casing must never be compromised.
Dangers of Exposed Copper Wires
If the wiring in a home or building is installed with any of the copper wiring exposed, this becomes a major hazard. Usually found at connection points such as in the light switches, outlets or light fixtures, the PVC coating is cut to expose the inner wiring. The wiring is twisted together with the wiring of the light fixture. It is then capped, and the wiring is inserted into the outlet or light switch’s terminals. When connecting the wiring to one of these fixtures, if the PVC is cut too long or is loose and there is copper wiring exposed, this is a major threat to the home. The exposed wiring can lead to fire and could possibly be exposed to moisture. One of the number one DIY electrical mistakes is leaving the copper wiring exposed when adding a light fixture or replacing light switches and outlets.
Electrical Safety Inspection
It is recommended to seek professional help when replacing or repairing electrical components in the home. Additionally, the home electrical system should be inspected every five years. During an electrical inspection, the main connection points are looked at to ensure there is no copper wiring exposed and assess the condition of the PVC coating. If rodents have invaded the home, they often chew on the wiring because of the PVC coating. The PVC coating is made from a natural oil the mice or rats mistake for food. For this reason, rodents frequently damage wiring and electrical systems.
Electrical Services in Greenwich, New Canaan, Darien, Norwalk, Westport, Southbury, Stamford, CT & Fairfield County, Connecticut
To ensure your home’s wiring system is properly protected, make sure to seek an electrical inspection or have professional electrical services repair your home’s electrical systems. For quality electrical services, contact Simon Electric today.
