12.8. How to Install Electrical Wiring: Safety Rules and Regulations
Installing electrical wiring is a task that requires technical knowledge and attention to detail. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a complete guide on how to install electrical wiring safely and in accordance with regulatory standards.
Safety Rules
First of all, it is important to understand that the electrical installation must be carried out by a qualified professional, as it involves risks. Electricity is dangerous and can cause serious damage if not handled correctly. So before you start, make sure you have the necessary training and experience.
In addition, it is essential to use personal protective equipment (PPE), such as insulated gloves, safety glasses and safety shoes. Such equipment will help protect you from electrical shock and other hazards.
Also, always turn off the power supply before starting work on electrical wiring. Never attempt to work on a circuit that is still live. Even after turning off the power, always use a voltage tester to confirm that the circuit is actually de-energized.
Regulation
In Brazil, regulation for electrical installations is provided by the NBR 5410 standard of the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (ABNT). This standard establishes the conditions to which low voltage electrical installations must satisfy in order to guarantee the safety of people and animals, the proper functioning of the installation and the conservation of assets.
According to NBR 5410, the electrical installation must be designed and executed in such a way as to avoid the occurrence of overloads, short circuits and dangerous contact voltages. In addition, the installation must be done in such a way that it facilitates operation, maintenance, modification and inspection.
The standard also establishes requirements for the selection and installation of electrical materials and equipment, such as conductors, cables, circuit breakers, fuses, sockets, switches, among others. For example, conductors must be sized according to the current they will carry, and circuit breakers must be set to interrupt current in the event of an overload or short circuit.
Installation of Electrical Wiring
The installation of electrical wiring should begin with the preparation of an electrical project, which should include a diagram of the wiring layout, the location of light points and outlets, and the specification of materials and equipment to be used.
p>After project approval, the next step is the installation of conduits, which are tubes through which the wires pass. The conduits must be fixed to the walls and ceiling, and must be sized according to the amount and type of wires they will carry.
The wires must then be passed through the conduits. Each circuit must have a live wire, a neutral wire, and a ground wire. The hot wire is what carries the electric current to the lamps and electrical appliances, the neutral wire is what returns the current to the power source, and the ground wire is used to protect the installation against electric shocks.
After passing the wires, the next step is the installation of electrical devices such as sockets, switches and lamps. Each device must be connected to the corresponding wires, according to the electrical design scheme.
Finally, the installation should be tested to verify that it is working correctly and that it is secure. The test should include checking the voltage and current at each point in the installation, and checking the operation of circuit breakers and fuses.
In summary, installing electrical wiring is a complex task that requires technical knowledge and attention to detail. By following safety and regulatory standards, you can ensure your installation is safe and efficient.
