When it comes to electrical safety, insulation is one of the first lines of defense that you need to implement in your home. Can you imagine holding live exposed wires when you connect them to a power source? Without electrical insulation, expect severe accidents and real danger to you and your family.
Tips About Electrical Insulation That You Need To Know
Most homeowners won’t be able to notice the sheer importance of insulation on electrical wires. In this article, we will look at some important information about electrical insulation.
Materials may be classified as an insulator or not.
When talking about insulation, know that some materials conduct electricity (known as conductors), while others don’t (such as insulators). In its most basic description, insulators possess high resistance to electrical flow. In other words, if you come in contact with an insulator, it’s very unlikely for you to get electrocuted.
Note: Most metal objects – such as copper wires and steel prongs – conduct electricity well.
Electrical Insulation
When have an object, do you know if it’s an electrical risk or not?
Some of the most common insulators that you’re probably seen and even touched include plastics, glass, clay, rubber, and Teflon.
Rubber was used in the early days as the main insulating material for electrical wires. These days, though, manufacturers have shifted to plastics.
Electrical Insulation
Through the years, insulated wires may become exposed due to natural degradation of the insulation. Make sure that you perform a regular inspection of your entire electrical system to check for exposed wirings and other electrical hazards.
Wire insulation comes with labels.
You may not notice it, but electrical wire insulations have proper labels for proper uses. Here are some examples:
- T = thermoplastic, the most common type of insulation
- H = heat-resistant up to 75 degrees Celsius
- HH = heat-resistant up to 90 degrees Celsius
- N = coated with nylon to withstand oil and gasoline
- W = resistant to moisture
Most electrical wires at home make use of a combination of these insulation properties, most notably THWN and THHN.
Final Word
As a safety precaution, make sure that all wires and conductive materials have insulation or taken away from reach. In case you need assistance Wire Craft Electric are just a phone call away!
