Making sure that your home wiring is up to all code requirements can often ensure that it delivers reliable power for your Pompano Beach, Florida, home. If you frequently experience power fluctuations or have outlets that do not work, however, you may need to call a trusted electrician to resolve these issues. At Mister Sparky, we offer comprehensive electrical services that include wiring repairs and complete rewiring for your home. If you need a reliable partner to resolve ongoing problems with your electrical service, our team is here to provide the right solutions for dependable power now and for years to come. Here are some key considerations when selecting the best house wiring for your home in Pompano Beach.
Wiring Sizes Vary Depending On Use
Your electrician will typically use various sizes of wire when upgrading, repairing or replacing your wiring. The size and amperage capacity of electrical wiring is measured by wire gauge. In general, smaller gauge numbers indicate larger wires and increased amperage carrying capacity. Some of the most commonly used gauges for electrical wire in residential applications are listed here:
- 3/0 gauge can carry up to 200 amps of current and is usually reserved for the service entrance to your Pompano Beach home.
- 1/0 gauge wiring carries up to 150 amps and is used for service entrances to smaller homes and as feeder wire.
- 3 gauge has a current capacity of 100 amps. It may be used for the service entrance or for feeder wire applications.
- 6 gauge electrical wiring carries up to 55 amps and is most commonly used for large appliances inside your home.
- 8 gauge wires are suitable for some large appliances and can carry up to 40 amps of current.
- 10 gauge wiring may be used for air conditioning, dryers and other appliances. It carries up to 30 amps.
- 12 gauge can carry 20 amps and is used in bathroom circuits and for washers, microwaves and other mid-range electrical appliances.
- 14 gauge electrical wiring is usually the most common type and powers lighting fixtures and electrical outlets throughout your home. It can carry up to 15 amps of power.
When rewiring your home, your electrician will use many of these gauge sizes of wiring to provide the right amount of current to every area of your home. In most cases, electrical wiring and cables are color coded to indicate the size of the wire and its amperage capacity.
Different Wiring Options for Different Jobs
For a full home rewiring job, your electrician will typically use different types of wire as well as different gauge sizes. Some of the most commonly used types of electrical wire and cable include non-metallic (NM) cable, armored cable, underground feeder (UF) cable, metal-clad cable and low-voltage wiring:
- NM cable is one of the most commonly used types of electrical wiring. Also known as NM-B cable to indicate a heat rating of 90 degrees Celsius or 194 degrees Fahrenheit, NM cable consists of at least two and possibly more thermoplastic-insulated wires inside an insulating sheath. NM wiring is rated only for indoor use and should not be exposed to moisture or heat.
- Armored cable is also referred to as BX and is found mostly in older homes. It consists of a hot, neutral and bonding wire inside a metal sheath that acts as a grounding conductor. Armored cable is not generally used in new construction.
- Rated for outdoor use and moisture resistance, UF cable can be buried to provide electricity to outdoor lighting and other installations. UF cables contain wires that are encased together in thermoplastic, which makes these cables much more resistant to water and humidity.
- Although it is rarely used in residential electrical wiring, metal-clad cable is rated for indoor use and consists of several wires sheathed in plastic.
- Low-voltage wiring options are used for circuits and devices that require less than 50 volts of current to operate. These may include landscape lights, thermostats, doorbells and security system components.
Other types of wiring that can conduct electricity within your home may include low-voltage wires for phone lines and communications connections, coaxial cables, speaker cables and ethernet cables. Your electrician will give you detailed information on the wiring needed for your project and the best approach to achieve your goals.
Why Copper Wiring Is Preferred for Modern Homes and Businesses
Copper wiring is preferred by most electricians and property owners. Unlike aluminum, which is also sometimes used for wiring, copper does not corrode when exposed to moisture or open air. Additionally, copper wiring has a much lower resistance than aluminum or copper-clad aluminum, which makes it significantly more reliable than these alternatives. Over time, aluminum wiring can vibrate and will expand and contract over a larger range than copper. Loose connections and electrical shorts can result if the expansion or contraction process causes the wiring to become disconnected. Copper wiring is much more durable and reliable than aluminum, which makes it a more practical investment for most homeowners. Finally, copper wiring can serve as a real selling point when the time comes to put your home on the market. For Pompano Beach homeowners who want reliable power now and in the future, copper wiring is worth the small additional cost for initial installation.
Work With the Electrical Experts at Mister Sparky of Pompano Beach
Finding a trustworthy and skilled electrician to manage your electrical wiring project can be challenging. At Mister Sparky, we work with you at every step of the way to make sure you understand the services we provide and what you can expect after your project is complete. We offer electrical safety inspections, breaker box and panel replacements, electrical repairs, installation of lights, ceiling fans and generators, and many other services designed with the needs of our customers in mind. Give our team a call today to schedule an appointment for electrical service. We are always here to help you manage your power needs now and in the future.