Electrical wiring – laying cables step by step

If you want to lay your own electrical wires at home, you must know that this is not an easy task. Most often, this type of work is outsourced to experienced professionals, but it is good to have at least basic knowledge in this area. We present step by step how to perform electrical installation in the building.

Step 1: remember

Before you get down to laying cables or any work related to electricity, you need to familiarize yourself with basic information on this topic. This will help you avoid basic mistakes and do everything in a safe and legal manner

First of all, read the Regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure on the technical conditions to be met by buildings and their location, as well as the PN-IEC 60364-3:2000 standard, which includes guidelines on electrical installations in buildings.

The most important thing is to properly mark the wires or use ones that have different colors. This will facilitate their installation, and later also make repairs. Another issue concerns the proper efficiency of the installation – it must not lead to surges that can result in a fire

Step 2: take care of the design

To properly route wires, install electrical sockets or lights, you need to prepare a specialized scheme of installation. On its basis, all electrical work is done. The project includes the number and type of necessary wires, their location, any alarm sensors, etc. Ideally, it should be drawn up by a specialist with the appropriate credentials and consulted with any subcontractor who will perform work in the house.

Step 3: take measurements and settle the boxes

The next stage of work before the actual laying of cables will be to make the appropriate measurements – for light switches, sockets, etc. It’s a good idea to use a laser and spirit level so that the heights and distances are equal. Then it’s time to mount electrical boxes, which are used to connect wires. Do not cover them with plaster – it will make it difficult to remove any possible failures in the future

Step 4: Lay the cables

When you are already at the stage of laying cables, first of all remember that:

• do not lay them diagonally – always horizontally or vertically;
• they should be placed at an appropriate distance from doors, windows and edges; min. 10 cm from gas installation and above water and sewage pipes;
• in damp rooms (e.g. in a bathroom) use cables that are suitably adapted for water protection.

Connecting cables begins from the electrical distribution board, from which you go to the first outlet, from it to the next, and so on. This closed arrangement, called a ring, is safe and practical at the same time: the current in the sockets does not cut off when one of the wires is interrupted. After this stage, you can already close the cables in the boxes and proceed to plastering

The most important thing when installing a system is not to economize on it and to approach the work with complete professionalism. After all, it is about the safety of household members. So if you do not feel up to the task, consult a professional. This way, you will be sure that everything works as it should.

Main photo: La Miko/unsplash.com