Making sure you have reliable electrical service is essential to your enjoyment of your Daytona Beach home. The skilled electricians at Mister Sparky can provide you with practical recommendations for electrical repairs and replacements. We can evaluate your current wiring and let you know if upgrades or replacements are necessary to provide you with safe, dependable power for all your electrical needs. Here are some of the most important considerations to keep in mind when deciding on the best type of electrical wiring for your home in Daytona Beach, Florida.
What Do Local Electrical Codes Require?
Working with a professional electrician will provide you with real assurance that your new wiring is up to local codes and meets all state and federal requirements and standards. Electrical code compliance can be challenging. Working with a skilled and knowledgeable electrical company can provide you with easy-to-understand information about the best wiring for your home and your electrical needs. By learning more about your home’s electrical system and code requirements, you can make the most practical choices for your home and your budget in Daytona Beach.
What Is Your Electrical Load?
Different types of wiring have different capacities and amperage ratings. Appliances, entertainment equipment and HVAC systems require wiring that can handle higher demands for electricity. Your home wiring should be rated to handle the maximum electrical load when many of these devices and appliances are in use. Choosing the right electrical wire can prevent overloaded circuits and can ensure the best performance for your home electrical system now and in the future.
Copper vs. Aluminum Wiring
Aluminum wiring was widely used by builders in the 1960s and 1970s to keep costs lower during construction. Aluminum wire must be significantly thicker to carry the same amount of current as copper wiring and can expand as it heats up, which can sometimes pose added risks of fire and can reduce connectivity for your electrical system.
Copper wiring, by contrast, is the preferred material for wiring Daytona homes thanks to its durability and its improved performance. Copper is a better conductor and is less prone to fire safety issues than aluminum. If you currently have aluminum wiring, your electrician may recommend replacing it with copper wiring to reduce your risks and to ensure reliable electrical service to your home in Daytona Beach.
What Types of Electrical Wire Are Available?
While not all types of electrical wire are practical for use in Florida homes, five basic types of wiring are used in specific situations in the electrical industry:
- Non-metallic sheathed cable is one of the most common types of electrical wiring for residential construction projects. This type of wiring consists of two or more insulated conductor wires and a ground wire all enclosed within a plastic sheath. Non-metallic sheathed cable is typically used to provide power to HVAC systems, appliances and other major electrical devices. It is also used for lighting fixtures.
- Armored cable consists of insulated wires encased in a metal sheath. Armored cable wiring is typically used in areas where moisture or other hazards may be present, including in basements, cellars and in outdoor areas. It provides added protection against damage and water intrusion for homeowners in Daytona Beach.
- Underground feeder cable is used for running electrical wire underground or inside a conduit. It features a protective jacket and insulation to prevent moisture from affecting its performance. Your electrician may use underground feeder cable to wire outside lighting or sprinkler systems on your property.
- Low-voltage wiring is commonly used for thermostats, security systems and doorbell installations. This wiring is usually smaller in diameter than other wiring and is designed specifically to carry low-voltage current of less than 50 volts.
- Individual wires in conduit can be used in both wet and dry conditions and are available in two varieties, Thermoplastic High Heat-resistant Nylon (THHN) and Thermoplastic Heat and Water-resistant Nylon (THWN). Working with a trusted local electrician is the best way to determine if either of these options are appropriate for your electrical wiring project.
Because different types of wiring are best suited to specific applications, your electrician is the best source of information and guidance on choosing the right wiring type for your home and your specific set of needs.
Determining the Best Wire Size
Electrical wire is sized according to the American Wire Gauge system and is a representation of the physical size of the wire. Smaller gauge sizes indicate larger wires. For example, 16-gauge wire is smaller and has less carrying capacity than 10-gauge electrical wire. The size of the wire determines how much current it can carry. Some common amperage capacities for standard non-metallic cable are listed here:
- 16-gauge wire: 13 amps
- 12-gauge wire: 20 amps
- 10-gauge wire: 30 amps
- 8-gauge wire: 40 amps
- 4-gauge wire: 70 amps
- 2-gauge wire: 95 amps
The appropriate wire size for your Daytona Beach home will depend on the amount of amperage you will need for the circuit in question. A trained and experienced electrician can assess your electrical needs and will use correctly sized wire in every area of your home.
Types of Electrical Wire Insulation
Thermoplastic, thermoset and underground-rated insulation types are used for most electrical wiring. Thermoplastic is most commonly used indoors and in dry outdoor locations. Thermoset and underground-rated insulation can be used outdoors to provide moisture and heat resistance for potentially exposed wiring.
The Best Electrical Wiring Starts With the Right Electrician
Finding an electrician with the proven expertise and experience needed to repair or replace wiring for your Daytona Beach home can be a challenge. At Mister Sparky, we make it easier for you with reliable services, the best recommendations and trusted electricians who listen to your concerns. We create solutions that will allow you to enjoy greater peace of mind about your electrical system and the safety of your home. Give Mister Sparky a call today to schedule an appointment with our team. We are here to help you with all your electrical needs.