If your wiring needs to be replaced for a long time, then this event must be carried out as soon as possible. It is advisable to time this lesson with a major overhaul of the room. We can say that do-it-yourself wiring is not so easy to change. Usually it is worth taking on this business only when there is not enough money for professional help. Average prices in Russia for 1 sq. m. a meter of wiring in a residential building is from 800 rubles and more.
Golden Rules
Before you start, you need to familiarize yourself with the basic rules for performing installation work. There is nothing complicated here, but all this must be strictly observed and carried out. One of these requirements is the replacement of aluminum wires with copper ones. The second is a change in the power supply scheme. This implies the replacement of a dead-earthed neutral with a protective groundconsumers. And the last requirement is to use the connection of wires in separate branches instead of branching.
As for aluminum, it was extremely popular in the 1930s-1970s for several reasons. Firstly, it was considered an environmentally friendly material, and secondly, it was quite cheap and affordable for the population. But it soon became clear that it is better not to use it for wiring. This is due to the following factors:
- After 20 years of using aluminum wiring, it becomes very brittle due to the ongoing chemical processes. As a result, wiring becomes not only unreliable, but also somewhat dangerous.
- If moisture gets on aluminum, the process of electrocorrosion begins. This leads to the complete destruction of the wire and an emergency.
- Aluminum contacts are considered one of the most unreliable. Firstly, the material is very difficult to solder, and secondly, it is harmful.
Something else
As for the power supply scheme, the TN-C used in Soviet times is not ideal. Moreover, even in the old days it was used not because it was good, but because it could massively electrify the population without using long lines and expensive metals. We can say that at present in the territory of the Russian Federation there are a large number of multi-storey buildings with a TN-C connection scheme, in other words, ungrounded ones. By using the TN-C-S public protection circuit, user safety can be achieved regardless of the state of the wiring. Often thisthe moment is omitted by the local authorities, so do-it-yourself wiring is installed.
As for the branching scheme, this is also a forced measure. The essence of the whole system was that apartment wires were connected to thicker (central) wires. Such branching was located in junction boxes. A large number of twists, terminals and other connection methods led to the fact that these places became vulnerable due to the likelihood of moisture ingress and a short circuit. Therefore, today do-it-yourself wiring is made a little differently. From each input to the group there is a solid cable, without insulation and terminals.
Do-it-yourself wiring in an apartment: work steps
Expenses of time for installation work, as well as financial costs can be significantly reduced. But for this you need to adhere to the technology and follow the instructions. All work can be conditionally divided into five stages:
- scheme development;
- drawing up a plan and its approval, the wiring diagram is also approved;
- device for temporary repair;
- installation work;
- installation of mechanisms: switches, sockets, etc.
Before starting installation work, it is recommended to perform grounding and grounding. The wiring of the electrical wiring in the apartment is carried out at the last stage and is not particularly difficult. But in any case, we can talk about significant savings. If the wiring in the apartment with your own hands is completely done, then youit remains to purchase only the material, and this is already 65% savings. If any part of the work is entrusted to specialists, then you can count on 20-50% savings.
Power supply scheme
This picture in the section is for informational purposes only. Nevertheless, such a scheme is mandatory, and it is difficult to do without it. As for the terms, the first step is to deal with them: kWA is a meter, and RCD is a residual current device. The figure also shows that a single-line connection diagram is used. A pair of slashes on the wire indicates that instead of one cable there are two: phase and zero. They are laid together. If a three-phase wire is used, then there will be three dashes.
Any of these wiring diagrams can be customized to suit your needs. For example, you decide how you distribute the wires to the points. In any case, it makes sense to draw your own scheme, even on the basis of the finished one. If all else fails, then the work can be entrusted to a specialist. He will need the initial data, so the amount for the work will be quite large. However, do-it-yourself wiring is not done without a pre-drawn diagram.
How to think about the power supply?
Correct wiring is always based on the right power. For example, a limit of 10-20 kW is issued for cottage settlements, but you cannot see such a miracle in apartments. If the house is old, and the wiring there is still Soviet, then the maximum power that the wires can withstand is 1.3-2.5 kW. If the machinethere is no shutdown, then too much equipment on will cause the wiring to burn. If there is a machine installed in the entrance, then it will be constantly knocked out. But we can say with confidence that 2 kW for a modern consumer is very small, so the calculation should be based on a limit of at least 4.3 kW of power. In this case, the wiring should still hold. In addition, there is a random factor at work. It lies in the fact that no one turns on all home equipment at the same time, that is, if you started washing, this does not mean that you will have a vacuum cleaner, kettle, air conditioner, etc.
Technical data for a 40-100 square meter apartment is as follows:
- Main machine for 25-32 A (depending on the area). In this case, the current safety factor must be at least 1.3 A and not more than 1.5 A.
- Residual current devices (RCD) - 50A.
- Two branches with a cross section of 4 mm should go to the kitchen2 with a 25 A machine and a 50 A RCD for each branch.
- Air conditioner (if any) - wire with a cross section of 2.5 mm 2, automatic - 16A, RCD for 20A.
- Outlet branches and lighting circuits require 2.5mm wires2. In this case, you can do without the machine. In principle, with the knowledge of all these data, a wiring connection can be made.
Preparing the plan
Do-it-yourself wiring in the house begins with the preparation of a plan. It all starts with the fact that from the counter to oneThere are two branches in the room. One of them is wiring sockets, the second is lighting. Connecting the power supply to the bathroom is a complex case that requires special attention. But first of all, it is necessary to designate a lamp in a safe design (waterproof).
In your plan, mark only those branches that go to fixed installations, such as sockets, switches, fixed-type electrical installations, etc. By the way, stationary structures should include those that are rigidly fixed or fed from a permanent connection. Particular attention should be paid to additional elements that are very much liked to be included in the plan today. Here we are talking about LED ceiling lighting, various carriers and extension cords to the balcony. All this significantly clutters up and complicates the scheme, and the inspection does not welcome such introductions. Remember the basic rule - do-it-yourself electrical wiring in a house does not imply holding branches to a balcony, loggia, etc. This is a gross violation of the PUE.
Wiring by room
So, now it's time to bring power to every room. The biggest challenge is the bathroom. It is easy to guess that this is a room with high humidity, therefore safety measures must be strictly observed here. In addition, if the floor is splashed with water, and the person is steamed out, then his resistance becomes less. An electric shock in this case can lead to death, and even an RCD will not help here.
As noted above, there will be a lot of work. It's worth starting withthe fact that we completely change the wires from the boiler and washing machine, shower cabin, etc. for longer ones. Further, these wires are led through the plinth and holes in the wall to the kitchen. There should be an extension cord into which the washing machine and boiler are connected in the “permanent” mode. You can insert anything into the remaining slots. These simple measures can reduce the risk of electric shock to zero, since bare wires and connections will be in another room. Before wiring, read the suggested wires. Protected 3-core cable is used in priority.
As for the toilet, everything is simple. One lighting branch is brought there. In addition, the bathroom and toilet lamp can be connected in series, there is nothing wrong with this.
Kitchen and other rooms
In the kitchen, you will need to select two branches. One will be used by the bathroom. It is advisable to choose a wire with a cross section of 4 mm2. Protective automation is used the same as in the bathroom. Some differences are in connection points. For the kitchen, two triple sockets must be used. All electrical equipment will work from them: dishwasher, electric oven, electric kettle, microwave oven, etc. In addition, an extension socket is connected to one of the sockets in the bathroom. As for the location of the outlets, then you are free to choose for yourself. It is advisable to place them away from the sink and places where there may be a water leak.
There are two branches in the hallway and the corridor: one - for sockets, the second - forlighting. If there are several lighting points (spotlights), then each of them must have its own wire. In the children's room, everything is the same, but with only one significant change - the sockets must have a protective disk, preferably lockable. Laying electrical wiring in other rooms (living room, bedroom, etc.) is carried out in a similar way. In general, for a 2, 3-room apartment, it is necessary to use about 15 branches.
How to decide on the brand of cable?
Of course, you need to choose the right wires for electrical wiring. Many professionals recommend giving preference to NYM. This is an expensive European cable, which, in fact, is not so good. The fact is that its technical conditions for installation do not allow laying wires in wet concrete. Agree, there is no guarantee that the concrete structure will be dry all the time. That is why it is better to give preference to domestic cable. The most common options are VVG and PUNP. The first has reliable insulation and a high price. The second is a more budget option, which, if properly installed, will not have any complaints. All proposed options are single-core. Electricians can immediately say that, they say, this is unreliable. However, the point here is that a stranded cable in the wall also does not give any guarantee, but its price is several times higher. You may encounter difficulties when using a PUNP cable. This is due to the rigidity of the wire. But with some effort, you will succeed. If you are doing your own wiringhands, then, in any case, you should prepare for difficulties, and then enjoy the result.
Conclusion
Do not forget that before starting work it is necessary to completely de-energize the apartment. To do this, the edges are turned out or the machine is turned off. But even in this case, it is necessary to understand that a de-energized wire can be energized at any time. For this simple reason, you must follow basic safety rules: do not touch the cable with open parts of the body, clothes.
As for chasing, it is a very laborious, dusty and noisy job. Strobes, by the way, must be strictly horizontal or vertical. Performing inclined channels is not only unsafe, but also pointless. In addition, coordinate work with neighbors so as not to interfere with any of them.
Laying wires is one of the easiest tasks in the final stage of work. There is nothing complicated here. Pieces of cable and corrugation are measured, then it is pulled along the floor. The ends of the wires in the places of sockets are brought into the holes. All work must be accompanied by periodic putty with alabaster of strobes (every 50 cm). Do not forget that open electrical wiring in the bathroom is unacceptable. Observing all the above requirements, you will be able to carry out installation work with electrical wiring yourself or partially yourself. So you will not only save money, but also get precious experience.
