In the previous part of this article on the KCS Group blog, you learned about the National Electrical Code of Canada in commercial wiring design and a type of design. In this article, I will introduce two other types of design and explain the advantages and disadvantages of each.

2- Busways

The busway is a type of wiring that has a metal casing. This design includes factory-pre-installed bus bars. Fluxes may have insulated or bare conductors in some configurations. You can also embed them in a rail system accommodating multiple wire types, including feeders and plugs.

Advantages of using Busways in commercial wiring design

• You can get busways in different sizes (diameter) and amperage from 60 amps to more than 4000 amps. The main advantage of busways is that they are easily accessible anywhere in Canada.
• Busways and bundles are well-sized compared to multiple conduits for the same load. This advantage makes it more economical in some applications, especially in existing buildings.
• Busways have long performance and reliability. Adding or changing load take-off points is simple and convenient with plug-in busways.
• When looking at channel applications, a circuit is only as strong as its weakest component. With the busway channel feeder, you will have up to 50% less voltage drop than a standard white strip.

Disadvantages of using Busways

• Busways are the most cost-effective way to move large numbers of signals or data at high speed, but it is essential to determine where the installed costs will be effective. Since busway routes can include many bends, you will experience varying installation times.
• You cannot use busways in places that have physical damage. Busway installation requires an electrical conduit for termination, and you must install a durable above-ground junction box.
• There is limited space for a busway plug when you need a vertical rack. This system can fit into any configuration where space is limited by high-density mounting rails and back-to-back and side-by-side mounting of multiple racks.
• Double-walled busways save space by eliminating ducts and raceways, provide easy access to relay devices, and allow lighting and patching.

For more information about this type of design, I recommend you get help from KCS Group’s expert consultants.

3- Cable assembly

Cable assemblies, also known as wire harnesses, consist of multiple conductors and bare and insulated phase wires with an insulated and bare equipment grounding conductor. These are enclosed in a metallic or non-metallic casing. Cables are factory assembled for easy installation. Check out KCS Group’s selection of wire and cable sets. We offer standard cable assembly products in various conductor configurations.

Standard assemblies are usually supplied with THHN/THWN or XHHW-2 conductors. The most common types used in the design of wiring for commercial buildings are:

• Armoured cable (AC type)

Armoured cable is usually used for branch circuit connections between lights, electrical outlets, and different drops. This cable is generally used in institutional, industrial and commercial projects. You can use a metal sheath of steel or aluminum armour.

• Metal sheathed cable

Metal-sheathed cable is an underground wiring method for permanent installation. This low-voltage cable comprises insulated wires or wire bundles that feed and protect a continuous metal sheath of steel or aluminum to lead or copper. You can often use MC with direct burial, but it can also be suitable for the dry conduit.

• Metal insulated cable with the metal coating (MI type)

We use mineral-insulated wires in the electrical industry instead of traditional steel cables. The magnesium oxide coating on the conductors is seamless, so it lasts longer than other types of insulation. It makes it a good choice for situations like adapting to emergency systems.

• Non-metallic coated cable (NM, NMC, NMS types)

You can use non-metallic sheathed cables in residential and light commercial construction. Cables rated at 300 volts or less will likely be non-armoured non-metallic cables. In typical household construction, you can use a 2-wire NM cable as a service entry cable and a 3-wire NM cable as branch circuits.

• Service input cable (SE, USE type)

We use the service input cable to distribute electricity from the service drop to the branch circuit board. The service input cable has a voltage rating of 125/250 volts AC, with a voltage of 90 amps (CMR) or 60 amps (CM). We usually install it in attics and crawl spaces, which are not subject to physical damage.

• Underground feeder and branch circuit cable (UF type)

The underground feeder kit has an underground feeder, a cable clamp, hardware and an instruction manual. This set protects underground cables in adverse conditions and places where work is difficult. The mounting area protects nails or rodents digging into it. You can also use this set of underground conductors for outdoor direct burial feeders and branch circuits to detached garages.

Advantages of using cable sets in commercial wiring design

• It has a low and one-time installation fee to install your new security system.
• Installation time is faster; you can also reduce the operation noise and vibration by 50% compared to traditional types.
• Factory assembled, these models are thoroughly factory tested to ensure a trouble-free installation.
• The Type MI safe is fire resistant to temperatures over 1230°F for 30 minutes and has an excellent NIJ Class 350 rating.

Disadvantages of using cable sets

• It needs to be supported and secured at shorter distances
• It remains unchanged after installation
• You cannot install this product in places that have physical damage. 
• This item is designed to meet your needs and requires a unique release process.
• Their smart and simple design makes flat cable assemblies easy to manufacture. They have connectors that allow cabling from the board, and you can terminate them with various connectors.

Now that you are familiar with the types of commercial wiring design, it is better to contact KCS Group experts for more information and to choose a suitable design.