An electrical distribution system is required to deliver electricity to home appliances and fixtures. The design draws its power supply from the local distribution grid and provides it to the consumers. Your home’s distribution system consists of a circuit breaker box, fixtures, and outlets.
A good electrical distribution system offers convenience and safety to homeowners. An ideal electrical system should be safe, have minimal fire hazards, and prevent its components from overheating. It is challenging to design an electrical system that fulfills the criteria. In this article, we will discuss the elements of electrical systems and how to make these systems efficient.
1.  Get Rid of Aluminum Wires
Homes of the 1960s and 1970s used aluminum wiring that would quickly rust and cause fire hazards. Modern houses use safer alternatives, such as copper, which has higher conductivity and flexibility. Copper does not corrode as fast as aluminum. When exposed to oxygen, aluminum forms a layer of aluminum oxide, making it more susceptible to eroding. Copper wire’s tensile strength is 40% higher than aluminum wiring, making it more stable and less likely to break.
Aluminum is also more susceptible to thermal expansion than copper. The electric flow causes the wires to heat up and expand. Once it cools down, it contracts. The constant change in the size of the aluminum wire causes it to loosen out of the terminal screws which hold the wirings together. Loose connections can overheat and cause electrical fires. Replace aluminum wires with copper wires which are less likely to be affected by thermal expansion.
2.  Electrical Enclosures
It is so vital that electrical enclosures secure your electrical distribution systems. Electrical enclosures are like cabinets that prevent external electrical devices from getting damaged and mitigate the propagation of an explosion. These enclosures also protect the systems from harsh environments, so distribution devices are less likely to halt. Without them, dust covers the wiring and causes it to heat up. Enclosures extend the electrical systems’ lifespan.
3.  Correct Fuse Sizes and Wire Gauze
If the wiring and fuses are different sizes, they may not manage the electrical current flowing through them. A fuse prevents damage when excessive current flows through it. A wrong-size fuse causes the wiring to overheat, creating a fire risk. An undersized fuse may restrict power at low currents, and the circuit may not operate, while an oversized fuse may cause excessive current to flow through it, causing fires.
4.  Install Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs)
An AFCI is a fault-detecting device that breaks the circuit when it detects arc faults caused by damaged electrical equipment. This protects the electrical devices from catching fire. Some common examples of arc faults include overheated wires, wires pinched by furniture, or loose wire connections. AFCI can detect these arc faults and shut the circuit to prevent devices from any hazards.
Endnote
An excellent electrical distribution system can ensure safety. It makes our devices safe by stopping sudden surges in the electrical system. You won’t have to face dreadful outages or downtime often if your electrical distribution system is excellent. You must install the above protective equipment from the beginning, and you can save your system from deteriorating. It is easy for electrical devices to catch fire or get overheated, but there are always solutions that make your house more secure.
