Not only the functionality of the system, but also the safety of home owners depends on the correctness of the wiring device. Most of the fires occur precisely due to improper operation of electrical communications. If desired, this work can be done independently. How the cable is laid on the ceiling will be discussed later.
Features of the process
Cable laying under the ceiling is most often performed if a suspended or tension structure is installed in the room. Between it and the base a hidden space is formed. It allows you to place here not only electrical communications, but also ventilation pipes, other objects.
It is very important to connect the electrical wires correctly. Otherwise, the operation of the system will be unsafe. A short circuit may occur which will result in fire. It is for this reason that high demands are put forward on the technology of creating electrical systems.
When mounting communications yourself, you must carefully study all the norms and recommendations of specialists. Only in this case will it be possible to create an effective and safe system. You should be aware that poor-quality cable laying on the ceiling in an apartment can not only cause damage to property, but also cost a human life.
Preparatory work
Laying the cable under the ceiling requires some preparation from the master. In addition to certain knowledge of connecting electrical communications, he must carry out a number of preliminary actions.
First of all, it is necessary to evaluate the features of the room. The way the cable is laid depends primarily on the material from which the ceiling base is made. Next, a system plan is compiled. It takes into account the location of the distribution panel. You should also consider the number of fixtures in the room, their type and power. On the plan indicate their location.
In accordance with the total capacity of the system, the necessary type of cable is selected. Its cross section must comply with existing conditions. The greater the power consumption of the line, the thicker the wire will be required. If there are no tension or suspension structures in the room, it is better to mount the wire in the strobe. However, a safer installation method is open wiring. It runs along the surface of the base.
Base material
Laying a cable over a suspended ceiling is an inappropriate solution. It’s easier to hide unseemly communications. However, in this case, it will be necessary to take into account the material from which the base is made.
If the house is built of concrete slabs, you can use ready-made cable channels. They are provided in new homes. However, in the buildings of the old model they are not. You will need to lay the channels yourself. The cable is passed through channels from a special corrugation or other polymeric materials.
If there are metal elements on the ceiling, you will need to lay special plastic pipes on the base.
If the ceiling base is made of wood, hidden wiring is done only in the most extreme cases. In this case, metal pipes are suitable for creating a cable channel. They have a specific design. This will prevent fire hazardous material.
For drywall surfaces, you can use any cable channels. When arranging a stretch ceiling, all junction boxes must be brought out. This will avoid dismantling the canvas.
Cable selection
Laying the cable behind a suspended ceiling requires the correct selection of all elements of the system. Switchboards must be made of non-combustible materials. It is very important to calculate the rated line load.
For this, it will be necessary, according to the plan drawn up earlier, to calculate the total capacity of all consumers of the new line. It should include all fixtures, chandeliers and diode strips. Information on their characteristics is provided by the manufacturer.
Further, the result obtained must be rounded up. In accordance with the power, you should choose the cross section of the wire. A cable with a copper core is suitable in this case. It must have a special self-extinguishing shell. In the event of an emergency, such material will emit smoke, but not burn. This is especially important when creating concealed wiring and on wooden substrates.
Cable Channel Selection
Laying the cable duct over the ceiling is a responsible undertaking. To do this, you need to choose the right material. There are various types of channels for laying electrical wiring.
One of the most common ways to guide the wire to the base of concrete, plasterboard and other non-combustible substrates is a corrugated pipe. It can be made of plastic or metal. In the latter case, the material must be carefully processed. There should be no defects on the surface.
For combustible substrates, special metal and plastic pipes are used. In the first case, the structures are subjected to special processing. They are stained with a special composition not only outside but also inside.
Also, the cable can pass inside a special plastic box. It looks more decorative than pipes. Such cable channels differ in size and operational properties.
Installation of wiring on a wooden base
Cable routing under a false ceiling can be done on a wooden surface. In this case, you will need to use special metal pipes. Corrugations and plastic cable ducts are not suitable in this case. Several cables can pass in one metal pipe.
All junction boxes used in this installation must be rated IP65. They are made of non-flammable material. The cable must not come into contact with the metal surface inside the junction boxes.
Pipes are mounted on the ceiling and connected by welding. All turns and other changes in the direction of the line must be done at right angles. Using a special wire for pulling, the cable is pulled through the pipe. Next, the conductors are connected to the appropriate places in the junction box. The system is connected to ground and RCD.
Metal surface of the ceiling
Cable routing behind a suspended ceiling can be done over a metal surface. In this case, there are a number of requirements that should be considered before starting work. If the base is made of metal or has a certain number of such elements, the wire is passed through plastic electrical pipes.
Junction boxes must also be plastic in this case. Only in very rare cases is it permissible to use metal pipes for such rooms.
After marking, the pipes are mounted on the ceiling. They are joined by gluing. Turns, descents and other changes in the course of the system are performed using special corrugated products. The cable is pulled through the channels and connect their findings in the junction box. Using special equipment, the integrity of the conductors is checked.
Mounting methods on a concrete base
Cable laying on the ceiling can be carried out on a concrete surface. In this case, you can choose several different methods of conducting wires. If the system is hidden under a stretch ceiling, fastening the cable to the ceiling with brackets is unacceptable.
For the concrete base, various cable channels are suitable. It can be a plastic or metal corrugation. It is mounted on the base using special clips.
Metal pipes are more reliable. They can also be used in this case. Pipes are mounted to the ceiling using clamps. It is important to create a sufficient number of fixing points. So the system will be held firmly in place.
Instead of metal pipes, special plastic channels can be used. They will also protect surrounding materials from fire in case of violation of the integrity of the insulation.
Drywall
Several features are laid cable over the ceiling in the corrugation. It should be noted that this material is classified as non-flammable. In this case, you can use almost any cable channels. Installation of a wire on plastic corrugations or using boxes is cheaper.
If the suspended ceiling will also be made of drywall or other material that restricts access to the electrical system, it is necessary to consider its quality protection. In this case, junction boxes should not be left in the space between the base and the decorative canvas.
Insulation channels must be of high quality. The ceiling cannot be sutured before a quality inspection is carried out. Insulation resistance is measured before operation. It is also important to install grounding and RCD.
Common mistakes
The cable laying on the ceiling must be performed in accordance with SNiP. Many masters make a number of mistakes. Some installers neglect even the most important rules.
In some cases, the craftsmen do not lay wires in pipes, channels. Switchboards are made from inappropriate materials. Another mistake will be the connection to such a line of additional electrical appliances.
Many make mistakes when choosing a cable section. You cannot save on this material. Otherwise, the wire will overheat. Over time, the insulation around the core breaks down. This leads to fire, electric shock. It is very important to provide grounding in the system, the presence of circuit breakers.
Having considered the main recommendations regarding how the cable is laid on the ceiling, you can create your own reliable system. It will comply with existing building codes.