Finding the Right Electrical Supplies for Your Project

If you’re working on electrical projects in your home, it’s important to have the right tools. A Staten Island electrical supply showroom will have everything you need to get the job done.

In contrast to big box stores, electrical supply houses offer a more comprehensive selection of products. They also have helpful associates.

Shop for Wires and Cables

Electrical wires are the backbone of every electrical circuit. The proper-sized wiring is necessary to maintain safety regulations and guidelines as set by the National Electric Code. Forgetting to follow these standards can result in serious fire or electricity hazard risks.

When choosing the right wiring, it is important to consider the load requirement and how much current will flow through the cable. It is also essential to determine whether it will be exposed or concealed. Lastly, it is crucial to know the gauge size of the cable and whether the conductors are solid or stranded.

The most common electrical wires are single-insulated conductors and come in various colors for easy identification. These are usually paired with cables to create a complete electrical supply. You can choose between a variety of cords to meet your specific needs from a wide selection of sizes and types. You can even find UL-listed cables with high-temperature and low-smoke ratings to keep you and your employees safe in harsh work environments.

Shop for Switches

When working with electricity, it’s vital to have the right equipment to work safely and efficiently. Look for a retailer that specializes in electrical supplies and can help you find the best options for your project.

For instance, a single-pole switch has two brass-colored screw terminals that control the flow of current through the "hot" wires in the circuit (usually black wires). If your home uses a dual-voltage system, you'll need a double-pole switch with four brass-colored screw terminals to handle both incoming and outgoing power.

Also consider specialty switches that offer new capabilities for lighting fixtures or other appliances. For example, a dimmable switch helps you control how bright or dark you want your light fixture to be. Make sure the switches and outlets you choose are properly sized to accommodate the current they'll be handling. If they aren't, they could overheat and create a fire hazard.

Shop for Bus Bars

A bus bar trunking system distributes electricity with more ease and flexibility than other power distribution methods such as hard-wired cabling. Sometimes called busbar chambers, these metal strips are used in a variety of applications including cellular communication systems, telephone exchange systems, electric and hybrid traction vehicles, military equipment systems, large network equipment systems, power switch systems and other power generation systems.

While there are many different types of bus bars, you will want to ensure that the system you choose can meet your organization's electrical power requirements. The size and shape of a busbar, as well as the material it is coated in, will determine how many amperes of electric current load it can withstand.

Additionally, the adaptability of a busbar system is another important factor to consider as your company may change its source of energy in the future. Some systems allow for this flexibility by using tap-off units that can be added to the system as needed.

Shop for Terminal Blocks

Terminal blocks-also known as terminal connectors, connection terminals, or screw terminals-are modular pieces with an insulated frame that secure two or more wire connections within. They are ideal for designs that require secure, well-organized, and semi-permanent wiring connections that can be easily swapped out for inspection or repair.

A key consideration when shopping for a terminal block is its voltage rating and pole count. The pole count refers to the number of individual circuits housed within the terminal block, while the voltage rating refers to the maximum system voltage that it can safely accommodate.

In addition, you should also consider how the terminal block will be mounted in your design. The most common mounting method is via DIN rail, a standardized metal rail that is commonly used in electrical panels and provided by the electrical supply store. Other mounting options include stud mount, which works by using a molded plastic or conductive plate to hold the terminal blocks in place.