What is Batten Wiring? Types, Applications and Advantages

The electrical wiring where the wires or a bundle of wire is laid over batten is simply the batten wiring system. Batten is a square-shaped long flat strip that is used to hold things in place. It fastens the thing that is holding against the wall. Battens are made up of wood in general. But metallic battens are also found.

In batten wiring, the insulated wires are placed on the batten, in a straight manner. The battens are fixed on the wall or the ceiling with the help of plugs or screws. Brass link clips are used to hold the wires or the cables onto the battens. The wires are placed onto the batten at a distance of 10 cm and 15 cm from horizontal and vertical runs respectively.

The batten wiring system requires very less material to get installed. Straight wooden battens are preferred for this wiring system. The used battens are straight and have a thickness of approximately 10 mm. The cables that are used for batten wiring are CTS or TRS. Brass pins and tinned brass link clips are used to keep the cables on the battens. The use of Rawal plug is also found in this wiring system.

The tools that are used in the installation of the batten wiring system are electric drill machine, screws, measuring tape, phase tester, etc. Thread is also used to measure and mark the place where the holes need to be created. The phase tester is used to test the lines.

Batten wiring types

There are two types of batten wiring according to the types of cables used. They are

1. CTS or TRS sheath wiring
2. Lead sheathed of metal-sheathed wiring

CTS or TRS sheath wiring

This type of wiring uses CTS or TRS or PVC cables. The use of these cables provides sufficient safety as they are waterproof, steam proof, and also chemically proved. The distance between the wires is approximate 10 cm and fixed onto the batten by tinned brass link clips. This type of batten wiring system is suitable for low voltage installations.

Lead sheathed or metal-sheathed wiring

This type of batten wiring uses metal insulated TRS or PVC wires. The coating of metal is approximately 1 mm in thickness. The metal used for the sheath or coating is made up of lead which is an alloy of Aluminium containing 95% of lead. These wires are also placed onto the battens and fixed them using tinned brass link clips.

Batten wiring installation

The installation of the batten wiring system is simple and less time-consuming. The plugs are inserted in the holes that are created by the electric drill machine on the wall. The distance between two holes is either 30 cm or 60 cm. Then the wooden battens are installed on the walls and tighten up with the help of screws. The cables are then places on to the installed battens and fixed those using clips and pins. After that, all other connections like the main switch, switches, and lamps are given.

Batten wiring advantages

There are many advantages to the batten wiring system and some of those are given below:

• The installation of the batten wiring system is very simple and easy.
• Batten wiring system is a suitable wiring system for indoor applications.
• The wiring looks so beautiful.
• There is very little chance of leakage current in the batten wiring system.
• The durability of this system is high.
• The materials required for installation are less and hence, the batten wiring system has less installation cost.
• It is easy to customize the batten wiring system.
• TCS or PVC sheathed batten wiring can withstand acidic and alkaline chemical effects.
• The installation does not take a long time.
• The metal-sheathed batten wiring system provides protection to the wires against mechanical injury.
• In damp situations, metal-sheathed batten wiring can be used.
• It is an efficient form of the wiring system.

Batten wiring disadvantages

The batten wiring system has some disadvantages. They are:

• In general, the batten wiring system is not suitable for outdoor wiring.
• The batten wiring system has a high risk of causing a fire.
• No heavy wire can be used in this wiring system.
• It is the best for low voltage applications, less than 220 volts.
• In metal-sheathed batten wiring, corrosion may occur in acidic and alkaline medium.
• If the insulation gets damaged, it can give an electric shock.
• The PVC sheathed batten wiring system cannot be used in damp places.
• The beauty of the batten wiring system losses after some maintenance.
• The installation of the lead sheathed batten wiring system is expensive.

Batten wiring applications

There are many applications of batten wiring is found. Some of them are given below:

• The indoor and domestic wiring is done by the batten wiring system.
• The batten wiring is used in office buildings.

Author

Sunmoni Gohain
NIT Silchar

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