Final answer:
City wiring ordinances typically require fire-rated cabling to prevent fires in buildings, and this type of cabling mitigates both shock and thermal hazards.
Step-by-step explanation:
Most city wiring ordinances require fire-rated cabling to reduce the risk of fire in buildings. This is often achieved by using cables with higher grades of insulation to prevent overheating and ignition which can lead to fires. The plastic insulation on live or hot wires not only prevents shock hazards but also thermal hazards, as it acts as a barrier against electrical and thermal conduction.
Electrical systems in buildings must be designed with safety in mind, which includes using the appropriate type of cabling that can handle the electrical load without overheating. For instance, for high-power devices like a water heating system with a power rating of P=9x10³W, a cable like 5G2.5 Cu I(F)= 820 is required to safely contain the electrical current without causing any thermal hazard.
Furthermore, electrical appliances and devices are usually rated in amperes, and the cabling and protection devices such as fuses and circuit breakers must be appropriately rated to prevent fire risks. It is these stringent standards that ensure the safety of inhabitants and the structural integrity of buildings.