Home Wiring Basics
Home wiring is not something to fool around with. It is literally a life and death matter. In order to ensure your home wiring is done correctly, there are a few basics that you need to be aware of.
No Power = No Trouble
The key to safe basic house wiring is always keeping in mind that electricity packs a big, and deadly, punch. Even the most trained professional takes their life in their hands if they don't follow basic safety procedure. The best preventative measure you can take, whether you're installing basic electrical wiring, or just examining the wiring you do have, is to always make sure the power is turned off from the get go. Whether you're re-wiring your entire home or just replacing a faulty outlet, be sure to take a trip to the control panel and cut the power to the area you're working on.
Know Your Electrical Code
With electrical work there is never an excuse not to follow rules and regulations. As mentioned before, electricity can be a dangerous animal if it isn't treated properly. Your locality's codes and regulations regarding residential wiring have been put in place for a reason: to protect you, the homeowner. Anytime you are working with basic house wiring, study up on standard procedures so you don't put your family or yourself in jeopardy. And if you're undertaking a major home wiring project, get familiar with your local inspector.
Components of Basic Electrical Wiring
Besides safety considerations and regulations, the other thing you want to familiarize yourself with is the make up of your home wiring. It boils down to three basic components:
Home wiring is not something to fool around with. It is literally a life and death matter. In order to ensure your home wiring is done correctly, there are a few basics that you need to be aware of.
No Power = No Trouble
The key to safe basic house wiring is always keeping in mind that electricity packs a big, and deadly, punch. Even the most trained professional takes their life in their hands if they don't follow basic safety procedure. The best preventative measure you can take, whether you're installing basic electrical wiring, or just examining the wiring you do have, is to always make sure the power is turned off from the get go. Whether you're re-wiring your entire home or just replacing a faulty outlet, be sure to take a trip to the control panel and cut the power to the area you're working on.
Know Your Electrical Code
With electrical work there is never an excuse not to follow rules and regulations. As mentioned before, electricity can be a dangerous animal if it isn't treated properly. Your locality's codes and regulations regarding residential wiring have been put in place for a reason: to protect you, the homeowner. Anytime you are working with basic house wiring, study up on standard procedures so you don't put your family or yourself in jeopardy. And if you're undertaking a major home wiring project, get familiar with your local inspector.
Components of Basic Electrical Wiring
Besides safety considerations and regulations, the other thing you want to familiarize yourself with is the make up of your home wiring. It boils down to three basic components:
- Service Entry. This refers to the point in your home where your electrical service goes from the main grid into your home. Besides that, make sure your service entry is properly installed so no water can penetrate the access point.
- Panel Board. Your panel board is your control center when it comes to electrical wiring. Whether you're installing a dishwasher or running wiring to a new addition, this is the place you visit to ensure electricity is cut off when you start your work, and where you install new breakers if you're undergoing a major remodel.
- Branch Circuits. This refers to the isolated areas of areas of your home where your panel board directs electrical currents. It's the reason you can cut power to your kitchen while leaving the rest of the house operational.
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