Electrical world

It's time to tackle some wiring projects in your home, but where do you begin? It's important that you know what you're dealing with before you start, so a little lesson in 'Wiring 101' is in order. From understanding the different types of wires you'll find to installing switches, outlets, and a few major appliances, let's look at the basics of home wiring.     01 of 09     The Common Wires in Your Home     Before you begin your first DIY electrical project, you should learn a little about the wires you'll be working with. Wires vary greatly and each is designed for a purpose.     The wiring in your home is chosen to accommodate the load it must carry as well as the conditions it will be exposed to. Some are designed for indoor use while others can be buried. Some are for your panel while others hook up your lights and outlets.     It may be confusing at first, but you will probably deal with only a few types of wire in your home.     02 of 09   

Most of us have some lighting outside our home that belongs to us, and that we control. Porch lights or security lights, for example. A lot of people also like to add outdoor lighting as part of decorating for the holidays -- some at Halloween and even more at Christmas. We all like to be safe too, and to keep our house, our family, our pets and our guests safe too -- even if they're only staying long enough to pick up some candy or sing a carol. That means that we want the lights, power cords, controls and everything else associated with our outdoor lighting to be done with safety in mind. There's one thing that isn't true about lighting, and electrical connections in general, but that many people believe, is that a temporary setup can be done without much regard for whether it's really safe, or "up to code," or not. That's not so. Because they're not permanent installations, temporary lighting and power connections can be more dangerous. The Nation

With the warm weather on the way, it's time to take a look at some of our outdoor lighting, receptacles, and wiring. With rainy days to come, wiring and devices need to be checked for safety and functionality. Here are some great articles to address these topics.     01 of 09     Outdoor Lighting and Receptacle Codes     Alexander Hafemann/Getty Images     With any electrical installation, there are some electrical codes that must be followed and outdoor electrical installations are no different. Here are a few outdoor lighting and receptacle codes that you will need to know before wiring your home or making room additions.     02 of 09     Outdoor Motion-sensor Security Lighting     Every home has dark spots around the outside of their home. The areas that need special attention are the entry points, mainly the entrance doors. You may choose an outdoor light that requires that you manually turn it on and off. These type, however, don't provide lighting on your trip into

Direct burial cable is a special type cable that is designed to be run in a trench underground without the use of conduit to surround it. The electrical wires are encased in a thermoplastic sheath that seals out moisture and protects the wires within. As many of your homes have, overhead service entrances were the power entrance of choice for years.  the downfall is wires running overhead, poles in your yard and the possibility of snagging a power. Usually, triplex aluminum wire was used to run from the power pole to the service entrance weather head feeding your electrical disconnect, that eventually powers your electrical panel in your home. The choice of running underground with direct burial cable is an appealing way to power your home without the unsightly wires showing. But placing power lines underground presents its own unique problems, mainly with digging. before you dig, be sure to have the power lines, cables, phone lines, and gas lines marked. Most just call 811 for the

IThe kitchen is the room that uses the most electricity in the home, and for this reason, it requires several electrical circuits. While a bedroom or other room may be served only by a standard lighting circuit that provides all the power for lights and plug-in devices, it's not uncommon for a kitchen to have five or six circuits, or even more if there are many hardwired electrical appliances. Here is a list of the most commonly used circuits in a kitchen.     01 of 07     Refrigerator     Modern domestic kitchen     Inti St Clair/Photodisc/Getty Images     As we get larger and larger appliances, the load demand increases in our homes. A modern refrigerator requires a dedicated 20-amp, 120/125-volt circuit. You may currently have a smaller refrigerator plugged into a general lighting circuit, but during any major remodeling, a dedicated 120/125-volt circuit should be installed.     For this dedicated 20-amp circuit, 12/2 NM wire with a ground is required for the wiring.    

It is commonplace for homes today to have three different circuits supplying the laundry room. The first is a 20-amp circuit to supply the 120-volt power for the washing machine. The second is a 30-amp dedicated circuit for running an electric dryer. The third is a standard 15-amp lighting circuit that likely supplies light fixtures in other rooms as well as the laundry area.   Washer Receptacle The 120-volt, 20-amp circuit supplies a receptacle for the washing machine. It is typically wired with 12-gauge, 2-wire cable containing a hot wire, a neutral wire, and a ground wire. The receptacle is a standard 20-amp receptacle. What's special about this circuit is that it is a designated circuit, not to be confused with a dedicated circuit. While a dedicated circuit supplies only one appliance, a designated circuit is intended for a single use, not a single appliance. The use in this case is laundry, and you can plug both a washer and a gas dryer into the same receptacle. Of course,

Question: Electrical Wire Sizes What sizes of wire do I need to wire the various appliances in my home? This seems to be a common question asked on a regular basis. Let's examine some appliances that need tobe wired. Answer: Electrical wiring is installed to provide a wide range of power options in your home. It is used for lighting, receptacles to power things like TV's, stereos, curling irons, and hair dryers. The wiring also feeds a variety of appliances, both big and small, throughout the home. These include ranges, ovens, refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, microwave ovens, washers, dryers, toasters, blenders, pizza ovens, coffee pots, and crock pots, just to name a few. Installing the proper sized wire is essential for proper operation and electrical safety. The links below will help guide you through both wire sizes used and installation of many of these appliances.     Wire Gauge and Ampacity In order to install any electrical wire installation, the proper wi

The do-it-yourselfer sometimes runs into electrical mishaps around the home. Sometimes you may have to repair an electrical connection or you may have to wire a replacement.  Either way, it often requires that you deal with the electrical wiring. These tutorials will help you through the process of dealing with all things electrical with ease.     01     Direct Burial Cable     Brightly coloured wires comming out of a plug.         Some cables are meant to be run indoors, while others are meant for weathered areas and underground like direct burial cable. Direct burial cable can be installed underground without being installed in conduit. The utility company often runs underground services using this method.     02     Common Types Of Electrical Wiring Used In A Home     Your home is wired with different types of wire. Each has its specific use to accommodate the load and conditions it is exposed to. Let’s examine what each type is and how it is used in the home’s electrical sy

It’s hard to imagine that a swimming pool has very intricate electrical requirement and they are by no means simple. Water and electricity make a deadly mix so watch out! This is not something for fun and games. This is why professional electrical contractors always follow strict protocols when doing the wiring for swimming pools. The electric requirements of a swimming pool comprise of a motor, pool lights, and filtering equipment. Electrical Pool Requirements All electrical wiring must be at least 5 feet away from the pool. The wires must also securely run through a non metallic raceway system or must be installed within a conduit. Electric pool equipment must also be installed in rooms or pits that have adequate drainage to prevent water accumulation. There must always be a failsafe method to disconnect all ungrounded conductors and the disconnection method must be accessible at least within 50 feet of the equipment. We all love to have underwater lighting in our swimming pools.

Electrical troubleshooting essentially means to find the place that is creating the problem and then fix it. The reason it is not easy as it sounds is that most often a large amount of the wiring runs in the ceiling or between the insulation in the walls. Therefore, locating the exact problem is no easy task. Your electrical system can troubleshoot and give you signals such as an electrical outlet not working, a circuit breaker that always kicks in and shuts the power or even blinking lights. These electrical problems can come about due to a short circuit in the breaker or in the wiring or rather because the receptacles are dead due to a tripping GFCI that won’t reset. Electrical issues are not to be explored by those without the professional knowledge to safely troubleshoot - electricians are there for a reason, don't hesitate to use them! Yes, of course home electrical problems may just require you to reset the circuit breaker or just check a few connections. If not, please b

Electrical troubleshooting essentially means to find the place that is creating the problem and then fix it. The reason it is not easy as it sounds is that most often a large amount of the wiring runs in the ceiling or between the insulation in the walls. Therefore, locating the exact problem is no easy task. Your electrical system can troubleshoot and give you signals such as an electrical outlet not working, a circuit breaker that always kicks in and shuts the power or even blinking lights. These electrical problems can come about due to a short circuit in the breaker or in the wiring or rather because the receptacles are dead due to a tripping GFCI that won’t reset. Electrical issues are not to be explored by those without the professional knowledge to safely troubleshoot - electricians are there for a reason, don't hesitate to use them! Yes, of course home electrical problems may just require you to reset the circuit breaker or just check a few connections. If not, please b

When it comes to electricity and using electrical appliances, our general premise is that if the lights come on and the toast gets done right, there really can’t be anything wrong. Well, here’s the thing, regular electrical maintenance checks give you the chance to avoid power outages, possible short circuits and above all, it definitely gives you the opportunity to avoid expensive emergency electrical problems. Electricians can be easily hired to carry out your electrical maintenance checks. In fact, most households/offices prefer to have an electrician on contract to run these routine inspections. If however, you feel you are capable of running these electrical maintenance checks on your own, then here are a few points to keep in mind. First of all, wear rubber boots or shoes with a rubber sole. You should also stand on a rubber mat as rubber is a great insulator and it protects you from getting electrocuted. NEVER! Wear any wet or damp clothes or have water on your hands when you

Most websites will tell you that installing a generator for your home or office is just easy as pie. There are some sites that even give you DIY instructions. Please be careful. A generator that is not installed properly has the potential to be very lethal and can harm people and property. Power outages in most cases cannot be avoided. Therefore, rather than lose business time, or online time, it is best to be prepared with a backup supply of electricity provided by a generator. You can’t just “plug and play” a generator. You have to have in depth knowledge of electrical wiring and installations. The wisest step is hiring an electrician to do the job for you. However, it is always good to know some general facts about installing a generator. Before the generator is installed, the transfer panel needs to be put in. This is the panel that signals the generator that the main source of power is off and it needs to come on as the auxiliary power supply. Most countries require you to be

A ventilation system is one of the most essential elements of a home bathroom as it serves numerous functions. With the use of ventilation fans, humid air is exhausted to prevent fogging of mirrors and to keep the temperature at an agreeable level. During winter, this system can also act as a source of heat to keep the bathroom warm. Most bathroom exhaust fans are designed to provide illumination and they come in various sizes and styles to fit any room. This system is especially necessary when your bathroom has no ample ventilation because of the absence of windows. If you want to have your bathroom installed with exhaust fans, make sure that you only get services from licensed and experienced electrical contractors to achieve the best outcome. Why Install a Ventilation System? Exhaust fan installation is necessary to get rid of moisture build up that brings several negative effects. Humid air can cause obnoxious odor, damage paints or wallpapers and bend down wood tiles. Additiona

Ceiling fan installation is no easy feat. If not done correctly, it can lead to short circuits or even fires within your electrical wiring system. Ceiling fans run by electric motors therefore you must have sufficient knowledge of wiring and power supply before attempting to install a ceiling fan on your own. It is always a good idea to hire an electrician to do the job for you as this is not something you want to risk making a mistake with. The fan’s motor must be secure and should not be off center. Also, these fans are not light. You must always consider the weight factor of ceiling fans and install them on a strong beam that can hold more than 30 pounds. You also need to make sure that the electrical junction box is strong enough to support your fan's requirements. Ceiling fans also work at varying speeds therefore they must be calibrated and wired accordingly. Some fans also come with lights that function independently from the fan per se. These electrical connections can

Water heaters tend to misbehave every 7 to 15 years. So, rather than be caught unawares and then make hasty decisions to find a replacement, it is always a good idea to be prepared. Tankless water heaters are more popular now as they require less room and are more energy efficient. Traditionally, most houses have water heaters with a tank. This gives you stand by hot water but they use up more energy and are most costly to buy and run. Most often traditional tank water heaters account for 10% - 20% of a home’s water heating bill, which is quite steep when you think about it. Therefore you are better off installing a tankless electric water heater. The advantage of tankless water heaters is that they produce hot water on demand rather than a constant supply of hot water whether it is being used or not. With a tankless water heater, you don’t have to heat water all day long. The best part about tankless water heaters is that they can even result in tax incentives. Here are a few signs

Water heaters tend to misbehave every 7 to 15 years. So, rather than be caught unawares and then make hasty decisions to find a replacement, it is always a good idea to be prepared. Tankless water heaters are more popular now as they require less room and are more energy efficient. Traditionally, most houses have water heaters with a tank. This gives you stand by hot water but they use up more energy and are most costly to buy and run. Most often traditional tank water heaters account for 10% - 20% of a home’s water heating bill, which is quite steep when you think about it. Therefore you are better off installing a tankless electric water heater. The advantage of tankless water heaters is that they produce hot water on demand rather than a constant supply of hot water whether it is being used or not. With a tankless water heater, you don’t have to heat water all day long. The best part about tankless water heaters is that they can even result in tax incentives. Here are a few signs

Solar energy has revolutionized the power industry. Solar power not only helps the environment, it also helps you, the consumer, by decreasing your energy costs significantly. Submit the adjacent form for local electrician estimates on solar panel installation or repair. Solar Panels Solar energy is harnessed from the heat and light of the sun. The power or electricity is produced by the cells in the solar panels. This is in essence the collection point of the sun’s energy. Handling solar panels is a job for professional electrical contractors with the relevant knowledge and experience. Solar power does not have to always be connected to the main grid of your home. There are standalone units that were initially created for people who have their homes in remote areas with no access to the main power grid. These standalone units can be used in homes centrally located as well. You can also store extra energy in the battery to use when there is no sunshine. Connecting the solar elect

Energy EfficiencyPeople are more mindful of using energy efficient sources of power now. The drive to conserve energy also comes from the fact that the cost of energy continues to rise. Energy conservation not only saves you money, but also cuts down pollution. However, it is easy to tell someone to be more energy efficient but it is truly a challenge to decide on which method fits your home and your needs best. Submit the form on your right to receive local electrician quotes on energy efficient solutions. Energy Efficient Ways to Reduce Electricity Consumption Energy Audit First, it is always a good idea to have an electrical contractor run an energy audit of your home. Firstly, this audit will show you how much power you consume and effective alternatives to reduce your energy consumption without giving up on your requirements. Timers For example, you can hire electricians to install timers in your home. Times can be used indoors or outdoors. They can be present for convenien

Wiring problems are common causes of electrical problems and they are usually brought about by utilizing substandard electrical materials and numerous avoidable mistakes. If you want to spare yourself from the high costs and safety risks of faulty wiring, know what these preventable mistakes are and be acquainted on how to avoid them.     1. Improper Subpanels Wiring – Keeping the neutral and ground wires away from each other is the key in preventing this mistake.     2. Sheathed Cable Inside the Outlet Box is Too Long – To obtain the ideal length, the amount of protruding cable after feeding it into the box should only be 2-3 inches before you cut it.     3. Improper Wiring of Three-way Switches – To avoid this, all wires involved must be connected correctly to the switches.     4. Improper Stapling of Cable – Cables must not be stapled too tight as wires inside might short circuit.     5. Wrongly Wired GFCI Receptacles – When connecting wires for GFCI receptacles, spend a consi

Grounding or earthing a wire is a process that prevents hazardous voltages from damaging your equipment and or appliances. A grounding conductor does not carry any current. This neutral wire is connected to the ground or earthed at the mane distribution panel in your home, which has the main disconnecting switch or circuit breaker. Homes that were built before the 1950s may not have a ground wire. However, homes built after the 1950s should have one. If you are unsure of this, then you should have an electrician inspect your home. If your outlets have three prongs then there is a strong possibility that your system has been grounded. However, wiring mistakes can leave the grounding ineffective. A qualified electrician can examine your electrical system with a special testing device and tell you if your system is grounded or not. Grounding your electrical system protects your family and your electrical appliances. Remember that electricity travels the least resistant path. Take your

The electrical panel in your home is the place from where power is distributed throughout the house. The power from the utility company flows to the panel and from there it is distributed to the receptacles. If too much power flows to your wires, they could melt and fires are liable to happen. To avoid an overload of power such as this, the electrical panel will detect any problem and stop the flow of the current i.e.; break the circuit. Properly functioning circuit breakers are very important when it comes to the safety of your home. Your electrical panel will require an upgrade if it is too small, which means that your power demand is more than what your panel can supply. An upgrade will also be required if the panel is deemed unsafe. Older electrical panels are best replaced before any damage is caused. When you add more appliances and devices it is always a good idea to upgrade your panel. Adding central air conditioning, adding a hot tub or a spa, adding another room or adding

An electric meter, which is also known as a watt-hour meter, is an instrument that measures how much electric energy you consume. The meter is calibrated in kilowatt hours and 1 kilowatt hour amounts to the energy that is required to provide 1000 watts of power for a period of 1 hour. The electric meter is not only a means for measuring power but, if required, it is used by the utility company to disconnect power from your home or business. Where would you find the electric meter? Electric meters are installed near power lines and or near buildings. They are generally located outside your circuit board box. The box can be found anywhere from your garage (in newer buildings) to your living room or hallways (in older buildings). If you have trouble locating the box or the meter, consult a professional electrician. The meter itself is placed behind a glass cover case, and the fact that the case is transparent enables you to clearly see the numbers which serve as the measuring device.

Do your breakers trip when you turn on your lights? If so, your home’s electrical system is likely suffering from one of the following problems: Loose Wire Connections The wiring in old switches can come loose and cause grounds and short circuits–both of which can trip your breaker. Turn off the power to your switch and remove the cover to inspect the terminal screws. Check each terminal screw to ensure its tightness. Reseat any loose wires and tamp down loose terminals. Short Circuits Most short circuits are caused by a live wire touching any of the other two wires in your switch. This contact allows additional current to flow through your circuit and overload your breaker. Turn off your switch’s power and remove the cover. Check each wire to ensure there is no contact. Look at the wires’ insulation as well. Deteriorated insulation can cause shorts and grounding. Short circuits can also occur in the wiring behind your wall. Addressing this issue will require the expertise of a p

Short circuits can damage your home and appliances. Here’s a detailed look at what can spark— and prevent — a short circuit. What Is a Short Circuit? A short circuit occurs when part of a wire carrying current touches another wire or part of the circuit and gives the electricity a path of less resistance. For example, if a wire with faulty insulation becomes exposed and touches a metal light switch, current can flow along the light switch and result in a shock. In simple terms, a short circuit gives electricity the path of least resistance between two conductive points. Less distance between the two points means less resistance, which means your short circuit will produce more heat and result in burns and fires. Causes Shorts can stem from a variety of problems. Here’s a look at the most common short-circuit culprits in your home:     Faulty Insulation: Old or damaged insulation allows neutral and live wires to touch, which can cause a short circuit. Nail and screw punctures as w

Definition: Overcurrent is a condition in an electrical circuit when the current (amperage) in the circuit exceeds the rated amperage capacity of that circuit or of the connected equipment on that circuit. Overcurrent may be caused by excessive circuit load, a short circuit, loose electrical wire connection, ground fault or surge power draw from a motor start up. Overcurrent protection is a term given to circuit breakers or fuses. When more current (amperes) runs through a circuit than the wire size of the circuit was intended to accommodate, the circuit breaker will trip to interrupt and open the circuit. Short circuits occur when the hot wire (usually black or red) touches another hot wire or comes in contact with a neutral wire (white). Shorts can also happen if there is a break in a wire in the circuit. Short circuits can be difficult to diagnose since they can be caused by your home's wiring or a load plugged into an outlet. Ground faults are a type of short circuit. They

    Electrical Service Panels & Distribution Circuit Breaker Panel Breakdown See What Connects Inside a Circuit Breaker Panel If you're like most people, an electric circuit breaker panel can be a scary thing. What lurks behind its metal cover plate? Removing the screws that hold the cover in place will reveal the inner parts of the panel, but be very careful as the contents are live and the dangers are real. Circuit breaker panels have all but replaced the electrical feeds of homes, replacing the outdated fuse panels of yesterday. In their day, fuse panels worked wonderfully, that is until we started running more...MORE     01 of 03     Circuit Breaker Types:     Labeled circuit breakers in gas station     Thickstock/Stockbyte/Getty Images     An electrical circuit breaker panel consists of a buss bar that is used to house different types of circuit breakers. Each has a defining role to play inside and these breakers come in many shapes and sizes. Circuit breakers co

    01 of 02     Start with Buying the Correct Circuit Breaker     circuit breaker     20 Amp Circuit Breaker.     If you have tried to reset a tripped circuit breaker and the breaker continues to stay in the "OFF" position or is otherwise broken, it will need to be replaced.     Replacing rail/recess can be a simple process if you use the correct circuit breaker or a frustrating experience involving several trips to the hardware store if you inadvertently try to use the wrong breaker.     In this tutorial, I'll explain how to easily replace a broken breaker. If you want to make short work of this, here's the simple secret. Buy the right circuit breaker manufacturer for your electrical panel!     Yes, like so many things that should be easy, circuit breakers come in non-interchangeable versions depending on the manufacturer. The circuit breaker must match the electrical panel into which it is being installed.     And to make things more fun, some panel/breaker