Electrical Wiring 101

Wires running inside nm cable bx cable or conduit are sized according to each circuit s amperage.

Electrical wiring 101. However there is an alternate wiring configuration that could cause confusion. Wire size is given in its gauge number. We won t cover many other house wiring details. Electrical wire and circuit breakers are designed to work in tandem with one another and each must be of a proper corresponding size.

Electrical 101 electrical information for the home and office including switches outlets plugs ballasts troubleshooting light bulbs basic electricity. In this article we ll show you some house wiring basics how to position outlet and switch boxes and run the electrical cable between them. For help with circuit design and making connections to your main electrical panel we recommend you consult a licensed electrician. Alternate 3 way switch wiring diagrams.

Twisting wires together using a pair of household slip joint pliers is difficult and the loose connection might come apart. The wire and cable aisle at your home center can be a pretty confusing place. Understanding electrical wiring labeling. For example 14 2 gauge electrical wire is rated to a maximum of 15 amps and should not be used with any circuit breaker larger than 15 amps 12 2 gauge wiring is rated to a maximum of 20 amps.

In this video we look at the difference and purpose of the ground wire the hot wire and the neutral wire in a north. Watch this super informative and detailed full video to learn about electrical in your home and discover how to tackle the most common electrical projects yo. Before beginning electrical work gather a basic set of tools designed for wiring. Electrical wires and cable have markings stamped or printed on their insulation or outer sheathing.

Boxes come in many different sizes and several different shapes. If you try to strip wires using a knife instead of a stripper you probably will nick the copper and weaken the wire. An electrical box is almost always required for mounting devices and for housing wiring splices. For example wiring for 20 amp circuits is 12 gauge which is heavier than the 14 gauge wiring used for 15 amp circuits.

The lower the gauge the larger the wire and the more current it can handle. Ground neutral and hot wires explained. An electrical box is a plastic or metal box used to connect wires and install devices such as switches receptacles outlets and fixtures.