Home Wiring Basics

Wiring forms an integral component of home infrastructure. It is also a task that has to be executed with utmost care and caution. As far as possible, try to get a professional for doing this job, since it can be a matter of life and death for you and your family. Every year, there are millions of casualties due to poor electrical repair jobs.

Hence, you cannot afford to experiment or fool around. Remember that this is not a DIY (do-it-yourself) project. Hence, please do not attempt to do it yourself, unless you have requisite amount of knowledge. If you still think you can do it, then read the tips only as a reference.

• This is the most important of all tips. No matter if you are changing the wiring of entire house or only adding a new connection, you always need to cut the power supply of your work area.
• Even the smallest of repair work should be done with the power supply disconnected.

• Every locality has its own set of electrical codes, which every homeowner is expected to follow.
• Hence, before you take up any electrical job, thoroughly understand the electrical codes and regulations in your locality.

• The main aim here is to protect the homeowners in the respective locality.
• These codes should not be perceived as a hurdle; instead consult your local inspector to get the job rightly done.

• The first component is the service entry. This is the point from where you receive your personal connection from the main grid.
• The path of the wire that brings electricity to your house from the main grid should always be kept clear.

• There should not be tree limbs or any other obstructions in between.
• These wires should pass at least 10 feet above the ground level, and they should not be accessible from any windows, balconies, or terrace.

• Branch circuits are the areas from where the panel board directs the flow of electricity.
• Panel board is another component. This is the point from where you can inspect for faults in the system.
• Understanding the working of branch circuits is of utmost significance

• Home wiring is often completed as and when the plumbing completes.
• These basics involve the switchboards and fixtures of lights and other appliances.
• However, sometimes, rewiring may become necessary to fit additional fixtures or if remodeling of the house is on the cards.

• Each fixture and switch is connected to the main switch by means of three wires: hot, neutral, and ground.
• Hot wire is the black wire which carries the current from the house to the appliance.

• The neutral wire that is brown in color is used to flow the current back to its place of origin.
• Ground wire is a bare copper wire, which is used to transfer the current to the ground (in case the hot wire fails to deliver the current to its desired destination).

Just knowing the basics is not sufficient to wire the house without any faults and defects. You should take proper guidance from a professional in order to avoid any possible hazards. Also, after completing your work, get it tested from a professional to ensure proper safety.