5 Tips for Home Electrical Wiring
When it comes to electrical wiring for your home, there’s always something new to learn. Electrical wiring is complex and although you may have a good amount of DIY knowledge on the subject, it’s always best to contact a licensed electrician to oversee any of your home’s electrical wiring concerns.
That being said, Right Electrical Services has 10 tips for home electrical wiring that you should know so that you can stay informed on any electrical repair or installation completed in your home. It’s always good to have that extra bit of knowledge- even if you’re having electrical wiring work completed for you by a professional.
The Importance of Smart Electrical Wiring
Electrical wiring can be a complex process and it’s important that it’s done the right way. Why? There are a number of safety concerns associated with improper electrical wiring practices! When electrical outlets are installed the right way, you can count on safety but one little mistake can mean serious dangers. That’s precisely the reason that so many rules and regulations are in place in respect to electrical wiring- safety is key.
Always Test for Power
It is vital that you ALWAYS test electrical wires before working on them. Although you may think that a simple cut to power can prevent you from any danger, this isn’t the case. In fact, you’re at extreme risk for electrical shock.
When you’re faced with a situation of complex electrical wiring, it’s easy to get confused. If your wires get crossed in the process of switching off power to a particular appliance, you may end up tinkering with live wires. This presents a real risk of starting an electrical fire or electrocuting yourself. Use a non-contact voltage detector to individually check each and every wire in the area that you’re working with. This will confirm that no current is running through a wire.
Keep Wiring Connections Tight
Electrical currents travel through wires and the metal contacts of electrical outlets. By keeping tight wiring connections, you can create smoother transitions from one electrical conductor to another. If your connections are too loose, the electrical current can be restricted and cause heat and friction in turn. These loose connections can lead to arcing and create an even larger amount of heat.
Electrical arcs are one of the biggest causes of electrical fires so it is incredibly important to keep your electrical wiring connections tight. Always avoid push-fit connections in your electrical wiring systems as these connections are well known for loosening over time. Opt to use more reliable and secure screw fit terminal connections instead.
Always Box and Clamp Electrical Wiring
The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires that all instances of electrical wiring are made in an appropriate enclosure- an electrical box in most cases. Enclosures possess a very important function in protecting both the connections themselves and the people interacting with them.
This isn’t the place to cut corners! Always make sure to install a junction box if making a wiring splice and use it to secure all cables to the box itself with clamps. This will ensure that the splice itself- and all other connections- aren’t exposed or unsecured leading to unnecessary electrical hazards.
When in Doubt Call a Professional Electrician
No matter how extensive you think your knowledge may be of home electrical wiring practices, it is always best to call a professional if you’re unsure about any aspect of an electrical wiring job. This will save you a lot of trouble in the end as you can be sure your electrical wiring job is done right the very first time.
Our licensed professional electricians at Right Electrical Services LLC are highly skilled in working with any aspect of electrical wiring work and can quickly and efficiently complete any wiring job within your home.
Give us a call today at (919) 359-1017 to schedule a free estimation!
Renee Rose
Renee is a freelance copywriter and blogger known for her expertise surrounding topics like marketing, freelancing, mental health, and more. She has written for hundreds of small business websites and is the Marketing Director here at Right Electrical Services, LLC. Renee believes that when a business prioritizes entertaining, engaging, and informational content for their readers, they can expect a loyal following that trusts their company.