Electrical Wiring Installation: Learning the Basics
Electrical wiring installation can be a complicated process and home wiring isn’t something to fool around with. Put simply, electrical wiring is a life and death matter. Faulty electrical wiring can lead to personal injury or even death. For this reason, you’ll want to make sure that your home wiring is done correctly. That can be difficult, however, without a basic understanding of electrical wiring installation.
Today, our electrical contractors in Raleigh will be telling you a few basics of home electrical wiring installation that you should be aware of. With this knowledge, you will have a better understanding of how home wiring works and some trouble signs that you should be on the lookout for. As always, if you need any help with electrical wiring installation in your home, call on our licensed residential electricians to help! You can give us a call at (919) 359-1017 or request an appointment online. Let’s get started!
Safety Tip #1: Always Make Sure the Power is Off
The first thing that we want to make you aware of is the importance of never working with home electrical wiring unless the power is turned off first. The key to safe basic house wiring is always keeping in mind the destructive damage of electricity.
Even the most qualified electricians are at risk when they don’t follow basic safety procedures. For this reason, the best preventative measure that you can take when installing basic electrical wiring, or even examining the wiring currently in place, is to always ensure that the power is turned off from the very beginning.
Regardless of whether you are re-wiring your entire home or simply replacing a faulty electrical outlet, be sure to go to the control panel and cut the power to the area that you’re working on. You’ll be glad that you did, believe us!
Have an Understanding of Electrical Code
Following rules and regulations is a huge part of any type of electrical work. Electricity can be incredibly dangerous if it isn’t treated properly and with the right degree of knowledge. Your locality’s codes and regulations regarding electrical wiring installation in residential properties are in place for a reason: to protect you and your family.
Anytime that you are working with basic home wiring, be sure to take the time to study up on standard procedures so that you don’t put the lives of your family at risk. In the event that you’re undertaking a major home wiring project, it’s a really good idea to get familiar with your local inspector. Rather than viewing them as an obstacle, look at your inspector as a valuable resource with which you can work to make sure the job is done right the first time.
Electrical Wiring Installation Components You Should Know About
Aside from local regulations and rules, another thing that you’ll want to be familiar with when it comes to electrical wiring installation is the various components that make up your home’s electrical system. Basically, these include three main components:
Panel Board: Your home’s panel board is essentially your home’s control center when it comes to electrical wiring. Regardless of whether you are installing a new electrical appliance or running wiring to a new addition onto your home, the panel board is the place to visit to ensure that electricity is cut off before starting work. This is also the place that you will install new breakers if you’re undergoing a major home remodel.
Service Entry: Service entry refers to the point in your home where your electrical service goes from the main grid into your home. This is a critical component to consider as there are a few different things you should be aware of. For one, you’ll want to make sure that any and all entry lines are at least 10 feet above the ground and free of any obstructions. Aside from this, you’ll want to make sure your service entry is installed properly so that water can’t penetrate the access point.
Branch Circuits: Branch circuits are the isolated areas of your home in which your panel board directs electrical currents. Branch circuits are the reason you can, for example, cut power to one room of your home while leaving the rest of the home powered on. It’s important to understand how and where each branch circuit operates as this is critical in regards to performing any number of basic house wiring projects.
Always Call a Licensed Electrician for Electrical Wiring Installation
Now that you know the basics of home electrical wiring installation, you may be feeling more confident about taking on the project on your own. That being said, this is far from recommended. As we stated, electrical work can be a dangerous trade and even the most qualified electricians are at risk when they don’t follow proper electrical procedures. While there are a variety of home improvement jobs that you can handle yourself with a little elbow grease and basic knowledge, electrical wiring installation is not one of them.
Unless you are experienced in electrical wiring installation, it’s never a good idea to take on this job by yourself. The safety risks associated are high enough that they greatly outweigh the rate you may have to pay for a certified electrician. It’s always the best idea to hire an electrician for any electrical wiring project. This way, you can rest easy knowing that all your basic home electrical wiring was completed with the safety of your property, home, and family in mind!
Call Right Electrical Services, LLC today for any electrical wiring installation project that you need our skill and knowledge for! You can call us anytime at (919) 359-1017. We’ll be happy to help you!
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.