By Dave Rongey Summary:
The following pictures reveal incorrect electrical wiring practices. The correct electrical wiring method is explained with more detailed information and procedures.
Check Out What Others Are Sharing at Ask the Electrician: I'm new to the website, seems to be a treasure trove of information, and I will probably reference it's materials in the future. John from Antlers, Ok, Oklahoma
Electrical Violations and How They Can Be Avoided
Electrical Wiring Video
Electrical Wiring Tips for Home Electrical Wiring Projects - Vol 1
But it's always worked just fine -
This comment may be true for some, however it could be just a matter of time until an incorrect electrical wiring project could turn into a very bad result.
The #1 Mistake with anything is the failure to read and understand instructions, followed next by the choice to not do the project correctly. This creates what could be the start of a very dangerous situation.
Do it right the first time is always my advise, this is why performing all work with a permit and having the work inspected is essential for all electrical projects.
I really admire folks who decide to do electrical wiring projects around the home, but Please don't do work like this!
This is an illegal wiring splice which should have been placed into a junction box and covered with a blank plate.
This 3-prong "grounded'" receptacle is missing a ground wire, worse yet is that one is not found in the receptacle box either.
If a grounded device is connected to this receptacle it will create a hazardous condition and the possibility of electrical shock or worse if a device failure should occur.
If no ground is available, the inspector will require that you install an old style 2-prong receptacle.
I will be adding more pictures to help you spot possible problem areas with your home electrical wiring.
»Avoid Costly Mistakes« Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book
Great for any Home Wiring Project, Perfect for Homeowners, Students and Electricians!
Learn more about Residential House Wiring Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students and Electricians Includes: Home Electrical Wiring - Upgrade Electrical Wiring 120 Volt Circuits 240 Volt Circuits Multi-Wired Circuits Wiring Methods for Installing Home Electrical Circuit Wiring Electrical Codes for Home Electrical Wiring Electrical Troubleshooting and Repairs ....and much more.
All home electrical wiring projects should be performed correctly by trained and qualified individuals who understand the principles of electrical circuit wiring and the basic fundamentals of home construction. Detailed information is provided throughout areas of this website about the complexity of specific projects to help assist with you to understand the scope of work involved.
The following categories will provide more specific information for each project - below is an Example:
Electrical Project Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time:
Depends on the personal level experience, ability to work with tools, install electrical circuit wiring, and the available access to the project area. Electrical Safety:
Identify the electrical circuits found in the project area, turn them OFF and Tag them with a Note before working with the electrical wiring.
Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials:
Electrical parts and materials for home wiring projects should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections:
Installing additional home electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
This is a testing tool that is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
This is great to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring, is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets
Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency
Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included
Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect, Very handy and easy to use.
A wire stripping tool used to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.
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