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Basic Electrical Wiring Methods Explained


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Summary: The following pictures reveal incorrect electrical wiring practices. The correct electrical wiring method is explained with more detailed information and procedures.

Electrical Violations and How They Can Be Avoided


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!
Open Splice

This is an illegal wiring splice which should have been placed into a junction box and covered with a blank plate.

Click Here to see the Correct and Legal Solution - The Correct Junction Box and Splice Method.
Illegal open air electrical splice 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.



» Click here to learn more about Home Electrical Wiring «
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Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It 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.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester 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.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use 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..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


Questions and Answers about Electrical Inspection