How to Install Home Electrical Wiring
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9 Steps to Successful Home Wiring: I want to do some electrical wiring projects at my home and save some money in the process, how can I know that I will be doing everything right? © By: Dave Rongey |
A Practical Guide for Home Wiring Projects
Electrical Question: I want to do some electrical wiring projects at my home and save some money in the process, how can I know that I will be doing everything right?
Dave’s Reply:
This is an electric wiring question that everyone should consider when deciding to work on a home electrical project.
Installing Home Electrical Wiring
9 Steps to Successful Home Wiring
1. Plan Your Electrical Project
- Understand what is involved with performing the task. Consider the following information above about installing Electrical Circuit Wiring which contains basic information that should be applied to the project.
- Each project will have several variables and factors that will need to be identified which will affect the project.
- More about Basic Home Wiring
2. Review the Scope of the Project
- When installing electrical wiring you have to understand what you are working with the home structure and all of the other installed utilities of the home, such as plumbing, heating, insulation and other materials and systems.
- Estimate the Time Needed for the Project Which will depend on the extent of the project, the type of construction and available access to the project area.
- More about Electrical Projects
3. Submit Your Plan for a Permit
- When installing, changing or upgrading electrical wiring you must first submit your plans to the local building department who will review your plans.
- Once the plan is approved a permit is issued authorizing the approved installed to proceed with the work. In some locations the homeowner may not perform this work so the plans should be submitted to approved local licensed contractors.
- More about Wiring Diagrams and Wiring Symbols
4. Do It Yourself, Hire an Electrician or Both
- Where it is allowed, you may decide to do the project yourself, hire it out, or do the project with the help of an electrician.
- Determine the Skill Level of all of the phases of the project. Can the project be performed by a Beginner, or does it involve Advanced knowledge and Experience?
- There will be a wide range of home electrical projects that most of us will be faced with, and with each project we must comply to all of the national and local regulations and our personal capabilities to perform these tasks, and consider when the project may be best installed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor or Certified Electrician.
- When selecting a local electrician, consider one who is licensed and has a solid background and reputation in your community. Ask to see their credentials and inquire about recent testimonials or clients who you may contact as a reference.
5. Safety on the Job Site
- Safety is extremely important and extends to everything about the project including your exposure to the components of other home systems and the environment of the location and the condition of the construction materials in the general area.
- Practice safety when using hand tools and power tools and read the owners manual that cane with all tools. Safely installing new materials and components.
- Safety Devices including Protection for your body including your head, eyes, ears, hands, nose and lungs.
- Take safety measures for yourself, but also be sure to protect the area you are working in, and others who may be in the same area of the home.
- Any existing wiring in the immediate area that may interfere with the installation should be identified and turned OFF and Tagged.
- More about Electrical Construction Safety
6. Hand Tools and Power Tools
- Having the right tools is extremely helpful to get the project done right and in a timely manner.
- The Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools for Rough-In Wiring consisting of straight blade screw drivers, Phillips head screw driver, an awl, pliers, crimping pliers, needle nose pliers, wire strippers, cable sheath cutter or knife, a level.
- Electric Tools such as an Electric Drill Motor Auger Bits and Extension Cord.
- More about Electrical Tools
7. Electrical Materials
- Select the right materials that are compliant with applicable national and local electrical codes and building codes which must be maintained when installing all of the components of the project.
- More about Electrical Wire
- More about Electrical Boxes
8. Methods and the Electrical Codes
- Just installing something is one thing, but it may not be right. Doing the job the right way is the main concern.
- Installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
- More about Home Electrical Codes.
9. Choosing Resources
- When obtaining information about your project make sure it comes from a reliable source who you can identify as being qualified, has years of experience, and holds credentials that are recognized by your local building authority.
- More about Electrical Material Suppliers.
The following may also be helpful for you:
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
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