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How to Update Basement Electrical Wiring

How to update the wiring in a home where the main panel is in the basement with a couple of fuse boxes and replacing this with a circuit breaker box. I am Updating a Basement Electric Panel and Circuit Wiring.


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Basement Electrical Wiring
Electrical Question: I am updating the electrical wiring in my basement and changing from the fuse boxes to a circuit breaker panel.

This electrical wiring question came from: Brent from Michigan.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Brent.

Updating Basement Electrical Wiring

Application: Electrical Wiring for a Basement.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best installed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor or Certified Electrician.
Tools Required: Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools for Rough-In Wiring, Electric Drill and Auger Bits, Extension Cords, and a Ladder as needed.
Estimated Time: Depends on the extent of the basement wiring project and available access to the project area.
Precaution: Any existing wiring in the immediate area that may interfere with the new wiring should be identified, turned OFF and Tagged.
Notice: Installing additional electrical wiring in the basement should always be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.

Updating a Basement Electric Panel and Circuit Wiring

Note: Updating Electrical Wiring is essential for most older homes to make them safer and more reliable.

Brent, you may be referring to what is known as a parallel feed, where there are more than one cable that supplies power to the same bus or phase of power. This is sometimes used to supply power to a main breaker where two cables will be easier to terminate than one larger cable. Consider the following information which may apply to your home improvement project.

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Basement Wiring

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Electrical Codes for Basement Wiring

Electrical Code Directory covering AFCI circuit, electrical-boxes, electrical-circuit, electrical-code-outlets, electrical GFCI, electrical-grounding, electrical-project, electrical-services, electrical-underground, electrical-wiring, electrical-wiring-code, lighting-code, and smoke-detectors.
Electrical Circuit Breakers
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Circuit Breaker and Panels

A guide to home electrical circuit breakers and how they work to protect your electrical wiring. When properly installed, your home electrical wiring is protected by a circuit protection device.

Guide to Home Electrical Wire
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Electrical Wire for the Home

Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.

Using Electrical Testers and Voltage Meters
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Understanding Digital Volt Meters

When working on home electrical wiring using voltage meter can play an important part in electrical safety. Electrical testers and voltage meters enable you to identify electrical circuits and help prevent the possibility of accidental electrical shock.
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The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «

Here's How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book

Great for any Home Wiring Project.
  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.


Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
with my Online Video Course:
Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example


Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

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.


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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

2 Responses to “How to Update Basement Electrical Wiring”
  1. Tawanda says:

    Basement porcelain based single bulb pull chain light doesn’t work. How do I test it? Can you walk me through some possible scenarios with repairs/replacement? Many thanks!

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Tawanda,
    First, lets be sure the light bulb is working by testing it in another light fixture before we proceed.
    How to Fix a Porcelain Light
    The circuit power of a porcelain base light is best tested where the wires are connected to the screw terminals, however lets check a few other possible problems:
    Test the Pull Chain Switch
    If the pull chain switch does not pull and retract normally then it may be repaired by spraying a non-conductive lubricant into the hole where the chain leads into the base, then gently pulling the chain until it becomes free and begins to operate normally.
    Adjust the Center Tab in the Light Socket
    If the pull chain works fine, and the light still does not work then turn off the power circuit to the light, and use a wooden Popsicle stick or similar small non-metal device to gently pull down the center tab of the inner light bulb contact slightly so it may come into contact with the center area of the light bulb. Some light bulbs depress the center tab in the light socket which may prevent replacement bulbs from working.
    Replace the Pull Chain Switch
    I hope this helps you,
    Dave