Is my wiring project safe and to code?

I see so many times where electrical projects are installed without regard to electrical codes and an understanding of some important factors….

Electrical Question from Paul about an electrical  wiring project
[ad#block]Question: I have just wired up my shed coming off the main circuit board in the house to one in the shed which has two circuits, one for lights and one for sockets. When I turn on the power all is ok and there is power at all of the outlets but when i plug in either a single light bulb or just a radio then the circuit breaker on the main board trips. I have tried using different fuses but the result is the same the breaker trips on the main board but never in the shed. If I then take out whatever I had plugged in then the breaker stays on. This is driving me round the bend. HELP

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Paul. There are many questions I have about the methods of wiring you used for installing the electrical circuit out to your shed, such as how long is the distance, what gauge and type of wire is installed, direct burial cable  or was conduit used, what type and size  circuit breaker was installed at the house, and of course – last but not least, was this project done by permit and inspected for possible code violations? Sorry to be firm, but I see so many times where electrical projects are installed without regard to electrical codes and an understanding of some important factors. I hope this does not identify you, but if it does then the project needs careful evaluation to find out what is really happening in order to get it corrected.

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220 Volt Wiring Diagram

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Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring: » You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. 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 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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