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Safety Guidelines For Light Fixture Projects

How to Install Do-It-Yourself Electrical Wiring Projects – As with any project, electrical or otherwise – Safety is most important, then comes knowledge – they actually go hand-in-hand. Understand what you are planning to do and then understand all the safety factors involved before attempting the project.


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Light Fixture Projects and Safety Guidelines
Light Fixture Question: Would you please explain to my 18-year-old son why he cannot take apart and put together electric lights and components from ceiling fans, splicing wires together with screw-on caps and loosely-wrapped electrical tape sitting on a full laundry basket of clothes, creating his own electric setups in his bedroom , some of which he admits are outdoor lighting without grounding that he has affixed to his wall?

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your Light Fixture Question Meredith.
Background: Meredith , a Homeowner from Cockeysville, MD

Hi Meredith – Great Question!
Let me approach this question in a very practical way, and in all fairness will you please sit down together and consider all of the content.

I will be quick to point out that my question is based on years of experience, and the father of two children and my supportive wife.

How to Install Do-It-Yourself Electrical Wiring Projects

So – Has your Son done enough research to understand what needs to be done correctly when it comes to hanging a ceiling fan?

Here are some key concerns about Ceiling Fans that you should be aware of:

If it is it will state that it is which is usually stamped inside the box, otherwise if a ceiling fan is being installed onto an existing ceiling fixture box then chances are that the ceiling fan may one day begin to sag away from the ceiling and eventually it could fall down.

Wrapping Electrical Tape Around the Base of a Wire Nut or a Wire Connector

This is another DIY practice that is taught and is a clear sign of not understanding how to make an electrical splice correctly using proper wire stripping methods and using the wrong wire connector. They believe that a wrap of electrical tape will make up for their lack of abilities or experience. I have NEVER known of or seen a fellow electrician wrap electrical tape around the base of insulated wire connectors. All insulated wire connectors are manufactured to provide adequate protection of the splice when the splice is done properly.
When I see that the wire connectors that come with any fixture does not have a metal spring inside of it, I throw them away simply because the spring provides tension to help hold the splice together, whereas the plastic molded type that does not have a metal spring inside cannot provide the same tension strength.

Building Light Fixtures

Ladder Safety

Now lets talk about your Son’s ambition of Becoming an Electrician

I can’t tell you the number of men and women who I work with remotely as they proceed with home electrical projects, some of which a lot of people may not even attempt, yet others find basic and end up saving themselves a lot of money and then enjoy the fruits of their labor.

I began working with electrical wiring projects at a very early age, then while in high school due to my involvement in the Future Farmers of America the students built and wired several agricultural buildings.
Those years had a great deal to do with my career, along with the encouragement of my parents, which I am very thankful.

I hope this helps you.

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Do-It-Yourself Electrical

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recessed lighting

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Home lighting articles covering recessed lighting, under cabinet lighting, lighting terminology and more.

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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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