Electricity can be Man’s friend. It is also dangerous. Many, many of the rules will seem picky. The way a rule or guideline gets into the building code is because after years of evaluation with many departments including Fire Marshals, if it is determined a life could be saved if something were changed, it may eventually get into the codes as the proper way to do something to prevent future accidents. They know some guy named “Wilbur” out there is going to do something considered almost stupid or absolutely and out right dangerous. The problem is that many times a person working on the house has never read the rules/codes and is not licensed to work on this safely. Translation, “He doesn’t know what he’s doing”.
This is one part of working on a house that you may not get a second chance. A word from the Wise. 120 volts makes your arm wiggle and it can hurt. Yes, it can also kill. 240 volts usually causes people to fly/jump uncontrollably. Really, don’t even think of doing this if you do not have 600 volt insulated screw drivers, insulated pliers, etc. You are to read this so you can watch the worker and check his work. This is not a class to make you a Journeyman in the Trade.
Breakers
Breakers are the gateway for the electric power in your house. Each breaker allows only so much electricity to go...
Cable Feeds
The electrical service entrance wires (SE) are connected to the structure from the utility company. The service entrance wires can...
Double Tapped Breakers
2 wires on a breaker is wrong. It is often done. That does not make it right or any safer....
Electrical
Electricity can be Man’s friend. It is also dangerous. Many, many of the rules will seem picky. The way a...
Electrical Lighting
On December 31, 1879, Thomas Edison proudly exhibited one of his greatest inventions that he and his staff had worked...
Electrical Outlets and Switches
Todays standard household electrical outlet currently uses three openings, a hot wire, a neutral wire and a ground wire. There...
Electrical Service Panel
The first thing about an electric panel is you have to be able to reach it. 20 years ago somebody...
Electrical Wiring
There are wires that course through the walls and ceiling of every structure. Depending upon the design, wiring can also...
Fuses
Fuses in structures were mostly before WWII. Following that time the breaker was the primary form of an electrical disconnect....
Main Amp Capacity
The amp capacity of electric panels has confused many people. The manufacturer of the electrical box is the one who...
Outdated Breakers
Everything in life ages and has a useful lifespan to do what it was designed for. Some last a little...
Over Heating breakers
When something is wrong, the wires and breakers can overheat. At least there are usually only three things that you...