Electrical Safety And Common Sense Practices

Before you do any wiring, you should have a basic understanding of the electrical system in your home.

Electricity deserves respect. You should take safety precautions whenever you work around it, obtain proper permits, and pay strict attention to all code requirements. This does not mean that it is an unpredictable force that must remain shrouded in mystery.

It is actually one of the simplest, most logical systems in your entire house, and can be very enjoyable to work on.

A basic understanding of your electrical system starts with the simplified notion that electricity must travel in circles. It starts somewhere, does some work somewhere else, and needs to return "home". The entire path is called a circuit. Next, you need to learn 3 basic terms:

     Volts: A measure of electrical pressure. In house wiring, it is at a constant of 120 or 240 volts.
     Amps (amperes): It is a measurement of the electricity flowing past a given point. In house wiring, the amperage rating refers to the amount of electricity a wire can handle before the protective system (fuse or circuit breaker) rescues it.
     Watts: Is a measurement of the actual power being used. It is what your meter measures and what you are billed for.

One way to become familiar with these terms is to use them in a basic electrical formula, the only one you will need to know:
                                     Volts X Amp = Watts
With this formula, you can figure out how many amps a 240-volt clothes dryer will need (for example) if it is rated at 7,200 watts (7,200/ 240 = _ _ _). The answer is 30, which tells you how many amps the wire to the dryer will need to carry.

Safety And Common Sense

The grounding system should never be considered a blanket insurance policy against electrical hazards, particularly when you are doing electrical wiring. These safety rules are the most vital aspect of any electrical work.

The circuit. Always deaden the circuit you are working on. Trip the breaker or remove the fuse. Then padlock the box shut or post a sign on it to warn others that you are working on that circuit.

The wires. Before touching any wires, make sure they are dead by checking with a voltage tester.

Tools. When working with electricity, use plastic- or rubber-handled tools.

Damp floors. Never stand on a wet or damp floor while working with electricity. Instead, step on rubber a mat or dry boards.

Touching pipes. Never touch any plumbing or gas pipes when working with electricity.

Ladders. Avoid using aluminum ladders near overhead entrance wires.

Rubber gloves. Wear rubber gloves when working in the service box. A slip of a bare finger could put you in contact with a hot wire.

Service Panel. Make sure the service panel is securely screwed to the wall.It could slip unexpectedly and catch you unaware.

Fuses. Never use a fuse with an amperage rating higher than that specified for the circuit.

Plugs. Always pull the plug, not the cord, out of an electrical socket. Teach children to do the same.

Extension cords. Avoid running extension cords across doorways or other traffic corridors or under rugs.

Grounded fixtures. Never touch faucets or other grounded fixtures while holding an electric razor, hair dryer, or other appliance.

GFCI outlets. When using power tools outdoors or on concrete floors in contact with the earth, always make sure the electrical outlet is GFCI protected.

Voltage tester. After completing any electrical work, turn on the power and use a voltage tester to check your work. Buy 2 or 3 of them and keep them handy.