Electrical Wiring 101

In this article you ll learn how to identify different electrical cable types and their use and how to determine the size of individual wires and their purpose.

Electrical wiring 101.

An electrical box is a plastic or metal box used to connect wires and install devices such as switches receptacles outlets and fixtures. In this video we look at the difference and purpose of the ground wire the hot wire and the neutral wire in a north. For help with circuit design and making connections to your main electrical panel we recommend you consult a licensed electrician. Watch this super informative and detailed full video to learn about electrical in your home and discover how to tackle the most common electrical projects yo.

Alternate 3 way switch wiring diagrams. Wire size is given in its gauge number. Before beginning electrical work gather a basic set of tools designed for wiring. Wires running inside nm cable bx cable or conduit are sized according to each circuit s amperage.

An electrical box is almost always required for mounting devices and for housing wiring splices. In this article we ll show you some house wiring basics how to position outlet and switch boxes and run the electrical cable between them. For example wiring for 20 amp circuits is 12 gauge which is heavier than the 14 gauge wiring used for 15 amp circuits. Electrical wires and cable have markings stamped or printed on their insulation or outer sheathing.

Electrical wire and circuit breakers are designed to work in tandem with one another and each must be of a proper corresponding size. If you try to strip wires using a knife instead of a stripper you probably will nick the copper and weaken the wire. These markings provide important information about the wiring and insulation including the wire size and material the type of insulation the number of wires contained inside a cable and any special ratings or characteristics of the wire. The lower the gauge the larger the wire and the more current it can handle.

Boxes come in many different sizes and several different shapes. Conventional 3 way wiring is not very complex. We won t cover many other house wiring details. The wire and cable aisle at your home center can be a pretty confusing place.

However there is an alternate wiring configuration that could cause confusion. For example 14 2 gauge electrical wire is rated to a maximum of 15 amps and should not be used with any circuit breaker larger than 15 amps 12 2 gauge wiring is rated to a maximum of 20 amps. Electrical 101 electrical information for the home and office including switches outlets plugs ballasts troubleshooting light bulbs basic electricity.