Here are some key facts your electrician would like you to know if you want to install a light fixture, or run rough electrical for an addition.
Do Not Ignore Warning Signs
The most important thing an electrician will ever tell you is to never ignore warning signs in your electric system. It’s vital that you pay attention to any issue, whether it’s an electrical socket making a popping sound, a light switch running extremely hot or a breaker which won’t reset.
As long as you don’t let them fester, the majority of electrical problems are relatively easy to resolve.
Understanding GFCI
Electricians are often called to fix bathroom circuits. Code requires that all outlets located within six feet from a source of water be protected with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt (GFCI). These interrupt power if a circuit has lost amperage. They are commonly found in bathrooms and outside outlets.
One GFCI protects all other devices “downstream” from it. A GFCI that is triggered in a bathroom will shut off the power to all outlets and lights, even if they are not connected to an isolated circuit. It can get even more confusing if the GFCI is located at the electrical breaker panel itself.
This is a common service call for homes with multiple bathrooms and outdoor circuits.
Overhead Power Lines Are Live!
Overhead lines are not normally insulated. If you see squirrels or birds on the cables, it is because they don’t complete a circuit or offer the current a more direct path than the cable.
Because they are so high above the ground, this is not an issue unless they fall or a worker comes into contact with them while trimming a tree. Since they are high up, it is not an issue until the lines fall or a worker touches them when trimming a tree.
Be aware of overhead lines. It is best to leave any electrical problems to a licensed utility worker or electrician. You should also be familiar with some terms used by electricians.
Know Your Limits when DIYing
It is amazing to have a DIY mentality. This is a wonderful way to get to know your house and improve your skills. It’s also important to understand the limits and boundaries of your abilities.
As a DIY novice, you should only touch electrical components that are outside the wall. You can become a more experienced amateur electrician as you gain experience. This includes adding outlets and fishing cable if the local building department permits it. DIY enthusiasts who are more enthusiastic than experienced can cause problems by tackling electrical projects and then hiding their less-than perfect work behind a layer drywall.
White Isn’t Always Neutral, and Black Isn’t Always Live
These are not best practices. Your electrician knows that a home’s electric system is complex and large. It is possible that dozens of people have worked on the system, some of whom may not have been properly trained or did not follow code. When you open an electrical outlet you might find a bird’s nest made up of electrical tape, wire nuts, and wires.
It doesn’t mean that you can’t fix it. But you must be cautious and avoid making assumptions. Use a non-contact tester to confirm that the line is dead.
Low Voltage Doesn’t Mean No Risk
We won’t tell you that working with a low voltage system is just as dangerous as the electrical breaker panel. Electricians want you to take some basic precautions.
You’ll learn best practices for working with higher voltage wiring if you treat low-voltage wire as a standard. Your electrician in Tauranga will also remind you that the current, not the voltage, is the most dangerous. Even low-voltage wiring may draw more current than is safe.
It’s common for installers to fall off a ladder when working with low voltage wiring. Remember to secure connections! The spark of a low-voltage junction that is not properly secured can ignite combustible material just as easily.
You can avoid this danger by doing your job correctly and not doing anything foolish like storing oily rags near a low voltage device.
Vampires Are Real!
Okay, so vampire drawings really exist. These items will drain your wallet of dollars, not blood.
Electrical devices in “standby” and remote-controlled items need constant power to awaken quickly. Chargers for laptops and phones draw power when they are not connected to their devices.
Protective Gear is Only Effective if It Has Been Made Properly
Rubber is an excellent insulator. Many DIYers know this and wear rubber gloves and boots before they tackle electrical problems. Most household rubber is not pure. Manufacturers add additives to increase durability in order to keep prices low. Use safety gear if you’re counting on rubber to protect you from electrical charges. Here are some safety tips aimed at parents.
Have you seen a film or TV episode where an electric line fell on a car, but the passengers were safe? This is true, since tires are excellent conductors. Electricity travels to the ground via the tires, bypassing the interior.
Make quality insulators a part of your protective equipment kit.
It’s Impossible to Install a Three-slot Receptacle Without a Ground Wire
It’s tempting, if you have outlets with two slots, to replace them so that you can plug three-prong plugs. Don’t replace your two-slot outlets with three-slot ones unless there is a ground.
Test your outlet with a tester. The lights will indicate whether or not the outlet is properly wired. These testers can be found in home centers and hardware shops. You can easily fix a three-slot socket in an unground box by replacing it with a 2-slot one, as shown.
Never Tape or Hold Down a Circuit Breaker
A circuit breaker works because it breaks the circuit. If a circuit breaker is constantly popping, it’s time to fix the problem.
You will be creating a serious problem if you tape a breaker. Avoid forcing the breaker to stay in contact at all costs.
You Should Definitely Consider Tamper-resistant Containers
Receptacles that are tamper-resistant prevent a child from inserting a foreign object, such as a paperclip. All locations are required to have them, both indoors and outdoors. Use tamper-resistant receptacles. It’s the National Electric Code.
Outdoor Receptacle Covers Matter
Flat covers are only used to protect outdoor receptacles when they’re not in use. Extension cords are often plugged in over a long period of time, such as for holiday lights. The “bubble cover” or in-use covers provide protection at any time.
According to the National Electrical Code, a “wet area” is an area that can be saturated with liquids or water and exposed to weather. Add a cover to the receptacle if you suspect it may be wet. Don’t forget to use a weather-resistant container.
The National Electric Code (NEC) requires that all 15- and 30-amp receptacles are rated weather-resistant, and resistant to tampering when installed in either damp or wet locations.
It’s Not Necessary to Be an Electrical Engineer To Work With Electricity
These tips contain many cautionary statements. They’re not meant to scare anyone away! Most electricians are actually eager to teach homeowners how to perform basic electrical work.
If you’re willing to put in the effort to learn new skills, We can help!
