Simple DIY Tips for Electrical Wiring Your Home


 

Electricity has been present in human history since Ancient Greeks. Although it wasn’t utilized the way it is today, they were aware of static electricity by rubbing fur on amber. Some researchers go as far as to believe that found pots with copper sheets were actually batteries intended for lighting in Ancient Rome.

English scientist Thomas Browne first used the term “electricity" in his books where he presented the findings on physicist William Gilbert's work. Namely, in the 17th century, Gilbert used “electricus” for the force created when two materials rub against each other. From Benjamin Franklin to Michael Faraday, scientists were trying to explain and contain the electricity so it could be used for human needs.

It was Nikola Tesla, a Serbian scientist who worked with Thomas Edison and contributed to the commercialization of electricity. What he achieved with alternating current and polyphase distribution system was later developed into the Tesla’s motor by the industrialist and inventor George Westinghouse. Today, electricity is the normal commodity of the civilized world. People depend on it every day and global actions are based on the connectivity provided by electrical wiring.

However, electrical wiring is as dangerous as is magnificent. But simple electrical wiring can be the DIY project in your home if you respect a few tips.

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1. Test for power

The most general rule of all is to check for the presence of electricity in the wires and devices before working with them. When working with electrical installations the first and foremost action should be to create safe conditions. Turning off the power is one step, but not enough.

For example, some wires in the circuit box may still have power. This can happen if the master electrician used the box as a junction for another circuit which is still active. The only way to know for certain is if you check all the wires inside the box with the voltage tester. This will help you identify the powered wires and turn off the appropriate circuit breaker.  

2. Know your amperage ratings

It’s electricity 101 – all electrical installations posses amperage rating. Basically, this means that they have the limit of how much electricity they can carry. If that number is exceeded, the electrical installation can cause damage and present hazard to the property and human life.

Standard household circuits have 15 or 20 amperage ratings, but those used for bigger devices can be 30 and higher. That is why you have to make sure you replace the existing wiring with the appropriate amperage. Any inappropriate action can lead to potential fire due to overheating of the wires.

3. Assure tight connections

Making tight connections will allow for electricity to travel undisturbed. It runs through the conductors which are wires to the contacts that are sockets and outlets. If the connection between the conductors is loose, the transition of electricity won’t go smoothly.

Namely, this will create heat due to friction which can reach extreme levels in cases when those connections are very loose. Tight connections will prevent this from happening and keep your home safe from fire hazards. Remember to always use connectors when linking wires. There is never too safe when it comes to electrical safety.

4. Grounding and polarization

Grounding means that you create a return path for electricity to the earth so it wouldn’t present danger to anyone or anything. This is usually done by adding another wire to the circuit which will serve this purpose. Polarization, on the other hand, is separating positive from negative charge. It makes sure that the current travels along appropriate wires.

The best things you can do to ensure the safety is to read manufacturers' instructions and follow all the diagrams. Grounding and polarization is not something you should avoid to have in place since that will allow you to safely use electricity. If you’re missing the manufacturer’s diagram, contact them directly and ask to send a new one.  

5. Protect the wirings

When you’re done with placing and installing the wirings in your home, the rule is to create safe enclosures. This usually refers to the electrical box which will protect the connections and people at the same time. These enclosures also come with extra safety measures for conductors and devices.

As an additional protection, the box will be another level of ensuring that all the electrical work in your home is safe for the inhabitants. Never be lazy or negligent and leave the wires exposed, especially if you splice them.

Also, secure cables with clamps to the box and don’t let them hang loose even if you took all the precautions when splicing. Wires open to the environment can get damaged and thus present risk and hazard to the surroundings.

6. Think ahead about the positions

Sometimes is hard to predict the arrangement of devices in your home, but some can still be planned ahead. For example, quick airconditioner installation will require already prepared socket at the height of your device. This means that you can control some positions and avoid excessive wiring in your home. Some devices require their own sockets perfectly positioned so they can easily reach them, like stove and refrigerator.

If you want to illuminate your place with a custom-made lighting plan, you should organize the wiring to facilitate this beforehand, if possible. If you have to spread the wires along the walls, use enclosures to hide them and fit with the rest of the interior design.  

7. Finally

Every electrical installation requires knowledge of basics of how the electricity works. If most of the devices, appliances and installations come with the instructions, you should still take extra protective measures. Don't rush things and if you feel even a little bit unsure, consult an expert or hire one to do the job. Remember, when it comes to electricity, the most important thing is to create safe conditions and follow all the rules to the letter.

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