Commercial electrical work usually involves a variety of interrelated elements. Completing these type of tasks requires special expertise as compared to residential work. experience providing commercial electrical installation and repair services. You can trust our team to get the job done to keep your company out of the dark.
Rely on our electricians to handle:
Rewiring and electrical repair
Fan and lighting installation
Outlet and switch installation
Circuit breaker panel upgrades and service
Up-fits for shopping center electrical needs
General troubleshooting and maintenance
understands that electrical problems at a business can stall productivity – whether it’s because of the problem itself or how distracting it may be to have the actual work done. Our electricians have worked with many business owners in many types of commercial settings.
You don’t have to worry, because we will:
Communicate with you about the project, while keeping you in the loop
Be courteous and respectful to the space and your employees
Complete the project or repair in a timely and efficient manner
Remodeling & Renovation Electrical Services
Renovations and remodels, both residential and commercial, are stressful and require a wide variety of work. When remodeling, spaces are adapted, improved, or made larger. The same must be done with your electrical system. Our team offers renovation electrical services that ensures your new space is supported by a modern system that is up to code and prepared to handle the workload of a modern home or business.
Renovation Electrical Services:
Ensuring new wiring is properly extended from the current wiring.
Upgrading any necessary wiring.
Upgrading breaker boxes.
Installation of new lighting fixtures or fans.
COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL SERVICE
CIRCUITRY AND LIGHTING REPAIRS AVAILABLE FOR A VARIETY OF INDUSTRIES
Whether you’re looking for someone to repair the wiring for your jewelry store’s security system or trying to fix the motion sensor lights at your yoga studio
Remodel for:
Installing electrical signage
Replacing circuit breakers
Fixing standby generators
Rewiring overhead doors
Correcting electrical codes
Offers an extensive list of commercial maintenance services. Need lighting switched out in your office? Have a leaky faucet in your restaurant bathroom?
Other popular commercial maintenance services:
Changing air filters
Replacing old door and windows
Electrical repairs
also work on commercial spaces. We are there for exterior services when it is time for an update or fix to your property.
Some of our popular exterior commercial repair work:
Exterior lighting & Parking lot lighting repairs
Power Washing
Electrical service
Electric’s commercial service professionals help you find better solutions for your investment.
Equipment Upgrades
HVAC Controls
Industrial Equipment
Welders
Compressors
Generators
Lighting Upgrades
Don’t let your commercial electrical needs cost you more time than necessary, Electric today and let one of our certified technicians assist you in correcting your problem, or helping you decide on your best solutions. Commercial service most reliable way to ensure your building is fully functional, at a price you can afford. Customer satisfaction is always our number one goal.
Whether it’s a row of lights that have suddenly shorted out, or a full power outage, the certified professional electricians here to help resolve any issues you may experience.
you can be sure that your buildings electrical is in good hands. We have over 20 years’ experience in the field of commercial service, and can diagnose any situation, or upgrade your equipment to more user-friendly components to simplify your life. When dealing with commercial properties, outdated or poorly performing equipment could be costing you thousands of dollars per year.
Commercial, residential and solar electrical work
Electric provides highly competitive electrical services for commercial, residential and solar electrical work. With a team of experienced electricians, we work efficiently and thoroughly, allowing us to deliver competitive electrical quotes with top-notch quality work.
All of our industry-certified electricians possess years of on-the-job experience and are committed to keeping up with the latest advances in the field. There is no job too big, or too small. They assess and resolve any electrical issue for commercial, industrial, residential and solar projects.
Repairs
Installations
Build-outs
Electrical Audits
Commercial
Retail & Office Tenant Build-Outs
Inspections, Reports & Corrections
Emergency Electrical & Lighting
Lighting Updates & Ballasts
Telephone & Network Wiring
Electrical Experience
Every electrical job is different and each has its unique challenges. The collective experience of our electricians has equipped us to handle any challenge which may appear at a job site. Whether you have us wiring an entire shopping mall from scratch or need electrical repair service for existing work.
residential electrical services track record is just as impressive customers whose trust we’ve earned with quality work and the highest levels of professionalism.
Life as we know it will soon change for Singapore once the Covid-19 circuit breaker is lifted as we enter into three different reopening phases, which will be rolled out progressively after 1 June. Things won’t go back to ‘normal’ anytime soon, though. Even now, as we adjust to working from home, donning face masks to step out of the house, and connecting with our loved ones virtually, we can’t help but yearn to return to our pre-coronavirus routine.
So to keep us going, we’ve put together a wish list of sorts – something to look forward to once we reach a new normal. In the process, we found ourselves reminiscing about things we might have taken for granted. We’re not talking about partying in clubs or being sandwiched in a crowded train or bus; but rather, reconnecting with our loved ones and friends. If you’re feeling anxious or down in the dumps, putting together a list of things to do in a post-pandemic world can actually be beneficial!
Keep in mind these safety guidelines to avoid the spread of Covid-19.
It might have felt like an eternity but can you believe we’ve made it to July and now we’re in the midst of Phase 2? As the government eases the circuit breaker measures, it’s vital that we stay on guard and follow all safety measures and protocol. In case you need a breather, the virus can transfer via close contact with an infected person when they cough or sneeze. The infected water droplets can also spread when you touch your mouth, nose or eyes after touching infected surfaces or objects.
Yes, most establishments have enforced the SafeEntry check in system, strict safety measures and SG Clean certifications, but remember that we can all do our part to avoid the risk of transmission. To help you, we’ve compiled a list of safety guidelines to note. The key is to practise safe distancing, avoid crowded areas and minimise time spent outside.
Where Is The Circuit Breaker In My RV? Common RV Electrical Issues and How to Fix Them
Perhaps you’ve noticed that the lights in your travel trailer dim unexpectedly. Maybe your air conditioner doesn’t sound right, or the food in your refrigerator isn’t staying cold. These and many more issues may point to an electrical problem. It’ll likely have you asking, where is the circuit breaker in my RV? Fortunately, you can identify—and fix—many issues quickly and cheaply.
A Lesson in Power
Class A motorhomes and smaller campers typically run on both AC and DC power. The former is your electrical hookup at the campground. It runs the energy-demanding thing like your air conditioner, refrigerator, and other appliances. The latter takes care of lighting, your thermostat, and other components through a 12-volt battery. Your travel trailer may also have propane.
The next thing you need to understand is how to calculate the power needs and usage of your rig. The number of watts describes that figure. Volts is a measure of the electrical force. Amp is the flow. The equation to determine power equals volts times amps. You can get that information from the back of your appliances or in the owner’s manual.
Determining your maximum wattage allows you to stay within the correct range to avoid losing power. Most sites have either a 30- or 50-amp hookup for 120-volt electricity, sometimes, both. Knowing which you’re using is an essential step to avoiding power issues. All it takes is some simple math and knowledge of what you have in our RV.
What Triggers Electrical Problems?
When you see issues crop up, it’s often a symptom of something else that’s going on that you need to fix. Sometimes, the cause and effect are evident, like running the microwave while someone is drying their hair. Other times, it’s a mystery that requires some detective work. The things you need to determine are whether it’s in the rig or outside of your control.
developing a new generation of digital circuit breakers
Mechanical circuit breakers have been the gatekeepers of household electricity supply for around 150 years, but disruptive forces may be on the verge of upsetting this long-established technology.
technology start-up has developed a digital alternative to traditional circuit breakers, which threatens to displace its analogue ancestor by offering higher standards of control and insight into electricity monitoring.
The solid state circuit breaker is a response to emerging trends in global energy markets and aims to satisfy growing demand for “grid-edge intelligence” from both consumers and power network infrastructure.
“Software is appearing in all aspects of every industry today, and it just doesn’t make sense to have an analogue, mechanical device in something so central as the entry point for electricity in a home,”
“No-one has solved that challenge before now. Very little has been done in this area of the market when it comes to the digitisation or software control of electricity.”
Electrical safety
Electricity can be hazardous. Insulation, earthing, fuses and circuit breakers help to protect us from electrical injury. Electrical energy is current multiplied by voltage and time.
Fuses
The fuse breaks the circuit if a fault in an appliance causes too much current to flow. This protects the wiring and the appliance if something goes wrong. The fuse contains a piece of wire that melts easily. If the current going through the fuse is too great, the wire heats up until it melts and breaks the circuit.
Fuses in plugs are made in standard ratings. The most common are 3 A, 5 A and 13 A. The fuse should be rated at a slightly higher current than the device needs:
if the device works at 3 A, use a 5 A fuse
if the device works at 10 A, use a 13 A fuse
Circuit breakers
These are automatically operated electrical switches that protect electrical circuits from overloading or short circuiting. They detect faults and then stop the flow of electricity. Small circuit breakers protect individual household appliances, whereas larger ones can protect high voltage circuits supplying electricity to entire cities.
Earthing
Many electrical appliances – including cookers, washing machines and refrigerators – have metal cases.
Circuit Breakers Keep Tripping in My House
A circuit breaker “trips” (shuts off the electrical flow) in order to protect the circuit from overheating. It’s a safeguard that helps prevent damage and electrical fires. If it happens often, there’s a root cause that you need to address.
Overloaded Circuit
This is the most common cause of a tripped breaker. It usually happens when you’re running too many power-consuming devices on the same circuit at the same time. The demand, or load, on the circuit is too high, and presto! The breaker trips to prevent overheating.
With a little detective work, you can often find the device that’s causing the issue. Before you flip the circuit back on, take note of what was running when the breaker tripped.
Can you isolate the appliance that you turned on just before the breaker tripped?
Have you recently added a new appliance or device to the circuit?
Did you start using a space heater or other seasonal device that you haven’t used in awhile?
Have you noticed that any of your appliances have been running hot, making any strange new noises, having trouble starting, or not working as efficiently? A failing or faulty appliance will draw in more amps than usual, which can cause the circuit to overload.
You should never start any home maintenance or repair work
without proper preparation and safety tools. When working with electrical
items, make sure to unplug the unit or turn off the power to the specific
circuit. Don’t forget that water and electricity don’t get along, so make sure
to unplug anything electric before cleaning. Never use a metal ladder when
performing electrical tasks.
Use electronics accordingly
It’s important to be smart about how you’re using
electronics. Avoid plugging in too many things into one circuit, which can
overload it and cause a power outage. Be mindful of where you place small
appliances and electronics, such as toaster ovens and hair dryers. Make sure
they’re not under any vents that could potentially drip on them or are too
close to a source of water, such as sinks and showers. Further, the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends installing
ground-fault circuit interrupters for all of the outlets in wet locations, such
as kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms. They’re designed to turn off electric
power immediately in the event of an incident, which can be a potentially
life-saving feature.
Be mindful of plugs, outlets and wires
Treat your plugs kindly and don’t force them to fit into
outlets. Don’t try to bend and adjust the prongs, as this could cause an
electric shock. Alternatively, if it’s loose inside the outlet, it may be time
to replace the cord for a fresh plug. Replace old outlets with new electric
sockets with advanced safety features, such as built-in surge protectors.
Unplug extension cords when you’re not using them to avoid an electric and fire
hazard. When you’re outside, only use cords and electrical items that are
specifically for the outdoors.
Schedule routine professional check ups
Electricity can be dangerous, so never hesitate to call a
licensed electrician for help. In fact, one of the most important steps in good
electrical maintenance is having a professional inspect your system at least
once a year. An electrician can check your electric panel, replace damaged
wires and test circuit breakers.
Electrical Safety & Maintenance Tips
Consistently tripped breakers (or blown fuses)
are an indication of electrical system problems.
Flickering or dimming lights are warning signs
of an overloaded circuit.
A burning odor or a mild shock coming from an
outlet are also signs of an overloaded circuit.
Make sure that all the breakers or fuses in your
breaker box are clearly labeled.
Never plug two or more extension cords together.
Always check an extension cord for damage before
plugging it into an outlet.
Only plug one major appliance (refrigerators,
washing machines, dishwashers) into a receptacle outlet at a time.
All major appliances should be plugged directly
into a receptacle outlet.
An overreliance of extension cords indicates
that there are not enough outlets in your home.
Never use a three prong plug in an outlet with only
two slots.
Never attempt to use an extension cord as
permanent wiring.
Never use an electrical cord outside that isn’t
specifically designated for outdoor use. Indoor cords are not designed to
withstand the elements.
Extension cords should never be placed
underneath rugs or in the path of a heavily trafficked area.
If you have toddlers or young children, make
sure that you replace all your easily accessed outlets with tamper resistant
receptacles.
Only use the appropriate wattage bulb for a
lighting fixture. An incorrect wattage might start a fire.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are
required by the National Electrical Code in every room/area where there is a
water fixture. Homes built before 1970 might not have GFCIs installed in
outlets.
Check your home’s outlets for GFCI protection.
If the outlets do not contain a red rest button, they have not been replaced
with GFCIs.
Arc-Fault Interrupters (AFIs) protect against
dangerous arc-faults. AFCI Breakers should be installed in your home to combat
arc-faults caused by damaged, overheated or stressed wiring.
AFCIs should only be installed by licensed
electricians.
If your home is over 40 years old or has
recently had a major addition, renovation or large appliance added it should be
inspected by a licensed electrician.
Tips To Maintain Your Electrical Wiring
The presence of live current in switch boards
and sockets, however mild they might be, can be a sign that your wiring has
been exposed to water or is not getting earthed right. If a switch in the
washroom or kitchen gives you even a tiny shock when you turn it on and off,
chances are that there is an issue.
Notice frequent dips in voltage, flickering
lights once in awhile or bulbs fusing more often than they should? Definitely a
sign of internal electrical wiring damage.
Appliances can get damaged by short-circuiting,
but there are times when the only sign of the fluctuation or short circuit is
through the appliance malfunctioning itself. If your plug sparks when it is in
the socket or an adapter heats up and doesn’t work even though the voltage is
appropriate, then there could be a problem with the electrical outlet.
Each circuit board has a specific limit to the
load it can take, but within that limit, the appliances connected to it should
function perfectly. If the turning on of the dishwasher or air conditioner
causes lights to dip, the circuit may be damaged and unable to take the load.
Besides visible signs, make sure that you keep
an eye out for open wiring being chewed by rats or raccoons in the attic, or
rainwater accumulating around the circuits in the basement. Even though the
impact may not be immediate, any noticeable damage to the wires can lead to
serious internal havoc.
The far-reaching effects of faulty wiring bring to mind the
much used saying ‘better safe than sorry’. A small investment in a
professional, DIY check-up of your electrical wiring or getting the home
warranty for your home can be imperative to keeping you and your loved ones
safe. Repairs are costly and maintenance is no doubt an easier way to prevent
future problems, so we bring to you seven simple tips to keep track off and
maintain your entire electrical wiring system.
Routine Testing
Mark your calendars and keep a monthly check on your
electrical outlets, you can do this by yourself and won’t need any assistance.
The testers are inexpensive – you can find them at any home hardware store. A
three-prong plug, the tester will have indicator lights on each prong. As you
plug the tester into each outlet, the lights indicate any problems with the
individual outlet. The earlier you know the problem the easier it is to get it
solved and the risk of fire or a greater electrical malfunction is avoided.
Electrical Safety Checklist for Your Home
If you have breakers tripping and fuses blowing
on a regular basis,it’s time to bring in a professional to inspect your home.
Be sure all your circuits are properly grounded.
A circuit consists of wires transporting electrical current to your lights and
appliances, so properly grounded wiring is connected to a ground wire in your
home.
All outlets near wet locations such as kitchens,
bathrooms, or laundry rooms should be Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI).
Water and electricity don’t mix, so unplug any
appliance before you wash or wipe it down.
If you have children or grandchildren, put
protectors in all your outlets or replace them with tamper-resistant outlets,
as these outlets are now required by code in all new homes.
Replace any frayed wires in your house, as they
can potentially cause shocks or fires.
Replace all plugs that wobble or fit loosely in
the socket.
Never force a plug into a socket, and never
attempt to adjust a plugs metal prongs to make it fit. Both actions are
dangerous!
Make sure all plugs and cords are kept a safe
distance from heat sources such as radiators or space heaters. Don’t place
furniture on top of cords, and don’t run cords under rugs or blankets.
Any indication of dimming lights, flickering
lights, a sizzling sound, or a burning odor mandate a prompt professional
investigation.
Never plug a generator directly into your home’s
electrical system, as this can unintentionally damage appliances or even put
you at risk. Hire an electrician to get it done safety.
When outside, only use cords (and items) labeled
for outdoor use.
Extension cords are a temporary solution. They
shouldn’t be used to power home appliances on a permanent basis. Most extension
cords aren’t built to handle high-powered items such as air conditioners,
refrigerators, or space heaters.
Don’t leave extension cords plugged in if
they’re not in use, as they can create an electrical or fire hazard.
Why Have Electrical Wiring Maintenance?
Keep Your Home In Good Condition
So to keep your home in the best condition possible, follow
these top tips. Not only will you keep your home in better condition for
longer, but you can save yourself a few extra pounds on your energy bills. We
hope that this article was helpful if it was then why not share on social
media?
Replace Don’t Repair
If you find out that you have a problem with your home’s
electrics and you’re given the option to replace or repair, we always recommend
repairs. Simply because with repairs you can’t always foresee how long the
repair is going to last before it becomes faulty again. With a replacement, you
are guaranteed a brand new working part that you know is reliable. Sometimes
things can be repaired but only for a short amount of time, which is why we
always recommend replacing over the repair. Even if it does cost slightly more
than a repair, you will save money in the long run on frequent maintenance and
repairs, as well as saving on your energy bills.
Have Your Appliances PAT Tested
PAT testing is a legal requirement for all commercial
properties, landlords and business owners, each must ensure that all kitchen
appliances and other electrical appliances have gone through PAT testing Milton
Keynes before they can be used. In the case of a faulty appliance in the
workplace that causes injury to yourself or others both the landlord and
business owner are liable for not creating a safe environment. Read more about
safety at work here.
Don’t Overload Your Electrics
Overloading your electrics is easier than you would think.
The worst culprit of this is extensions leads. Extension leads are extremely
popular in homes and allow you to give a wire extra length to sit further away
or in a different place. Extension leads are commonly plugged into each other
while also having other appliances plugged into them.
Never Attempt DIY Electrical Work
Electricity is extremely dangerous and can cause severe
injuries if it’s tampered with by someone inexperienced. Always rely on an
electrician to carry out any electrical work within your property or commercial
building. Qualified electricians are always the safest option, and by tampering
with your own electrical wiring, you have the possibility of causing more
damage which will end up costing more than an electrician would.
When you open an outlet, it can be useful to figure out the
position of the outlet or switch in the circuit, as well as the function of
each wire. This knowledge can help you pinpoint problems and connect wires to
the correct terminals when making repairs.
If you can’t find the source of a problem with an outlet,
work from that point back to the service panel, troubleshooting each load on
the circuit and its connections until you locate the fault.
End-of-Run Outlet
When there’s only one cable entering an outlet box, it means
the outlet is the last fixture on the circuit. Power comes from the service
panel along the black (hot) wire through other outlets, switches, and light
fixtures on the circuit and begins its return to the source through the white
(neutral) wire attached to this outlet. The black wire attaches to a brass
terminal; the white wire, to a silver terminal.
Middle-of-Run Outlet
Two cables entering an outlet box indicate that the outlet
is not the last fixture on a circuit. One of the black wires receives power
from the service panel; the other sends it on to other loads on the circuit.
The white wires allow current passing through the outlet and the other loads on
the circuit to return to the panel.
Electrical Wires
The black wire is the “hot” wire, which carries
the electricity from the breaker panel into the switch or light source.
The white wire is the “neutral” wire, which takes
any unused electricity and current and sends them back to the breaker panel.
The plain (or it can sometimes be green) wire is the
“ground” wire, which will take electricity back to the breaker panel,
then outside to a rod that’s buried in the ground. This is to prevent the
electricity from running through you!
How to Trace Electrical Wiring in a Wall
If you need to find the wires inside your walls, you’ll
probably want a non-invasive way to look for them. After all, without a method
to your madness, you’d just be hammering unsightly holes through your drywall
in a vain attempt to cross paths with your wires. Instead, there’s a better
way: With the right tools and techniques, you can locate, or trace, your wiring
without damaging your walls.
Tracing electrical wiring in walls can be tricky, and it
involves more than just looking for the wires themselves. To figure out exactly
where the wires are, you’ll look for the outlets and appliances that each wire
connects to. You’ll also figure out which circuit breaker applies to which
section of your home’s wiring.
You may be wondering why someone would go through all that
trouble just to figure out the locations of wires. Knowing where your wires are
can help you make repairs, plan for home improvement projects and even make
your home safer. By knowing which outlets are on which circuits, you can decide
where to plug in power-hungry appliances without overloading your electrical
system. If one of your outlets is on the fritz and you don’t have an electrical
blueprint of your home to use as a reference, tracing the wiring can help you
figure out exactly where the problem is. If you want to run new wires to a home
theater system or other electronics, knowing your current wires’ locations can
help cut down on electrical interference, which can lower the quality of your picture
and sound. And you’ll definitely need to know where the wires are if you plan
to do any renovation or demolition projects to your inside walls. Breaking into
a live wire could damage your home and cause serious injury.
Tips for Easier Home Electrical Wiring
Uncoil Cable Without Kinks
Pulling plastic-sheathed cable through holes in the framing
is a lot easier if you straighten the cable out first. If you simply pull the
cable from the center of the coil, it’ll kink as you pull it through the studs.
The trick is to lift a handful of coils (four loops will reach about 12 ft.)
from the center of the roll (left) and toss them across the floor as if you’re
throwing a coiled rope. Next, walk along the length of cable, straightening it
as you go (right). The electricians we talked to prefer this method because
they can keep the cable contained in the plastic wrapper for easier handling
and neater storage.
Pack Electrical Boxes Neatly
If you’ve done much wiring, we’re sure you’ve had times when
you could barely push the switch or outlet into the box because there were so
many wires. The solution is to arrange the wires neatly and then fold them
carefully into the box. Here’s how to keep wires neat and compact: First,
gather all the bare ground wires along with a long pigtail and connect them.
Fold them into the back of the box, leaving the pigtail extended. Next, do the
same for the neutral wires. If you’re connecting switches as shown here, you
don’t need a neutral pigtail. Leave the hot wire extra long and fold it back
and forth across the bottom of the electrical wire box. Put a wire connector
cap on the hot wire to identify it. The neatly packed box makes it easy to
identify the wires and leaves you plenty of room for the switches.
Remove Sheathing from Underground Feeder (UF) Cable
Underground feeder (UF) cable has a tough plastic sheathing
that allows you to bury it directly in the ground without running it through a
conduit (of course, it has to be buried deep enough to satisfy the electrical
code). But that tough sheathing is also difficult to remove—unless you know
this trick. Start by separating the black and white wires from the bare copper
by grabbing each with pliers and twisting (top). They’re easy to tear apart
once you get them started. Pull them apart until you have about a foot of
separated wires. Next, remove the sheathing from the insulated wires by
grabbing the end of the wire with one pliers and the sheathing with another
pliers and working them apart. After you get the sheathing separated from the
insulated wire at the top, just peel it off (bottom). Repeat the process to
remove the sheathing from the black wire. Finally, cut off the loose sheathing
with scissors or a knife.
No-Snag Fish Tape Connections
After going to all the trouble of working your fish tape to
its destination, the last thing you want is to lose the cable or get your tape
stuck on something inside the wall as you pull it back. Here’s how to avoid
both problems. Start by stripping an 8-in. length of cable. Using a side
cutters, cut off all but one wire. Cut at a steep angle to avoid a “shoulder”
that could catch on something. Then bend the single wire around the loop on the
end of the fish tape and wrap the whole works with electrical tape to form a
smooth bundle. Now you can pull the wire without worrying that it might fall
off, and the smooth lump won’t get snagged by or stuck on obstructions.
Check the Whole Wall Cavity With a Stud Finder
A decent stud finder is a must-have for every wire-fishing
job, but don’t throw it back in your pouch after you’ve located the studs. Use
your stud finder to check the whole wall cavity for obstacles like blocking and
abandoned headers. You don’t want to find out the hard way that you should have
fished your wire one stud cavity to the left or right.
All About Electrical Wiring Types, Sizes, and Installation
Electrical Disconnect Switches
An electrical disconnect switch provides a means to shut off
the power to a home’s electrical system from an outdoor location. It is
typically mounted below the electric meter, either on the side of a home or on
the utility company’s power pole. Not all homes have a dedicated disconnect.
They are commonly used when the service panel (which also serves as the main
disconnect) is located indoors and therefore is not accessible to emergency
responders or utility workers. Like electrical service panels, a disconnect
must be installed by a licensed electrician.
Wiring an Electrical Circuit Breaker Panel
The electrical panel, or service panel, is the power
distribution point of a home electrical system. This is where all of the
individual circuits of the house get their power and where they are protected
by breakers or fuses. Wiring an electrical panel is a job for a licensed
electrician, but DIYers should have a basic understanding of how a panel works
and the critical role that breakers play in any system.
Maximum Number of Wires Allowed in Conduit
When running individual electrical wires inside conduit,
there is a limit to how many wires are allowed. The maximum allowable number is
known as the “fill capacity,” and this depends on several factors,
including the size of the conduit, the gauge of the wires, and the conduit
material. Metal (EMT), plastic (PVC), and flexible conduit all have different
fill capacities, even when they’re nominally the same size.
How to Strip Electrical Wire
Stripping electrical wire involves removing the plastic
insulation surrounding the wire’s metal core. It’s important to do this
carefully so there is no damage to the metal. The procedure is simple but
requires a special wire stripping tool and an understanding of how to use it. This
is a critical skill—and tool—for DIYers to have for any wiring project.
Direct Burial Cable
Standard electrical cable is designed to be run indoors,
where it stays dry and is protected by wall, ceiling, or floor structures. For
outdoor projects or when running wiring underground, you must use direct burial
cable, which can be installed underground with or without conduit (depending on
local building code rules). With direct burial cable, the individual conducting
wires are embedded in solid vinyl to fully protect them from moisture.
Essential Tips for Safe Electrical Repairs
Box and Clamp It
The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires that all wiring
connections be made in an appropriate enclosure. In most cases, this means an
electrical box. Enclosures not only protect the connections—and protect people
from accidental contact with those connections—they also provide means for
securing conductors (like electrical cables) and devices.
Respect Grounding and Polarization
Grounding and polarization are essential for the safety of
modern electrical systems. Grounding provides a safe path for stray electrical
current caused by a fault or other problem in a circuit. Polarization ensures
that electrical current travels from the source along “hot” wires and
returns to the source along neutral wires.
Make Tight Wiring Connections
Electricity travels along conductors, such as wires and the
metal contacts of outlets and sockets. Tight connections between conductors
create smooth transitions from one conductor to another. But loose connections
act like speed bumps, restricting the flow and creating friction and heat. Very
loose connections can lead to arcing, in which electricity jumps through the
air from one conductor to another, creating tremendous heat.
Check Amperage Ratings
All electrical wiring and devices have an amperage, or amp,
rating. This is the maximum amount of electrical current they can safely carry.
Most standard household circuits are rated for 15 amps or 20 amps, while
large-appliance circuits (such as for electric dryers and ranges) may be rated
for 30, 40, 50 amps, or even more.
Test for Power
The best way to prevent electrical shock is to ALWAYS test
wires and devices for power before working on them or near them. Simply
shutting off the power isn’t good enough.
