How to Read Wiring Diagrams
Electricity is a modern convenience that many of us take for granted. But when there's a problem, it takes a skilled professional to fix the problem. Many do it yourself homeowners try to tackle small electrical matters. When you do this, you might encounter a wiring diagram. And those diagrams are more difficult to read than you may expect. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Educate yourself about basic electricity and circuit theory. Electricity can be a dangerous tool if it's not used properly. If you have any questions about a wiring diagram, it might be beneficial to enroll in a local course to educate yourself on the basics.
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Find a reference for symbols. These can be found online, and many symbols are now universal, even internationally.
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Look at the symbol on the diagram, and compare it to the symbol on the list to see what the diagram is showing.
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Know where you are. Large scale wiring diagrams, like those done for an entire business or home, can be very detailed. Check out the area with the diagram, so you have a better idea of what's going on.
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Identify the wires. No matter how big or small the job is, before you start cutting wires, know what you're dealing with. The wiring diagram can help you identify which wires you need to handle.
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Practice safety. A wiring diagram can be accurate, but that doesn't mean there's no risk. Wires can be mislabeled, or there can be a short. Before you make any wiring changes, turn off the power to the room by flipping a breaker. If you have any questions about electricity, it's best to stop and seek the advice of a skilled professional.
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