How to Install Electric Wiring
Home wiring is not a job for the beginner. A wrong connection can be hazardous and the intricacies of the National Electrical Code can be daunting. If you have a basic understanding of wiring principles and a good respect for electricity, however, the job is not out of your reach. Consider having an electrician check your work before you flip on the breaker. He will be able to spot any code violations or hazardous situations before they become a problem. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Voltage tester
- Wire splicer
- Utility knife
- Screwdriver
- Hammer and wire staples
Please enter your 10 digit phone number only.
A link to this article has been sent to the phone number provided.
Instructions
-
-
1
Turn off the power before you start. If you are working on a single circuit, turn off the breaker for that circuit. If you are working on multiple circuits, turn off the main breaker.
-
2
Check wires with a voltage tester before working on them. Touch the black wire to one terminal and the white wire to the other. If the device lights up, find the circuit breaker and turn it off before proceeding. Never cut into or handle a wire you are not sure about.
-
-
3
Use three-strand wire. Make sure the bare wire is connected to a grounding nut in the panel and that the panel itself is properly grounded.
-
4
Use a wire-splicing tool to strip wires. It is easier and cleaner than using a knife and will save you a lot of time.
-
5
Join all wires inside a box and never leave capped wires exposed. If you have to extend the wire in a circuit, join the wires in a junction box securely attached to a wooden member. If wires are joined inside a box, use wire nuts to join them, not electrical tape. Attach all loose wires to studs or joists with wire staples. Don't leave them hanging.
-
6
Make sure all connections you make are secure, especially in receptacle or switch boxes where you sometimes have to push or twist wires to get them to fit into the box.
-
7
Check the circuit diagram. Make sure you are not overloading any of the circuits.
-
8
Connect wires of the same color. Attach black wires to brass nuts in receptacle boxes and switches, white wires to silver nuts or to each other, and ground wires to green nuts. Use spring grip holes on the backs of receptacles and switches if they are there.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If a wire is damaged after the circuit has been installed and bare wire is exposed, re-join the wires inside a junction box.
If a breaker trips when you turn it on, you may have a short-circuit created by exposed wires touching each other. Re-check each element in the circuit.
