What Every Homeowner Should Know About Basic Wiring
Posted on: 9 May 2022
If you are a homeowner, it's important that you know the basics when it comes to electrical wiring. It's important knowledge to have if you want to do basic things, such as changing out electrical outlets and switches. Here are a few key things that you need to know.
Know The Difference Between Wires
When you open up an electrical outlet or switch, you're going to see several different colored wires. The black wire is known as the line wire or hot wire, which is the most important wire it's the one that carries the electrical power to the switch or outlet.
The red wire is known as the load wire, which goes to the device that is receiving power. This could include a light, fan, or another appliance that is hooked up to the switch. The neutral wire is white, and it returns the excess voltage back to the electrical panel. Ground wires may be green or copper in color, and it helps prevent surges of electricity.
If your home is not wired correctly with the proper colored wires, it is possible to test the wires with a multimeter. They are incredibly simple to use since you touch them to a live wire and it will beep if the wire has a voltage in it. Your line wire should be the only one that has voltage when the switch is turned on or off. The load wire will only have voltage flowing through it when the switch is turned on. The ground and neutral wire will not have voltage running through them.
Know How To Wire An Outlet
There are various types of outlets that you can install in your home, but they are all wired the same. Every outlet should have two vertical prongs with one being larger than the other. The smaller side is typically the black line wire side, and the screw may be a copper or black color as well to easily identify it. The larger side will typically be the white neutral wire, with a silver screw to hold it in place. The green ground wire will connect toward the bottom, and have a green screw to connect it.
Don't feel confident about working with the electrical lines in your home? Reach out to a local electrician for more info. Sometimes it's better to let a professional do the work when you do not know what you are doing on your own.
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