Home improvement has increased in popularity over the years, especially do-it-yourself projects. Many homeowners now take the time to tackle tasks such as putting in flooring, creating back splashes and even installing their own wiring.
As experts on wiring, wiremasters electric knows how important and crucial it is to correctly install electrical wiring. For those of you willing to do this project yourself, we have provided some tips to ensure that your wiring is installed safely and smoothly. Keep in mind that if you are uncomfortable at any time conducting any of the steps or completing this task, call a professional electrician for assistance.
Tip 1: acquaint yourself with the basics of wiring
The majority of wiring in the home is either 12-gauge or 14-gauge. Before commencing any work, make sure to turn the power off at the breaker box. If you are not sure if the power is completely off, you can test the area with a neon tester.
Also note that matching each wire with its counterpart is easy since wiring follows a strict color code.
Tip 2: connect wiring to an outlet with two terminal screws
Whichever wiring you have decided to tackle will ultimately be connected to the final outlet. This outlet is determined by if the wire connected to it has two of the four terminal screws.
Tip 3: attach a similar cable for new wiring
To remove the box, loosen the screws and connect the earth wire to the terminal wire. However, before connecting, make sure that the new wire is the same size as the original one.
Tip 4: add new wiring from a junction box according to space and similarity
Attach new wiring to a junction box as long as there is space for them. Keep in mind not to connect mismatched hardware (i.e. Connecting a 120-volt to a 240-volt system).
Tip 5: attach new wiring for a ceiling light to the ground wire and light
When connecting new wiring to a ceiling light, turn the power off beforehand and attach the wires according to the color code. It’s important you connect the new wiring with the ground wire and light. This can only be done if a switch doesn’t control your light fixture.
Tip 6: match the connectors to the type of cable used
The type of box you decide to purchase may or may not include built-in connectors. You must always keep at least 6 inches of wiring in the box to ensure that there is enough slack to connect.
Tip 7: ensure that all connections are in approved boxes
Avoid open-line splices by only using boxes that are approved for the appropriate electrical application. Also, properly position the features you need to gain access to.
Tip 8: run new cable between multiple floors by drilling a hole
In order to run new cable between multiple floors, you must first drill a hole wide enough to accommodate the wiring. Once the hole has been established, thread the wiring through the hole.
Tip 9: add new wiring from ceiling boxes using the attic method
The attic method involves sawing a hole at the desired position and installing the cable box. Once that has been completed, run the cable by adding more holes in other places.
Tip 10: add new wiring on the same wall by attaching it to existing and new outlets
New wiring can be connected to existing and newly installed outlets by marking the wall with studs. When installing a new outlet box, find a place on the wall without studs and make note of its exact dimensions. Cut a 3-inch hole for the new box.
Next, test an existing outlet to ensure that the power is off and remove the cover from the outlets. Then install a wire through the existing outlet box by threading the end first. Replace the hardware that secures the wire.
Take the new box and remove one of its knockouts. If it’s a clamping box, it only needs to be installed and tightened. Thread the wire through and clamp it. Install all of the hardware before testing the current and protect the cables before putting the wall back together. Lastly, fasten the cable to the other box, run the cable through the freshly cut hole and properly connect it.
wiremasters electric has been providing residential and commercial electrical services in south florida for years. Our goal is to operate above industry standards and provide quality services to meet your needs and surpass your expectations. Contact us today to find out more information and to set up an appointment.
