Things About Electricity You Should Know
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Don't Ignore Warning Signs
Here'south the near important thing whatsoever electrician will tell you: Never, ever ignore the alert signs of problems in your electric organisation. Whether it's a popping noise from an outlet, a lite switch that runs extremely hot, or a billow that won't reset, information technology's important that you take every issue seriously.
Luckily, almost electrical bug can be resolved relatively speedily as long as they're not allowed to fester. There'south a reason awareness of electrical bug is a cardinal step in preventing fires in the home.
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Understand GFCI
Bathroom excursion failures are among the nigh common service calls electricians get. By code, all outlets inside six anxiety of a water source must exist protected by a basis error circuit interrupt (GFCI). These cut off power if a excursion loses amperage, and then GFCIs are most normally seen in bathrooms and exterior outlets.
A unmarried GFCI device protects everything else "downstream" on that excursion. Because bathrooms are often non on an isolated circuit, a triggered GFCI volition kill the power to outlets and lights that may seem unrelated. And things can be fifty-fifty more confusing when the GFCI is installed at the electrical breaker box itself.
This service call is especially common for outdoor circuits and in homes where multiple bathrooms are on a single circuit. Information technology's the reason that checking the GFCI is an of import part of troubleshooting dead outlets.
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Watch this video to learn what you should practice when you lot find a dead outlet:
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Overhead Power Lines Are Live!
Overhead lines are commonly NOT insulated. When you see birds or squirrels on them, they are only alive because they aren't completing a circuit by touching the basis or offer the electric current an easier path than following the cable itself.
Well-nigh outdoor power lines are conditions coated at most, with no insulation other than spacers at utility poles. Because they are so high to a higher place the ground, this isn't an issue unless the lines fall, or a worker comes into contact with them while trimming a tree. And while lines that could exist touched from a rooftop or tree are insulated, that insulation degrades over fourth dimension, eventually aging and revealing bare wire.
Approach all overhead lines knowing they are unsafe. Any problems are best left to a licensed electrician or utility worker.
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Know Your DIY limits
The DIY mindset is wonderful affair. Information technology'due south a great fashion to learn almost your domicile and develop your skills and self-reliance. But information technology'southward merely every bit important to know the boundaries and limitations of your skills.
If you are a DIY newbie, only piece of work on electrical components outside of the wall. As you develop your skills every bit an apprentice electrician, you can practice more advanced work, including fishing cable and adding outlets if your local building section allows information technology. The problem arises when DIY enthusiasts with more than enthusiasm than feel tackle an electrical project, and then bury their less-than-perfect work behind a layer of drywall.
Working with wiring outdoors is a great intermediate step, since much of the work is hands accessed during the troubleshooting stage.
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Protective Gear Is But Protective if it'due south Properly Made
Many people know that safe is a cracking insulator, and and then sometimes DIYers wrap themselves in rubber boots and gloves before tackling electrical issues. The problem is, most household condom isn't pure. To keep the price down, manufacturers mix in additives that increment immovability. If yous're relying on condom to keep you prophylactic from an electrical charge, make sure you're using actual safety gear.
Have you e'er seen a TV testify or film where an electric line falls on a car but the passengers stay safe? That's actually accurate, because the tires are such skilful conductors. The electricity takes the path of least resistance, traveling to the footing through the tires and bypassing the interior completely.
Have a tip from your electrician and make quality insulators part of your standard kit of protective gear.
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You Can't Install a Iii-Slot Receptacle Without a Ground Wire
If you lot have two-slot outlets, information technology's tempting to supercede them with iii-slot outlets then yous tin can plug in iii-prong plugs. But don't do this unless yous're sure there's a footing available.
Use a tester to meet if your outlet is grounded. A series of lights indicates whether the outlet is wired correctly or what fault exists. These testers are readily bachelor at home centers and hardware stores. If you observe a iii-slot outlet in an ungrounded box, the easiest fix is to merely replace it with a two-slot outlet as shown.
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You lot Should Definitely Consider Tamper-Resistant Receptacles
Tamper-resistant receptacles end a kid from inserting an object such equally a paper clip. They're required for all locations, indoors and out. Tamper-resistant receptacles are a great invention, and so use them — it'southward National Electrical Lawmaking. Nosotros'll bear witness you how to correctly install a tamper-resistant outlet.
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Outdoor Receptacle Covers Thing
On outdoor receptacles, flat covers provide protection only when a receptacle isn't in use. But it's not uncommon for extension cords to be plugged in for extended periods of fourth dimension — say, for holiday lights. In-use or "chimera covers" provide protection at all times.
The National Electric Code defines a "wet location" as an expanse bailiwick to saturation with water or other liquids, and unprotected locations exposed to the weather. If you think the receptacle may get wet, add an in-use cover. And don't forget the conditions-resistant receptacle.
The National Electrical Code requires all 15- and 20-amp receptacles be rated as atmospheric condition-resistant and tamper-resistant when installed in both wet and clammy locations. Larn how to install outdoor lighting and an outlet hither.
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You Don't Have To Be an Electrician to Piece of work with Electricity
Many of these tips are cautionary. Only they're not intended to scare you lot abroad! Many electricians actually are eager to encourage homeowners to larn how to do basic electrical work.
Whether it'due south something as elementary every bit repairing a cutting extension cord or roughing-in the electrical for a new addition, if you have the patience and perseverance to acquire a new skill, Family Handyman has the know-how to help you get it done!
Every production is independently selected past our editors. If yous buy something through our links, we may earn an chapter committee.
Originally Published: January 25, 2021
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Source: https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/10-things-your-electrician-wants-you-to-know/
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