Avoid Hazards when Wiring Electrical Outlets
Wiring electrical outlets is seemingly an easy job but it does take some know-how and time. Electrical outlets can fail over time and you may just want to replace them as routine maintenance. Perhaps you want to upgrade from two prongs to wiring electric outlets with three prongs. Regardless of why; there are hazards you should be aware of when wiring electrical outlets. The article below will share some of those hazards with you.
Power Tools
When wiring electrical outlets using power tools may seem like overkill. A simple screwdriver is certainly the only physical tool you will need in order to work on electrical outlets. Many people do not consider power tools as a hazard but they can actually cause feedback. This feedback can enter the electrical outlets and cause a shock.
Turn the Electricity Off
One of the biggest mistakes you can make while wiring electrical outlets is failing to turn off all the power. There is a lot of voltage running through your home and if you get a shock it can seriously damage your body and blow out your electricity. Always turn the electricity off at the junction box and use a voltage tester before you begin any work to any of your electrical outlets. This simple thing could save your life and costly repair bills.
Storm Awareness
There is no reason why anyone should be wiring electrical outlets during a storm or when a storm is being forecast as on the way. A storm brings highly charged energy particles. When lightning strikes it releases these particles into the air which can cause a surge in your wires. This is even possible when a storm is forming so it is wise to not begin an electrical project on your electrical outlets or you could wind up getting yourself electrocuted. If you know you are going to be working on electrical outlets, you should always check the weather reports to make sure no storms are brewing.
Never Forget to Ground
The grounding wire is an important addition in electrical outlets but not every outlet has one or has it connected. The purpose of the grounding wires is to stop the flow of electrical current. The human body is made mostly of water and electricity will easily flow from a wire and into the human body if it has nowhere else to go. The grounding wire gives electricity a new road for it to travel that is better suited to it. The flow of electricity pass through the grounding wire and into the metal casing around the outlet. If the grounding wire is not connected, connect it to the metal outlet box. If the grounding wire is not present, wear a grounding strap with the terminating end connected to the metal box.
Know the Wires
Working on electrical outlets without knowing the wires is a dangerous undertaking. Earth tone and bare copper are grounding wires. Red wires are hot and white are neutral.