Home Wiring 3 - Preparation
What You Will Need
Time. The time needed will depend on the scope of the project.
Tools. There are some special (although inexpensive) tools required for use with electricity.
- Long-nose (needle-nose) pliers
- Wire cutters
- Electric drill
- Fish tape
- Cable stripper
- Wire stripper
- Colored tape
- Voltage tester
- Continuity tester
- Right-angle drill, which can be rented.
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Other tools from your household toolbox include:
- Tape measure
- Screwdriver
- Chalk line
- Hammer
- Circular saw
- Chisel
- Hacksaw
- Combination square
- Utility light
- Safety glasses or goggles
- Keyhole saw
- Utility knife
- Pry bar
Materials. Depending on the extent of wiring you will be undertaking, your list may include these materials:
- Grounded receptacles
- Switches
- Various junction boxes
- Nail guards
- Wire connectors
- Electrical staples
- Push terminals
- Breakers
- Track lights and fittings
- Dimmer switch
- Waterproof junction boxes
- Ground fault interrupters
- Conduit
- Cable
- Silicon caulking
Permits and Codes
Most states and municipalities use, and have additions to, the National Electric Code (NEC). Always consult the office of your local building inspector to determine what permits or special provisions must be met. All electrical work must pass local codes, no matter how small the job. Be sure to get the proper permits, and be certain that you are clear on how to do your work so that it will pass code. Local codes may differ, so don't rely on the information outlined here. It may not pass local code. Obtain a copy of local building codes by contacting the Building Inspectors' Association in your state capital, or check with the building inspector at your county court house or your city Building Department.
Some of the work may need to be done by a licensed electrical contractor. Never are inspectors more fearful of homeowners doing their own work than with electrical systems. The chances for electrocution, or a house fire resulting from faulty wiring, are great inspectors check electrical work very carefully. And they should. So be sure all work is done neatly, to code, and in the manner inspectors are used to seeing it done.
Design
A successful wiring project requires a plan so that you know exactly where you want your outlets, switches, and fixtures to be placed.
Whether you are adding a room or rewiring an old one, don't skimp on the receptacles. Aside from it being dangerous to overload outlets with extension cords and adapters, it can be just plain frustrating to have dark corners where you most need the light. Code usually requires 12' or less between outlets on the same wall In this way, 6' cord on an appliance or lamp can always reach an outlet without an extension cord. It will look better if you plan your outlets all to be at the same height. Again, this may be determined by local code.
If there are two entrances to the room, plan for a light switch at both doors. Place switches on the unhinged side of the door. Determine the most direct route for fixtures, and route them accordingly. Draw a rough floor plan and note the location of all receptacles, switches, and fixtures. Such a plan will assist you in making up your materials list and in calculating the amount of cable you will need.
Most Common Mistakes
While it is easy to make mistakes when working with electricity, it is just as easy to avoid them. The single most important mistake to avoid is neglecting to turn off the power before beginning. Other mistakes include:
- Not making a plan for the work being done.
- Overloading circuits by plugging too many appliances into an outlet, or by using an inadequate extension cord. (See the section on the Breaker Box.)
- Not labeling circuits at the service panel.
- Not using UL approved materials.
- Routing the wiring in an inefficient manner.
- Mounting outlets and switches without assuring that they are flush with the final wall covering.
- Not using the correct junction box for the wiring to be installed.
- Not using weatherproof boxes for outdoor fixtures.
- Neglecting to seal around holes drilled through exterior walls.
- Forgetting to add nail guards where needed.
- Not having your work inspected at critical points.
- Neglecting to follow local code.