Install Protective Outdoor Electrical Circuit Wiring

by DoItYourself Staff

One of the most difficult do-it-yourself projects that homeowners can undertake is installing any type of electrical circuit wiring. It is suggested that before a homeowner begins an electrical wiring project s/he take some sort of class on wiring basics. This will give essential information necessary in order to safely install and use outdoor electrical circuits.

One of the most common electrical circuit wiring projects is installing outdoor electrical wiring. The reasons behind this project vary from installing outlets to wiring an outbuilding to installing lights. Whatever the reason there needs to be protection for the electrical circuit wiring.

Hazards

Obviously the most common hazard encountered when working with any electrical wiring is electrocution. There are certain things which can make you more susceptible to electrocution. First, make sure that your outdoor electrical circuit wiring is grounded. This will prevent the flow of the current. In addition, keep all electrical circuit wiring away from water sources. For these reasons outside outlets should be a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet. This will cause the power to shut off when electrical sources come in contact with water. These are the outlets usually used in bathrooms and kitchens. Another large source of hazards is electrical malfunction. This includes frayed wiring on equipment or in wiring systems and mistakes made with underground or above ground power lines. When you become aware that a piece of equipment or a part of your wiring is frayed repair it immediately. If you are digging make sure you are not digging around buried power lines. Don't ever do anything with above ground power lines without contacting your power company first.

Protections

As mentioned earlier, all outdoor outlets need to be ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets. Also, these outlets should have covers to protect against rain and other weather that could cause the outlet to short out. All wiring junctions, indoor and outdoor, you should make sure that a sturdy insulated protective box is installed. This will contain any sparks that may occur. As you inspect your outdoor wiring make sure you replace any old wiring, frayed or not, to prevent problems as it ages. In addition, a miniature circuit breaker or residual current device should be installed in any outbuilding that is wired. This will give closer proximity for turning the current on and off in the building. If the power in the building is not going to be used for a while the current can be turned off. This prevents possible short circuits and keeps energy vampires from pulling power.

Regardless of the purpose for outdoor electrical wiring homeowners need to be aware and educated about the hazards involved with outdoor wiring. Being informed will help homeowners make educated decisions about electrical current wiring. They can be sure to stop problems before they start by incorporating easy protective devices to make ensure that they keep their homes and their families safe while enjoying the convenience of outdoor electrical circuit wiring.

One of the most difficult do-it-yourself projects that homeowners can undertake is installing any type of electrical circuit wiring. It is suggested that before you begin an electrical wiring project, you take a class on wiring basics. This will give essential information necessary in order to safely install and use outdoor electrical circuits.

Hazards

The most common hazard encountered when working with any electrical wiring is electrocution. To minimize your exposure to electrocution, you'll want to take certain precautions. First, make sure that your outdoor electrical circuit wiring is grounded. This will prevent the flow of the current. In addition, keep all electrical circuit wiring away from water sources. For these reasons outside outlets should be a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet. This will cause the power to shut off when electrical sources come in contact with water. These are the outlets usually used in bathrooms and kitchens. Another large source of hazards is electrical malfunction. This includes frayed wiring on equipment or in wiring systems and mistakes made with underground or above ground power lines. When you become aware that a piece of equipment or a part of your wiring is frayed repair it immediately. If you are digging, make sure you are not digging around buried power lines. Don't ever do anything with above ground power lines without contacting your power company first.

Protections

As mentioned earlier, all outdoor outlets need to be ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets. Also, these outlets should have covers to protect against rain and other weather that could cause the outlet to short out. With all wiring junctions, indoor and outdoor, make sure that a sturdy insulated protective box is installed. This will contain any sparks that may occur. As you inspect your outdoor wiring make sure you replace any old wiring, frayed or not, to prevent problems as it ages. In addition, a miniature circuit breaker or residual current device should be installed in any outbuilding that is wired. This will give closer proximity for turning the current on and off in the building. If the power in the building is not going to be used for a while the current can be turned off. This prevents possible short circuits and keeps energy vampires from pulling power.