Q. What do I need to buy for a basic electrical tool kit?A. Some tools recommended are:
- Needle-nose pliers
- Insulated screwdriver
- Combination tool
- Utility knife
- Keyhole saw
- Continuity tester
- Neon circuit tester
- Fish tape
- Electrical tape
- Wire connectors
Q. My extension cords are always getting tangled. Is there anything I can use to store them?
A. There are a variety of cord storage reels available.
Q. What is a ground fault interrupter?
A. It's safety device that shuts off the power if there is an imbalance of current flowing between the hot or neutral wires that could electrocute someone. This hazard is so serious that the National Electrical Code requires all new home be equipped with them in the bathroom, kitchen, workroom, outdoor, basement, garage, and swimming pool circuits or any outlets in close proximity to water.
Q. What is a transformer?
A. It's a device that changes the voltage. In most home usage, it reduces the voltage for use on low-voltage equipment, such as thermostats, doorbells, and low-voltage outdoor lighting.
Q. What tool should I use to strip the plastic sheathing off wire?
A. A combination tool has openings that fit different sizes of wire. When a wire is put into the correct one and pulled, it will remove the covering without damaging the wire.
Q. What is a voltage tester?
A. It's an expensive tool that tests for live current. It can save your life. To use a voltage tester, simply plug its leads into a receptacle, or, if the cover plate is off, touch them to the screw terminals of the device. If current is present the tester will light.
Q. I have some tools that have three prongs, but the outlet I want to use has only two prongs. Can I safely cut the extra prong off?
A. No, the third prong is the grounding prong. If you cut it off or use a plug adapter that is not grounded, you will disable a feature that is designed to protect against electrical shock.
Q. Why do some appliances and tools only have two prongs and no grounding prong?
A. These products are "double-insulated" and do not need the added protection of grounding plug. You can plug them into ungrounded outlets and still be protected.
Q. What does gauge mean?
A. Wires have size numbers that expresses their diameter. These are even numbers from 0 to 18, and smaller numbers indicate larger diameters that can carry more power.
Q. How do I figure amperage?
A. It's watts divided by volts. For example, a 1500-watt heater (divided by) 120 volts equals 12.5 amps.
Q. Is there a special extension cord for my window air conditioner?
A.Yes, you need to use a major appliance cord. A regular extension cord doesn't have heavy enough wire to safely conduct the necessary current.
Q. What is the difference between an extension cord rated for outdoor use and a standard one?
A. The outer coating of the insulation on the outdoor-use cord is weather and sunlight resistant.
Q. What is the time delay fuse?
A.Time delay fuses are used on circuits where appliance motors have initial surges of electrical power when the motor starts. This initial surge might blow a regular fuse.
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