Be Careful when Tackling Home Wiring Projects
If spring sends you into remodeling mode, consider checking with professionals before you migrate to the nearest hardware store. While do-it-yourself (DIY) projects can be very satisfying to complete, they pose risks when it comes to electricity. Some of the most common mistakes are:
1. Working with a live wire
Thousands of DIYers receive electric shock injuries each year. Always turn off the circuit breaker (or remove the fuse) before working on or replacing electrical equipment.
2. Using the wrong lightbulb
Most lighting fixtures feature a sticker on the socket that tells you the proper type and maximum wattage of the lightbulb to use. Installing a different type of bulb, or one with higher wattage could damage the lights and cause a fire.
3. Not being grounded
For optimal safety, receptacles should be wired with the proper grounding and polarity. Generally, three-pronged outlets signify an effective ground path in the circuit. Homes built before the mid-1960s probably don’t have a grounding path, and simply replacing the existing outlet with a three-pronged outlet won’t give you one.
If your outlet is improperly grounded, call an electrician before moving forward in any project.
4. Splicing, splicing, splicing
Always make sure your wiring size and type match. Splicing wires by simply twisting them together and covering them with electrical tape is rarely a good idea. Instead, use wiring suitable to your home’s wiring and place wiring connections in metal or plastic boxes to decrease fire risk.
Also keep in mind that circuits protected by 15-amp fuses or breakers should be wired with No. 14 AWG copper wire minimum. For 20 amps, use No. 12 AWG minimum size copper wire. Other guidelines apply, so if you expect to do any splicing, seek professional help before you begin.
5. Hooking new lights to old wires
Most light fixtures are marked with instructions for supply connections, such as “Use wire rated for at least 90C,” which refers to the maximum temperature—90 degrees Celsius or about 200 degrees Fahrenheit—under which a wire’s insulation can safely be used. If you have an older home (pre-1984), wiring may have a lower temperature rating than a new luminaire.
To avoid the risk of fire, check your wire rating first, and either upgrade it or buy fixtures within the supply connection range.
Article courtesy of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.