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Resource: safe electric wiring
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Extension
cord code and safety Resource: safe electric wiring E-mail: geno03245w@gmail.com |
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Multimeter Connect multimeter leads to wood sticks. Keep hands away from power. Test for breaks in wire or Test for voltage, amperage, resistance etc. Voltage is tested across two separate wires. Ohms is tested across both ends of same wire. Amperage is tested along two points on same wire. Typical appliance and electronics require 80% rated voltage to function correctly. Long runs of wire that exceed 100-150' cause voltage drop. Malfunctioning electric service can cause voltage drop on both Hot wires or either Hot wire. Multimeter is essential for testing AC and DC. Set to ohms to test resistance or continuity. Set to voltage, up to 600V. 600 volts is maximum service voltage found in some commercial installation, but never inside home or living area. Analog multimeter is easiest to use and cheapest, but less precise, and fewer functions, than digital multimeter. Buy Analog multimeter Multimeters at Amazon Klein multimeter Electric testers at Amazon Clampmeter for testing amp flow on line Resources: How to test and replace element How to test thermocouple Element tests for 120 volts How to test wire |
Basic
risk: 100s of deaths and 1000s injuries per year. Fire and shock are the only known hazards from electrical wiring. Electrical installations are 3rd leading cause of household fires behind candles and cooking., followed by heating and smoking. Malfunctioning equipment, deteriorated or damaged installation, incorrect wiring, loose wires and boxes and covers, missing covers, wrong amp rating on devices and wires and breakers, missing ground wire, improper ground ... increase hazard. Safety Never touch wet or previously flooded appliance. Never stand on wet surface when working on electric. Never stand on bare soil, put down dry boards. Use non-contact voltage tester before touching wires. Never touch or lean into anything made of metal. Remove metal objects from pockets. Do not use oxygen or fuel accelerants in same room as electrical repairs Human contact with electricity Dry skin is a poor conductor, but inside body is water and salt, which are good conductors. There is a small difference from slight shock to death. Threshold of perception to 60 Hz AC between major extremities - 0.5mA-1mA . 5mA slight shock, most people can let go. 5mA-30mA painful, lost of muscle control. Respiratory paralysis - 30 mA . Heart dysfunction - 75 mA. 50-150mA Respiratory arrest. Cannot let go. 1000-4300 mA heart ceases, nerve damage. 10,000 mA severe burns, skin surface breaks Hazardous potential threshold, skin contact - 40 V. Skin contact resistance - 1K-5K depending upon conditions. Body resistance between major extremities - 500 ohms (exclusive of skin). Skin effects disappear as voltage increases, higher potentials being able to pierce the skin's protective layer, causing more penetration. Electrical burn... turn off power ... do not apply water ... call emergency ... lay person on side ... resuscitate Resource: What causes electrocution |
Testers Test for power without touching connectors NEVER assume power is OFF Buy: Non-contact voltage tester Amazon Electric testers at Amazon Resource: How to test electric power is off  Use outlet tester to check for correct wiring on any 120 volt straight-blade outlet, or use breaker finder to locate which outlets are on the circuit. Buy: Klein testers Outlet tester Circuit breaker finder Electric usage monitor |
| Buy Basic electric book Home plumbing/ electrical codes  Or learn about basic household electricity... use and search my site/ Resource All electric pages |
 Where electricity comes from and how it gets to home Resources See inside main breaker box What is 3-phase Difference between single-phase and 3-phase What causes electrocution |
120  volt 15 amp devices
including GFCI, timers, switches, plugs can be installed on 15 or 20
amp
breaker.120 volt GFCI that are rated 20 amp can be installed on 20 amp breaker only, but NOT on 15 amp breaker. Buy 15 amp GFCI 20 amp GFCI GFCI must be installed in Bathroom ,,,,, kitchen.....laundry room..... unfinished basement.... crawlspace.... garage wall outlets,.... outdoor outlets... any place you can come into contact with both voltage and water, or voltage and ground (earth). 240 volt GFCI breakers are installed inside breaker box (service panel) Using 120 volt GFCI breaker is good option instead of wall outlets GFCI ... except more difficult to replace, and less accessible for testing. Caution: just 1 GFCI per circuit to ensure correct function. Multiple GFCI on same circuit can cause frequent resets and failures.  For permanently wired GFCI (breakers and outlets), a monthly test is recommended. Press test button on GFCI to simulate fault condition. Reset ensures the device is functioning. **Portable type GFCI's (used for temporary swimming pools, onsite extension cords etc) should be tested each time before use. Some devices like power vented water heaters, and other electronic devices specify no GFCI ... a GFCI can cause error codes or malfunction on devices that use ground wire as functioning part of electronic control. Resource: How to wire GFCI GFCI will not reset Portable GFCI |
 Use nipper instead of pliers or screwdriver for removing staples (and nails). Do not damage wire.  Damaged
wire is fire risk, and can cause circuit breaker tripping, and be
difficult to locate. If staple or nail has cut into cable,
carefully
inspect wire to see if the wire insulation has been pierced. Wire may need to be replaced, or tape added over damage. Best to replace wire. Code -Cable SHALL BE secured without damage to the outer covering. NEC sec. 336-15 Buy End cutting nippers at Amazon   When removing insulation from wire, do NOT score or put cuts on surface of copper wire. Doing so increases resistance on wire and creates weak point. Use wire stripper and not knife. Buy tools: Wire strippers at Amazon Linesman pliers Pro linesman plier Needle nose pliers End cutting nippers at Amazon |
 Weatherproof
lever switch on outdoor lightsSafely operate outdoor toggle switch Replaces outdoor cover Install over top of ordinary switch Works with single-pole, double-pole, 3PST, 3-way, 4-way switches etc Use weatherproof box for outdoor Can be used indoor or outdoor Buy: Best choice: Cantex lever switch Outdoor lever switches at Amazon Lever switches Resource Cantex-toggle-switch-covers.pdf Cantex-PVC-junction-boxes.pdf  Weather resistant plastic box for outdoor extension cord connections, Christmas light controls, power strip etc . Not for connecting wires with wire nuts, or permanent in-wall wiring. \can be used indoors to organize extension cord connections etc. Buy: Large-medium-small electric cord box Socketbox Raintight enclosures  Cord lock ... for weather-resistant extension cord connections Buy: Water-tight cord lock Note ; Weather-resistant means water can penetrate. Waterproof means no water can penetrate. Humidity and moisture can be present inside either type. |
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| Flexible cords are
more vulnerable to damage than fixed wiring. Therefore, cords should not be used if one of the recognized wiring methods could be used instead. Source: Electrical-safety-code/ pdf pg 26 ''Flexible cords and cables shall be approved and suitable for conditions of use and location. The standard lists specific situations in which flexible cords may be used. Flexible cords and cables shall be used only for: a. Pendants (a lampholder or cord-connector body suspended by a length of cord properly secured and terminated directly above the suspended device); b. Wiring of fixtures; c. Connection of portable lamps or appliances; d. Elevator cables; e. Wiring of cranes and hoists (where flexibility is necessary); f. Connection of stationary equipment to facilitate their frequent interchange (equipment which is not normally moved from place to place, but might be on occasion); g. Prevention of the transmission of noise or vibration. (In some cases vibration might fatigue fixed wiring and result in a situation more hazardous than flexible cord.) h. Appliances where the fastening means and mechanical connections are designed to permit removal for maintenance and repair (e.g. water coolers, exhaust fans); i. Data processing cables approved as a part of the data processing system. |
 'Extension
cords: 'Flexible cords and cables may
not be used:Source: Electrical-safety-code/ pdf pg 26 a. As a substitute for the fixed wiring of the structure; b. Where run through holes in walls, ceilings, or floors; c. Where run through doorways, windows, or similar openings; d. Where attached to building surfaces; or e. Where concealed behind building walls, ceilings, or floors." Flexible cord splices, repair and connections:  "Flexible cords shall be used only in continuous lengths without splice or tap. No. 12 or larger, may be repaired if spliced so that the splice retains insulation, outer sheath properties, and usage characteristics. Buy: 12 gauge extension cord Extension cord plugs Twist lock connector Twist lock outlets Resource: How to wire twist lock plugs  Flexible
cords shall be connected to devices and fittings so that strain relief
is provided which will prevent pull from being directly transmitted to
joints or terminal screws." In other words, the cord must be connected
or held in place by a clamp or other means so it cannot be pulled loose
from terminal screws.Extension cords are temporary and cannot be concealed inside wall. Extension cords are made for plug ends, and have stranded wire instead of solid wire. Never put stranded wire under screw plate of switch, timer etc. or it creates fire hazard. Do not use frayed cord ... or cord with loose ends, missing ground prong, damage covered with tape, damaged plug ... these issues are fire hazard, electrocution hazard |
| Designation Letter - Meaning S - Indicates a flexible cord designed for general use W - Indicates the cord is rated for outdoor use J - Indicates the cord with standard 300 voltage insulation. If there is no J in the designation, the cord has thicker, 600-volt insulation, designed for heavier use. P - Indicates parallel wire construction, used in air conditioner cords and household extension cords T - Indicates the cord jacket is made from vinyl thermoplastic E - Indicates the cord jacket is made from thermoplastic elastomer rubber (TPE) O - Indicates the cord is oil-resistant Cord size guide 150 feet 1-7 amps 14 gauge 8-10 amp 12 gauge extra heavy duty 11-15 amp 10 gauge extra heavy duty 100 feet 1-10 amps 16 gauge 11-13 amps 14 gauge 14-15 amps 12 gauge 16-20 amp 20 gauge 25-50 feet 1-13 amps 16 gauge 14-15 amps 14 gauge 16-20 amp 12 gauge |
| Use only 600 volt wire. Lamp cord, extension cords are not rated 600 volt. Use copper wire only. Aluminum wire is fire risk and should be avoided or installed by professional. 30 amp breaker use 10 gauge / 120-240 volt 30 amp outlet can be installed on 30 amp breaker only/ use 10 gauge wire ... cannot be connected to 15-20-40 amp breaker.  Orange/ #10 gauge wire, with ground ... 30 amp capacity. Safe maximum: 30 x 80% = 24 amps. Buy: 10-2 gauge/ 30 amp 10-3/ 30 amp Southwire electric tools |
Yellow
12 gauge 20 amp 120 volt 20 amp outlet can be installed on 20 amp breaker, but not 15 amp breaker/ use 12 ga wire. ... cannot be connected to 30-40 amp breaker. 1  Yellow/ #12 gauge wire, with ground ... 20 amp capacity. Safe maximum 16 amps. Buy: 12-2 gauge/ 20 amp 12-3/ 20 amp NMB is house wiring UF is underground Rolls of stranded wire HOOK UP Wires |
White
14 gauge 15 amp 120 volt 15 amp outlet, AFCI, GFCI, timer, switch etc can be installed on 15 or 20 amp breaker. Never connect 15 gauge wire to 20-30-40 amp breaker.  White/ #14 gauge wire, with ground ... 15 amp capacity. Safe maximum 12 amps. Buy: 14-2 gauge/ 15 amp 14-3/ 15 amp NMB is house wiring UF is underground |
| 50-60
amp breaker use 6 gauge / 240 volt 50 outlet can be installed on 50 amp breaker only  Buy: 6-2 wire Southwire electric tools NMB is house wiring UF is underground |
40-50
amp breaker use 8 gauge / 240 volt 40 amp outlet can be installed on 40 or 50 amp breaker only  Buy: 8-2 wire Southwire electric tools NMB is house wiring UF is underground |
  Copper ground wire. Every device, load, metal enclosure etc must be grounded. Ground wire must be continuous throughout installation, never switched on-off, never used as a Neutral wire. Generally ... use same size as other wire in circuit Buy: 12 gauge copper ground wire Ground wire Green ground wire Ground pigtails Ground rods/ ground clamps at Amazon |
 Non metallic flexible cables must carry ground wire, but do not have hazard of short circuit causing injury from shock. Armored steel cable can be used as a grounded connection, and will protect wires from damage. Metal can be energized from an insulation failure. All conduit ...metal, plastic ... flexible and rigid ... must be attached to structure, and attached to enclosures, boxes. Movement, damage and deterioration are major cause of electrical failure. Buy: Non-metallic flexible conduit Power whip Armored cable Southwire armored cable cutter Pull boxes |
 Electrical tools must be insulated. Always best to disconnect power, but insulation failure, lack of proper grounding, grounded neutral, lack of GFCI, out-of-code wiring, generator operating without transfer switch, and other problems still pose a risk to anyone working on electric power ... even when breaker is off. Buy: Electrician tools kits KLEIN TOOLS Tools kits IRWIN tools KNIPEX Telephone cable knife Low Voltage Mounting Bracket for Telephone |
Push-on wire connectors in place of twist-on connectorsBuy:Push on wire connectors Amazon Red 3P connector for 10-14 gauge wire Lever connectors for stranded wire at Amazon HOOK UP Wires |
Protect wiring from damage Use nipper instead of pliers or screwdriver for removing staples (and nails). Do not damage cable or wires inside cable. -Code says: Cable SHALL BE secured without damage to the outer covering. NEC sec. 336-15 Buy End cutting nippers at Amazon |
Electrically insulated tools When removing insulation from wire, do NOT score or put cuts on surface of copper wire. Doing so increases resistance and heat on wire and creates possible weak point. Buy tools: KLEIN TOOLS Wire strippers at Amazon Electric Wire Stripping Machine Linesman pliers Utility knife at Amazon |
 Multimeters Voltage is tested across two separate wires. Ohms or resistance is tested across both ends of same wire. Amperage is tested along one or two points on same wire. Buy: Analog multimeter Multimeters at Amazon Klein multimeter Electric testers at Amazon Clampmeter for testing amp flow on line |
 GFCI circuit breaker A GFCI circuit breaker will protect all boxes on circuit. Circuit must be grounded. Ground wire must be continuous and connected to each piece of equipment. White wire on circuit breaker must be connected to Neutral busbar inside the breaker panel. Buy GFCI circuit breakers |
Push down 1" wide Push down breaker Plug-in breaker Buy single-pole: Choose from 15 to 60 amp Eaton CL series Siemens 15-60 amp Single-pole tandem breaker Tandem breakers |
Push down 2" wide Push down breaker Plug-in breakers Buy double-pole: Choose from 15 to 125 amp Choose from 15 amp to 200 amp Eaton CL series circuit breaker Siemens circuit breaker Double pole GFCI |
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Tools DEWALT Black and Decker Stanley SKIL Makita Porter-Cable Bosch Irwin Hand tools Klein hand tools Fluke electrical testing Dremel hobby tools Campbell Hausfeld air powered Tekton automotive Powerbuilt automotive Saws and saw blades |
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Resource: Compare box timers DPDT timers Intermatic Control water heater w/ Z-wave |
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Resource: Intermatic control centers: and parts Digital control centers and parts Tork control centers and parts Subpanels All control centers and parts Enclosures |
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Resource: Programmable timers Countdown timers Off delay timers On delay timers Timer modules Din rail Twin & one-shot Woods Intermatic Tork |
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Recirculation systems |
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