7» BLACK & DECKER HOME IMPROVEMENT LIBRARY® THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO WIRING A Comprehensive Manual, from Basic Repairs to Advanced Projects dl 2 oAErne eee Introduction. Electricity Basics Understancing Electricity Electricity & Satety ‘Your Electrical System Pats ofthe Electrical System Understanding Gicuis Grounding & Polarization Tool fr Electrical Repairs. Wires & Cables ‘Service Panels Fuses & Circult Breakers Mapping Circuits & Indexing the Service Pane! Evaluating Circuts for Sate Capacity Electncal Boxes Instaling an Electrical Box Foplacing an Electrical Box covynom 200% Ceatye Pusishng nlemations ne. '5900 Groen Oak Drve Minetoraa. Minnesota $5383 1800-928-3895 vw nowtabookstoe com Blnghis reserved Primed in U.S.A. by Quebecor Works wge7esea2 President GEO-Oavs . Murphy Vice PresiienU tor n-Chet Patria K. Jacobsen Vee President Reta Sales & Markelng” Pchard Mt Miler Erecuve Eater Byan Tandem Creative vector Tm Hinel ‘Managing Eat: Michele Skusarck atonal vector Jon Fars, 2 Wall Switches Light Fixtures Common Waltswich Problems 42 Repaiing & Replacing Wialt-switch Basics 44 “Incandescent Light Fodures 78 Single-pole Wall Switches 45 —-Repaiing & Replacing Trvee-nay Wall Switches. 48 Recessed Light Fixtures 83 Fourway Wall Switches 47. Reparing Chandeliers 88 Dubie Switches 48 Ropating Track Lights 88 Piotignt Swtenes 49° Rpating & Replacing Switchreceptacies 49° Fluorescent Lights %0 Specialty Swiches 50 Replacing a Plug 96 Testing Switches for Contruty 52 Replacing @ Lamp Socket 98 Fining & Replacing Wall Switches 56 immer Switches 60 Miscellaneous Receptacles Fixing & Replacing Doorbels 100 eptac! Fixing & Replacing Thermostats. 106 Common Receptacle Problems 62 Reparing Elecine Feceptacie Winng 64 Baseboard Healer na Basic Types of Receptacles «65 Repairng Wallmounted Over Receptacles 67 Elecine Heater 18 High-voltage Recoptactes, 68 Home Telephone Systom 18 Chnidproo! Receptacles & Other Accessories 62 Inspector's Notebook... .. 122 Testing Receptaces fr Power. Grounding & Polay 70 Service Panel Inspection 123 Repainng & Replacing Inspecting the Grounding Receptactes 72 dumper Wire 129 GFCI Receptacles 74 Common Cabie Problems 124 Checking Wire Comectons 126 Electrical Box Inspection 128 Common Electical (Cord Problems 190 Inspecting Recepiacies 2B Swiches 192 Evaluating Old Wiring 134 For ese ection Eder Thomas @ Lemmer Project Manager Jue Corso Praaacon Ast: Lyne Beckodahl, Kar Johnston ‘Assisting rector Kevin Walon Technica’ Prodvesen Eater Keth Thampson Petogranher Tale Carson ‘Scone Shop Carper Dan Wider ‘THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO HOME WIFING Created by The Etre of Creaive Pubsngntematonal in cooperation wih Slack & Deer Black 8 Deckers a adem (1 The Black & Decker Corporation andi used under hoes,Advanced Wiring Project Wiring Project Basics Yaa Roam ston og Mame Network Wing Systems iagram View Planning a Wiring Project 1381. Planthe Creuts 204 tntodction on trExamine Your Main Service. 140 2 Inetalores & Cables «205 —_nstaing a Home 2'Leam about Codes & Common Instaling a Vent Fan 208 "Network System 2m Electical Code Requirements 141 __lstaing ElecticalFocures 212 _Distouton Canter ar 3.Preparefor inspections 146—_—instaing TrackLighting 214 —_Distrbuton Modules 275 4 Evaluate Elctical Loads. 148 —_Instaling Telephone Cables & Wires 276 5. Draw a Winng Diagram Cable Televiton Wiing 216 Multmecia Outlets & & Geta Pet 152 9.MakeFinalConnectons. 218 Accessories an Cieit Maps fr Assessing Needs 278 ‘26 Common Wiring Layouts. 184 Wiring a Remodeled Kitchen 227-_Determining Locations 279 Wiring a Remodeled Kitchen Preparing Mutimesia Wiring instalation Basics Construction View 229 “Outlets 290 Wining a Remodeled Kitchen Mounting the Tools, Materials & Techniques 168 Diagram View 231 Disttbution Center 282 Electical Boxes for Projects. 1701. Planthe Circus 252 Routing Cables & Wires 284 Instaling Electical Bones. 172 Zinta Boxes & Cables 234 Instaing an Audio System 286, Wires & Cabes or Projects «178-3. Make Final Comectons. 238 Terminating Connectors 288 Instaling NM Cable. 178 ntaling a Vent Hood 244 Making Final Connections 290 Conaut 104 Testing tho Systom & Wiring a Laundry with Conduit 188 Installing Outdoor Wiring as Troubleshooting Problems 292 Cireut Breaker Panes 190 _Instaling Outdoor Wiring Connecting Circuit Breakers. 192 Cutaway View. 250 Home Automation ....... Instaling a Sutpanel 194. Instaling Outdoor Wiring: Diagram View 282 ‘Advanced Wiring Projects 1. Plan the Circuit 254 2. Dig Trenches 258 conversion Chart. 26 Wiring a Room Addition 198 3. Install Boxes & Conduit 258 — ne Wiring @ Room Ackion 4 Install UF Cable 262 Construction View 200 5, Make Final Connections. 264 Index. . . a7 Low-voltage Outdoor Ligning, 268 “s ‘amieg Resources ........ 20... 302 ‘THE DALLES-WASCO COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 722 Cour St, ray ot Congress etalgingm Publication Data The Dalles, OR 97058 The complete gue ham wing a comproheneve manual roma repairs 1 Cong ue hme Weg ‘eaances rom. Grtuerosane bc Bangs Amar smpovenens rong tan es Oden Excess and Orca oe org ‘pec Bag Pores Pe Roy 'SBN 668573-420-1 (904) Woowren nena S caarend one Bu Gan Oe on 1. Elec wing, Intrior-Amateurs a " ‘nannge emoneing renee Tne Compe manuals 2. Owalings-Mairterarce 2nd ew eye Rapa Capers Tose Proclausonens apa Te Gore ‘Spar-Amaters menu ‘Sess Wako Bung Ono Won” Coanohrne aug ne Cpu ae 6 I GreaiwePubiarngnteratonal inovtost Tacs Cpr Remasarg Bane Comps Gases Pang sees ‘ysze5 coe 2001 ‘lramageceagn Cormeen bua ‘soy The Capo ace ore eisieaeacet ames Soi eg rte hore ‘Eats ihe Copter hare hasany 00-085559 __Aemanng. Pg Wd Ee Pave ‘TCinpan Gute tre CopyIntroduction In everything from food preparation to climate Control, from entertainment to work, electricity plays a critical role in our lives. Knowing about your electrical system and how it works will allow you to make sensible, effective, and eco- nomical decisions for your home's functionality, convenience, and safety. This newly updated and revised edition of the top-selling The Complete Guide to Home Wiring is a comprehensive tour through the sometimes intimidating subject of electricity. With easy-to-understand definitions, step-by- step instructions, and clear color photos, you will recognize that most electrical work around your home, from basic repairs to advanced wiring projects. is work you yourself can easily accomplish. Even if you choose to hire professionals to replace fixtures or install new circuits, your increased understanding of what is required will help you work with these contractors and make the best use of your money. The Complete Guide to Home Wiring provides everything you need to know to understand and successfully do electrical work around your home. The first section of the book covers basic electri- cal repairs. Each major component of your home's electrical system is clearly defined and thoroughly covered. Definitions for and discus- sions about all types of wires and cables, fuse boxes and breaker panels, switches and recep- tacles will help you identify and work with the existing materials and fixtures in your home. You will earn how to troubleshoot and fix virtually any ‘switch, receptacle, lamp, ceiling fixture, or ther- ‘mostat as problems arise. All the tools and ‘materials necessary for performing the repairs are shown, as well as professional techniques for using them. You also see how mapping your home's electrical system makes it much simpler and safer to do work. There is also a review of the problems that an electrical inspector would point out and the instructions to fix them, The second section of the book presents com- plete wiring projects for your home. Whether you are remodeling and working in new construction ‘or making changes within the existing structure, these detailed projects can be easily adapted {0 your home's particular needs. There are 26 up-to-code circuit maps designed to simplify wiring layouts. You will also learn each step to planning a maior wiring project, from learning electrical code requirements to designing a lay- out that best suits your needs. Whether your wiring project involves a kitchen, bathroom, basement, attic remodel, or room addition, all the information you need can be found. The third section of the book features a new area in the home electrical system: the home network wiring system. Computer, video, and telecommunication needs in the home are rapidly expanding. This increased use of tech- nology creates a new demand for stronger and faster transference of data. A low-voltage struc- tured wiring system provides the pathway. After learning what a home network wiring system is and how it will benefit you, the discussions of components will help you put together a system tailored to your specific needs. This newly revised edition of The Complete Guide to Home Wiring will help you navigate through al of your home electrical projects, whether in repair or improvement. The thorough instructions and helpful tips will make this book an invaluable resource for years to come. NOTICE TO READERS This book provides useful instructions, but cannot anticipate all of your working conditions or the characteristics of your materials and tools. For safety, you should use caution, care, and good Judgment when following the procedures described in this book. Consider your own skill evel and the instructions and safety precautions associated with the various tools and materials shown, Neither the publisher nor Black & Decker” can assume respon- sibility for any damage to property or injury to per- sons as a result of misuse ofthe information provided, The instructions in this book conform to “The Uni form Plumbing Code,” *The National Electrical Code Reference Book,” and "The Uniform Building Code” current at the time of ts original publication Consult your local Building Department for informa- tion on building permits, codes, and other laws as they apply to your project.are White (neutral) Black (hot) wire Current flows Under pressure Understanding Electricity A household electrical system can be compared with a home's plumbing system. Electrical current flows in wires in much the same way that water flows inside pipes. Both electricity and water enter the home, are distributed throughout the house, do their "work, and exit In plumbing, water frst flows through the pres- surized water supply system. In electricity, cur rent fist flows along hot wires. Current flowing along hot wires also is pressurized. The pres: sure of electrical current is called voltage. Large supply pipes can carry a greater volume of water than small pipes. Likewise, large electrical wires Carry more current than small wires. This. current-carrying capacity of wires is called amperage. Water is made available for use through the faucets, spigots, and showerheads in a home Electricity is made availatale through receptacles. switches, and fixtures. Water finally leaves the home through a drain system, which is not pressurized, Similarly, elec: tical current flows back through neutral wires The current in neutral wires is not pressurized and is said to be at zero voltage Current returns. ‘under no pressure Light fixtureGlossary of Electrical Terms ‘ampere (or amp): Refers to the rate at which electrical power flows toa ight, tool, or appiance. armored cable: Two or more wires that are grouped together and protected by a flexible metal covering. ‘box: A device used to contain ‘wiring connections. BX: See armored cable. eable: Two or more wires that are grouped together and protected by a covering or sheath. Circuit: A continuous loop of elec- trical current flowing along wires or cables. circuit breaker: A safety device that interrupts an electrical circuit in the event of an overload or short circuit, ‘conductor: Any material that allows electrical current to flow through it. Copper wire is an especially good ‘conductor ‘conduit: A metal or plastic tube used to protect wires. continuity: An uninterrupted elec- trical pathway through a circuit or electrical fixture. ‘current: The movement of elec- trons along a conductor. duplex receptacle: A receptacle that provides connections for two plugs. feed wire: A conductor that carries, 120-volt current uninterrupted from the service panel, fuse: A safety device, usually found in older homes, that inter- rupts electrical circuits during an overtoad or shor circutt Greenfield: See armored cable. grounded wire: See neutral wire. grounding wire: A wire used in an electrical circuit to conduct current to the earth in the event of fa short circult. The grounding wire often is a bare copper wie. hot wire: Any wire that carries voltage. In an electrical circuit, the hot wire usually is covered with black or red insulation Insulator: Any material, such as plastic or rubber, that resists the flow of electrical current. Insulating materials protect wires and cables. junetion box: See box. meter: A device used to measure the amount of electrical power being used. neutral wire: A wire that returns ‘current at zer0 voltage to the source of electrical power. Usually covered with white or light gray insulation. ‘Also called the grounded wire. outlet: See receptacle. ‘overload: A demand for more current than the circuit wires or electrical device was designed to carry. Usually causes a fuse to blow or a circuit breaker to trp. pigtall: A short wire used to con- ‘ect two oF more circuit wires to a single screw terminal, polarized receptacle: A recepta- cle designed to keep hot current flowing along black or red wires, and neutral current flowing along white or gray wires. The result of hot current flowing for a period of time. Use of power makes heat, motion, or light receptacle: A device that provides plug-in access to electrical power. Romex: A brand name of plastic sheathed electrical cable that is commonly used! for indoor wiring, ‘screw terminal: A place where a wire connects to a receptacle, switch, or fixture, service panel: A metal box usually rear the site where electrical power enters the house. In the service panel, electrical current is split into individual circus. The service panel has circuit breakers or fuses to protect each circuit. short circuit: An accidental and improper contact between two current-carrying wires, or between a current-carrying wire and a ‘grounding conductor ‘switch: A device that controls electrical current passing through hot circuit wires. Used to turn lights and appliances on and off UL: An abbreviation for Under- writers Laboratories. an organiza- tion that tests electrical devices ‘and manufactured products for salely. voltage (or volts): A measurement of electricity in terms of pressure, wattage (or watt): A measurement of electrical power in terms of total energy consumed. Watts can be ‘calculated by multiplying the vott- age times the amps. wire connector: A device used to connect two or more wires together. Also called a wire nut.Electricity & Safety Safety should be the primary concern of anyone working with electricity. Although most household. electrical repairs are simple and straightforward, always use caution and good judgment when ‘working with electrical wiring or devices. Common sense can prevent accidents, The basic rule of electrical safely is: Always turn off power to the area or device you are working on. At the main service panel, remove the fuse or shut off the circuit breaker that con- trols the circuit you are servicing. Then check to = ‘Shut off power to the proper cir Cut at the fuse box or main ser- vice panel before beginning work wo Keep a flashlight near your main service panel. Check flashlight batteries regularly ‘Make a map of your household electrical circuits (pages 30 to 33) to help you turn the proper circuits on and off for electrical repairs ‘Always check for power at the fixture you are servicing before you begin any work. make sure the power is off by testing for power with a neon circuit tester (page 18). Restore Power only when the repair or replacement project is complete. Follow the safety tips shown on these pages. Never attempt an electrical project beyond your skill or confidence level. Never attempt to repair or replace your main service panel or service entrance head (pages 12 to 13), These are jobs {for a qualified electrician and require that the ower company shuts off power to your house. Close service panel door and ost @ warning sign to prevent others from turning on power while you are working on electrical projects Use only UL approved electrical parts or devices. These devices hhave been tested for safety by Underwriters Laboratories.Wear rubber-soled shoes while Use fiberglass or wood ladders ‘ning on electical projects On when making routine household Gamp floors, siand on a ruober repans near the service head ‘ory wooden boards Protect children with receptacle Use extension cords only for aps or childprcot receptacle temporary connections, Never covers (page 63) place them underneath rugs or fasten them to walls. baseboaros, or other surfaces, 4 Do not touch metal pipes, ‘aucets, Never alter the prongs of a plug or tatures while working with elec- to fita receptacle It possible. Tneity The metal may provide a install a new grounded receptacle grounding path allowing electrical Current io llow through your body Use GFCI receptacles (gr ouns: fault crcutnterrupters) where specitied dy local electrical codes (pages 7410 77) IAG Use correct fuses or breakers i" the main service panel (pages 28 10 29) Never stall a tuse or breaker that nas a higher amoer: age rating than the circut wires, ) | Do not drill walls or ceilings swuthout frst shutting off electrical power to the crrcutts that may be hidden Use double-insulated toolsYour Electrical System Electrical power that enters the home is produced by large power plants. Power plants are located. iinall parts of the country and generate electricity with turbines that are turned by water, wind, or ‘steam. From these plants electricity enters large. “step-up” transformers that increase voltage to half a milion volts or more. Electricity flows easily at these large voltages and travels through high-voltage transmission lines to communities that can be hundreds of miles from the power plants. "Step-down” trans- formers located at substations then reduce the voltage for distribution along street lines. On utility power poles, smaller transformers further reduce the voltage to ordinary 120-volt current for household use. Lines carrying current to the house either run underground or are strung overhead and attached to a post called a service head. Most homes built after 1950 have three wires running to the service head: two power lines, each carry- ing 120 volts of current, and a grounded neutral wite. Power from the two 120-volt ines may be combined at the service panel to supply current to large, 240-volt appiiances like clothes dryers or electric water heaters Many older homes have only two wires running to the service head, with one 120-volt line and a Power plants supply electricity to thousands of homes and busi nesses. Step-up transformers. increase the voltage produced at the plant, making the power flow more easily along high-voltage transmission lines, 10 ‘Substations are located near the ‘communities they serve. A typical Substation takes current from high- voltage transmission lines and re- duces it for distribution along street lines. grounded neutral wire. This older two-wire service is inadequate for today’s homes. Contact an electrical contractor and your local power ultlty company to upgrade to a three-wire service. Incoming power passes through an electric meter that measures power consumption. Power then enters the service panel, where its distrib- uted to circuits that run throughout the house. The service panel aiso contains fuses or circuit breakers that shut off power to the individual circutts in the event of a short circult or an over- load. Certain high-wattage appliances, lke microwave ovens, are usually plugged into their ‘own individual circuits to prevent overloads. Voltage ratings determined by power companies and manufacturers have changed over the years. Current rated at 110 volts changed to 115 volts, then 120 volts. Current rated at 220 volts changed to 230 volts, then 240 vols. Similarly, ratings for receptacles, tools, ight fixtures, and appliances have changed from 115 volts to 125 volts. These changes will not affect the perfor- ‘mance of new devices connected to older wiring. For making electrical calculations, such as the ones shown in "Evaluating Circuits for Sate Capacity” (pages 34 to 35), use a rating of 120 volts or 240 volts for your circuits Utility pole transformers reduce the high-voltage current that flows through power lines along neigh- bborhood streets. A utility pole transformer reduces voltage from 10,000 volts to the normal 120-volt current used in households.Parts of the Electrical System The service head, sometimes calec the weather The electric meter measures the amoun' of electrical service wires fo the home Three power consumed I's usually attached to the side of ard 240-voh seruice neces: the house and conrecis to the service head A th age nome Older homes may have metal disc inside the meter rotates when power is cen 1s only 120 volts of used The elecinc meter belongs to your local gov Ture service should be ungraded to utlty company If you suspect the meter 1s Not fun ce by an electrical contracto tioning properly contact tne power company Grounding wire connects the electncal system to Light fixtures attach airectly to a household elect the earth through a cold water pipe and a grounding —_cal system They are usually controlled with wall fod In the event ol an overload or short cru, the seniches The Iwo common types of ight fistures ar grounding wire allows excess elecincal power to find incandescent (page 78) and fluorescent (nage 9) nts way harmlessly to the earth 12Understanding Cs Circuits eed Porte An electrical circutis a co loop Household circut power from the main ser vice panel, throughout the house and back fo the main service panel Several switches. 1acles, light fixtures, nces may be connected a single circuit enters a crreutt loo} es and returns along es These wires are coded for easy identification res are black or red, and ves are wht or light Gray For safety most crcutts clude a per or green insulated grounding wire The ure conducts cur the event of a short cir. ut oF overload, and helps the chance of severe fal grounding rod buried underground (pages 16 to 17) ries too much can overload A fuse 2 cirCult breaker protects each circu in case of overloads pages 28 to 29) To calculate power any circut car ry see “Evaluating Circuits for Sate Capacity’ (pages 34 to 35) - UMS to the service panel along a neutral cicut re Current then becomes part of a man circu and leaves the house on a large neutral service wire that returns 1 to the ultity pole transformer. 14 ee potty Conroe ca Grounding wire caterBack ot wire cry ere ear Petey water pipe Dee ee ene eee aes See rut ee atid Re eer ee tcl wart cet earth through a grounding wire Pee core cr ena cks) eee [oc cored conta Deco et touching the metal box. The ground- ng wire attached to the box picks up this foae nen ne Tras Deu cueeare mar Ney Cac short-circuited current retums to its sour rough a neutral service cable or reach Sen Eee ere ene Been otro tot Cerone emer Grounding & Polarization Electricity always seeks to return to its source and complete a Continuous circuit. In a house- hold wiring system, this return ath is provided by white neutral wires that return current to the main service panel. From the service panel, current returns along a neutral service wire to ‘a power pole transformer. ‘A grounding wire provides an ‘additional return path for electr- cal current, The grounding wire is a Safety feature. Itis designed to conduct electricity if current seeks to return to the service panel along a path other than the neutral wire, a condition known as a short circu. A shor circuit is a potentially dangerous situation. ifn electri cal Box, tool, or appliance be- comes shor circuited and is touched by a person, the electr- cal current may attempt to return to ils source by passing through that person's body. However, electrical current always ‘seeks to move along the easiest path. A grounding wire provides a safe, easy path for current to follow back to its source. If a person touches an electrical ‘box, tool, or appliance that has a properly installed grounding wire, any chance of receiving a severe electrical shock is greatly reduced, In addition, household wiring systems are required to be con- nected directly to the earth. The earth has a unique ability to absorb the electrons of electrical current. In the event of a short Circuit or overload, any excess electricity wil fin its way along the grounding wire to the earth, where it becomes harmiess.This addtional grounding is com- pleted by winng the household electrical system to a metal cold water pipe and a metal grounding rod that 1s buried underground After 1920, most American homes included receptacies that ac: cepted polarized plugs. While not a true grounding method, the two- slot polanzed plug and recepta- cle was designed to keep hot current flowing along black or red vores, and neutral current flow- ing along white or gray wires Armored cable and metal con uit, widely installed in homes during the 1940s, provided a true grounding path. When con- nected to metal junction boxes, it provided a metal pathway back to the service panel Modern cable includes a green insulated or bare copper wire that serves as the grounding path This grounding wire is con- nected to all three-slot recep- tacles and metal boxes to provide a continuous pathway for any short-circuited current By plugging a three-prong plug into a grounded three. slot receplacle, appliances ang tools are protected from short circuits Use a receptacle adapter to plug three-prong plugs into two- Slot receptacles, but use it only it the receptacle connects to a grounding wire or grounded electrical box Adapters have short grounding wites or wire loops that attach to the recepta- cle coverplate mounting screw The mounting screw connects the adapter fo the grounded metal electrical box A Modern NM (nonmetallic) cable, found in most wining systems installed ater 1965, contains a bare ‘copper vare that provides grounding for receptacle and switch boxes Polarized receptacles have a long slot and a short slot Used with a polarized plug, the polar- ized receptacle keeps electrical current directed for satety Receptacle adapter allows threo- prong plugs to be inserted into 'worsiat receptacles The adapter can be used only with grounded receptacies, and the grounding oop oF wire of the adapter must be attached to the coverplate ‘mounting screw of the receptacle. ‘Armored cable, sometimes caled BX or Greentield cable has a metal ‘sheath that serves as the grounding pathway Shor-ciruted current flows through the metal sneath ‘back to the service panel ‘Three-slot receptacles are required by cade for new. homes They are usually connected 10 a standard two-uire cable wih ‘ground (above lett) Double-insulated tools have non: conductive plastic bodies to pre- vent shocks caused by short Grcuts. Because of these features ouble-insulated foots can be used ‘safely wth ungrounded receptacies 7Se eneed peer) wing projects. cuts eae reid Per Perc oes ier daibentaeeoei acto Rica ee feet ae ety Loses er taney Pricer borg Perera tet ty ‘generates current and a loop of wi Erne ners erie eee ee peer teem ere re ere terh erent Loe re aes ironieeeer ue eee Philips screws, Neon circuit tester is used to check circut wires for power. Testing for power is an essential safety stop in Eater eens yee perme penny tb | ree rr ott teed porous peeoaie Lene) epee os Se Reastos Se) Rrererty erry Tools for Electrical Repairs Home electrical repairs require only a few inex- pensive tools. As with any tool purchase, invest in uality when buying tools for electrical repairs, Keep tools clean and dry, and store them securely. Tools with cutting jaws, like needlenose pliers and combination tools, should be resharpened or dis carded ifthe cutting edges become dull Several testing tools are used in electrical repair projects, Neon circuit testers (page 70), continuity testers (page 52), and mult-testers (below) should bbe checked periodically to make sure they are operating properly. Continuity testers and mult testers have batteries that should be replaced regularly, Mutti-tester is a versatile. battery-operated tool te. quently used to measure electrical voltages. It also used to test for continuity in switches, light fixtures. and other electrical devices. An adjustable control ‘makes it possible to measure current ranging from 1 10 1000 volts. A mult-tester 1s an essential tool for, measuring current in low-voltage transformers, Ike those used to power doorbell and thermostat systems (pages 100 to 113) 19coe eer Ce eae ete aed Pe oe RCC at creer rag) Prk taeirpie Pe ores . Deen Pherae eres eee Pi occa ema ti ene tele ener a hoe eg epee iss ac oath — eer eae eer arene ee ree cA ener ee arn tee ene a errs ere tego Re ty othe inert ats pil ee paerid | Pee eer Early NM (nonmetallic) cable was used trom 1930 Peat pire aN nee oe SPO ET Peer eerie eine re re I ne rn ert ted Riiriaren eestor ey poem er te Gee ead) Ciena Cea ete ee ean PE inate eran See eer eed Core Sm ance tree) Bermevoee nh etna aera) Bere i en ese Senne eect ies aed Miter suke ed eee eer) Ea rerarn roe aire] Poem tered varie) Pere ara Eee erie tea eer Le) Pepe eac @ E a a e <= e :Wires & Cables Wires are made of copper, aluminum. or aluminum covered with a thin layer of copper. Solid copper wires are the best conductors of electricity and are the most widely used. Aluminum and copper- Covered aluminum wires require special installation techniques. They are discussed on page 22 A group of two or more wires enclosed in a metal, rubber. or plastic sheath is called a cable (photo, page opposite). The sheath protects the wires from damage. Metal condut also protects wires, butt is not considered a cable. Individual wires are covered with rubber or plastic vinyl insulation, An exception is a bare copper grounding wire, which does not need an insulation Cover. The insulation is color coded (chart. right) to identify the wire as a hot wire, a neutral wire, or a grounding wire. In most wiring systems installed after 1965. the wires and cables are insulated with plastic vinyl This type of insviation is very durable and can last as long as the house itselt. Before 1965, wires and cables were insulated with rubber. Rubber insulation has a life expectancy of about 25 years (see "Evaluating Oid Wiring ages 134 to 137). Old insulation that is cracked or damaged can be reinforced temporarily by ‘wrapping the wire with plastic electrical tape However. old wiring with cracked or damaged in- ‘sulation should be inspected by a qualified electri- cian to make sure it's safe. Wires must be large enough for the amperage rat- ing of the circuit (chart. right). A wire that is 100 small can become dangerously hot Wire sizes are categorized according to the American Wire Gauge (AWG) system. To check the size of a wie, use the wire stripper openings of a combination too! (page 18) as a guide. Everything You Need Tools: cable ripper, combination tool, screwdriver, needilenose pliers. Materials: wire connectors, pigtail wires (it needed) ‘See Inspector's Notebook: ‘+ Common Cable Problems (pages 124 to 125). ‘+ Checking Wire Connections (pages 126 to 127) ‘Electrical Box Inspection (pages 128 to 128). Wire Color Chart Wire color Function we White | Neutral wire carving Current at zero voltage mm iack | Hot wire carrying current at full votage memes Fed | Hot wire caring current at ful voltage, White, back) | Hotwire carrying Pethags | Curent at ful votage (Mme Green | Serves as a grounding pathway. Bae | Senesasa SS ccoper | grouncing pathway. Individual wires are color coded to ident their function In some circuit installations, the white wire serves as a hot wire that carries voltage If so this white wire may be labeled with black tape or paint 10 identity tas a hot wire Wire Size Chart Wire gauge Wire capacity & use ‘60 amps, 240 volts; central air conditioner. electric furnace. 40 amps, 240 volts; electric range, central air conditioner. '30 amps, 240 volts; window air conditioner, clothes dryer. ‘20 amps, 120 volts; light fixtures, ‘receptacles, microwave oven, 15 amps, 120 volts; ight fixtures, receptacles. Light-duty extension cords, Thermostats, doorbells, security systems. izes (shown actual size) are categorized by the American Wire Gauge system. The larger the wire size, the smaller the AWG number 2Reading NM (Nonmetallic) Cable 2.G_NON METALLIC SHEA etd imum ey ed py a roma Pay coker) NM (nonmetallic) cable is labeled Aluminum Wire Inexpensive alum m vate was used in place of rating of AL-CU per in many stems installed dunng the copper 3e devices proved fo nd early 1970s, when copper prices were aza¢G0us v (0 aluminum vive i vote 18 sented by is siver color U devices should not be used wth aluminum sth both aluminum and seSecaia in 1971 sunches and receptac Use wath aluminum wiring were introduced s design ‘sold aluminun = sproved rating for aluminum zares tacle without a CO/ALR rating stamp repla the device with a switch receptacle ted COALR ” Ap By ine early 1970s all-aluminum wie w 22a'G i Connected to a sw n sctew lerminals. Because iHerent rate brass. the wire connections could A swrtel In some instances. fires res receptacte that we company raling printed on the "mounting strap or should not be used wth aluminum wares T ted ‘isting aluminum suring #9 homes 1s conside tallation methods have been k res are connected to special Se racles designed 10 be used with oa aksmnarn ere you have aluminum wie in your ge cot Tome nave a quate Tingpector revew the For a short while, switches and receptacles with an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) wire compatibility 22.How to Strip NM (Nonmetallic) Cable & Wires Measure and mark the cable 8 Grip the cable tightly witn one Peel back the plastic sheathing 10 10'from end. Slide the cable hand, and pull the cable rpper WD and the paper wrapping from ripper onto the cable, and squeeze toward the endof the cable tocut the individual wires {001 firmly to force cutting point open the plastic sheathing through plastic sheathing 4 Ge anay te excess plastic Cut the individual wires, it nec Sip insulation for each wire, sheathing and paper wrap: essary, using the cutting jaws using the stripper openings, ping, using the cutting jaws ofa of the combination tool Choose the opening that matches combination too! the gauge of the wire, and take care not to nick or scratch the ends of the wires. 23How to Connect Wires to Screw Terminals Sinp about of insulation from Form a C-shaped loop in the each wre, using a combination dé end of each wire, using a tool Choose the stripper opening needienose pliers The wire shoule that matches the gauge of the have no scratches or nicks wire then clamp wire n tool Pull the wire firmly to remove plastic insulation How to Connect Wires with Push-in Fittings Mark the amount of insulation Insert the bare copper wires to be stripped from each wire, firmly into the pushin ftings Using the strip gauge on the back —_on the back of the switch or recep- of the switch or teceptacle. Strip _tacle. When inserted, wires should the wires using a combination tool have no bare copper exposed. (step 1, above). Never use push-in Nore: Although pushin filings are fitings wth aluminum wiring. Convenient, most experts believe screw terminal connections (above) are more dependable. 24 Hook each wire around the screw terminal so forms a clockwise loop Tighten screw firmly Insulation should just toucn head of screw Never place the fends of twa wires under a single screw terminal Instead, use pigtail wire (page opposite) Remove a wire from 2 pushin fiting by inserting a smali nail or ‘screwdriver in the release opening next to the wire Wire will pull outHow to Connect Two or More Wires with a Wire Connector How to Pigtail Two or More Wires Wire connector cr Cony Connect two or more wires io 2 single screw term) Ni A pigiail s a short piece of wire pigtail connects to a screw terminal cis to cwrcult wes using a Iso can be used to that are too short ipage 128) Sooty Grounding pigt able with a preat ing screw connects 10 the grounded m ‘box The end of the pigtal wir copper grounding wres with a has green insulation and is a hed grounding screw This grouna: 28Service Panels Every home has a main service panel that distrib Utes electtical current to the individual circuits, The main service panel usually is found in the base- ment, garage, or utlity area, and can be identified by ils metal casing Before making any repair to your electrical system, you must shut off power to the correct circutt at the main service panel. The service panel should be indexed (pages 30 to 33), so circuts can be identiied easily, Service panels vary in appearance, depending on the age of the system. Very old wiring may operate ‘on 30-amp service that has only two circuits. New homes can have 200-amp service with 30 or more circuits, Find the size of the service by reading the ‘amperage rating printed on the main Tuse biock or main circuit breaker Regardless of age. all service panels have fuses or circuit breakers (pages 26 to 29) that control each crcuit and protect them trom overloads. In general, older service panels use fuses, while newer service panels use circutt breakers. PN Cred 26 In addition to the main service panel, your elect ccal system may have a subpanel that controls some of the circuils in the home. A subpanel has ts own circuit breakers or fuses. and i installed to control circuits that have been added to an exist ing wiring system. ‘The subpanel resembles the main service panel bbut is usually smaller. It may be located near the ‘main panel, or it may be found near the areas served by the new circuits, Garages and altics, that have been updated often have their own sub. panels, It your home has a subpanel, make sure that its circuts are indexed correctly, When handling fuses or circuit breakers, make sure the area around the service panel is dry. Never remove the protective cover on the service panel. After turning off a circult to make electrical repairs, remember to always test the circuit for power before touching any wires, ‘A.30-amp service panel, common In systems installed before 1950, 'sideniilied by a ceramic tuse holder containing two plug fuses and a “knife-blade” switch lever The fuse holder sometimes is. ‘contained in a black metal box mounted in an entryway or base. ment. This 30-amp service panel provides only 120 volts of power 1nd now is considered inade- quate For example, most home loan programs, like the FHA (Federal Housing Adminstration) equire that 30-amp service be updated to 100 amps or mare belore a home can quality for martgage financing To shut off power to individual cit cults in a 30-amp panel, caretully Unscrew the plug fuses, touching only the insulated rim of the fuse To shut off power to the entre house, open the knife-blade switch Be careful not 1 touch the metal Contacts on the switch