Much of what you gotta know forelectrical repairsinvolves how to identify, buy, and install electrical wiring.
Here are all the basic elements it’s crucial that you understand about electrical wiring.
NM cable is made of three or more wires wrapped inside a flexible plastic jacket, or sheathing.
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With direct-burial cable, the individual conducting wires are embedded in solid vinyl to fully protect them from moisture.
Electrical Wire Stripping
Stripping electrical wireinvolves removing the plastic insulation surrounding the wire’s metal core.
It’s important to do this carefully so there is no damage to the metal.
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The procedure is simple but requires a specialwire stripping tooland an understanding of how to use it.
This is a critical skilland toolfor DIYers to have for any wiring project.
Electrical Wiring Box Fill Capacity
There is a setlimit to the number of wiresallowed in electrical boxes.
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For safety, it is important to remain at or below the fill capacity.
For every unit installed on the box, subtract two wires.
Junction boxes have wires only, no devices.
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But if the box contains one electrical outlet, you must subtract two wires.
The box could then hold up to seven #14 AWG wires (plus the outlet).
This is a service disconnect switch.Not all homes have a dedicated disconnect.
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A disconnect must be installed by a licensed electrician.
Controlling Current in Electric Circuits.
Berkeley Laboratories / U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory / The University of California.
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314.16 Number of Conductors in Outlet, machine, and Junction Boxes, and Conduit Bodies.
National Electrical Code (NEC).
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Getty / Peter Frank
The Spruce / Margot Cavin
BanksPhotos / Getty Images
