Basic House Wiring Rules (SAFETY TIPS)

House wiring is a process which involves the setting up of a system for providing electrical power to different appliances. This process may seem easy but actually it is difficult and a little bit dangerous also. 

If a person does not have appropriate knowledge of wiring, he / she should not engage in this work. Besides there are some safety tips which should be taken by you before engaging yourself in this work. In this article you will get to know about house wiring, its rules and safety tips for it. 

Introduction to House Wiring

House wiring is the electrical system that is set up in a residential building for the purpose of distribution of electrical power for numerous appliances, lighting, and other electrical devices. It consists of the installation of wires, cables, switches, outlets, and various other elements that are significant for the transmission of electricity throughout the house in a secure and efficient manner. 

Parts of House Wiring

House wiring is not a simple process. It consists of various systems, tools, etc. Some of these parts of House Wiring are as follows :-

• Electrical Panels: The house wiring system generally commences with an electrical panel which can be also called a distribution board or a breaker box. The panel gets power from the utility grid and allocates it to various circuits within the house.
• Circuits: A house is splatted into a number of electrical circuits. Each of these circuits works for a specific area or set of electrical devices. Some of the common circuits are lighting circuits, outlet circuits, and dedicated circuits for the operation of high-power appliances such as air conditioners or electric stoves.
• Wiring Materials: Wiring materials that are involved in House Wiring in residential buildings are mainly non-metallic sheathed cable (NM cable) which are also known as Romex. It comprises insulated wires (typically black, white, and bare copper) encased in a plastic sheath. Besides this, there are some other types of wiring, such as armored cable (AC) or conduit. These wirings are used in some specific situations.

• Grounding: Grounding is a significant safety feature in house wiring. It engages connecting the electrical system to the earth for the prevention of electrical shocks and reduction of the risk of fire. The grounding system consists of grounding rods, grounding wires, and grounding connections at outlets and switches.

• Codes and Regulations: House wiring also consists of some local electrical codes and regulations for ensuring safety and reliability. These codes dictate factors such as wire size, circuit protection, outlet spacing, and other installation guidelines. It is important to follow these codes and get the wiring work inspected by a qualified electrician.
• Outlets and Switches: House wiring also engages various lectical outlets and switches. They are installed throughout the house in order to provide power and control for numerous devices. The outlets are generally located on walls and provide a point of connection for electrical plugs, while switches play the role of controlling the flow of electricity to lighting fixtures or other devices.

House Wiring Rules

House wiring rules which are also called electrical codes or regulations are set up in order to ensure the safety and Workability of electrical installations in residential buildings. These rules have been designed by the national or local electrical authorities. 

These rues may vary in accordance with your country or area. While there are some regulations that may be different but there are various common house wiring rules to consider which are as follows :-

• Grounding: Proper grounding is important for safety purposes. All electrical systems must have a grounding conductor that links to a grounding electrode system, such as grounding rods. Grounding provides assistance in protection against electrical shocks and provides a path for fault currents to avoid damage.
• Circuit Breakers or Fuses: It is important to safeguard each and every electrical circuit by using a circuit breaker or fuse. These devices automatically interrupt the circuit in case of an overload or short circuit. This leads to the prevention of excessive current that can lead to fires or damage to electrical devices.

• Electrical Permits: In various jurisdictions, it is necessary to have an electrical permit before commencing any kind of electrical work in a house. This is to make sure that the installation is inspected and meets safety standards.
• Wire Sizing: The other thing to keep in mind for house wiring is wire size. The wire size of the electrical wires used in house wiring should be appropriate for the electrical load that they will carry. The wire size is selected considering the factors such as the expected current, circuit length, and type of insulation. Undersized wires can overheat and pose a fire hazard.
• Outlet Placement: It is important to set up nest outlets at appropriate intervals for the purpose of providing convenient access to power throughout the house. Some of the common guidelines are spacing outlets no more than 12 feet apart along walls and at least one outlet in each room.
• GFCI Protection: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) must be installed in areas where water is present, such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and outdoor outlets. GFCIs detect ground faults and quickly cut off power to prevent electrical shocks.
• Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs): AFCIs are devices that are responsible for providing protection against the risk of electrical fires caused by arcing faults in wiring or devices. AFCIs are typically required for circuits supplying bedrooms and other living areas.

• Box Fill Capacity: Electrical boxes which consist of switches, outlets, or junction points have limits on the number and size of wires that they accommodate. These box fill capacities should not be exceeded to prevent overheating and ensure proper connections.
• Proper Insulation: All electrical wiring should be protected by appropriate insulation to eliminate the risk of electrical shocks and shorts. Wires must be routed and secured to avoid damage from contact with sharp edges, heat sources, or excessive bending.

House Wiring Safety Tips

Working with house wiring can be hazardous. 

Below mentioned are some essential safety tips that you should keep in mind while dealing with house wiring :-

• Hire a Licensed Electrician: For any crucial electrical work, it is recommended to hire a qualified and licensed electrician as they have the knowledge, skills, and experience to handle electrical installations in a safe and efficient manner. 
• Turn Off the Power: Another important precaution that you should keep in mind is that you should turn off the power before commencing any kind of work on the electrical system. Thus, turn off the power at the main electrical panel. In addition, it is important to use a voltage tester for ensuring that the power is off before proceeding. Besides, you should never assume that a circuit is de-energized without proper testing.
• Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): While working with house wiring, it is suggested to wear appropriate PPE to protect yourself. This can include safety glasses, insulated gloves, and non-conductive footwear. PPE helps reduce the risk of electrical shocks and injuries.
• Avoid Wet Conditions: You should keep the work area dry and prevent working on electrical systems in wet conditions or with wet hands. This is because moisture increases the risk of electrical shock. If working outdoors or in damp areas, it is important to make use of appropriate weatherproof equipment and take extra precautions.

• Create a Safe Work Environment: It is essential to maintain a proper, clean and well organized work area. You must remove any potential tripping hazards and keep flammable materials away from the work area. In addition, it is also important to make use of proper lighting and ensure good ventilation to prevent accidents and reduce the risk of electrical fires.
• Use Proper Tools and Equipment: It is important to make sure that you have the necessary tools and equipment for this job. This can include wire cutters, wire strippers, pliers, screwdrivers, and voltage testers. In addition, it is quite important to inspect your tools for damage before making use of them. 

By following the above mentioned precautions, you can eliminate risks that may arise while house wiring. With this you can ensure a successful and safe house wiring project. Besides, you must keep it in mind that in case you are uncertain or uncomfortable with any aspect of house wiring, it is best to consult a professional electrician.

FAQs

Can I do house wiring on my own? 

House wiring is a little complicated and dangerous process. It needs to be done very carefully. So, if you do not have appropriate knowledge, you should not engage in this work and you must consult a professional for the same. 

How many types of house wiring are there? 

There are various types of house wiring some of which are as follows :-

Non metallic sheathed cable, 

Armored cable and

Conduit wiring. 

Final Words

So, this was all about House wiring, its rules, important parts and factors and precautions that you should take while house wiring. Electrical work can be very dangerous, and it is significant to make safety your priority at all times. In case you are inexperienced or uncomfortable with house wiring, it is highly suggested to leave the work to a licensed electrician.