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HOME REPAIRS + MAINTENANCE, LIGHTING

How Electrical Wiring Works

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Are you looking to refresh your understanding of electrical work? Wondering about the basics? Exploring the how of electrical wiring is a great first step if you’re looking to learn about electrical work.

You won’t need any experience. It’s also easy to get started if you’ve got a basic understanding of electricity.

Ready to learn the ins and outs of making electricity work? If so, read on! We talk about how electrical wiring works.

The Basics of Electrical Wiring

Electrical wiring is like the highway system that delivers electricity to our homes and workplaces. It’s what powers our lights, gadgets, and appliances. Understanding how it works is essential for everyone.

Think of electrical wiring as a set of roads for electricity. It all starts at a power plant or electrical grid. Electricity there gets sent through big power lines to substations.

These substations turn it into lower-voltage electricity and send it to our homes and offices. This will be through a web of wires hidden behind walls and ceilings. These wires lead to our electrical outlets, switches, and devices, making everything work.

Conductors and Insulators

To grasp electrical wiring, you need to know about conductors and insulators. Conductors are materials that let electricity flow through them easily.

Copper and aluminum wires are good conductors. This is because they allow electricity to move without much resistance. This means less energy will get lost as heat.

Meanwhile, insulators are like traffic barriers for electricity. Materials like plastic, rubber, and wood are insulators because they resist the flow of electricity.

We use these materials to cover and protect wires. This prevents electricity from escaping and keeps us safe from shocks.

Circuits and Pathways

Imagine electrical circuits as maps that guide electricity where it needs to go. A circuit is like a closed loop or a path for electricity to travel through. It has three parts:

  • A power source
  • Conductors
  • Things that use electricity

When you flip a switch, you’re completing a circuit. This allows electricity to flow from the power source, through the wires, and into the device. Circuits are typically designed to keep us safe and make sure electricity flows.

Circuit breakers and fuses are like emergency exits. They stop the flow of electricity if there’s too much or something goes wrong. Understanding circuits helps ensure everything works correctly and safely.

Types of Wiring

There are many types of electrical wiring for different jobs. Two common types are “Romex” and “BX” wiring. Romex wiring uses copper wires and plastic insulation. It’s often used in homes because it’s easy to work with.

BX wiring, on the other hand, uses metal-clad cables with a metal sheath, making it more durable. It’s used in places where wires might get damaged, like factories.

Choosing the right wiring depends on where you’re using it and what the rules say. It’s like picking the right tool for the job. For more on your options, you can check out websites like Long View Lighting. 

Learn How Electrical Wiring Works

Electrical wiring is essential for a functioning, safe home. Learning how wiring works requires some effort but is critical to success.

With the right direction and focus, anyone can become an electrical wiring expert. There are tons of resources online that can help you even further.

For more content like this, be sure to head on over to our website. We put out articles like this daily, so you’ll surely find something interesting!

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home renovation, HOME REPAIRS + MAINTENANCE, LIGHTING

Notice Any of These 7 Things? Call an Electrician Immediately

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Many of us take for granted that our home electrical systems will allow us to carry on with life as usual. Most of the time they do, especially if they were installed correctly and have been properly maintained. Still, there’s always a chance that something could go wrong. Sometimes, people accept certain malfunctions as normal and simply ignore them. That’s not necessarily a good idea. Take a look at the following problems to get a better idea of when you should call a professional electrician.

1) Smoke or a Burning Smell

Smoke is a sure sign it’s time to reach out for help. Where there’s smoke or a strange burning odor, there could be fire to follow. This is especially true if an outlet, light switch, or appliance is the source of the smoke or smell. It’s a good idea to make the local fire department your first point of contact. From there, contact an Idaho Falls electrician.

2) Sparks Coming from an Outlet or Switch

Sparks flying from an electrical outlet or switch are also a sign that a problem has developed. Seeing sparks when plugging in an electrical appliance or device is an indication of trouble, too. In either situation, be sure to contact an electrician in Idaho Falls as quickly as possible. 

3) Your Lights Are Flickering

This is one of those issues people often dismiss as a normal occurrence. It’s not uncommon for lights to dim or flicker a bit when an appliance kicks on. That doesn’t mean it should be happening, though. This may be a warning sign that your electrical system needs repairs or you’re placing more of a strain on the system than it can handle. If your lights flicker or dim from time to time, don’t hesitate to find an electrician for help.

4) Unusual Buzzing Sounds

Buzzing sounds coming from outlets, switches, or other portions of your home electrical system can certainly be unnerving. That’s your internal fight-or-flight response kicking in, and it means there’s a clear and present danger. It could indicate a serious problem with the wiring that could lead to shocks or a fire. 

5) Outlets are Hot to the Touch

If you plug in an appliance or device and notice the outlet feels warm or hot, there’s a problem in the making. This is also the case if your light switches start feeling warmer than usual. Unplug any items that are plugged into the outlet or turn off the affected switch immediately. Consider shutting off the circuit breaker that controls that portion of the electrical system as well. Then, call an electrician near me.

6) Tripping Circuit Breakers

Do some of the circuit breakers in your home trip from time to time? This often happens when an appliance kicks on or someone plugs a new appliance or device into an outlet. Though you can often switch the circuit breaker back on to temporarily remedy the issue, it’s a sign that there’s a serious underlying problem that needs professional attention.

7) Lights or Outlets Aren’t Working

If some or all of your lights or electrical outlets aren’t working, it’s definitely a good idea to call an electrician. Problems like these can disrupt your life, but they’re more than minor inconveniences. They’re indications that there’s a potentially dangerous problem with the overall electrical system.

Keeping Your Electrical System Safe and Functional

Some electrical issues are easy to spot. Others may not really seem like much of a problem. Either way, it’s best to have them checked out and repaired as quickly as possible. Ignoring even a seemingly minor electrical problem can lead to major malfunctions and safety hazards down the road. 

SHOP LIGHTING…

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