A Practical Guide To Safely Installing Electrical Wiring in Your Home

A Practical Guide to Safely Installing Electrical Wiring in Your Home
Ron Starr, Starr Electric

DIY Electrical Manual - Starr Electric
About the Author 2
About the Manual 2
Project Overview 3
Helpful Guides 3
Tools 4
Getting Started 6
Wiring 6
Conduit & Raceway 9
Boxes 10
Calculating Wires 12
Running Cables 14
1
About the Author
Ron Starr has been the owner and chief electrician of Starr
Electric since he founded the company in 1984. He has over 40
years of professional electrical experience and is dedicated to
meeting customer needs for residential, commercial, and
industrial sites. Ron has a passion for helping people succeed
in DIY electrical installation.
If at any point you find yourself in need of an expert

electrician to tackle a task for you, Starr Electric is available to
help. Visit www.StarrElectric.com or contact Ron Starr at
262-613-3255.
The author would like to thank Stephanie Strang, Christine

Bohl, and Zachary Ace Aiuppa for compiling this manual.
About the Manual
As a Wisconsin homeowner installing electrical wiring, you need directions that are simple to
understand and that follow state and national electrical code. This manual will walk you
through electrical installation, step by step. A master list of supplies and tools will indicate
exactly what you need, and important safety techniques will help you feel confident as you
complete electrical work in your home. After obtaining an electrical permit from local
authorities and following these directions, you'll be able to pass your inspection the first time
and avoid paying substantial professional fees.
This manual is designed to help you:
1. Learn what tools are needed for installation

2. Determine what supplies and tools are needed based on your project
3. Create a plan for electrical wiring installation
4. Install electrical wiring according to state and national code
5. Gain access to expert tips that go beyond code regulations
6. Save money on future electrical repairs with DIY repair tips
2
Project Overview
In order to ensure that you pass an electrical inspection at the completion of your project, it is
important to follow protocol before diving in. You will need to address each step listed below
in the order it is presented.
1. Get a permit from your city or county. You can search “electrical permit for (your city,
state)” online, or call your local city hall for information on how to obtain this permit.
You will have to fill out an application and pay any applicable fees.
2. After a permit is granted, you can use this manual to help you execute the installation.
Gather your supplies and get started.
3. After you’ve completed the steps for running your wires, installing boxes, and splicing
conductors in the boxes, contact a qualified inspector to examine your work. Before
your first inspection, your boxes must be installed and enclosed wiring will be spliced.
4. Once you’ve received the inspector’s approval of your “rough in” wiring, continue to
follow directions on inserting your devices into the wall.
5. The last step is to call the inspector for final approval of the electrical work. When you
pass inspection you will receive a signed form or verbal approval which indicates a
successful installation. Your local inspector will file a record of the permit and the final
inspection.
Helpful Guides:
Check out notes in Pay special attention to the red

green boxes (like this diamond icon, which will instruct
one) to discover you on safety measures to take
additional tips and before proceeding.
resources.
3
Having the Proper Tools
In order to successfully complete an electrical wiring project, you need a set of tools. Below
are the basic tools needed to perform a residential job. You may need to purchase additional
tools depending on job conditions.
Table 1.1
1 or 2 pair of channelocks
25’ 1” tape measure
Screwdriver - Phillips #2
Screwdriver - Flat, assorted
Hacksaw
Wire strippers (Ideal Reflex T-Stripper)
4
Table 1.1 (continued)
Hammer, straight claw 16oz
Lineman’s pliers/ side cutters - 8”

(e.g., Channellock 368)
Needle nose pliers - 6”
Razor knife
Voltage tester - solenoid
Receptacle and GFI tester

(ex. Ideal 61-501)
Level - 6”
5
Getting Started
Before diving into the specifics of electrical installation, let’s discuss some supplies that will be
needed for your project. In this section, you’ll learn how to identify and choose cables,
conduits, and boxes before launching into your room plan layout. You will also learn where to
properly drill holes in joists and studs for installing your cables. This is valuable information
that will help you avoid redundant work.
Wiring
The wiring between the fuse box and the outlet or fixture will deliver electricity to operate the
device you install. Choosing wiring of the proper gauge, amperage limit, and maximum
wattage load limit will help you avoid misguided wiring that could trip circuit breakers or
overload the circuits in your home. According to the National Electrical Code, you must choose
wires and cables that are appropriate for your project in order to create an electrical system
that is safe and well designed.
An electrical wire is one electrical conductor, and a cable is a group of The GROUND or
conductors (wires) inside sheathing. You’ll want to make note of the color of “G” on your
your wires throughout installation. Blue, black, and red wires are typically hot. sheathing
Green and bare copper wires are ground wires. White should always indicate a indicates the
neutral ground wire. White wires should remain neutral throughout the presence of a
installation process, unless you intentionally use it as a “hot” wire later in the ground wire.
project. If you do this, the white conductor must be marked in a different color
with a marker or electrical tape.
White wires should remain neutral throughout the

installation process, unless you intentionally use it as a
“hot” wire later in the project. If you do this, the white
sheathing must be marked in a different color with a
marker or electrical tape.
6
In table 1.2, you will find a list of typical cables for indoor residential electrical installation. The
type column indicates the cable’s commonly used name, including NM-B and UF cables.
The non-metallic cable (NM-B) is intended for indoor use behind walls and ceilings, inside
floor cavities, and in other unexposed areas. The “B” represents the cable’s heat rating of 194°
F. Exposing the cables to water or high heat (near hot water pipes or heating ducts) can
damage the wires and become a safety hazard. This type of wire is not designed for running
along a surface, like the outside of a wall, or burying in cement, concrete, plaster, or
underground.
The underground feeder cable (UF) is designed for in-ground and damp area installation. UF
cables look similar to NM cables and come in a variety of gauges to meet all electrical code
requirements.
The wire and cable gauge indicates the individual wire size and how many wires are inside the
cable. For example, the 14-3 NM-B cable has three wires of size 14 gauge.
The amps/volts column indicates the amount of current a

wire can safely carry (amps) and the maximum voltage the Smaller size numbers
wire can safely carry (volts). All of the information you need represent a larger
gauge wire.
about the type of wire and size is printed on the outside
sheathing of the cable, so check there for a reference point.
7
Table 1.2
Wire & Type Amps/ Uses
Cable Volts
Gauge
14-2 NM-B 15 General lighting circuits
and receptacles around the
home (excluding dining
room, kitchen, and laundry
room). Also used for
furnaces, dishwasher, and
garbage disposal.
14-3 NM-B 15 Used in conjunction with
14-2 NM-B for running two
circuits for dishwashers,
garbage disposals, and
3-way switches.
12-2 NM-B 20 Receptacles and small
appliances for kitchens,
dining areas, and laundry
rooms.
12-3 NM-B 20 Used in conjunction with

12-2 NM-B for running two
circuits or 3-way switches.
10-2 NM-B 30 Large appliances: clothes

dryer, water heater, or
window AC unit
10-3 NM-B 30 Large appliances: four-wire

clothes dryer
8-3 NM-B 40-50 Large appliances: Electric

range, central AC, or hot
tub
14-4 UF Run between home and

14-3 garage, to lampposts, and
14-2 outside post receptacles.
12-3 Rated for wet locations
and underground use.
12-2
Cable used is dependent
10-3
on loads served.
8
Conduit & Raceway
A conduit is the piping that protects your wires and cables. For the home, it is generally used
to protect exposed cables outdoors or in an unfinished basement.
A raceway is a covering similar to a conduit that is also used to protect cables across the
surface of a wall (typically in basements). These coverings are made of metallic or non-
metallic materials depending on the intended use. Below are the conduits most commonly
used in homes.
Table 1.3
Type Use Benefits Considerations
PVC *As a raceway *Won’t corrode *Requires a

Conduit for surface or rust separate ground
wiring *Inexpensive conductor to be
*In-ground or run with the
above-ground wiring
use
EMT *As a raceway *Lightweight *Cannot be used

(Electrical for surface and easy to underground
Metallic wiring install *Connects with
Tubing) *In-wall use *Can be bent or screw set or
cut compression
*Less expensive couplings and
than thicker connectors
steel options
GRC *In-ground *Highest level of *Requires a

(Galvanized use for protection separate ground
Rigid straight *Available in conductor to be
Conduit) runways to galvanized run with the
garages, aluminum, steel, wiring
lampposts, and stainless *Threaded ends
etc. steel require threaded
fittings
9
Boxes
Electrical boxes are used in the installation of receptacles (electrical outlets), switches, light
fixtures, smoke detectors, and ceiling fans. They house the device (switch or receptacle) and
enclose the wires. Boxes ground electrically charged wires, prevent short circuits, and provide
access to electrical components for needed maintenance and upgrades.
By code, a ceiling box

Properly installed boxes prevent fires by must be used if there
containing faults (wiring that fails) inside the is a possibility that a
box. fan may be installed.
(Basically anywhere
except a pantry or a
closet.)
In residential wiring, there are a few different types of plastic boxes

that can be used. Determine what type of switch or receptacle you
need to install, and choose the corresponding box.
See table 1.4 for a description of each of the boxes.
Table 1.4
Use Notes
Type
Use for one device Nail to stud

1-Gang Box
(switch or receptacle)
Use for two devices

2-Gang Box Nail to stud
Use for three devices

10
Table 1.4 (continued)
Type Use Notes
Use for four devices

Use for devices (sizes Can be adjusted (in or out) to

Adjustable
range from 1-gang to 4- accommodate the finish after
Nail-on Box
gang) all finish material is installed
Use for smoke

Round
detectors and light
Fixture Box
fixtures
Box has ears on the side that

hug the inside of the finished
Use to install devices in
wall, preventing it from being
finished walls; wires
pushed in or out after
Cut-in Box can be pulled into the
installation
box without damaging
the finish
Sizes range from 1-gang to 4-
gang
By code, a fan-rated box

Use for heavier fixtures,
Ceiling Box must be used in any area
such as ceiling fans
large enough for a ceiling fan
11
Calculating Wires
In any box used for residential wiring, you are limited in the number of wires that can be
terminated due to physical restraints and airflow across the conductors. In order to ensure
that the wiring is safe and you purchase the proper boxes for your project, it’s important to
calculate the correct number of wires for each box.
First determine what wire type you will be using for a receptacle or fixture. Each type of wire is
rated for a specific amount of space, as you will see in table 1.5.
Table 1.5
Wire Gauge Rating

10 2.5 CU IN
12 2.25 CU IN
14 2 CU IN
Next, select a box that will be able to accommodate the needed number of wires. Check the
interior of the box for the rating.
The number of wires

allowed in a plastic
box is indicated inside
of the box in two
ways: the number
allowed by size and
total cubic inches.
Interior of a 1-gang electrical box.
12
In order to calculate the number of wires allowed in a box, divide the total amount of cubic
inches (CU IN) stamped in the box by the number of CU IN for which the wire is rated. You
must deduct the number of wires per device as explained in the following example.
Example:
Materials: 1-gang box with 22.5 CU IN and 14-gauge wires
National Electrical Code requires an allowance of two conductors for each device in a box, so
you must start your calculation by deducting two 14-gauge conductors per device from the
total box fill (22.5 - 4 = 18.5). As stated in table 1.5, 14-gauge wires are rated for 2 CU IN. To
finish the calculation, you would divide the total amount of space in the box (18.5 CU IN) by
the wire rating (2 CU IN). Thus, you would be able to fit 9 14-gauge wires in the box, which will
consist of two or three cables.
Note: when counting the wires, you only count After calculating the size of
the ground wire for the first cable that enters your box, a good practice
would be to go up to the next
the box. For any additional cables, only count
size (or more) to leave ample
the insulated wires. room for the wires.
13
Running Cables
In order to install cables, you will have to drill a hole

through the joist or stud. A joist is a length of timber
or steel supporting part of the structure of a building,
typically arranged in a parallel series to support a floor
or ceiling. A stud is the upright support in the wall of a
building to which drywall is attached.
You will strategize the best route for running the

cables from the receptacles to the electrical box based
on your room layout (addressed later). Keep in mind
that the shortest route is generally best.
It is important to drill properly through your joists and studs in order to comply with code and
avoid damaging your cables with drywall nails later in the process. Additionally, drilling too
close to the edge of a joist can weaken the support beam significantly and become a safety
issue. Joists beneath the floor support the weight of furniture, appliances, people, and
whatever else is placed on them. Please follow these standard rules to preserve the integrity
of your joists:
Drilling through joists and studs: Drill the smallest

hole possible that
 Holes should be drilled inside the middle third of the joist. your cables can fit
through to avoid
 Any hole less than 1¼” from the edge requires a steel plate nailed to
weakening the
the face of the joist or stud to protect the cable from nails or screws joist or stud.
when drywall is installed.
 Drill as small of a hole as your cables will fit through; generally
5/8” − 2” holes should be sufficient.
Drilled holes in joists

should be located in the
middle third of the joist to
retain strength. Drill the
smallest hole needed for
the number of wires.
14
Stapling on joist and stud surfaces:
 Staples holding cables should be within 8” of a standard box.

 If a box has clamps that hold the cable, the staple must be within 12” of the box.
Holes less than

1¼” from face of
stud must be
protected by a
steel plate.
In a box without clamps,

a staple is required within
8” of the box. For boxes
with clamps, the staple is
required within 12” of the
box.
From the point it enters

the box, the cable must be
at least 6” in length with at
least 3” of cable beyond
the face of the box.
This will be a key section to come back to when you reach steps that refer to installing a cable
through a joist or stud. Check back on these specifications before you drill.
15
The following four pages are templates the author may use to
continue building on the manual.
= placeholder image
16
Terminations
Description:
Supplies:
Instructions: Step One
Instructions: Step Two
Instructions: Step Three
Instructions: Step Four
17
Connections
Description:
Supplies:
18
Splicing
Description:
Supplies:
19
Running and Installing a Cable
Description:
Supplies:
20

A Practical Guide To Safely Installing Electrical Wiring in Your Home

Загружено:

Сведения о документе

Оригинальное название

Авторское право

Доступные форматы

Поделиться этим документом

Поделиться или встроить документ

Параметры публикации

Этот документ был вам полезен?

Это неприемлемый материал?

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

A Practical Guide To Safely Installing Electrical Wiring in Your Home

Загружено:

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

A Practical Guide to Safely Installing Electrical Wiring in Your Home

Ron Starr, Starr Electric

About the Author 2

About the Manual 2

Conduit & Raceway 9

About the Author

If at any point you find yourself in need of an expert

The author would like to thank Stephanie Strang, Christine

About the Manual

This manual is designed to help you:

1. Learn what tools are needed for installation

Check out notes in Pay special attention to the red

Having the Proper Tools

25’ 1” tape measure

Screwdriver - Flat, assorted

Wire strippers (Ideal Reflex T-Stripper)

Lineman’s pliers/ side cutters - 8”

Needle nose pliers - 6”

Voltage tester - solenoid

Receptacle and GFI tester

White wires should remain neutral throughout the

The amps/volts column indicates the amount of current a

12-3 NM-B 20 Used in conjunction with

10-2 NM-B 30 Large appliances: clothes

10-3 NM-B 30 Large appliances: four-wire

8-3 NM-B 40-50 Large appliances: Electric

14-4 UF Run between home and

Conduit & Raceway

PVC *As a raceway *Won’t corrode *Requires a

EMT *As a raceway *Lightweight *Cannot be used

GRC *In-ground *Highest level of *Requires a

By code, a ceiling box

In residential wiring, there are a few different types of plastic boxes

See table 1.4 for a description of each of the boxes.

Use for one device Nail to stud

Use for two devices

Use for three devices

Type Use Notes

Use for four devices

Use for devices (sizes Can be adjusted (in or out) to

Use for smoke

Box has ears on the side that

By code, a fan-rated box

Wire Gauge Rating

The number of wires

Interior of a 1-gang electrical box.

In order to install cables, you will have to drill a hole

You will strategize the best route for running the

Drilling through joists and studs: Drill the smallest

Drilled holes in joists

Stapling on joist and stud surfaces:

 Staples holding cables should be within 8” of a standard box.

Holes less than

In a box without clamps,

From the point it enters

Instructions: Step One

Instructions: Step Two

Instructions: Step Three

Instructions: Step Four

Instructions: Step One

Instructions: Step Two

Instructions: Step Three

Instructions: Step Four

PVC As a raceway Won’t corrode *Requires a

EMT As a raceway Lightweight *Cannot be used

GRC In-ground Highest level of *Requires a