Editors of Creative Publishing - Black & Decker Advanced Home Wiring

Current with Codes through 2014

DC Circuits Transfer Switches Panel Upgrades
Circuit Maps Much More

Copyright 2012
Creative Publishing international, Inc.
400 First Avenue North, Suite 300
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401
1-800-328-0590
www.creativepub.com
All rights reserved

Printed in China

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Digital Edition: 978-1-61058-607-8
Softcover Edition: 978-1-58923-414-7

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Advanced home wiring: current with 2012-2015 codes. -- 3rd ed.
p. cm. -- (Complete guide)
At head of title: Black & Decker
Includes index.
Summary: This updated 3rd edition of Black & Deckers Advanced Home Wiring features techniques, materials, and projects for advanced home wiring installations, repairs, and maintenance, consistent with 2012-2015 NECA codes--Provided by publisher.

ISBN 978-1-58923-702-5 (soft cover)
1. Electric wiring, Interior--Amateurs manuals. I. Creative Publishing International. II. Title: Black & Decker

TK9901.A34 2012

621.31924--dc23

2011052375

President/CEO: Ken Fund
Group Publisher: Bryan Trandem

Home Improvement Group

Associate Publisher: Mark Johanson
Managing Editor: Jenny Miller
Developmental Editor: Jordan Wiklund

Creative Director: Michele Lanci
Art Direction/Design: Brad Springer, Brenda Canales, Kim Winscher

Staff

Lead Photographer: Corean Komarec
Set Builder: James Parmeter
Production Managers: Laura Hokkanen, Linda Halls

Edition Editor: Chris Sibell
Page Layout Artist: Danielle Smith
Shop Help: Charles Boldt, John Keane
Technical Reviewer: Bruce Barker

Advanced Home Wiring
Created by: The Editors of Creative Publishing international, Inc., in cooperation with Black & Decker.
Black & Decker is a trademark of The Black & Decker Corporation and is used under license.

NOTICE TO READERS

For safety, use caution, care, and good judgment when following the procedures described in this book. The publisher and Black & Decker cannot assume responsibility for any damage to property or injury to persons as a result of misuse of the information provided.

The techniques shown in this book are general techniques for various applications. In some instances, additional techniques not shown in this book may be required. Always follow manufacturers instructions included with products, since deviating from the directions may void warranties. The projects in this book vary widely as to skill levels required: some may not be appropriate for all do-it-yourselfers, and some may require professional help.

Consult your local building department for information on building permits, codes, and other laws as they apply to your project.

Advanced Home Wiring

Conversions

Home wiring is a skill that is worth developing beyond the basics of replacing a switch or rewiring a lamp. There is no such thing as a simple wiring project, inasmuch as the consequences of any mistake can be severe. But advancing your skillset to include more challenging and complicated projects is the surest way to make your initial investment in the fundamentals of electrical service pay maximum dividends. This new 3rd edition of Black & Decker Advanced Home Wiring is directed specifically at homeowners who have some wiring experience and are interested in upgrading their capabilities.

Home wiring projects fall into three general categories: installing wiring fixtures such as ceiling lights or baseboard heaters; installing or upgrading wiring circuitry; and troubleshooting and repair. Youll find advanced-level projects in all three categories, but for the most part, the more challenging projects tend to be in the circuitry and repair groups. Almost all of the advanced wiring projects featured in this book involve new circuitry, panel upgrades, or troubleshooting with diagnostic equipment. Among the high-level projects youre not likely to find in other DIY wiring books: making a direct-current, solar-electric circuit; upgrading the grounding and bonding on your new 200-amp or larger home circuit; installing an automatic transfer switch for your backup power supply; and using a multimeter to precisely locate an open neutral in a home circuit.

Even though the projects found in this book are advanced in nature, do not attempt any of them unless you are confident in your abilities. Consult a professional electrician if you have any concernsin many cases your best solution might be to do some of the work yourself, such as pulling new sheathed cable through walls, and to have the electrical contractor do the other work, such as making the connections. Because most wiring projects require a permit from your local building department, you will need to be able to plot out and explain clearly your project strategies, materials, and costs, and in some cases arrange for field inspections. But do keep in mind that home wiring can be a fun and fascinating pursuit, and successfully accomplishing a major project is personally gratifying and can also save you substantial amounts of money.

Working Safely

S afety 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 safety 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 controls the circuit you are servicing. Then check to make sure the power is off by testing for power with a voltage tester. Tip: Test a live circuit with the voltage tester to verify that it is working before you rely on it. 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. These are jobs for a qualified electrician and require that the power company shut off power to your house.

Shut power OFF at the main service panel or the main fuse box before beginning any work.