The Complete Guide to Wiring: Current with 2014-2017 Electrical Codes

Updated 6th Edition

Current with 20142017 Electrical Codes

2014 Cool Springs Press

Sixth Edition first published in 2014 by Cool Springs Press, a member of the Quayside Publishing Group Inc., 400 First Avenue North, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55401. First edition published 1998 by Cowles Creative Publishing, Inc.

All rights reserved. With the exception of quoting brief passages for the purposes of review, no part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission from the Publisher.

The information in this book is true and complete to the best of our knowledge. All recommendations are made without any guarantee on the part of the author or Publisher, who also disclaims any liability incurred in connection with the use of this data or specific details.

Cool Springs Press titles are also available at discounts in bulk quantity for industrial or sales-promotional use. For details write to Special Sales Manager at Cool Springs Press, 400 First Avenue North, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55401 USA. To find out more about our books, visit us online at www.coolspringspress.com.

Digital edition: 978-1-61058-987-1
Softcover edition: 978-1-59186-612-1

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

The complete guide to wiring : current with 2014-2017 electrical codes. -- 6th edition.

pages cm

At head of title: Black & Decker.

Summary: New 6th edition has been revised and updated to be fully compliant with the 2014 National Electrical Code. Full-color photography and step-by-step information covers all of the most common do-it-yourself home wiring skills and projects, including installation and repair."-- Provided by publisher.

Includes index.

ISBN 978-1-59186-612-1 (paperback)

1. Electric wiring, Interior--Amateurs' manuals. 2. Dwellings--Maintenance and repair--Amateurs' manuals. 3. Dwellings--Electric equipment--Amateurs' manuals. I. Black & Decker Corporation (Towson, Md.) II. Title: Black & Decker The complete guide to wiring.

TK3284.C65 2014

621.319'24--dc23

2014000449

Acquisitions Editor: Mark Johanson

Design Manager: Brad Springer

Layout: Laurie Young

Edition Editor: Bruce Barker

Photography: Rau + Barber

Photo Assistance: Adam Esco

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.

The Complete Guide to Wiring 6th Edition

T his newly updated, 6th edition of BLACK+DECKER Complete Guide to Wiring is the most comprehensive and current book on home wiring youll find anywhere. The information youll find within conforms to the 2014 edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC) as published by its governing authority, the National Fire Prevention Association. Typically, most simple home wiring projects are unaffected by the changes to the NEC, which is updated every three years. But according to top-notch home inspector Bruce Barker, who helped us update this book for its 6th edition, there are four code alterations that may impact homeowners and their DIY wiring projects soon. Most local governing authorities use the NEC as the basis for their set of codes, although it usually takes a few years before the changes are adopted. And local codes always supersede any national codes.

Here are the changes most likely to affect your wiring project, based on the new 2014 edition of the NEC:

1. The available neutral at switch boxes. Some switch wiring methods require that the white wire be used (and labeled) as a hot wire. A single pole switch at the end of the circuit (a switch leg) is one example. Three-way and four-way switches are other examples.

New computer-controlled and timer switches need power to operate, which means that a neutral wire is required to complete the electrical circuit. To allow easier installation of these new switches, the new NEC requires an available neutral wire in many switch boxes. In most cases, you will just cap the neutral wire and leave it, looking a bit lonely, in the switch box. To provide this neutral wire, youll need another wire. You may need to substitute 3-wire cable where you formerly used 2-wire cable, or you may need to substitute 2 runs of 2-wire cable where you formerly used 3-wire cable. Our new wiring diagrams will show you how to do this. When it goes into effect, this change will apply only to new construction and expanded circuits.

2. AFCI protection for most circuits. Changes to the NEC earlier this century mandated AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection on all bedroom circuits. The new NEC expands this requirement to include most 15 and 20 amp, 120 volt, receptacle and lighting circuits. Exceptions include the kitchen and bathroom receptacle circuits and the garage and exterior receptacle circuits. AFCI circuit breakers are required in most cases. AFCI receptacles are available and may be allowed when it is impractical to install AFCI circuit breakers.

Adding an AFCI device may not be as easy as installing it. Some AFCI devices may not be compatible with shared neutral (multi-wire) branch circuits. Some AFCI devices may not be compatible with dimmers, especially solid-state dimmers. You may want to have an electrician help you when you install AFCI devices.

3. Garage receptacles may not feed other outlets. You may no longer tie into a receptacle in your garage to power anything outside of the garage, such as an outdoor security light. Also, you must provide a receptacle for every parking spot in the garage.

4. AFCI and GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection for new receptacles. When that old receptacle blows you may not replace it with a standard duplex receptacle, even if thats what you had before. If codes require AFCI or GFCI protection for the affected receptacle you need to provide it.