Household Wiring Basics Series Circuit

Most new wiring you install will match one or more of the wirings shown.
Household wiring basics series circuit. Here i intend to give clear information on a number of basic house wiring issues that may be unfamiliar or confusing to the do it yourselfer. 14 gauge wire is the smallest allowed for the permanent wiring of a circuit. This also means the current running through any one section of the parallel circuit stays small enough to prevent problems because in parallel circuits the current is split up and travels along each separate path. A gfci receptacle has screw terminals labeled line as well as screw terminals labeled load.
Find the wirings that match your situation and use them to plan your circuit layouts. Wiring basics house wiring issues parts and code. The color of a cable s outer sheath tells you the gauge of the wire inside the sheath as well as the amperage rating for the circuit. How to wire a simple 120v electrical circuit.
Black 8 or 6 gauge wire 45 or 60 amp circuits. The circuit wirings in this article show the most common wiring variations for typical electrical devices. In simple terms electricity is supplied to the house on the hot wires. Check sheath labeling for gauge and.
Hiring an electrician is usually the best way to go where 120 volt circuits are concerned but if you are up to it you might save money by doing some basic electrical work yourself. Orange 10 gauge wire 30 amp circuit. For example a stick frame home consisting of standard wood framing will be wired differently than a sip or structured insulated panel home because of access restrictions. White 14 gauge wire 15 amp circuit.
One household example where series wiring is useful in when a single gfci ground fault circuit interrupter receptacle is used to protect other standard receptacles located downstream of the gfci. The main service panel commonly known as the breaker box or circuit breaker panel distributes power to all circuits throughout the building. Yellow 12 gauge wire 20 amp circuit. A third service cable the neutral connects to the neutral bus bar inside the panel.
The power going out of the panel to the household circuits can be shut off by the main breaker in the service panel. Household circuits circuits in houses are generally wired in parallel which allows you to operate each light or power point independently of the others. The installation of the electrical wiring will depend on the type of structure and construction methods being used.