Residential Wiring Conductors, Regulating Bodies, & Diagrams

Residential Wiring A house must be wired properly to prevent fires. Wires of correct size must be used to make sure consuming devices receive the correct amount of current. A house must be wired properly to prevent fires. Wires of correct size must be used to make sure consuming devices receive the correct amount of current. The diameter of wire determines the amount of current that can safely flow through it. The diameter of wire determines the amount of current that can safely flow through it.

Wire Size Wires are sized according to a table known as the American Wire Gauge (AWG). The larger the number the smaller the diameter of the wire. Wires are sized according to a table known as the American Wire Gauge (AWG). The larger the number the smaller the diameter of the wire.

Wire Size #22 AWG wire: used for telephone #22 AWG wire: used for telephone #18 AWG wire: used for door bell chimes #18 AWG wire: used for door bell chimes #14 & #12 AWG wire: used for lights, switches, receptacles, base board heaters, hot water boilers. #14 & #12 AWG wire: used for lights, switches, receptacles, base board heaters, hot water boilers. #10 AWG wire: used for electric dryers #10 AWG wire: used for electric dryers # 8 AWG wire: used for electric range # 8 AWG wire: used for electric range #2 AWG wire: used for whole house ground wire #2 AWG wire: used for whole house ground wire #000 or #0000 AWG wire: used for service entrance and cables. #000 or #0000 AWG wire: used for service entrance and cables.

Color Code Hot Wire: is usually black or some other color than white or green. Neutral Wire: is white. It is grounded at the main switch and runs to each 120v outlet without interruption. Hot Wire: is usually black or some other color than white or green. Neutral Wire: is white. It is grounded at the main switch and runs to each 120v outlet without interruption. Ground Wire: is green or bare copper. Ground Wire: is green or bare copper. Note: The color of the outer sheathing is of no significance, only the color of the inside insulation. Note: The color of the outer sheathing is of no significance, only the color of the inside insulation.

Color Code / 2-Wire Circuits Black & White wires: used for lights and receptacles indicates 110v A.C. present Black & White wires: used for lights and receptacles indicates 110v A.C. present Black & Red wires; used for electric heaters and hot water boilers. Indicates 220v A.C. is present. Black & Red wires; used for electric heaters and hot water boilers. Indicates 220v A.C. is present. Black and red wires may also be used between switch and lighting outlet. Black and red wires may also be used between switch and lighting outlet.

Color Code / 3-Wire Circuits Black, Red, & White or Green: Used for electric dryers and ranges. Black, Red, & White or Green: Used for electric dryers and ranges.

Schematics & Symbols Switch Types Switch Types  Single Pole  Double Pole  Three Way  Four Way  Switch & Pilot Light

Schematics & Symbols Receptacle / Outlets Receptacle / Outlets  Single Receptacle  Duplex Receptacle  Triplex Receptacle  GFCI  Range Outlet

Electrical Components & Tools Octagon or Junction Box Wire Strippers/Crimpers Wire Sheathing Strippers Insulated Electrical Screwdrivers

Electrical Components & Tools Marrettes / Wire Nuts Lineman Pliers Needle Nose Pliers Electrical Staple

Electrical Components & Tools Receptacle /Switch Box Lampholder/Rossette Switch Plates Receptacle Plate

Electrical Components & Tools

Residential Wiring Conductors, Regulating Bodies, & Diagrams