Wire vs. Cable

While the terms wire and cable are often used interchangeably, technically wire is one electrical conductor and cable is a group of wires (or conductors), encased in sheathing.

The National Electrical Code (NEC) and local building codes regulate the types of wire and cable that can be used in specific electrical applications, as well as the manner of installation.

Check with your local building inspector before you start any electrical wiring and cable project and be sure to obtain required permits. When your work is complete, always have it inspected for compliance with local codes to ensure that it has been safely installed.

Label information printed on wire coverings provides the information necessary to help you choose the right wire for your home.

The information printed on the sides of wire indicates its THHN/THWN, material, max voltage rating and gauge.

THHN/THWN: These letters represent the most common types of individual wires used in residential applications. oT Thermoplastic insulation oH Heat resistance oH High heat resistance up to 194 degrees Fahrenheit oW Rated for wet locations oN Impervious damage from oil or gas

Material: Most wire will be marked CU for copper, the most common conductor of residential electricity. Because electricity travels on the outside of copper wire, wires are insulated to protect against fire and shock. Older wire could be aluminum or copper-clad aluminum.

Maximum voltage rating: This will be a number such as 600, which indicates the maximum voltage the wire can carry.

Gauge: This indicates wire size, as defined by the American Wire (AWG) system. The most common gauges are 10, 12 or 14. Larger numbers represent smaller sizes or gauges of wire.

It is recommended for safety purposes that you stay around 80% the max wattage your gauge is capable of carrying. This chart shows both the recommended 80% wattage load and the absolute maximum 100% wattage load for the most common wire and cable gauge sizes.

14-gauge

15 amps

1440 watts (120 volts)

1800 watts (120 volts)

Common residential wiring:Light fixturesHouseholdreceptacles

12-gauge

20 amps

1920 watts (120 volts)3840 watts (240 volts)

2400 watts (120 volts)4800 watts (240 volts)

Common residential wiring:Light fixturesHousehold receptaclesSmall appliances

10-gauge

30 amps

2880 watts (120 volts)5760 watts (240 volts)

3600 watts (120 volts)7200 watts (240 volts)

Large household appliances:Window a/c unitsClothes dryer

8-gauge

40 amps

7680 watts (240 volts)

9600 watts (240 volts)

Large household appliances:Electric rangesCentral a/c

6-gauge

55 amps

10560 watts (240 volts)

13200 watts (240 volts)

Large household appliances:Central a/cElectric furnace

Tip: Remember -- amps = the amount of current a wire can safely carry. Wattage = the rate of electrical energy used by an appliance. Amps x Voltage = Watts

A wires color indicates what it can safely carry.

White insulation: typically considered neutral, but can sometimes be used as a hot lead in certain situations, such as switch loops. Green insulation and bare copper: ground wireAll other insulation colors: hot wire that carries a current

Safety: If you have any confusion as to whether a white wire is used as neutral or hot in your particular project, check with a professional electrician before working.

NM-B, UF, AC, metal-clad, coaxial and category 5e cables each have specific purposes and applications.

NM-B cable

NM = non-metallic, which refers to the flexible, typically PVC sheathing surrounding the cable; B = a heat rating of 194 degrees F, ensuring that wires can operate at certain levels without overheating.Most common form of indoor residential electrical wiring.Inside the sheathing are at least two thermoplastic insulated wires of the same gauge, though different cables can have different gauges.For indoor use only, in spaces free from moisture and away from any heat sources. Do not bury or run outside of a wall. Best used behind walls and ceilings and inside floor cavities.

UF cable

UF = underground feeder; rated for in-ground and damp-area installation. Looks like NM-B cable, but the wires are embedded as a group in solid thermoplastic (rather than individually encased in flexible thermoplastic). Like NM cable, UF cable comes in a variety of gauges to meet all electrical code requirements and is labeled with the same information carried on NM cable plus the designation UF.

AC

AC = armored cable, also known as BX; consists of insulated hot and neutral wires and a bare bonding wire, all wrapped in paper.Wire enclosed in metal sheathing which acts as the grounding conductor. Relatively expensive and difficult to work with; often found in older homes but not used in new builds.For indoor use only.

Metal-clad cable

Similar to AC, but wires are wrapped in plastic instead of paper.Has green grounding wire because its metal sheathing cant be used as a ground.For indoor use only.Not often used in residential applications.

Coaxial cable

Usually called coax.Metallic cable often used to carry television signals and connect video equipment.Features central wire conductor covered with a dielectric or non-conducting insulator surrounded by mesh or a metal sheath and covered by a thin plastic layer for protection.

Category 5e cable

Usually called cat-5e, aka ethernet cableIndustry standard for unshielded twisted-pair cables (UTP) for connecting phone, computer, home automation and A/V networks.Copper cabling typically consists of 4 pairs of wire (8 total conductors) wrapped in a single jacket.

Tip: Both NM and AC cable require special cutting tools that cut the sheathing but not the wires, bushings inserted in the ends to prevent the sharp edges of the metal from damaging the wires, and special electrical boxes and connectors.

As with wire, all the information you need to know about NM-B or UF cable is printed on the sheathing.

Type: This label will most commonly read NM-B.Gauge: The gauge of the individual wires inside the cable, such as 14, 12, 10, etc.Number of wires: This number follows gauge. For example, 14/2 indicates that there are two 14-gauge wires (a ground wire, if part of the cable, is not included in this number) within the cable.Grounding: The word GROUND or the letter G indicates the presence of a ground wire.Voltage rating: The most common rating for residential use is 600 volts, though this can vary. The number indicates the maximum voltage the wire can safely carry.UL: Indicates that the cable is safety certified and approved for use by Underwriters Laboratories.

Read more:
Buying Guide: Wire and Cable at The Home Depot

10 Home Wiring Safety Tips - Self Help and More

No Obligation, Free Quotes

<>Home wiring is not a do-it-yourself task that should be undertaken unless you are confident you know what you are doing. No matter how often you may have carried out home wiring jobs, never forget the dangers of electricity and never be tempted to take risks by failing to take precautions or use the proper tools or protection. Preparation is key to safety. The following safety tips can guide you to make sure your home wiring project goes smoothly and safely.

If in doubt, consult a detailed reference book or get a specialist contractor in to do the work. A reputable electrician understands all aspects of home wiring and may be able to wire your home safely in less time than it takes you to learn!

THIS ARTICLE IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' WITH NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. THE AUTHOR, THE SITE OWNER AND ITS AFFILIATES ASSUME NO LIABILITY FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS CONTAINED THEREIN OR FOR ANY USE OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT. The article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice.

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10 Home Wiring Safety Tips - Self Help and More

Information on how to Future Wiring your Smart Home.From planning to selecting the right parts and tools to installation.With guidelines for both new construction and existing homes.Help with audio, home theater, alarms / security, surveillance, and home automation.Structured Wiring for the Home

The information on this site is provided free of charge. All information provided on this web siteis provided 'AS IS'. No guarantee is provided for the accuracy of the information or the applicationof the information provided herein. I accept no responsibility or liability with regards to theaccuracy or currency of the information provided. By using, reading or accessing this web site,you agree to be the user of the information provided. The user accepts full responsibility forall information provided. Although I try to keep the information on this site as accurate as possible,there is no guarantee that my reference materials or the material on this site is correct.This information is provided for reference purposes only! The technical information listedhere are for general applications only. When in doubt, always seek the help of a professional!

Always consult your local building codes for the most accurate information regarding wiring andelectrical codes. All counties and cities have their own building codes which will vary slightly.This web site only addresses some of the most common building codes. Please note that improper wiringcould cause you to fail a home inspection, prevent you from selling your home, or even cause a fire.

Some of the examples provided on this (Ex: Wiring a DSC alarm) are for a specific release of a specificproduct by a specific company. The examples on this site are provided for reference purposes. You should alwaysconsult the documentation provided from the manufacturer.

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Structured Home Wiring

We Specialised

The wiring in your home is the main way of power that feeds every electrical appliances in the home. When years gone by, over the times, things it starts to break down and may need to replace at some points.

The insulation dries out and begins to crumble, causing the inner wire to be exposed. The cloth insulation around the wire deteriorates with age and eventually becomes dangerous. If your home has these older versions of wiring, Id recommend changing the wiring and updating the amount of outlets in your home.

Your house is wired with different types of wire. Each has specific use to accommodate the load and its conditions. The circuit breaker box is the master of power where the electricity from the grid connects to your house. From here your breaker box divides up the electrical source to different rooms and location.

If your house wiring is more than 10 years and above, electrial wiring is getting old and the wiring itself give you some problems, it is better and more safe to redo and rewire it. You should consider Electrical improvements in your house for you and your family safety.

1. Wiring Work for 3 room HDB flat 2. Wiring Work for 4 room HDB flat 3. Wiring Work for 5 room HDB flat

-> Install Ceiling Fan to keep the air circulating at home.

-> Only wash full load of clothes and in cold water.

-> When your lights are on, your electrical circuits trip often.(Generally caused by the looping of too many light points)

-> You require the use of too many power extension plugs.

-> Do not tap power from your water heater points

-> Do not tap power from your air-con point

-> Ensure your electrician conceals your wires in the trunking properly.

-> Ensure your electrician has the EMA licence.

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Electrical Wiring | Powering your home electrical wiring

Gone are the days when a films opening credits would blow out house speakers, prompting homeowners to head to the movie theater.

With streaming services replacing DVD stacks, and other technology increasing audio and video quality, cinemas are competing with households for the best theater experience.

The summers biggest box office hit can be at your remodeled home office or spare bedroom with the guidance of local home entertainment gurus.

Clay Brun, co-owner of Home Theaters and More in Billings, is in the business of home theaters, or media family rooms.

What sets the company apart from big box stores are the trained technicians who adhere to safety measures, ensuring equipment is properly installed and not damaged in the process.

Your box stores will not do interior wiring, or crawlspace or attic (work), Brun said.

Home Theaters and More specializes in retrofits and remodels. Seventy percent of their business is new construction, he said.

Wiring has become a mess of the past, so todays homes new and old can have hidden cords conveniently tucked away from kids, pets and other hazards. While wireless options seem to be the best in the business, Brun says cords are still the way to go.

One of the big misconceptions is how good the wireless is these days. Anytime you run a wire, its going to be better, he said, noting that sometimes wireless may be the only option.

Wireless still has a purpose, especially with home automation, which can connect a home theater to an app that controls not only entertainment, but lighting and security, too.

How much you want to do with automation, music especially, its endless, Brun said of the service that starts at $750 and expands into hundreds of thousands of dollars. Our system ties into one app. Whether you use your TV, touch screen, remote its exactly the same interface.

Most homes that Home Theaters and More automate have eight zones of audio and minor automation with an estimated value of $5,000 to $10,000. For CK Tech in Billings, a home theater consists of at least six channels of audio.

Home theater in regards to automation would refer to the ability to press a single button on a remote or with your smart phone to do things like turn on a movie, lower the blinds and set the lights to a specific level, all with a single piece of equipment that has the ability to talk to all the devices in the home, said Craig Kahnke, owner of CK Tech.

The newest format for surround sound is Dolby Atmos, which can be up to 12 channels, he said. A home theater should also have 4K resolution, which is four times the resolution of standard 1080P.

Thats four times the resolution of a Blu-Ray, said Brun.

Youve gotta be cautious on the 4K because theres a very limited amount of movies or broadcasters that are doing anything in 4K. Its very cool for the very small amount of material you can use it for, he said.

Home theaters can be a remodeled spare bedroom, basement, office or other under-utilized living space.

The amazing thing about the theater room is you can decorate it any way you want, Brun said.

And when not in use, Brun says they are great reading rooms because they are traditionally quieter.

While home theaters may be an investment, its often more worthwhile than spending an average of $100 at a cinema where you vie for seating amid sticky floors and rude customers.

(Its) easier, cheaper, more control, more intimate as compared to going to the theater, Kahnke said.

Brun adds that if parents want date night at the movies, they have to get a babysitter. Instead, youre home safe with your kids, and probably the rest of the neighborhoods kids, too.

Youre the one who knows where the kids are because everyones at your house, Brun said.

Original post:
Now Showing at a Home Theater Near You - Billings Gazette

LOCKPORT An electrical issue in a home on the 21000 block of W. Cypress Cir. in Lockport caused every appliance in the home to become energized, shorting the wiring and causing damage to the home Thursday, Lockport Fire Chief Dave Skoryi says.

Skoryi said the Lockport Fire Department, assisted by the Romeoville Fire Department, received a call about the electrical issue at 5:30 p.m. Thursday night.

"There was an electrical issue with the home that caused the wiring in the home to short out, and that created smoke in the house," Skoryi said.

There was one resident and an electrician inside the home when the wires shorted out. Skoryi said the electrician was there because the residents had previously been having electrical issues, but once the electrician arrived he was the one to call the fire department. Firefighters from both units waited for ComEd to shut off power as the wires burned up throughout the home.

"The damage to the house is significant," Skoryi said. "All the wiring needs to be checked and replaced."

No one was injured during the incident.

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Faulty wiring causes extensive damage to Lockport home - The Herald-News

(Photo by Tim Boyle/Getty Images)

(Photo by Tim Boyle/Getty Images)

June was National Home Ownership Month, but that does not mean scammers have moved on from trying to phish your closing costs and any other money you have linked to your mortgage account!

Home buyers should be aware of an email and wiring scam they could be a victim of when it comes time to close on that perfect house. Hackers have been breaking into consumer and real estate agents personal accounts to get information on upcoming real estate transactions.

Upon finding out the closing date, the hackers will send an email to the buyer, posing as the real estate agent or company. The fraudulent email will state that there has been a last-minute change to the wiring instructions, and tells the buyer to wire closing costs to a different account, which is actually the scammers account.

If the buyer takes the bait, in a matter of minutes, the money for the closing costs is cleared out, as well as any additional money in the account. Often times, this money is never recovered and the buyer is left in a bind.

If you are buying a home and receive an email close to your closing date with money wiring instructions, do not respond! Email is not a secure way to provide financial information, and your real estate agent and company should be aware of that.

How to Spot aPhishingScam:

Source: BBB Northern Alabama and FTC.gov

For more details, check outScammers Phish for Mortgage Closing CostsandProtect Your Mortgage Closing From Scammers.

BBB Press Release:Mortgage Closing Costs Could Be Intercepted By Scammers

To report a scam, call your BBB at 256-533-1640 or go to theBBB Scam Tracker. To find trustworthy businesses, visitbbb.org.

See the article here:
Mortgage Closing Costs Could Be Intercepted By Scammers - whnt.com

By Josh Goldman

It's 90 degrees here in our nation's capital but it might feel like the winter holiday season to those who reserved a Tesla Model 3. Expected to have a 215-mile range and sticker price of $35,000 (or $27,500 after the federal tax credit), the Model 3 will compete with the similar spec'd Chevy Bolt for the prize of cornering the early majority of electric vehicle owners.

No other automaker has a relatively affordable, 200 mile-plus range electric vehicle on the market, yet (the nextgen Nissan Leaf will compete too), and one or both of these vehicles may be a pivotal point in the modern shift to electrics. Assuming you're already sold on the benefits of driving on electricity, here are a couple tips for you to consider if you're prepping for an electric vehicle.

There are two main options for charging an electric vehicle at home: (1) 120V charging from an ordinary home outlet and (2) 240V charging from either an upgraded home circuit or existing circuit for a heavy electric appliance like a drying machine.

There is also DC fast charging, but that is only applicable to charging on-the-go and described in more detail below. Before deciding on how to charge, talk with a couple licensed electricians to better understand your home's electrical capacity. Mr. Electric appears to win the Google SEO for "electrician for electric vehicle," so maybe head there for a start.

Electric Vehicle Charging Level 1 (120 volts)about 4-6 miles of range per hour of charge

Electric Vehicle ChargingLevel 2 (240 volts)about 10-25 miles of range per hour of charge

Electric Vehicle Charging Level 3 (aka DC fast charging) (400 volts)Not for home use, but can charge battery up to 80 percent in about 30 minutes

See the original post here:
5 Things You Need to Know Before Buying an Electric Car - EcoWatch

A home was destroyed by fire over the weekend while its owners, Brady and Jessie Sidwell, were camping. Located at 185 N. 400 West near Preston, the home was old enough that it still had adobe bricks in the walls.

Old wiring, called knob and tube wiring, caused the blaze, said Fire Marshal Scott Martin. This type of wiring was installed before the World War II era, he said. It was intended to be cooled by air and was never designed to handle the electricity loads required by modern appliances, he said.

That type of wiring has largely been replaced in older homes. Martin said hes covered many fires caused by the old wiring, but less in recent years as people have had it replaced.

The fire in the Sidwell home was reported to the fire department first at 4:15 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. They were recalled later that night, then again early Sunday morning.

According to Martin, despite the fire departments use of heat sensors, the fire was able to escape detection between the adobe bricks, and other nooks and crannies common in older homes that have been remodeled.

Because there was no insurance on the home, Martin said he referred the family to the Red Cross for assistance.

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Fire destroys home near Preston over weekend | Members ... - Idaho State Journal

By Debbie CarlsonChicago Tribune

Thinking of a smart home device but don't know where to start?

A smart home device is loosely defined as an object connected via Wi-Fi or a different technology to other things in the home, so that a person can control it remotely from a touch panel or an app on a device, said Carley Knobloch, smart home expert for HGTV.

More people are looking to buy these gadgets. A study by consulting firm McKinsey forecast 29 million homes will become connected in 2017, up from 22 million in 2016. Getting a "connected" home doesn't necessarily mean going out and buying several new devices. Instead, start small, experts said.

Knobloch said first-time buyers should ask themselves what problem they want to solve, rather than buying a device to see how it fits with their lifestyle.

"The truth is, this stuff is all more expensive. How are you going to feel like you made the right investment? How will you stick with it given the learning curve? You also have to know how to keep them updated for security reasons. How to know when it's ready to upgrade and replace completely? It's an uphill climb, and you'll feel the most engaged with it if you're starting with something that will have a huge impact on your life," she said.

Knobloch and Mark Spoonauer, editor-in-chief of review guide Tom's Guide, suggested a few devices for smart home newbies.

Energy-efficiency devices

Smart electrical plugs and thermostats can increase energy efficiency. Smart plugs Spoonauer likes are the relatively inexpensive WeMo Insight ($40) and iHome ISP8 ($50). They turn manual objects like lamps or fans into devices that can be controlled by a remote control or smartphone. They can give energy readouts of how much electricity the plugged-in device is using, and can be turned on or off when the user is away from home and put on an automatic schedule.

The Lutron Caseta Wireless Smart Lighting Dimmer Kit ($190) turns any floor lamp into a dimmer and allows the homeowner to program lights to turn on and off with sunrise or sunset, or to turn on before the user gets home, among other options.

Smart thermostats can improve energy efficiency by learning the homeowner's schedule and can give the user information about energy usage and ways to improve efficiency. While the Nest Learning Thermostat ($250) is popular, Spoonauer likes the ecobee E3 ($245), which has a sensor that can be put in the chilliest part of the house to ensure proper temperatures. These thermostats can be difficult to install if a home doesn't have modern wiring, but Spoonauer says home improvement stores are beginning to offer installation services.

Speakers

Smart speakers, like Amazon's Echo ($180) and Google Home ($129), "took the whole industry by surprise with how much it's been embraced in the home. It started out as a way to play music or answer questions, but it's really developed far beyond that," Spoonauer said.

The speakers have developed into smart home hubs, as they are compatible with other smart devices, like smart plugs and thermostats, allowing users to operate all their smart devices by voice commands.

"You can do so much more with it, and what you can do is expanding over time," he said.

Although Home doesn't work with as many devices as the Echo does, for people who already use other Google products, like email and their calendar, it's a good option.

"Some people are a little worried about what Google knows about you, but that's one of the benefits, in a way. Because it knows more about you, it can set your schedule and have it read your email (among other tasks)," he said.

Garage-door openers

Of all the smart devices she uses, Knobloch said, the smart garage-door opener is her favorite. What she likes about the garage-door opener is it can be controlled simply by the phone app or manually with a clicker, if needed. She likes the Liftmaster MyQ series (about $350 installed).

"It's fantastic for the kid who is constantly out on the street playing, leaves to go to a friend's and leaves the garage door open," she said.

She can check remotely to see if the door was left open and close it from her phone, and can set it to alert her if the door was left open for 10 minutes or more. Plus she can let people remotely into the house while she's away.

"It's freedom and control over a gaping security part of my home," Knobloch said.

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Smart home devices for newbies to try - Worcester Telegram