DIY Network

Getting Wired: Electrical Safety From "Blueprint for Home Building" episode DBHB-113

Figure A

In this final segment of "Getting Wired," host Jeff Wilson takes a brief look at safety concerns with your home's electrical system.

When installing or using your electrical system, there is always the chance of shock. Now there will be some of you do-it-yourselfers who are comfortable with basic wiring practices; however, unless you're absolutely qualified for system installation, DIY recommends that you leave the installation of your home's electrical system to licensed electricians!

Not only will a licensed electricians make sure that your electrical system meets with all required safety codes, they can also oversee the installation of common safety products. For example, one of the most common items added to your electrical system is a ground fault circuit interruptor (figure A) -- or GFIs for short.

By installing a ground fault circuit interruptor -- or ground fault circuit breakers -- you can protect areas that may be moist, such as bathrooms and kitchens. A ground fault interruptor is an electrical device designed to protect you from serious injury due to shock.

GFIs constantly monitor the electricity flowing in a circuit. Should that current be interrupted for "any" reason -- or waiver by even the slightest amount -- the GFI will instantly shut down the current flowing through that circuit.

Note: A GFI will respond to a current variation too small for even a circuit breaker or fuse to detect.

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Overloading an outlet is only "one" of the several concerns when it comes to your home's electrical safety!

Along with GFIs there are a number of simple precautions you can take at home that will prevent injuries related to your home's electrical systems. Here's a rundown:

• Always remove cords from a socket by grabbing the plug. Never tug on an appliance cord. Removing cords in this fashion can lead to fraying, and frayed cords can cause electrical shock.

  
  

• Frayed cords that are under or on carpet can cause a fire and should be replaced or repaired.

  
  

• Always use the recommended wattage bulb in lamps and light fixtures.

  
  

• Avoid using electrical appliances in wet places. If you must work in a wet or damp area, always use a portable GFI outlet for the needed appliance.

  
  

• Never overload an outlet.

For more information on your home's electrical system, check out our Home IQ online package. Scroll down to the "Plumbing and Electric" section.

In the next episode (the first of our 200 series) of Blueprint for Home Building, find out about the plumbing for your new home.

GUESTS :

Jeff Winkle
Director of Community Development
Cranberry Township
2525 Rochester Rd.
Cranberry Township, PA 16066-6499
Phone: 724-776-4806
Website: www.twp.cranberry.pa.us

Dana Bres
Research Engineer
US Department of Housing and Urban Development
451 7th St., SW
Washington, DC 20910
Phone: 202-402-5919
E-mail: dana.b.bres@hud.gov

Jack Tucker
Building Wisdom
We apologize no contact information is available.

Paul Trudeau
President
Hilltop Development
E-mail: paultrudeau@worldnet.att.net

Randy Gregg
Owner
Gregg Electric
E-mail: rlcsgregg@aol.com

Ron Henshaw
Manager of Code Administration
Cranberry Township
E-mail: henshawr@twp.cranberry.pa.us

Tom Gretz
Vice President and General Manager
Arlington Industries
Phone: 800-233-4717 (ext.3048)