You may find that you need to install an extra power outlet in one of the rooms in your home. This article discusses some crucial precautions that you should take as you install that additional power outlet within your home.
Have an Outlet Tester
An outlet tester is a device that you can plug into a power outlet in order to confirm that you wired that outlet correctly. The outlet tester has several lights (such as a green light) that can let you know if anything is amiss. For instance, the green light on the outlet tester will light up if there is nothing wrong with the way you wired the new power outlet. You can buy an outlet tester from an electrical supplies shop or from the internet. Different models work differently so be sure to read the user instructions before you use that device.
Stay Clear of Studs
Many power-outlet installation jobs require you to drill into the wall. This is because there won't be a pre-drilled location into which you can fit the new outlet. Thus, you need to be careful to avoid drilling into a stud because it may present a risk of electric shock in case the wires running close to it are exposed. Use a stud finder to locate where studs are located before you start drilling. You can buy a stud finder at a hardware shop.
Watch What You Wear
It is a standard practice to turn the power off at the mains before you begin any electrical installation work. However, that step should not lull you into ignoring other precautions that can reduce the electrical shock risk that you may face. Remove any metallic rings that you may be wearing. Additionally, you should wear rubber gloves and rubber-soled shoes during the project. These steps will reduce how quickly electricity can travel through you in case you accidentally touch a live wire. For instance, you may turn on the power in order to test the outlet that you have just installed. The protective wear (such as gloves) will save you from a potentially fatal electric shock in case you touch something that is carrying electricity.
Hire an electrician to handle all your residential electrical installation needs in case the laws in your area bar non-professionals from performing any electrical installation work. Keep the precautions above in mind if local laws permit you to perform the residential electrical installation.
Share22 January 2016
Welcome to my blog. My name is Mia. A few years ago, my partner and I bought an old home. It needed to have all new wiring installed, and through that process of working closely with a fabulous electrician, I learned a lot. I learned everything, from which questions to ask, to how to do a bit of wiring on my own. If you are hiring an electrician, you need to explore my posts. I hope they help guide you in the right direction. Now, that our home is finally, for the first time, not in the midst of a repair or project, I decided to start this blog. In addition, I also like to fish and read.