- I’m replacing a light switch. How do I know which wire should be attached to each screw on the new light switch?
If you are replacing an existing switch, make a diagram of how the wires were attached to the old switch before you remove them. Snap a picture with...
- What do the numbers mean on electrical wire?
A wire marked 142 means that its a 14-gauge wire and it contains two wires inside the insulated...
- Is it okay to use an extension cord with a fuse on it rather than a surge protector for my computer?
No, a surge protector has components that trip before a spike in electricity damages your electronic...
- What do the colors of the plastic insulation mean on wires?
They are designed to indicate their use, but be careful, because they are not always hooked correctly. Hot wires, those carrying current at full...
- What is Underwriters Laboratories?
It is a non-profit organization that tests and approves electrical products. Look for UL labels of approval to help ensure appliances are...
- How large of a cord should I use when wiring an appliance?
Use cords with 16-guage wire for appliances pulling less than 15 amps and 12-guage wire for appliances pulling up to 20...
- What is BX cable?
This is a trade name for an armored cable that wraps the wires in a flexible metal...
- What is the difference between an extension cord rated for outdoor use and a standard one?
The outer coating of the insulation is weather and sunlight...
- Do you have an extension cord for my window air conditioner?
Yes, you need to use a major appliance cord. A regular extension cord doesnt have heavy enough wire to safely conduct the necessary...
- I am running an underground cable in my lawn, what should I use to connect the wires?
You can use waterproof wire nuts if you do not have a waterproof...
- What type of wire should I use for a 220-volt outlet?
The best choice is one is a three-wire cable with a ground. Also, make sure its rated for the amperage you...
- How is UF electric wire different from regular Romax cable?
If you lay cable underground, it must be UF underground feed cable, which has each individual wire insulated and has plastic wound around the...
- I am putting a couple of more outlets in my garage can I use 14-guage wire?
While 14-guage wire is the minimum for most houses wiring, it can only be used for 15-amp circuits. Number 12-gauge wire is recommended for general...
- What does gauge mean?
Wires have size numbers that express their diameter. These are even numbers from 0 to 18, and smaller numbers indicate larger diameters that can...
- What do numbers on electrical cable mean?
They refer to the number and types of wire inside the cable. For example, 14-2 means the cable has two 14-gauge wires inside. 12-3 G means the cable...
- What tool should I use to strip the plastic sheathing off wire?
A combination wire stripper tool has openings that fit different sizes of wire. When a wire is put into the correct one and pulled it will remove...