You are the first person to show how to without missing showing a single part of the process. Thank you so much, you are a master at teaching us laymen/women
Great Video. As a contractor, I am not a "professional" electrician, but sometimes do electrical work, same with plumbing and other trades. It is video's like yours that prompt me to do a more professional job, give my customers (and myself on my jobs) a better quality product. Keep up the good work, and thank you for going thru the trouble to make this video and educate us on proper technique.
except its not proper technique you need to turn your marettes upwards at all times incase water gets onto the wires, thats half the reason for a marett in the first place
Thank you so much!! I've just started doing electrical work in my house as I got tired of waiting 10 years for my husband to put in a ceiling fan lol. But I've struggled so much with making the connections and getting everything to fit back in the box due to stiffness of the wires. You showed everything I needed to know, step by step, without glossing over things that are second nature to more seasoned people. I'm actually excited to see how my next project goes!
The best video I've watched. Finally someone that explains and not spends so much time trying to be a comedian. No stupid background music, just to the point knowledge passing on to the ignorant people like me. LOL Thank you sir.
Shannon, as a master electrician you are correct to be using wire nuts as well as screwing your wires to the receptacle. In the trade we call this a mechanical connection. The reason to use a mechanical connection is that they never fail. We have only seen them fail if the wire was nicked and the wire broke. Too many times we have seen the "push ins" break or make contact with the ground wire at the back since people do not strip the wire properly. It is also good to mention that the wire you strip does not exceed pass the receptacle as you possibly could short out the wire. I enjoyed your close-ups and explanations.
HouseImprovements Shannon, all I can say about those people, is that they have never been in front of a camera and never experience how difficult it is to put a video together let alone remember everything. Keep up the good job and do the best that you can.
Great video! Thanks for mentioning that you avoid using the wiring holes on the backs of outlets and switches. In our new house I've had five fail because of the cheap, thin plastic breaking off around the holes. Two caused some fairly dangerous arcs. I'm now in the slow process of replacing them all...
I like your presentation method. No foul language, speak clearly and state reasons for your method. We all dont have to agree but we all have to respect your approach. But I agree with you well except the tape but no big deal. I am a PE trying to get my electricians license so learning the hands on part is invaluable.
Shannon, this was an excellent demonstration of how to wire up sockets. In some companies, the upside down socket indicates a "switched" socket where normal installed sockets are not switched. This is an easy way to know where a switched socket is in a room. In some companies, the last socket in a circuit will be wired first, and the last socket that will be wired will be the socket that will be the supply from the breaker. Just another way of thinking of safety, just in case some one activates the breaker while you are working.
I learned my lesson the hard way when I did not use the pigtail method. I originally thought that I had a bad breaker, but it took an additional 45 minutes to find the bad outlet which was causing the intermittent open.
It's nice to see someone matching the proper amp rating of an outlet with the appropriate size wire. I've seen many guys just wire a 15 amp outlet on the 20 amp home run. I pay particular attention matching outlets to the wire amp and gauge.
Your videos are great, I really like you explain the minor details that newbies wouldn't necessarily know. I can't pigtail for example because I bought too small of junction boxes. That is a beginner's mistake. I bought my boxes at Home Depot before I had done any actual wiring so I didn't know. But now that I know I can just connect the wires directly to the outlet I don't have to rip open the walls to replace the boxes.
Very informative, i am just a home owner and this explained in detailed everything I was searching for. We need more local electricians in my neck of the woods like Shannon...
Great video. A couple of things to help expand the topic of certain items. 1. The NEC (National Electrical Code) does not state which way to place the outlet in an electrical box, both are acceptable meaning ground down at 6 o'clock position which is generally found in the United States or ground up at the 12 o'clock position which is generally found in Canada and and in United States hospitals and some commercial properties . Electricians have their own preferences and reasons for doing so like to talked about. 2. Like you indicated, "pig tail" a wire connection is definitely the most secure way to wire an outlet instead of relying on the outlet to maintain continuity of the circuit. 3. The voltage sniffer is also called a proximity tester and is one of many great tools to use in electrical work. 4. "Back stabbing" or pushing in a wire into back of an outlet (spring loaded hole) should not be done because it is a poor electrical connection and can lead to future electrical outlet problems downstream of the electrical connection. The higher quality outlets and GFCI outlets that allow you to put in the wire in the back of an outlet but you have to use the side screw to tighten an internal metal plate against the wire are excellent to use and make a good secure electrical connection.
I've read about 30 comments from novice to pro about this video. Some of the comments about the workmanship or technique made me think that the so-called pros didn't really know what they were talking about. I say, make your own video so that the rest of us can criticize your work and tell you what you're doing wrong. And why would a profession be watching a how-to video in the first place? My uncle is a retired electrical inspector with 40 years experience with small and big contractor jobs. He watched this video on my request and said that everything was done to code and he couldn't fault it anywhere. So why are the so-called professionals being negative? Well, my friend, that's all about their ego and they're not really professionals anyway. Otherwise, they'd be out doing a job somewhere rather than watching a youtube video, We all know that professionals love to come home after a hard days work or on their weekend off to spend their time watching videos about their profession. NOT!
No it's has nothing the do with ego for me. In this one if you think pigtails is the best way nock yourself out. Some places it's code. I just think using all four" terminal screws maker for a better job.
+metaspherz Agree with you. I'm not a professional myself but I've read everything I need to know about wiring, including some of the codes (US and local). I can therefore appreciate the Professional job that +HouseImprovements is doing... Note that I've seen DIY jobs sometimes better done than specific professionals, mostly because they cared more about their work than the professional as it impacts them directly (and DIYers are more willing to spend a few bucks more than professionals). Love these videos from +HouseImprovements. Keep it up !
Nice work and video. Very neat and organized. When installing the wiring on the receptacles, it should become automatic in one's memory to install the "black" (wire) to the "brass" receptacle terminal (screw) and "white" (wire) to "light" receptacle terminal (screw). Having worked in the nuclear industry, we were trained to E.I. Dupont codes which normally exceeded, or at a very minimum, met the National Electrical Code (NEC). The reason we placed the "ground" in the "up" position was exactly as you have indicated. When the "future" equipment cord is plugged into the receptacle, and the "ground" is positioned up, with the equipment plug not completely inserted (partially installed) into receptacle, and with the ground being in the "up" position, anything (metal) that may fall down toward the receptacle will contact the ground first; not the 120 volts (hot wire) or possibly falling across the hot wire and neutral wire (white) creating a direct short to ground circuit, and other potential safety problems. In our particular nuclear industry, when mounting any receptacle in a horizontal position, we would place the ground position of the receptacle to the "right" side of the horizontally mounted receptacle box. So when placing the receptacle into a metal box, since the side of older metal boxes (and new ones) were so very close to the final screw termination; you might consider a couple of wraps of electrical tape. So before inserting the receptacle into the metal box, we would normally wrap a couple of layers of electrical tape around the "receptacle" so all screws/and wiring were totally insulated (covered) and mitigated the potential short circuit of the hot wire to ground (metal box which is at ground potential; or should be). Not sure of the new technology and constant upgrades of normal electrical tape (vinyl) but the older electrical tape was rated for protection of upwards of 400 volts. The only reason for the above comments are strictly for "maximizing" safety for anyone and everyone that are DIYers. You are not trying to meet "nuclear safety standards" in your home wiring schemes, but the more protection and safety you provide, it might just save someone their life. It could be you or your family members. I have never met anyone that actually "knew it all" when dealing with electricity, but when I did meet that individual, I would move in the opposite direction and totally away from that person. This is a very good video and the way we all learn so everyone avoids a potentially hazardous electrical problem. Thanks again and please ignore any of the above if any of it is not helpful or to over the top. But once you work with electrical circuits, and learn good safety practices, you better understand why you might live much longer than not knowing "enough" details.
I'm new to this thread, so please pardon me for interjecting here. While I agree that placing the ground (round hole) up could help keep things from shorting across terminals, having the ground up would negate the use of those cords that have a zero clearance or low profile to them. Those things always have the cord come down at a right angle to the ground prong.
The benefit of pigtailing the outlets on the same line -except for the last outlet of course-, is to avoid -should there ever be an overload/a short on one receptacle- the incident won't disrupt or malfunction the other outlets on the same line. Glad you made this point!
I'm a teacher and I learned a lot from your videos. Keep them coming. Great tips and I needed a reminder about a couple of things. For my DIY, I'm now looking for your videos first!
Good point on the receptacle orientation. Just this year I had a hack saw blade fall across the prongs. Arced real bad. It fell from a package on a wall and laid across the prongs.
Most videos in here, about the same topic do not use the electrical tape on their switches. You did. Very well done and if it was me, I'll do the same. Thank you for your positive and most educational presentation.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge brother.I do not take learning for granted.I know time is money and you showing this for others to learn is awesome.Take care from SW Pennsylvania.
how can i install a ceiling light in a bedroom from a receptacle that already has 4 wires in the box. i want to add a bedroom light from outlet with raceway run
Shannon, you are the man! I like your calm manner and general presentation. This is absolutely what I needed and answered all my questions. *MY* (WRONG) guess would have been black-white incoming on the top, black-white outgoing on the bottom. From what you said in the video, I think that would have been series, where a failure in one would take them ALL out? Anyway, now I know how to do it the right way. Thank you!
The only time I've ever seen outlets mounted "upside down" with the ground on top is when the outlet is on a light switch so people know which outlet in the room is being controlled by the switch.
I tell people that all the time. They think it's a mistake from the contractor. Nope. Even mine that are controlled by a switch are right side up. Makes it challenging.
Inspect/Maintain old house wiring 1. Measure line voltage on house outlet - write down voltage (ex: 122 VAC) 2. Plug in a space heater set to low (approx 8A or 1 KW of power.) 3. Measure line voltage with 1KW of power being drawn. Write this down 4. If the difference between (1) and (3) is greater than 2V, something is wrong. Note if the outlet looks like it has been overheated or has cracks. 5. If the copper wire connected to the outlet is dark, shut power off. Loosen the wire from the outlet and clean wire and outlet screw terminal with a wire toothbrush until shiny. 6. Squirt a drop of oil on the screw terminal to prevent oxidation. Tighten all outlet screw connections. 7. Repeat the above outlet voltage-drop test. If the outlet drop remains high, call for an electric technician to tighten or service the wire connection at the fuse box. 7. Continue this process until all outlets have been serviced and all fuse box terminals are tight. This service will help to prevent a fire or long-term damage to the outlet. Never screw in a 30A fuse into a 20A fuse position in the fuse box.
Well Brother that must be the most professional video demonstration I have seen to date. I kmow that there are differences between wiring practices in our respective countries, but we can always learn from the best.I am from the UK, and just for interest our regulations or code requires that we sleeve the earth/ground with a green and yellow jacket, precisely so that a bare wire cannot contact a live conductor in the box, thus potentially making the frame of earth-grounded appliances live until the fault is cleared.Like you mentioned, our earth-ground is located at the top of the outlet to avoid direct shorts by falling metal objects.Our flexible cords for the most part enter from the bottom of the plugtop, and I believe this helps to prevent partial withdrawal of the plugtop from the outlet..Again, many thanks for your presentation. Saludos .
Congratulations my friend, your videos are very proficional wonderful, good audio, good image, and very well expricado, my dream is to work in this profession, thank you.
Yeah and how many times i had to redo wiring and connections from do it yourselfers. Anyone who takes electrical for granted should make sure they have good fire insurance
Well done and informative. Although I've done many as a DIY homeowner and rental owner, I learned a couple of new techniques here. And that's what TH-cam videos are for!
I always, always enjoy watching your thorough and detailed videos, and I so appreciate your dedication to doing things right. Thanks for making and posting!
10:56 - "why is the ground down?" Most installations in this area are like that... and its very common in North America. Some appliances have off-set plugs for low clearance areas (like behind a bookcase), and having the outlet "upside-down" may be annoying. If you see it with the ground UP instead, it's likely set up that way by the installer to indicate a switch-enabled circuit. This is common in family rooms where you want to plug in a lamp and use the wall switch to turn it on/off. Also a neat feature for those with small kids (so you can deenergize the outlets near the ground). That said... it would make sense to have the ground on top to prevent coins, paperclips, or other metal debris from falling between the outlet and a plug thats not flush... but we'd have to re-write a few decades of tradition. :p
Thanks brother. I have TBI - a roadside bomb kinda mixed up my marbles... I watched several of these but just couldn't quite get it. Your video was easier for me to comprehend. Much appreciated. Wulfy
I avoid the pigtailing. More work. More stuff chocking the box, crowding it up, making it hotter. I also install ground-down, smiley face. In over 40 years no shorts as a result. The argument for ground-up is a practically extremely weak one. And, yes, ALWAYS wrap the terminals in tape. Use a good tape though - 3M all the way. Also, I like using crimp sleeves for the ground wire group. Saves box space.
Thank you - I'm getting ready to wire up my workshop. This is definitely a good help. Thank you for explaining the pig tail - did not think about the outlet shorting out and killing the rest of the outlets in the chain.
@@HouseImprovements , I have a manufactured home and one of the outlets under the skirting fried due to the stupid manufacturer not protecting the under outlet from the water heater , directly under the heater made it possible for water to soak the outlet thus actually frying the thing to where I can't tell if one of the jumber tab was removed or not but I tried to replace it and I got a big spark and popped the 15 Amp breaker , but this outside outlet is in the line of a series ? The power runs other outlets and the ceiling light In the bedroom and bathroom ? You didn't show the other side of the outlet here so I'm wondering if I need to do that popping the jumper tab off on one side or not ? I would like to send you a picture of what I'm dealing with but since I don't have any way to share it here , just trying to explain to you and hopefully u can give me a better explanation or recommend a video ? It appears that the current plug has 3 wires and a ground ? Thanks for your help and this is a great opportunity to show us how wiring works ! Great Video here ! Thanks for posting it
@@HouseImprovements whats the best way to wire the light switchs in mobile home. They are 3 wires out in a series. An that poses a problem at the light switches themselves???
@@joshford6064 best way to wire Anything in a mobile home, get someone else who knows how to do it 🤣 , all kidding aside, the big difference between a mobile home and a manufactured home is definitely the wall thickness which really helps when you have to get right in the walls and see what your doing ,
LOL not laughing at you, funny how we talk when talking to a camera, i feel ya. Great Video, Photovoltaic Technician / Electrician gives Thumbs Up. i Like, OLE!
I like the presentation of your video. Well done in my opinion. I'm not an electrician, but do some minor repairs as a maintenance man for apartment complex. I personally do not like to use the "stab-in" feature fr electrical outlet, the mechanical connection is superior. As far as the orientation of the ground plug for an outlet, I think placing it in the upright position is well justified, but for my purposes, it was done to designate wall outlets serviced by a wall switch.
I don't know your name but you are awesome. Thank you so much. Clearly, you know what the heck you're talking about and it makes me feel confident enough to take on this simple task. I realize that there are tons of things yet to learn but, at least, I don't feel like I'm not going to get us killed in a fire. Thanks Again!
Thanks Shannon. I want to install a GFCI outlet on my porch in series to 2 more on my second floor for holiday lights. I felt a little nervous about tackling the project myself. Your video was very informative and helped me considerably. Appreciate it!!!
It's against code to have two seperate circuits in a double gang unless they're on a tied-double breaker, and I don't know how you're going to do that when one is 15 and the other is 20amp. The reason behind this, is if you're servicing say the switch and shut the breaker off for that, and overlook that the plug is live and dig into that box thinking it's dead. Twisted grounds have to have a wire nut on them, it's not an option. I'm not a fan of the electrical wrap unless it's temp. It can pose a fire hazard if there was a bad connection and it's completely unnecessary unless you've done something wrong. Inspectors will ask you to remove the tape because it hides the connections from being inspected.
I see your point on the "two separate circuits in a double gang box" I have never been questioned or called back on that before. Does it make a difference that the second item is three way switch? As for the tape the inspector has not ever asked me to stop doing that either. I believe every inspector has their own interpretation of some regulations so that may be the case here ,I can not say for sure. Thank you for your comments.
HouseImprovements Last night I was looking through my book and didn't find anything about multiple circuits in a box (I didn't look very hard) but I do remember that if you split a duplex plug so each plug is on it's own circuit using a shared neutral, then it's code to have the breakers locked together. Just makes sense there since there's one receptacle fed by two power sources. Maybe it doesn't break code to have 2 circuits in the same box as long as they're separate receptacles.. but I do see it becoming a potentially dangerous situation down the road when someone is replacing a plug or switch and shocking them self on the other circuit because they thought it was dead, or temporarily losing vision from the flash of light from the ball of molten metal flying off their cutters. But this just brings to attention to be safe and check there's no live wires before one digs into the project. :) And yes, every inspector has different standards. Some will just take a glance and some will dig right in and check your grounds, your staples, clamps etc. If you're comfortable bringing it to your inspectors attention, ask them about this and see what their logic is behind the safety of having multiple circuits in a box and report back to let us viewers know. I personally would advise against it unless the breakers are tied. I guess you could tie a single 20 and single 15 together with a bar. That way both circuits would be killed when servicing either. I don't know, give it a thought. Cheers!
Thanks buddy. The more I see your videos and the more confident I get to doing my own electrical work. You are clear on your explanation of connections. 👍👍👍👍
Hey, Shannon. I do the same thing as you. I wrap electrical tape around the connections. I was told not to do that by a "Professional", because the tape can melt or something do to the hot wiring. I do it because I want it to be safe. Anything can happen inside a wall that you can't see. I'm by no means a professional, so if anything do happen it was not by my doing.
Pigtail is fine if that's the way you prefer it. I would hook all four wires to the receptacle. Makes for a much neater job in my opinion.. If I have a receptacle go bad I want to know it. However everyone has their preference
@@imabushwacker then why is there room for 2 wires on each screw? room for 1 feed wire in and 1 wire out to next receptacle. I understand ground is required to be pigtails and only has one screw and no way to put two wires on it. The hot and neutral screws are designed to allow 2 wires per screw when they have two holes leading to between screw and nut that tightens against it. Very similar to industrial pushbutton control contacts. They always have room for 2 wires under hold down plate on each terminal. I understand codes change and they make things that are not allowed as designed. example you can still buy non grounded receptacles yet. What is the code that says 1 wire per screw terminal even when designed to accept 2 on the receptacle types I'm referring to? until I see that I call baloney.
@@imabushwacker heres an example of a gfci with terminals like I'm referring to. th-cam.com/video/hdIh0aEcm2w/w-d-xo.html installer uses one of the two holes available to insert and tighten down the screw. I have a few boxes with twin duplex receptacles with these terminal types. First receptacle has 3 hot and 3 neutral wires on it. one from feed, one out of box to next receptacle on the two available slots under one screw and the other screw gets the wire feeding the adjacent receptacle.
It’s important to note that junction boxes for ceiling fans are different than junction boxes for normal ceiling lights. It you are trying to replace a ceiling light with a ceiling fan then you have to take out the junction box and install a new junction box rated for a ceiling fan. The reason for this is because normal ceiling light junction boxes are designed to hold a ceiling light which is much lighter than a ceiling fan so if you didn’t replace the normal ceiling light junction box with a ceiling fan junction box the ceiling fan would be heavy enough to pull the ceiling light junction box from the ceiling which is hazardous so with that said always replace the junction box when you want to install a ceiling fan
Wow! Can't believe there are negative comments. I would let this guy wire my house ANY DAY!! And I can't speak about code, b/c I don't know the specifics for this, but I do a LOT of DIY, and for what its worth, I would rather have shorter wires that are secured with a wire nut, than longer ones that aren't.
This video is excellent. Even if some demonstrated techniques aren't your preference, they are still very solid advice. If you do things this way you will not have issues.
How many receptacles can you run on one 20 amp circuit? How many on a 15 amp? Also , I understand hot and ground, but what is the role of the neutral wire?
vwdiesel101 Wow, thank you sir. That was an excellent explanation. All these years and I just could not figure out the neutral wire and its "role" in the electrical circuit.
+kevin S The NEC uses the 80% rule for load but does not comment on the number of receptacles on a circuit. Remember Ohm's Law and related calculations: Watts/Volts = Amps . So, if you have a 120-volt circuit and you plug in a 60-watt bulb, it's 1/2 Amp. But, if you plug in a 300-watt sweeper, it's 2.5 Amps. So, you could put more than a reasonable number of receptacles on the line if you want... just don't exceed the load. vwdiesel gives an excellent explanation on the system ground vs. case ground.
@Sylvia isgod; People do this all the time... also your instead of you’re. Gonna rather than going to might already be in the dictionary. What happened to grade school grammar?
why? what if you're insulating the inside walls. woulld you not want the receptacle in place already so that you know where to place your insulation around it
@@Sunnsetter nope, insulation doesnt interfere, first you rough in the electrical wires, then hang drywall. After drywall is in electrician proceeds to install switches receptacles. He knows that, he just didn't mention it
Recently watched other Vids on electrical hook up and this one is way above the others, explained well, shown well and leaves no questions in your mind at what or how to do the job correctly, my thanks
The part of the wire nut that screws onto the wire should always be down incase water leaks into the box the water will not screw up the wires that are spliced together
you failed when you cut your wires down to 2 inches. minimum length of conductors left in the box is 6 inches. Also the holes in your strippers are there for a reason, use them to curl the wire.
As always my friend, great video and tutorial. Something I like about you on your videos, is your patience to explain, all well detailed. Will now just have to buy wire and connectors and do my electrical work at home. Thanks, God bless you and your family and business.
Good reason to put receptacle upside down from your instructions, but I read that electricians also place the receptacle upside down when the white wire is made black . Not sure the accuracy of that information, but it did come from an electrical informative website. Good vid as usual sir.
Thanks, simple and straight forward. I now understand parallel circuitry. I have run into a situation where to heaters are pigtailed together while being on one circuit. One base heater has to have to breakers on to operate.
-This is a kitchen counter. The NEC (National Electrical Codebook) requires all general use receptacles in the kitchen be GFCI protected. The 6' to water code has been abolished. 20 amp rated devices are optional. You can wire the GFCI line and load fashion, or put a GFCI in each receptacle location. -I do appreciate the recommendation against backwiring. Backwires cause fires. -All ground wires in the box should be tailed together, then tailed out to the devices. Including the ground from the switch. The switch should also be grounded. -Ground down. If the receptacle is loose, it should be replaced. Loose connections cause arcing, and fires. -You are correct in not to completely trust a glow bug *buzz stick*. They will buzz if you rub them on your sleeve. -Wires are cut too short. An easy rule of thumb is to put your t-stripper to the base of the wire. Then extend the wire to the other end, and cut that length. -Several other items that differ than I would do. But that's just nitpicky. Not code related. Sir, please do not be offended. I greatly appreciate your willingness to help others. But you are obviously not an experienced journeyman. And electrical should only be taught by journeyman, experienced in that particular electrical field. I'm sorry, but I can see that you are not experienced. There is a reason why 4800 hours are required to even take the journeyman test (and that's just to be residential certified). -It is also very important that electrical be taught observing existing electrical codes as outlined in the NEC.
No offence taken, I am not an electrician and this video is intended to give the average DIYer a grasp on what they should be doing not train anyone to be an electrician. I'm in Canada and where I am inspectors are still allowing no GFCI away from the sinks. However like you mentioned anyone using this method could still add Them if they are required to. Thanks for your comments though.
I've been doing my own electric for years. The new technique from this video is to buy the boxes with the attached cable clamps and leave extra wire. Usually I use the 3/8" cable clamps, or the plastic or the hammer in clamps. I like the box you used because it allows people to easily modify the installation if something goes wrong.
Hi Shannon. I've watched several of your videos and find them very informative and easy to understand..... even figuring rafters haha!! I am from Tennessee in the states and have been doing home improvements for several years now. I know that I do a lot of extras that are not particularly called for but are for added convenience such as your wire loops (which I do now) and for safety. In wiring such as in this video, I use the green nuts with the pass through allowing the pigtail wire to pass through the end of the nut to attach to the ground. Also I routinely wrap the back end of the nuts with electrical tape because I've found that over time, the constant voltage can sometimes work the wire nuts loose. Just my little extra to share with you. Great job, videos and contractor! Keep it up.
I see there are a lot of people criticizing and nit picking but, I am an electrician, and I can't speak for the other electricians on here commenting but Personally I like to watch these DIY videos to see what all the Harry homeowner's are going to watch. and a lot are good for terrible advice. But I have to say your tutorial is pretty spot on. There are a couple things I would do differently but that is just due to how I was trained honestly. I really like that you wrapped the recepticals with tape. I always try and think about the next guy who has to work on it. and while I never use metal boxes for new work I work on a hell of a lot of old work and no one likes to pull an outlet or switch and arc off the metal box. All in all good vid man
New construction we turn the receptacle upside down or ground up for the outlets connected to wall switches. Makes it easier for the homeowner to plan.
Very informative video! I am rewiring my garage, shop and seems to be now most of the house! What I am finding makes a guy's hair sweat, simply amazing. I think in the County the wiring codes were ignored. I appreciate guys like you taking the time to clearly explain the processes and importance of safety. Well done video! I have subscribed and from another post saw your link to your Forum. Ive also bookmarked that one and will read up on the more in-depth questions others have. Thanks again my friend! Tom
Very well done. Your videos are clear and precise. Method is congruent with professional work done in my kitchen last year. When I want to know correct practice, I now know where to search.
firstly, I'm not an electrician. A few years ago I started putting outlets upside-down. Looked like crap but I thought it was some kind of new code for reasons of shorting out. I no longer do that. I like the outlet smiling back at me 😯.
You are the first person to show how to without missing showing a single part of the process. Thank you so much, you are a master at teaching us laymen/women
Great Video. As a contractor, I am not a "professional" electrician, but sometimes do electrical work, same with plumbing and other trades. It is video's like yours that prompt me to do a more professional job, give my customers (and myself on my jobs) a better quality product. Keep up the good work, and thank you for going thru the trouble to make this video and educate us on proper technique.
except its not proper technique you need to turn your marettes upwards at all times incase water gets onto the wires, thats half the reason for a marett in the first place
What “isn’t properly bonded to the box“? The pigtailed ground was right, where is your fault?
Thank you so much!! I've just started doing electrical work in my house as I got tired of waiting 10 years for my husband to put in a ceiling fan lol. But I've struggled so much with making the connections and getting everything to fit back in the box due to stiffness of the wires. You showed everything I needed to know, step by step, without glossing over things that are second nature to more seasoned people. I'm actually excited to see how my next project goes!
The best video I've watched. Finally someone that explains and not spends so much time trying to be a comedian. No stupid background music, just to the point knowledge passing on to the ignorant people like me. LOL Thank you sir.
Shannon, as a master electrician you are correct to be using wire nuts as well as screwing your wires to the receptacle. In the trade we call this a mechanical connection. The reason to use a mechanical connection is that they never fail. We have only seen them fail if the wire was nicked and the wire broke. Too many times we have seen the "push ins" break or make contact with the ground wire at the back since people do not strip the wire properly. It is also good to mention that the wire you strip does not exceed pass the receptacle as you possibly could short out the wire. I enjoyed your close-ups and explanations.
Thank-you for your positive compliments. I have found that many electricians only want to come on here and pick things apart.
HouseImprovements Shannon, all I can say about those people, is that they have never been in front of a camera and never experience how difficult it is to put a video together let alone remember everything. Keep up the good job and do the best that you can.
😂😂😂😂Master Electrician!!!!!^^^^^^^^^me too.....i change triple A Batteries....
If that guy is a master electrician, then I'm a billionaire.
Great video! Thanks for mentioning that you avoid using the wiring holes on the backs of outlets and switches. In our new house I've had five fail because of the cheap, thin plastic breaking off around the holes. Two caused some fairly dangerous arcs. I'm now in the slow process of replacing them all...
I like your presentation method. No foul language, speak clearly and state reasons for your method. We all dont have to agree but we all have to respect your approach. But I agree with you well except the tape but no big deal. I am a PE trying to get my electricians license so learning the hands on part is invaluable.
Shannon, this was an excellent demonstration of how to wire up sockets. In some companies, the upside down socket indicates a "switched" socket where normal installed sockets are not switched. This is an easy way to know where a switched socket is in a room. In some companies, the last socket in a circuit will be wired first, and the last socket that will be wired will be the socket that will be the supply from the breaker. Just another way of thinking of safety, just in case some one activates the breaker while you are working.
Thanks TED
I'm really impressed with how many times I watch your videos to help me do stuff around my home. Thanks eh! Oh, I'm Canadian too 🍺
I learned my lesson the hard way when I did not use the pigtail method.
I originally thought that I had a bad breaker, but it took an additional 45 minutes to find the bad outlet which was causing the intermittent open.
It's nice to see someone matching the proper amp rating of an outlet with the appropriate size wire. I've seen many guys just wire a 15 amp outlet on the 20 amp home run. I pay particular attention matching outlets to the wire amp and gauge.
Your videos are great, I really like you explain the minor details that newbies wouldn't necessarily know. I can't pigtail for example because I bought too small of junction boxes. That is a beginner's mistake. I bought my boxes at Home Depot before I had done any actual wiring so I didn't know. But now that I know I can just connect the wires directly to the outlet I don't have to rip open the walls to replace the boxes.
The best instructor I have ever watched and listened
I learned a lot. Thank you for the helpful information without background music. So nice and refreshing.
Very informative, i am just a home owner and this explained in detailed everything I was searching for. We need more local electricians in my neck of the woods like Shannon...
Great video. A couple of things to help expand the topic of certain items. 1. The NEC (National Electrical Code) does not state which way to place the outlet in an electrical box, both are acceptable meaning ground down at 6 o'clock position which is generally found in the United States or ground up at the 12 o'clock position which is generally found in Canada and and in United States hospitals and some commercial properties . Electricians have their own preferences and reasons for doing so like to talked about. 2. Like you indicated, "pig tail" a wire connection is definitely the most secure way to wire an outlet instead of relying on the outlet to maintain continuity of the circuit. 3. The voltage sniffer is also called a proximity tester and is one of many great tools to use in electrical work. 4. "Back stabbing" or pushing in a wire into back of an outlet (spring loaded hole) should not be done because it is a poor electrical connection and can lead to future electrical outlet problems downstream of the electrical connection. The higher quality outlets and GFCI outlets that allow you to put in the wire in the back of an outlet but you have to use the side screw to tighten an internal metal plate against the wire are excellent to use and make a good secure electrical connection.
Thanks Bill
I know this old, but I want to thank you for putting out such a quality piece.
Shannon, thanks again for taking the time and effort making this video. I have leaned a lot by watching your videos. Keep up the great work!!
Time to lean is time to clean!
This is super helpful for a new workshop project. 12 receptacles, 2 switches, and 2 lights. Thanks!
Your teaching methods are excellent. You're teaching an old man new tricks.
I've read about 30 comments from novice to pro about this video. Some of the comments about the workmanship or technique made me think that the so-called pros didn't really know what they were talking about. I say, make your own video so that the rest of us can criticize your work and tell you what you're doing wrong. And why would a profession be watching a how-to video in the first place? My uncle is a retired electrical inspector with 40 years experience with small and big contractor jobs. He watched this video on my request and said that everything was done to code and he couldn't fault it anywhere. So why are the so-called professionals being negative? Well, my friend, that's all about their ego and they're not really professionals anyway. Otherwise, they'd be out doing a job somewhere rather than watching a youtube video, We all know that professionals love to come home after a hard days work or on their weekend off to spend their time watching videos about their profession. NOT!
+metaspherz Well put!
Adding a sub panel
No it's has nothing the do with ego for me. In this one if you think pigtails is the best way nock yourself out. Some places it's code. I just think using all four" terminal screws maker for a better job.
Dont they sell outletss that have terminals for all of them>? Seems cleaner.
+metaspherz Agree with you. I'm not a professional myself but I've read everything I need to know about wiring, including some of the codes (US and local). I can therefore appreciate the Professional job that +HouseImprovements is doing... Note that I've seen DIY jobs sometimes better done than specific professionals, mostly because they cared more about their work than the professional as it impacts them directly (and DIYers are more willing to spend a few bucks more than professionals). Love these videos from +HouseImprovements. Keep it up !
Nice work and video. Very neat and organized. When installing the wiring on the receptacles, it should become automatic in one's memory to install the "black" (wire) to the "brass" receptacle terminal (screw) and "white" (wire) to "light" receptacle terminal (screw). Having worked in the nuclear industry, we were trained to E.I. Dupont codes which normally exceeded, or at a very minimum, met the National Electrical Code (NEC). The reason we placed the "ground" in the "up" position was exactly as you have indicated. When the "future" equipment cord is plugged into the receptacle, and the "ground" is positioned up, with the equipment plug not completely inserted (partially installed) into receptacle, and with the ground being in the "up" position, anything (metal) that may fall down toward the receptacle will contact the ground first; not the 120 volts (hot wire) or possibly falling across the hot wire and neutral wire (white) creating a direct short to ground circuit, and other potential safety problems. In our particular nuclear industry, when mounting any receptacle in a horizontal position, we would place the ground position of the receptacle to the "right" side of the horizontally mounted receptacle box.
So when placing the receptacle into a metal box, since the side of older metal boxes (and new ones) were so very close to the final screw termination; you might consider a couple of wraps of electrical tape. So before inserting the receptacle into the metal box, we would normally wrap a couple of layers of electrical tape around the "receptacle" so all screws/and wiring were totally insulated (covered) and mitigated the potential short circuit of the hot wire to ground (metal box which is at ground potential; or should be). Not sure of the new technology and constant upgrades of normal electrical tape (vinyl) but the older electrical tape was rated for protection of upwards of 400 volts.
The only reason for the above comments are strictly for "maximizing" safety for anyone and everyone that are DIYers. You are not trying to meet "nuclear safety standards" in your home wiring schemes, but the more protection and safety you provide, it might just save someone their life. It could be you or your family members. I have never met anyone that actually "knew it all" when dealing with electricity, but when I did meet that individual, I would move in the opposite direction and totally away from that person. This is a very good video and the way we all learn so everyone avoids a potentially hazardous electrical problem. Thanks again and please ignore any of the above if any of it is not helpful or to over the top. But once you work with electrical circuits, and learn good safety practices, you better understand why you might live much longer than not knowing "enough" details.
Excellent comment, I had forgotten that tape trick around the receptacle screws.
I'm new to this thread, so please pardon me for interjecting here. While I agree that placing the ground (round hole) up could help keep things from shorting across terminals, having the ground up would negate the use of those cords that have a zero clearance or low profile to them. Those things always have the cord come down at a right angle to the ground prong.
we usually use ground up for commercial installation, lots of metal plates, and ground down for residential.
The benefit of pigtailing the outlets on the same line -except for the last outlet of course-, is to avoid -should there ever be an overload/a short on one receptacle- the incident won't disrupt or malfunction the other outlets on the same line. Glad you made this point!
I'm a teacher and I learned a lot from your videos. Keep them coming. Great tips and I needed a reminder about a couple of things. For my DIY, I'm now looking for your videos first!
- Thanx, Shannon, for always being so knowledgeable & thorough. Makes DIYing with a level of confidence.
Good point on the receptacle orientation. Just this year I had a hack saw blade fall across the prongs. Arced real bad. It fell from a package on a wall and laid across the prongs.
Most videos in here, about the same topic do not use the electrical tape on their switches. You did. Very well done and if it was me, I'll do the same. Thank you for your positive and most educational presentation.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge brother.I do not take learning for granted.I know time is money and you showing this for others to learn is awesome.Take care from SW Pennsylvania.
love how you left that extra wire I don't leave that much usually
Thank you! Clear, concise, easy to understand.
You're welcome, Christine.
how can i install a ceiling light in a bedroom from a receptacle that already has 4 wires in the box. i want to add a bedroom light from outlet with raceway run
Again, Shannon your instructions are presented in a concise and unhurried manner. Thank you so much
Shannon, you are the man! I like your calm manner and general presentation. This is absolutely what I needed and answered all my questions.
*MY* (WRONG) guess would have been black-white incoming on the top, black-white outgoing on the bottom. From what you said in the video, I think that would have been series, where a failure in one would take them ALL out?
Anyway, now I know how to do it the right way. Thank you!
The only time I've ever seen outlets mounted "upside down" with the ground on top is when the outlet is on a light switch so people know which outlet in the room is being controlled by the switch.
I tell people that all the time. They think it's a mistake from the contractor. Nope. Even mine that are controlled by a switch are right side up. Makes it challenging.
That's how we did it. I know a couple of "rogue electricians" that put them in upside-down. Looks like crap.
Excellent again Shannon. Thank you! I really enjoyed this.
Inspect/Maintain old house wiring
1. Measure line voltage on house outlet - write down voltage (ex: 122 VAC)
2. Plug in a space heater set to low (approx 8A or 1 KW of power.)
3. Measure line voltage with 1KW of power being drawn. Write this down
4. If the difference between (1) and (3) is greater than 2V, something is wrong. Note if the outlet looks like it has been overheated or has cracks.
5. If the copper wire connected to the outlet is dark, shut power off. Loosen the wire from the outlet and clean wire and outlet screw terminal with a wire toothbrush until shiny.
6. Squirt a drop of oil on the screw terminal to prevent oxidation. Tighten all outlet screw connections.
7. Repeat the above outlet voltage-drop test. If the outlet drop remains high, call for an electric technician to tighten or service the wire connection at the fuse box.
7. Continue this process until all outlets have been serviced and all fuse box terminals are tight.
This service will help to prevent a fire or long-term damage to the outlet.
Never screw in a 30A fuse into a 20A fuse position in the fuse box.
Well Brother that must be the most professional video demonstration I have seen to date. I kmow that there are differences between wiring practices in our respective countries, but we can always learn from the best.I am from the UK, and just for interest our regulations or code requires that we sleeve the earth/ground with a green and yellow jacket, precisely so that a bare wire cannot contact a live conductor in the box, thus potentially making the frame of earth-grounded appliances live until the fault is cleared.Like you mentioned, our earth-ground is located at the top of the outlet to avoid direct shorts by falling metal objects.Our flexible cords for the most part enter from the bottom of the plugtop, and I believe this helps to prevent partial withdrawal of the plugtop from the outlet..Again, many thanks for your presentation. Saludos .
+Hassan Burrows Thanks Hassan!
Congratulations my friend, your videos are very proficional wonderful, good audio, good image, and very well expricado, my dream is to work in this profession, thank you.
great video! This is for novice people. Electricians are knocking it because they want us to think it is difficult! Not really!!
Yeah and how many times i had to redo wiring and connections from do it yourselfers. Anyone who takes electrical for granted should make sure they have good fire insurance
Come succeed in the electrical field before you say how easy it is. I bet you don't make it a week.
@@adamglenn4403 Ha !
Hardly NOBODY uses metal boxes in a residential application
Allan Brown - and? You complaining about earning your money?
Pretty clear and straightforward info. Nothing controversial here. Facts are facts. Not sure who's downvoting this.
This video was exactly what we needed to be clear on a complicated situation in our home. You are very clear and easy to follow. Thanks.
I love the idea of addition loop in case you need to pull through later!
7:17 the tool that you're holding has a feature to make a perfect curl....
Very informative and thorough. I feel more comfortable with wiring now than I did after watching other people's videos.
Well done and informative. Although I've done many as a DIY homeowner and rental owner, I learned a couple of new techniques here. And that's what TH-cam videos are for!
another awesome video Shannon you're the man I'm spreading the word!
Hes sooo Canadian haha i like the way he talks
He can't be Canadian, he calls wirenuts, "wirenuts', and not marette's..
joe banana he called them by both names.
Bob Ross and the Joy of Painting have nothing on Shannon. He's so relaxing to listen to.
I always, always enjoy watching your thorough and detailed videos, and I so appreciate your dedication to doing things right. Thanks for making and posting!
Thanks for the video. I especially appreciated that you not only show what to do but also explain why it is important. Thanks again!
thanks
Thank you for the video, very educational. Keep up the good work!
10:56 - "why is the ground down?"
Most installations in this area are like that... and its very common in North America. Some appliances have off-set plugs for low clearance areas (like behind a bookcase), and having the outlet "upside-down" may be annoying.
If you see it with the ground UP instead, it's likely set up that way by the installer to indicate a switch-enabled circuit. This is common in family rooms where you want to plug in a lamp and use the wall switch to turn it on/off. Also a neat feature for those with small kids (so you can deenergize the outlets near the ground).
That said... it would make sense to have the ground on top to prevent coins, paperclips, or other metal debris from falling between the outlet and a plug thats not flush... but we'd have to re-write a few decades of tradition. :p
This is a great comment! Hard to believe after 5 years this comment doesn't have 200 thumbs up. YT must be up to their trickery again.
yep, inverted outlet indicates switched outlet here.
Best wire video on the internet. Clear and concise, and a great cameraman!
Thanks brother. I have TBI - a roadside bomb kinda mixed up my marbles...
I watched several of these but just couldn't quite get it. Your video was easier for me to comprehend.
Much appreciated.
Wulfy
Thank you Shannon!
This was very helpful, I will be using this information today Thanks!
I avoid the pigtailing. More work. More stuff chocking the box, crowding it up, making it hotter. I also install ground-down, smiley face. In over 40 years no shorts as a result. The argument for ground-up is a practically extremely weak one. And, yes, ALWAYS wrap the terminals in tape. Use a good tape though - 3M all the way. Also, I like using crimp sleeves for the ground wire group. Saves box space.
Thank you - I'm getting ready to wire up my workshop. This is definitely a good help. Thank you for explaining the pig tail - did not think about the outlet shorting out and killing the rest of the outlets in the chain.
Good luck, be safe
Shannon taught Chuck Norris how to improve his house.
LOL!
@@HouseImprovements , I have a manufactured home and one of the outlets under the skirting fried due to the stupid manufacturer not protecting the under outlet from the water heater , directly under the heater made it possible for water to soak the outlet thus actually frying the thing to where I can't tell if one of the jumber tab was removed or not but I tried to replace it and I got a big spark and popped the 15 Amp breaker , but this outside outlet is in the line of a series ? The power runs other outlets and the ceiling light In the bedroom and bathroom ? You didn't show the other side of the outlet here so I'm wondering if I need to do that popping the jumper tab off on one side or not ? I would like to send you a picture of what I'm dealing with but since I don't have any way to share it here , just trying to explain to you and hopefully u can give me a better explanation or recommend a video ? It appears that the current plug has 3 wires and a ground ? Thanks for your help and this is a great opportunity to show us how wiring works ! Great Video here ! Thanks for posting it
@@commonsense3673 same deal but trying yo figure out how to wire the light switches in series as every outlet or junction all have 3 wires
@@HouseImprovements whats the best way to wire the light switchs in mobile home. They are 3 wires out in a series. An that poses a problem at the light switches themselves???
@@joshford6064 best way to wire Anything in a mobile home, get someone else who knows how to do it 🤣 , all kidding aside, the big difference between a mobile home and a manufactured home is definitely the wall thickness which really helps when you have to get right in the walls and see what your doing ,
LOL not laughing at you, funny how we talk when talking to a camera, i feel ya. Great Video, Photovoltaic Technician / Electrician gives Thumbs Up. i Like, OLE!
I really like the way he leaves a loop of extra wire for the future..
I like the presentation of your video. Well done in my opinion. I'm not an electrician, but do some minor repairs as a maintenance man for apartment complex. I personally do not like to use the "stab-in" feature fr electrical outlet, the mechanical connection is superior. As far as the orientation of the ground plug for an outlet, I think placing it in the upright position is well justified, but for my purposes, it was done to designate wall outlets serviced by a wall switch.
In California if you see upside down plugs it normally means that the plug is activated by a wall switch.
Thanks for the videos. Could you do a video of a room with multiple outlets, light switches and a couple lights all on one circuit?
I don't know your name but you are awesome. Thank you so much. Clearly, you know what the heck you're talking about and it makes me feel confident enough to take on this simple task. I realize that there are tons of things yet to learn but, at least, I don't feel like I'm not going to get us killed in a fire.
Thanks Again!
Thanks Shannon. I want to install a GFCI outlet on my porch in series to 2 more on my second floor for holiday lights. I felt a little nervous about tackling the project myself. Your video was very informative and helped me considerably. Appreciate it!!!
It's against code to have two seperate circuits in a double gang unless they're on a tied-double breaker, and I don't know how you're going to do that when one is 15 and the other is 20amp. The reason behind this, is if you're servicing say the switch and shut the breaker off for that, and overlook that the plug is live and dig into that box thinking it's dead. Twisted grounds have to have a wire nut on them, it's not an option. I'm not a fan of the electrical wrap unless it's temp. It can pose a fire hazard if there was a bad connection and it's completely unnecessary unless you've done something wrong. Inspectors will ask you to remove the tape because it hides the connections from being inspected.
I see your point on the "two separate circuits in a double gang box" I have never been questioned or called back on that before. Does it make a difference that the second item is three way switch? As for the tape the inspector has not ever asked me to stop doing that either. I believe every inspector has their own interpretation of some regulations so that may be the case here ,I can not say for sure. Thank you for your comments.
HouseImprovements Last night I was looking through my book and didn't find anything about multiple circuits in a box (I didn't look very hard) but I do remember that if you split a duplex plug so each plug is on it's own circuit using a shared neutral, then it's code to have the breakers locked together. Just makes sense there since there's one receptacle fed by two power sources. Maybe it doesn't break code to have 2 circuits in the same box as long as they're separate receptacles.. but I do see it becoming a potentially dangerous situation down the road when someone is replacing a plug or switch and shocking them self on the other circuit because they thought it was dead, or temporarily losing vision from the flash of light from the ball of molten metal flying off their cutters. But this just brings to attention to be safe and check there's no live wires before one digs into the project. :) And yes, every inspector has different standards. Some will just take a glance and some will dig right in and check your grounds, your staples, clamps etc. If you're comfortable bringing it to your inspectors attention, ask them about this and see what their logic is behind the safety of having multiple circuits in a box and report back to let us viewers know. I personally would advise against it unless the breakers are tied. I guess you could tie a single 20 and single 15 together with a bar. That way both circuits would be killed when servicing either. I don't know, give it a thought. Cheers!
xIntoThePitx If an electrician is meticulous enough to add tape, you know the rest should be okay.
@18:55 lmao "oops I forgot to mention to make sure that the power is off".
Me too😀
Thanks buddy. The more I see your videos and the more confident I get to doing my own electrical work. You are clear on your explanation of connections. 👍👍👍👍
Hey, Shannon. I do the same thing as you. I wrap electrical tape around the connections. I was told not to do that by a "Professional", because the tape can melt or something do to the hot wiring. I do it because I want it to be safe. Anything can happen inside a wall that you can't see. I'm by no means a professional, so if anything do happen it was not by my doing.
Pigtail is fine if that's the way you prefer it. I would hook all four wires to the receptacle. Makes for a much neater job in my opinion.. If I have a receptacle go bad I want to know it. However everyone has their preference
Pigtailing is the best
@@imabushwacker
then why do the better quality receptacles have spots for 2 wires to tighten between square nut behind each screw?
@@imabushwacker
so only in that case you can have 4 hots and 4 neutrals on same receptacle?
@@imabushwacker
then why is there room for 2 wires on each screw? room for 1 feed wire in and 1 wire out to next receptacle.
I understand ground is required to be pigtails and only has one screw and no way to put two wires on it. The hot and neutral screws are designed to allow 2 wires per screw when they have two holes leading to between screw and nut that tightens against it. Very similar to industrial pushbutton control contacts. They always have room for 2 wires under hold down plate on each terminal.
I understand codes change and they make things that are not allowed as designed. example you can still buy non grounded receptacles yet. What is the code that says 1 wire per screw terminal even when designed to accept 2 on the receptacle types I'm referring to? until I see that I call baloney.
@@imabushwacker
heres an example of a gfci with terminals like I'm referring to.
th-cam.com/video/hdIh0aEcm2w/w-d-xo.html
installer uses one of the two holes available to insert and tighten down the screw.
I have a few boxes with twin duplex receptacles with these terminal types. First receptacle has 3 hot and 3 neutral wires on it. one from feed, one out of box to next receptacle on the two available slots under one screw and the other screw gets the wire feeding the adjacent receptacle.
I want to know how electricians install a junction box for hard wiring a ceiling fan if there is not one. Can you do a video over that?
+Matt Bruns I agree. I got this situation currently, and I am interested in furthering my knowledge and experience working with them.
You need a reinforced junction box, that is screwed securely to two ceiling studs.
It’s important to note that junction boxes for ceiling fans are different than junction boxes for normal ceiling lights. It you are trying to replace a ceiling light with a ceiling fan then you have to take out the junction box and install a new junction box rated for a ceiling fan. The reason for this is because normal ceiling light junction boxes are designed to hold a ceiling light which is much lighter than a ceiling fan so if you didn’t replace the normal ceiling light junction box with a ceiling fan junction box the ceiling fan would be heavy enough to pull the ceiling light junction box from the ceiling which is hazardous so with that said always replace the junction box when you want to install a ceiling fan
Wow! Can't believe there are negative comments. I would let this guy wire my house ANY DAY!! And I can't speak about code, b/c I don't know the specifics for this, but I do a LOT of DIY, and for what its worth, I would rather have shorter wires that are secured with a wire nut, than longer ones that aren't.
This video is excellent. Even if some demonstrated techniques aren't your preference, they are still very solid advice. If you do things this way you will not have issues.
How many receptacles can you run on one 20 amp circuit? How many on a 15 amp? Also , I understand hot and ground, but what is the role of the neutral wire?
vwdiesel101 Wow, thank you sir. That was an excellent explanation. All these years and I just could not figure out the neutral wire and its "role" in the electrical circuit.
+kevin S The NEC uses the 80% rule for load but does not comment on the number of receptacles on a circuit. Remember Ohm's Law and related calculations: Watts/Volts = Amps . So, if you have a 120-volt circuit and you plug in a 60-watt bulb, it's 1/2 Amp. But, if you plug in a 300-watt sweeper, it's 2.5 Amps. So, you could put more than a reasonable number of receptacles on the line if you want... just don't exceed the load. vwdiesel gives an excellent explanation on the system ground vs. case ground.
+TomKaren94 or you have 15 amps X 120 volts = 1800 X 80% = 1440 usable watts per circuit.
Is 80% to calculate true potential (taking loss over the run into account)?
Thank you.
Should of mentioned hang the drywall before doing any receptacle installation hahaha. I know it's demonstration but people might not know
@Sylvia isgod; People do this all the time... also your instead of you’re. Gonna rather than going to might already be in the dictionary. What happened to grade school grammar?
why? what if you're insulating the inside walls. woulld you not want the receptacle in place already so that you know where to place your insulation around it
@@Sunnsetter nope, insulation doesnt interfere, first you rough in the electrical wires, then hang drywall. After drywall is in electrician proceeds to install switches receptacles.
He knows that, he just didn't mention it
@@Sunnsetter you still install the boxes and wire, then insulation, them boxes, then insulation then drywall finally receptacles and wire them
he did mentioned it, if you'd listen (18.10)
This was awesome. Thank you so much. Very detailed and real. And it’s a plus you didn’t add any dumb music in the background.
Recently watched other Vids on electrical hook up and this one is way above the others, explained well, shown well and leaves no questions in your mind at what or how to do the job correctly, my thanks
The part of the wire nut that screws onto the wire should always be down incase water leaks into the box the water will not screw up the wires that are spliced together
If water is leaking into your box, wirenuts are the least of your problem.
Omg are you serious? If water is getting into the box who cares about the wire nuts, what about the outlet? So ridiculous
you failed when you cut your wires down to 2 inches. minimum length of conductors left in the box is 6 inches. Also the holes in your strippers are there for a reason, use them to curl the wire.
For fucks sake! Maybe you take a pee sitting down and he takes a pee standing up, who fucking cares, you get the same results in he end! Just sayin!
3min. inches out.. from the receptacle. IRC2015
6min. inches out, from Service box. IRC2015
Been looking... What is the exact reference?
As always my friend, great video and tutorial. Something I like about you on your videos, is your patience to explain, all well detailed. Will now just have to buy wire and connectors and do my electrical work at home. Thanks, God bless you and your family and business.
Good reason to put receptacle upside down from your instructions, but I read that electricians also place the receptacle upside down when the white wire is made black . Not sure the accuracy of that information, but it did come from an electrical informative website. Good vid as usual sir.
Thanks, simple and straight forward. I now understand parallel circuitry. I have run into a situation where to heaters are pigtailed together while being on one circuit. One base heater has to have to breakers on to operate.
You've helped me remodel our home which was destroyed by contractors 😑. Slowly but surely
-This is a kitchen counter. The NEC (National Electrical Codebook) requires all general use receptacles in the kitchen be GFCI protected. The 6' to water code has been abolished. 20 amp rated devices are optional. You can wire the GFCI line and load fashion, or put a GFCI in each receptacle location.
-I do appreciate the recommendation against backwiring. Backwires cause fires.
-All ground wires in the box should be tailed together, then tailed out to the devices. Including the ground from the switch. The switch should also be grounded.
-Ground down. If the receptacle is loose, it should be replaced. Loose connections cause arcing, and fires.
-You are correct in not to completely trust a glow bug *buzz stick*. They will buzz if you rub them on your sleeve.
-Wires are cut too short. An easy rule of thumb is to put your t-stripper to the base of the wire. Then extend the wire to the other end, and cut that length.
-Several other items that differ than I would do. But that's just nitpicky. Not code related.
Sir, please do not be offended. I greatly appreciate your willingness to help others. But you are obviously not an experienced journeyman. And electrical should only be taught by journeyman, experienced in that particular electrical field. I'm sorry, but I can see that you are not experienced. There is a reason why 4800 hours are required to even take the journeyman test (and that's just to be residential certified).
-It is also very important that electrical be taught observing existing electrical codes as outlined in the NEC.
No offence taken, I am not an electrician and this video is intended to give the average DIYer a grasp on what they should be doing not train anyone to be an electrician. I'm in Canada and where I am inspectors are still allowing no GFCI away from the sinks. However like you mentioned anyone using this method could still add Them if they are required to. Thanks for your comments though.
Absolutely Superb! No assumptions about what the viewer already knows. Big thumbs up.
Thank you
I've been doing my own electric for years. The new technique from this video is to buy the boxes with the attached cable clamps and leave extra wire. Usually I use the 3/8" cable clamps, or the plastic or the hammer in clamps. I like the box you used because it allows people to easily modify the installation if something goes wrong.
Hi Shannon. I've watched several of your videos and find them very informative and easy to understand..... even figuring rafters haha!! I am from Tennessee in the states and have been doing home improvements for several years now. I know that I do a lot of extras that are not particularly called for but are for added convenience such as your wire loops (which I do now) and for safety. In wiring such as in this video, I use the green nuts with the pass through allowing the pigtail wire to pass through the end of the nut to attach to the ground. Also I routinely wrap the back end of the nuts with electrical tape because I've found that over time, the constant voltage can sometimes work the wire nuts loose. Just my little extra to share with you. Great job, videos and contractor! Keep it up.
I see there are a lot of people criticizing and nit picking but, I am an electrician, and I can't speak for the other electricians on here commenting but Personally I like to watch these DIY videos to see what all the Harry homeowner's are going to watch. and a lot are good for terrible advice. But I have to say your tutorial is pretty spot on. There are a couple things I would do differently but that is just due to how I was trained honestly. I really like that you wrapped the recepticals with tape. I always try and think about the next guy who has to work on it. and while I never use metal boxes for new work I work on a hell of a lot of old work and no one likes to pull an outlet or switch and arc off the metal box. All in all good vid man
I also see alot of nit picking but I like them because they also provide some information. I don't see them as attacks; I see them as contributions.
New construction we turn the receptacle upside down or ground up for the outlets connected to wall switches. Makes it easier for the homeowner to plan.
Excellent video. Great patience and detail in explaining the steps and reasoning for each step. Thank-you!
Good job! I've been through many videos looking for this info. None helped but yours. Thank you.
Very informative video! I am rewiring my garage, shop and seems to be now most of the house! What I am finding makes a guy's hair sweat, simply amazing. I think in the County the wiring codes were ignored. I appreciate guys like you taking the time to clearly explain the processes and importance of safety. Well done video! I have subscribed and from another post saw your link to your Forum. Ive also bookmarked that one and will read up on the more in-depth questions others have.
Thanks again my friend! Tom
That is awesome!
Everyday I learn a little more.....very detailed. This guy is awesome 👏🏻
Glad you think so!
Great video! Very thorough. I now have a good understanding on what I need to do to install some additional outlets in my basement. Thanks!
Helped out a ton. Thanks for making this.
Perfect instruction for parallel wiring! Thanks so much!!
Very well done. Your videos are clear and precise. Method is congruent with professional work done in my kitchen last year. When I want to know correct practice, I now know where to search.
We always use the metal self nailing stud guards on every stud where wires travel so you can't nail into wiring. Under drywall.
Thank you for putting this in the web!
firstly, I'm not an electrician. A few years ago I started putting outlets upside-down. Looked like crap but I thought it was some kind of new code for reasons of shorting out. I no longer do that. I like the outlet smiling back at me 😯.
Thank you, you are helping thousands of people!