Wire & Cables Safety Tips

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Advise customers to follow manufacturer recommendations for outdoor use and to not use a household extension cord outdoors.
Damaged or worn extension cords should be replaced, not repaired. Replace older cords that are non-polarized and don’t have safety closure…

Circuit Tester

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Also known as a test lamp, a voltage tester, a neon tester or a test light.
Consists of two insulated wire probes and a small neon light.
Designs vary widely
Used to determine if there is electricity running through a circuit or if it is properly grounded.
Recommend as…

Boxes Safety Tips

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Always turn off power at the circuit breaker box or fuse box before changing a receptacle or switch. You can double check that the circuit is dead by using a tester.
Never attempt repairs near the service head. Call a professional.
Don’t drill into walls or ceilings b…

Conduit Safety Tips

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Before digging a trench for an electrical line, always call utility companies to make sure there are no electrical, water, sewer or gas lines buried in your path.
If you are burying a UF cable, leave some slack and don’t pull it tight. Pulling the cable tight may resu…

Lamp Holder

Used to hold light sockets where design is not a concern. Often used in garages or basements, or as a temporary fixture.
One type has a pull chain to turn it on. The other, a keyless lampholder, does not have a chain. Another type has a socket, two receptacles and a pull chain th…

One thing everybody in the world can agree on is that there just isn’t enough time. Between running errands, trying to get home projects done, fitting in time with the family - and oh yeah, and don’t forget about work - there just isn’t enough time in the day.

Thankfully, we have little invention…

Q. What do I need to buy for a basic electrical tool kit?

A. Some tools recommended are:

Needle-nose pliers
Insulated screwdriver
Combination tool
Utility knife
Keyhole saw
Continuity tester
Neon circuit tester
Fish tape
Electrical tape
Wire connectors

Q. My extension co…

Receptacle

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Taps the electrical circuit to provide power at a given location.
Available in flush- or surface-mounted designs.
A single- or double-wipe contact refers to the area of the inserted prong where the contact is made.Â

Appliance Receptacle

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Used for heavy-duty pl…

Single-Pole SwitchÂ
Controls power to lights and devices by turning off the hot side of the circuit.
Mounted in an electrical box.
Has two brass terminal screws.
Controls current from one circuit from one point.Â

Double-Pole Switch

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Controls power to lights and devices by t…

When you’re going to tackle your own electrical projects, make sure that you have all the right products and enough of them!

Tools Needed - Wire cutters, strippers, stapler, and screwdrivers

Cable - Purchase enough cable to reach your circuit and allow at the least 10% extra to accommodate any…