ADVANCED HOME WIRING Current with Codes through 2014 DC Circuits • Transfer Switches • Panel Upgrades Circuit Maps • Much More Contents Advanced Home Wiring Introduction Working Safely Circuit Maps Common Household Circuits Advanced Wiring Projects Electrical Panels Installing Circuit Breakers Installing a Subpanel Upgrading Service Panels Grounding & Bonding an Upgraded System Adding Circuits Wiring a Room Addition Wiring a Kitchen Installing a Solar Light Circuit Backup Power Supply Installing a Transfer Switch Troubleshooting & Repairs Common Residential Wiring Codes Electrical Receptacle Installation Ground-fault (GFCI) & Arc-fault (AFCI) Protection Junction Boxes, Device Boxes & Enclosures Credits/Resources Conversions Index Introduction Home wiring is a skill that is worth developing beyond the basics of replacing a switch or rewiring a lamp. There is no such thing as a simple wiring project, inasmuch as the consequences of any mistake can be severe. But advancing your skillset to include more challenging and complicated projects is the surest way to make your initial investment in the fundamentals of electrical service pay maximum dividends. This new 3rd edition of Black & Decker Advanced Home Wiring is directed specifically at homeowners who have some wiring experience and are interested in upgrading their capabilities. Home wiring projects fall into three general categories: installing wiring fixtures such as ceiling lights or baseboard heaters; installing or upgrading wiring circuitry; and troubleshooting and repair. You’ll find advanced-level projects in all three categories, but for the most part, the more challenging projects tend to be in the circuitry and repair groups. Almost all of the advanced wiring projects featured in this book involve new circuitry, panel upgrades, or troubleshooting with diagnostic equipment. Among the high-level projects you’re not likely to find in other DIY wiring books: making a direct-current, solar-electric circuit; upgrading the grounding and bonding on your new 200- amp or larger home circuit; installing an automatic transfer switch for your backup power supply; and using a multimeter to precisely locate an open neutral in a home circuit. Even though the projects found in this book are advanced in nature, do not attempt any of them unless you are confident in your abilities. Consult a professional electrician if you have any concerns—in many cases your best solution might be to do some of the work yourself, such as pulling new sheathed cable through walls, and to have the electrical contractor do the other work, such as making the connections. Because most wiring projects require a permit from your local building department, you will need to be able to plot out and explain clearly your project strategies, materials, and costs, and in some cases arrange for field inspections. But do keep in mind that home wiring can be a fun and fascinating pursuit, and successfully accomplishing a major project is personally gratifying and can also save you substantial amounts of money. Working Safely S afety should be the primary concern of anyone working with electricity. Although most household electrical repairs are simple and straightforward, always use caution and good judgment when working with electrical wiring or devices. Common sense can prevent accidents. The basic rule of electrical safety is: Always turn off power to the area or device you are working on. At the main service panel, remove the fuse or shut off the circuit breaker that controls the circuit you are servicing. Then check to make sure the power is off by testing for power with a voltage tester. Tip: Test a live circuit with the voltage tester to verify that it is working before you rely on it. Restore power only when the repair or replacement project is complete. Follow the safety tips shown on these pages. Never attempt an electrical project beyond your skill or confidence level. Never attempt to repair or replace your main service panel or service entrance head. These are jobs for a qualified electrician and require that the power company shut off power to your house. Shut power OFF at the main service panel or the main fuse box before beginning any work. Create a circuit index and affix it to the inside of the door to your main service panel. Update it as needed. Confirm power is OFF by testing at the outlet, switch, or fixture with a voltage tester. Use only UL-approved electrical parts or devices. These devices have been tested for safety by Underwriters Laboratories. Tips for Working Safely Wear rubber-soled shoes while working on electrical projects. On damp floors, stand on a rubber mat or dry wooden boards. Use fiberglass or wood ladders when making routine household repairs near the service mast.