We all have stuff that requires power in one way or another. Now I,m not talking about battery power, although battery powered items are easily fixed. Think about all the uses for electricity in the home. I wonder how we would go about our daily lives without power… I noticed that I take it for granted that everything will work when I need it to, but it may be one of the things we are not willing to repair when problems come up. Taking apart a plug or switch can be a little scary. If you have ever been zapped by anything electrical, it’s not fun and there lies the reason we don’t want to fix these problems.
When it comes to finding a person to do any electrical work, you need to find someone who is well qualified. Having electrical work done by someone who is not qualified can possibly result in problems down the road, not to mention a fire hazard. With that said…the intent of this post is to enlighten the homeowner that some repairs are very doable by the homeowner and can save you a lot of money.
With electrical work, like any trade, there is always the understanding of the terminology used in that trade. Here is just s few terms you may hear or have heard of:
- voltage (normally 110, 115, 120 volts)
- wire gauge (the size of the wire)
- conduit (casing the wire runs in)
- terminals (usually the screws that mount the wiring)
- amps (rating of a breaker)
- switch or receptacle box (the box that holds the switch/receptacle in the wall)
- single gang (size of the box, normally 1 switch)
- breakers (located in the electrical panel)
- panel (holds all the breakers)
I could go on and on but, I think you get the idea. Knowing a trades terminology will help you discuss problems you may have to reach a solution. Electrical work has starting parts just like other trades. You need to turn off the breaker in the area you are working before you start to take anything apart so you don’t get shocked. Repairing small items like switch’s, receptacles and already installed lighting fixtures is fairly easy when you understand how it all works together. Now, you will have to, or at least should buy some electrical tools that will assist you in getting the job done right.
