BvilleBound
Well-Known Member
Hello all: I need to install a new electric line for a new Bruno stairway lift (great product, by the way!). So I needed a couple of key tools I have at home:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-T...-GFCI-Receptacle-Test-Kit-NCVT1PKIT/323310181
Here are some more recommendations for DIY electricians:
- Non-contact voltage tester - AKA 'glow stick'. This is a simple, essential tool, that allows you to check if voltage is live on a receptacle, line, etc you want to work on. Never work on electric stuff without it!
- GFCI / recep tester: Quickly tests whether an existing recep is correctly wired, and if the GFCI is working. Great time saver - because GFCIs fail.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-T...-GFCI-Receptacle-Test-Kit-NCVT1PKIT/323310181
Here are some more recommendations for DIY electricians:
- Turn off the breaker: Always find and turn off the breaker for the circuit you are working on. New tools are available to find the breaker a recep is connected to. For example: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-T...with-GFCI-Outlet-Tester-ET310-ET310/308709729
- WHITE electrical tape: Why not classic black? It leads to black marks on recep covers, etc. - and you cannot write on it, e.g. to label an electric line.
- Use screw connectors - not 'push in': Receps and switches often include screw terminals on the side, and 'push in' connectors on the face. Always use the more-secure screw terminals, with only ONE wire on a screw. The end of good wire-stripper tools, e.g. Klein, are designed to bend wire to fit the screw pockets.
- Use pigtails: If you have multiple 'hot', neutral or ground wires in a box, but only one screw, create a pigtail - a short piece of wire with one end connected to the 'multiple' bunch, and the other on the recep / switch.
- Push everything in - then tighten again: Push the recep / switch into the box, then pull it out a bit - and re-tighten the wire screws. You may be surprised by how often they can be tightened up!
- Wrap tape around recep / switch terminals: Before you push the recep / switch in for the final time, wrap electrical tape around it, covering the screw terminals. This helps to prevent a short and fire if a wire comes loose - and helps to prevent shock for a dufus homeowner - who grabs the recep / switch and pulls it out, while it is live.
- Best wire nuts: Ideal Pro-Flex Mini - easier to install and take up less space in tight recep / switch boxes. See:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/IDEAL-Twister-ProFlex-Mini-30-Pack-30-1043S/320636846
- Larger boxes: Trying to pack wires into a small box is a hassle - and violates the electric code, which limits the number of wires in a box - to avoid heat buildup and fires. So always install the largest box you can. I had to dig out and replace all of the tiny metal boxes in the living room at 1620 Juniper - to install modern receps to current standards. This is a common problem with remodels of older homes.
- Remodeling? One GFCI can protect a circuit: Circuits in older homes often have no ground wire. So how can you protect the receps (and your family) without tearing up the walls for a complete rewire? Install a GFCI at the 'first' recep on the circuit - which will protect all receps down the line. And no ground line is needed for that first GFCI. Another option: Install new GFCI / AFCI breakers in the main panel, which will protect all receps and devices on each circuit. Note 1: Older wiring may support only GFCI breakers - not GFCI/AFCI. Note 2: GFCI receps are also required / convenient for kitchen and bath countertops, where trips occur more frequently. You can easily reset the GFCI in the kitchen/bath - without going to the main panel and resetting a breaker. Recap GFCIs and also more sensitive than central GFCI breakers - for more protection.
- External circuits: The wire and receptacles etc used for exterior circuits are different from interior work. You CANNOT use standard white/yellow interior Romex, receps, boxes, switches or conduit OUTSIDE, that you use INSIDE. First, think sunlight and rain. Gray exterior wire has significantly more UV resistance than white interior wire. The same with receps, weatherproof boxes and switches. All exterior circuits also require a ground wire - no convenient GFCI cheats! Plus all exterior receps must be GFCI and weather resistant.