Home electricity problems can be quite unnerving and can be frustrating when they occur at midnight, especially in summers. An electrician may not be available at all hours. So a basic understanding of residential wiring and common electrical problems can help you get through the chaos. A basic understanding is all you need. However, avoid solving these problems if you are at higher risk because no matter how much knowledge you have, experience can put you on poor ground.
Understanding residential wiring
For the most part, household electricity is provided with two hot wires and a neutral that supplies them with a voltage of 240/120 volts. However, the basic voltage is slightly lower, which is around 230/110 volts. This power source is called single phase power.
You may be familiar with alternating current that is taught in physics. Therefore, the energy that reaches your home is, in fact, alternating. In common parlance, alternating current allows electricity to be transported over long distances. Therefore, it is feasible for the energy department to provide you with electricity.
Now going back to the wiring systems, if you look at only one live wire along with the neutral, you might get a power of only 115 volts. It all depends on the wiring system. However, this type of wiring is mostly seen in electrical devices. Few exceptions, such as the dryer or hot water tanks, use both hot and neutral wires up to a voltage of 230 volts.
Basic things to know before working on them
I know, this is very fascinating, but do not break your electrical devices to see the wiring or the residential power supply because it can be deadly. Always remember to turn off the circuit before working on them, even if there is no power. Keep your contact voltage tester with you. Look at the cables carefully, it is quite possible to have more than one circuit in a single box. Find the one you turned off. The wiring system is complex, so don’t rush and see for yourself.
Working with electricity is more dangerous than any task and has unfavorable results. Therefore, use safety equipment. If you don’t have one, just wear rubber slippers. They will protect you from electric shock.
Second, every home has a “main service panel” that contains circuit breakers or fuses to keep electricity in your home. Whenever the power goes out, check the service panel to see if it might be disconnected.
With this superficial knowledge you can solve minor problems. Do not risk solving the main problems, as it can be dangerous.