Electricity Basics
Most of us don’t think about the electricity in our homes until there’s a problem with it. Fortunately, most home electrical systems don’t require constant monitoring or maintenance. If they’ve been properly installed, they usually run for years with no problems. Either way, understanding home electricity makes sense.
But there are times when you might need to pay attention to your home wiring. Read on for a basic primer on how your electrical system works and what to watch for. If you’re experiencing problems like dimming lights or frequent circuit shutdowns, or you’re concerned about an older home’s electrical safety, it may be time to get some professional advice.
Where It Begins
Your home receives electricity from your local power company at the main electrical panel. Most homes in the U.S. have a three-wire system consisting of two hot wires and one neutral wire. The main panel sends the electrical current out on a circuit, which you can think of a roundtrip voyage or the circuit workout at your gym, where you end up at the same point where you began.
Electricity goes out through one or two of the hot wires and returns through the neutral one. In some cases, smaller sub-panels distribute the electricity to separate rooms or to individual large appliances like a furnace or central air conditioner.
The main panel is also called the circuit breaker because if the electrical current encounters something it shouldn’t, or becomes overloaded, it will “break” the circuit and turn the power off. This is a built-in safety measure. If the circuit breaks because of an overload, you can reset it after taking some appliances out of one outlet and plugging them into other ones. But if it’s a totally “blown fuse,” it has to be replaced.
Nuts and Volts
A volt is a measure of voltage which, simply put, is the amount of force pushing on the electrical charge. A small appliance that uses 120 volts such as a coffeemaker, computer or hair dryer, will receive electricity from one wire.
A large appliance like a furnace or central air conditioner will draw power from both hot wires, getting a double dose of power.
Electricians use a device called a voltmeter to measure voltage. The abbreviation for voltage is E, which stands for electromotive force.
What’s a Watt?
A watt is the measure of how much electricity an appliance uses.
Amperes, or amps, measure how much electricity is flowing through a wire. To calculate wattage, use the formula voltage x amperes = wattage.
Before hooking up any new device, it’s important to know its wattage. Electrical safety in your home depends on always plugging a fixture, light or machine into the outlet that carries the correct amount of wattage.
You never want to overload a circuit, so avoid using extension cords and only use power strips that have built-in surge protectors. A better idea is to have an electrician install more outlets for you. When it comes to electricity, you can never be too careful.
Play It Safe
Most homeowners who are experienced with DIY projects can handle small electrical jobs involving low-wattage fixtures, but for a more serious or complex job, don’t risk your family’s safety. Electrical problems cause thousands of home fires and electrical shocks every year. Calling a licensed electrician is the best way to be sure that your home’s wiring is being installed, repaired and maintained safely and according to code.
At Southern Electrical Service Company, our skilled and experienced electricians are available for every type of job, from small to large. If you need professional advice on installing a new device, have concerns about your home’s wiring, or want a thorough checkup to make sure it’s performing as it should, call us anytime. We’ll make sure that when it comes to power, you have what you need.