To install a 120 volt circuit it is always best to call the electrician, but if you feel like it and want to save some money, you can do the basic procedure yourself. This article shows the steps to install a simple 15A (amp) circuit with an electrical plug.
Steps
Step 1. Turn off the power of the panel you will be working on
You may find it helpful to familiarize yourself with the recommendations from the wikiHow safety articles. Turn off all the switches on the panel and then turn off the main switch. It is better to manage one power device at a time than to manage a large one at the same time. When all switches have been turned off, the current flowing through the circuit of 50, 100 (or more) amps should be zero.
Step 2. This wikiHow article covers how to install a simple electrical circuit
It does not cover the following information, which among other things may vary according to the type of installation you make and the type of circuit already present to which you connect.
- Choose and install electrical boxes.
- Choose and install the raceways.
- Replace the electrical panel box to accommodate the new circuit.
Step 3. Read carefully the requirements to be considered before proceeding with this project
These points are beyond the scope of this article so they need to be considered before starting.
- You will need to buy and install the electrical plug box. For a wall installation, you can use a recessed box, for other installations use a weather-resistant aluminum or PVC outdoor box.
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You will need to determine the path the wires will take from the electrical panel to the electrical plug box.
- You will need to use conduits if you are using single insulated wires.
- Install the wires if you are using a non-metallic (romex) cable.
Wire a Simple 120v Electrical Circuit Step 4 Step 4. Measure the distance from the panel to the plug following the desired path
A little abound with measurements when calculating angles, especially if you will be installing the ducts that you will have to adapt to the curves of the walls. Add 60cm to connect the wires to the switches or fuses and ground in the panel box, and 15-20cm on the other side for the electrical plug box.
Wire a Simple 120v Electrical Circuit Step 5 Step 5. Pass the wires through the conduit from the plug box. Use electrical tape on the tips of the wires to cover the copper. So if as you pass the wire it touches an exposed conductor, it will not short out and / or you will not receive electrical shocks.
- If you have already installed the conduit and the section is too short, you can push the wire from the plug box to get to the panel.
- For long sections, use a flexible guide wire with hook at the tip to attach the wires and pass them through.
- If you don't have a conduit, you will need to pass the wires using the flexible guide wire or remove the drywall and drill about 1.5 cm holes in the wall structure to pass the wire through.
- Either way, you will need to run the wires from the plug to the panel without them being exposed and that the insulation is not damaged.
Wire a Simple 120v Electrical Circuit Step 6 Step 6. Cut the wire 20cm from the plug side and 80cm from the panel side
Wire a Simple 120v Electrical Circuit Step 7 Step 7. Cut and remove approximately 15cm of the insulation (usually yellow or gray) from the wire, being careful not to damage the wires inside
So you will have a bare copper wire or a green wire (ground wire), a black wire (power wire), and a white wire (neutral wire).
Wire a Simple 120v Electrical Circuit Step 8 Step 8. Remove approximately 1.5 cm of the black and white wire cover
If you have a wire stripper you can use it by placing the wire in the appropriate space of the stripper, squeezing and pulling off the coating. It will serve to remove the insulation without damaging the inner wire.
If you are unable to remove the trim, use a wire stripper with several adjustments. Size 12 reduces the risk of damaging the thread. If you're using a 14, angle the tool well to avoid damaging the wire. Also pull out the ground wire if it is coated. Don't worry if you cut too deep… Cut it and try again. You have 3 or 4 attempts before the wire becomes short. It is very important that the thread below is not cut
Wire a Simple 120v Electrical Circuit Step 9 Step 9. Use long-nosed pliers to form a hook with the exposed copper parts and connect them to the electrical plug box if you will not be adding additional devices to this socket
Otherwise, cut 30 cm of black, white and copper / green wire from the roll of unused wire to use as "braids".
Wire a Simple 120v Electrical Circuit Step 10 Step 10. Unsheath both ends of the "braids"
Put together the "power" wires (usually black or red) and the 12 inches of black braid. Weave them together and secure them with a knot on top. There should be no exposed copper from the insulated node of the cable.
Wire a Simple 120v Electrical Circuit Step 11 Step 11. Fold this assembly into the back of the box, pulling out the braid in front
Use long-nosed pliers to form small hooks with the exposed copper at the end of the braid. This black thread represents a group of black threads that will be easier to work with.
Wire a Simple 120v Electrical Circuit Step 12 Step 12. Repeat this procedure for the rest
If you have a metal box, you will need to cut an extra piece of green / copper braid for grounding.
Wire a Simple 120v Electrical Circuit Step 13 Step 13. Look at the Thorn
You will see vines on the sides. The vines will be darker on one side than on the other, usually gold on one and silver on the other. On the back of the plug, you will see 2 or 4 circular holes near the screws. These are the points of "fast connections".
NOTE: You can use screws or quick connections. However, it is better to use screws for a better connection between the plug and the wires. Furthermore, if you do not uncouple the wires for fast connections, they could loosen over time, thus compromising all the derived plugs
Wire a Simple 120v Electrical Circuit Step 14 Step 14. Wrap the hooks you made around the terminal screws of the plug
By doing this you will get a connection superior to that provided by the quick connect holes and also it is the technique that all electricians use. If you still want to use the quick connections, insert the tip of the black wire into the hole next to the dark screws and push it in as far as possible. Use the long-nosed pliers to push it in and reduce friction. The thread should penetrate 1.5 cm. Repeat this procedure with the white wire by placing it inside the hole next to the lighter screws.
Wire a Simple 120v Electrical Circuit Step 15 Step 15. Check for a green screw in the plug box. Put the hook made from the ground wire around the green screw clockwise. Tighten the screws well. This connection must be solid.
Wire a Simple 120v Electrical Circuit Step 16 Step 16. You have now completed the installation of the circuit electrical plug
Wire a Simple 120v Electrical Circuit Step 17 Step 17. Gently push the wires into the electrical box and put the plug in place, covering it with the appropriate cover
Wire a Simple 120v Electrical Circuit Step 18 Step 18. Go to the electrical panel
Make sure it is disabled.
However, it is a good idea to treat exposed wires and conductive metal as if electrical current is present.
Wire a Simple 120v Electrical Circuit Step 19 Step 19. Spread a plastic mat on the ground and climb on it as you continue your work, fold the wires out of the panel to work remotely from potentially active circuits
Wire a Simple 120v Electrical Circuit Step 20 Step 20. Locate the grounding bar
It is a very long bar with many terminal screws, with uninsulated wires and green (grounding) wires connected, often also with white wires. Most electrical panels have a single bar (as described above) where the neutral and ground wires are connected. On the other hand, in homes where there are more than two electrical panels (a second panel for the garage, for a shop or for the future expansion of a new home), one bar is required for the ground wires and a separate one for the neutral wires.. Obviously, if this is the case with the two bars, the neutral wires must be brought to one bar and the earth wires to the other. By doing otherwise, you violate the code and risk a dangerous electric shock.
Wire a Simple 120v Electrical Circuit Step 21 Step 21. Cut the ground wire to the appropriate length to reach the location, typically running it along the right angles of the bottom of the panel and into position
Don't cut it too short, nor too long. If the ground wire has a jacket, remove 1.5 cm from the end.
Wire a Simple 120v Electrical Circuit Step 22 Step 22. Find an unused terminal in the grounding bar, unscrew it, insert the wire and screw the screw tightly onto the exposed copper wire to secure it securely
Use only one terminal for each wire. Do not overtighten the screws, which could break the conductor.
Wire a Simple 120v Electrical Circuit Step 23 Step 23. Find the neutral bar if there is one
It is similar to grounding but only with white wires connected. Often, there will be only one bar for both cases. If this is the case, the ground wire and the neutral wire will be connected to the same bar.
Wire a Simple 120v Electrical Circuit Step 24 Step 24. Cut the neutral white wire to the appropriate length, strip it 1.5cm and place it in place the same way you set up the ground wire
Use only one wire for each terminal. Do not overtighten the screw, risking breaking the conductor.
Wire a Simple 120v Electrical Circuit Step 25 Step 25. Locate the space where you want to install the circuit
Note that there is a fairly visible power wire bar along one side and an insulated plastic or metal bar on the other (depending on the manufacturer).
Wire a Simple 120v Electrical Circuit Step 26 Step 26. Without touching anything dangerous, determine the length of cable needed to get into position easily, always going around the panel
Cut the thread to the appropriate length.
Wire a Simple 120v Electrical Circuit Step 27 Step 27. Check or choose a switch suitable for the wire and panel
The panel cover will provide a list of switches with which it has been tested and approved for use by a specialized body such as UL (Underwriters Labs) or FM (Factory Mutual). Never install a switch that is not listed - regardless of whether the model fits or not. The miniature circuit breakers made by Square D, Murray ITE, Sylvania, Westinghouse, etc. they must be installed in panels made by the same house. Do not install a Square D switch in a panel from a different manufacturer.
Wire a Simple 120v Electrical Circuit Step 28 Step 28. Locate the single screw on the switch
Do not put the switch affixed yet, instead observe the space in the panel where to place it and the space where the conductor bar will be placed.
Wire a Simple 120v Electrical Circuit Step 29 Step 29. Unsheath the 1.5cm black cable, insert it into the switch and tighten the screw firmly to secure it
Wire a Simple 120v Electrical Circuit Step 30 Step 30. Make sure the new switch is off
Wire a Simple 120v Electrical Circuit Step 31 Step 31. While standing on the plastic mat, place one hand on your hip or behind your back
.. It is not a joke, but a safety measure. Working with two hands is dangerous if you touch something that is electric in operation, because the current would pass through your body passing from one arm to the other, reaching the heart. Use only one arm and keep the other out.
Wire a Simple 120v Electrical Circuit Step 32 Step 32. With your other hand, place the switch in the space of the electrical panel
Wire a Simple 120v Electrical Circuit Step 33 Step 33. Then push the other end of the switch onto the electrical contact to put it in place by aligning it with the other switches
Wire a Simple 120v Electrical Circuit Step 34 34 Identify where to expose the switch on the panel cover
There may be a metal tab to break to allow the cover to snap into place. Break off the tab and put the lid back in place.
Wire a Simple 120v Electrical Circuit Step 35 35 Restart the power in the panel
Reverse the process described in the first steps by activating the main panel. This will not have an excessive charge on the panel, thus reducing electrical stress to the materials. Continue to activate the switches one by one by setting them to On. Activate the switch you installed last. After that, check that everything is working perfectly. If one of the switches goes off on its own, there may be a short circuit. In this case, turn off the panel and try to locate the problem, or call an electrician.
Wire a Simple 120v Electrical Circuit Step 36 36 Turn on the new circuit
If it shuts down immediately, double check your connections.
Wire a Simple 120v Electrical Circuit Step 37 37 Connect a lamp to the plug to test the circuit
The odds of it working and not working are the same. Smile, you just saved around € 300!
Advice
- This same procedure can be used to create a 20 amp circuit if (and if only) you use a 20 amp breaker, 12 wire, and 20 amp plug. If you do, be sure to replace ALL parts.
- Adjust the change made by bringing it back to the municipal offices.
- Get your work checked. € 300 saved is nothing compared to a fire.
Warnings
- Do not use a 15 amp breaker with a 20 amp plug. The 20 amp plugs are different from the 15 amp plugs, so it will be easy to tell people who will use it that it is 20 amps. This does not apply to a 15 amp breaker (residential buildings only do not need a 20 amp plug with a 20 amp breaker, it does not apply to commercial and industrial buildings).
- If you are not familiar with the safety rules, do not do this installation. One mistake can cost you your life.
- In an electrical panel, EVEN WHEN OFF, a deadly voltage circulates that puts your life at risk. This applies to almost any panel, so don't think you're safe just because you have a modern panel.
- If you see any black or red wires connected to ground or neutral, DO NOT PROCEED. Indicates the presence of dangerous uncommon connections. So it's best to close the panel and call a professional to get advice or do the job.
- Do not use a 20 amp breaker for a 14 or less wire. You will have a short circuit because a 14 wire is considered adequate for 15 amps maximum.
