Electricial; Back to basics
Basic advice for electrical works.
Understanding the basics of electrical installations.
Electrical installations are based on circuits.
The electricity flows along a wire from the power source to the appliance. It then travels back to the power source again along another wire.
The flow to the appliance is the ‘Live’.
The return wire is the ‘Neutral’.
In order to be able to turn appliances on or off, we need to introduce a switch. This opens and closes a connection in the circuit. When closed, the connection is made and electricity can flow. When open, the connection is broken and electricity will not flow.
In a very simple circuit, the battery supplies the electrical current which flows along the live wire to the lightbulb. The current then continues back to the battery along the neutral wire. Whilst the switch would operate the lightbulb by being fitted in either wire, it must in fact always be in the live wire. If it were fitted in the neutral, the lightbulb could be switched off because the circuit had been broken but, because the break is after the lamp, the wires up to it and its connections would still be ‘live’. This would be exceedingly dangerous on a mains circuit since the lamp being off would give the impression that the power was off. In fact it would still be on and anyone touching the terminals at the lamp would receive an electric shock. Call the Electricians at Trade Guys to discuss you home or business needs. When dealing with electricity, leave it to the professionals. Call trade guys today! 0800 33 66 77
Wire colours
The wires in household electrics are colour-coded for ease of identification. Below are the most common.
Brown (old cable colour = red) = live.
Blue (old cable colour = black) = neutral.
Green & yellow = earth.
Electric Guys, Building Guys & Plumbing guys for all your repairs and maintenance needs. All electrical, plumbing and building trade services under one roof. Save time, Save money
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Filed under Electrician Auckland | Tags: Aucklandelectrician, circuits, electrical installation, electrical works, Electrician in Auckland, live, qualified electrician, tradesman | Comment (0)Electrical advice to Auckland homeowners
All homeowner should carry out visual checks at regular intervals. Look out for any signs of heat discolouration (scorching or burn marks).
Also be aware of:
lights flickering abnormally or a number of electrical appliances not functioning correctly.
any strange smells associated with the switchboard or operation of electrical appliances.
any strange noises, such as arcing or crackling sounds.
If any of these indications present themselves then immediately isolate the power by turning the main switch off and contact a registered electrical worker to have your electrical installation checked.
Modern domestic switchboards are also fitted with a Residual Current Device (RCD). An RCD is fitted with a test switch which allows the home owner to check the operation of the RCD. Various manufacturers’ instructions suggest a monthly test should be carried out for this type of RCD test.
Give Trade Guys a call to discuss your needs. 09 274 5720
Electric Guys, Building Guys & Plumbing guys for all your repairs and maintenance needs. All electrical, plumbing and building trade services under one roof. Save time, Save money
Servicing South Auckland, East Auckland, Central Auckland, West Auckland, North Auckland