Electrical Box Wiring for Outlets: More about Electrical Outlets

As found in a residential or commercial location, an electrical outlet is a part of a wiring system that enables current to run and power plugged electrical devices. There are common outlets that can be easily bought and installed. Large appliances and power tools may need special outlets with electrical boxes or receptacles with specific configurations.

The main factors to consider in identifying which outlets you need are the circuit requirements (15 amp vs. 20 amp) and receptacle types. The electrical box wiring for outlets is the receptacle that must be carefully chosen because it is specific to the outlet to be used or replaced.

The circuit requirements entail that you either use a 15 amp wiring or 20 amp wiring. Most U.S. homes are powered with a combination of these two.

The standard household electrical receptacle has somehow been redesigned to accommodate recent electrical and electronic innovations. Among these standard electrical receptacles is the 15-amp duplex receptacle. It has been the standard electrical outlet since 1960 for the American home. It has two long neutral slots, a shorter hot slot, and a half-round or arc grounding hole. Another standard electrical outlet is the combination outlet. It is space-saving with its guide light along with the outlet, switch with a GFCI outlet, or switch and outlet.

A GFCI is another receptacle that can trip and automatically turn off the power once the electric leakage becomes hazardous. They are often installed in wet-prone locations such as the bathroom, kitchen, basements, and somewhere outdoors.

Another choice for electrical wiring for outlets is the tamper-resistant receptacle. It can be used as alternative to the 15-amp and 20-amp outlets. They are often used for renovations and new constructions. They have shutters that only open when the proper plug is inserted.

There are also weather-resistant outlets. Obviously they are used in damp and wet locations. They can be installed in decks, patios, kitchen, pools, and the like. They can be installed outdoors because they are designed with UV stabilized thermoplastic and metals that are resistant to corrosion. They are also cold-impact-resistant.

A rotating outlet is also available and their position can support the placement of large transformer-type plugs of mobile device chargers, cordless appliances, hairdryers, MP3 players, lamp shades and night lights, and others more. They help eliminate power strip.

Specialty outlets are used to ensure safe operation with maximum power efficiency. 20-amp outlets are used for high-current devices. This type of outlet can only be used on 20-amp circuits

The surge suppression outlet helps protect equipment from any power spike. Power strip is no longer needed to make this power spike prevented. Split circuit outlets have two outlets, each wired on a different circuit.

The last two types of outlets that must be familiarized when you check when working for an electrical box wiring for outlets are the 30-amp or 50-amp 125V/250V outlet. They are used for heavy-duty appliances because of the configuration requirements. The second one is the ungrounded or un-polarized outlet. This outlet is similar to the standard duplex outlet except for not having the arc-shaped grounding hole.

Other than these outlets, there many other outlets designed to be highly specialized for certain appliances and electronic equipment.

WesBell Electronics Inc
(800) 334-8400

The Benefits of Copper Electrical Wire Over Aluminum

Did you know that copper electrical wire is always a better choice over aluminum cables? A lot of commercial and industrial facilities use copper wires because they are not only reliable when it comes to electrical conduction but they are also the most effective type of cable when it comes to ampacity advantage. Compared to aluminum cables, copper wires require quick and easy installation, are corrosion-resistant, and available at a low cost. The following information you will read below will discuss deeply the mentioned advantages of copper wires over aluminum and why it should also be your first choice for your upcoming project.

Copper Wires Require Easy Installation

Usually, copper cables have smaller diameters and armor and in many cases smaller jacketing too compared to aluminum. And since they are smaller in size, they are a lot more flexible, which means it would only require you very minimal effort when it comes to twisting and bending cables during your installation. Compared to aluminum, which are often bulky in size, transportation of copper wires to your working site is also a lot easier.

Copper Wires Are Resistant To Corrosion

The primary concern of a contractor is to always find a type of material that will last for a long time. In many cases, whenever available, they would opt for construction materials that are resistant to water, weather, fire, oil, etc. Copper wires are very popular among contractors and homeowners because they are corrosion resistant. It means that compared to aluminum wires, they don’t corrode easily when moisture is present. Copper electrical wire’s resistance to corrosion is really strong that is why when it comes to long life, they are the most preferred type of wires. Furthermore, copper wires do not need special protection like what aluminum wires require. Copper wires when exposed to moisture or water do not result to serious corrosion. This is actually the main reason why in many cases, copper wires are used in fire pump circuits, fire alarms, and other equipment or applications that may be related to water and moisture.

Copper Wires Are Affordable

Of course, you would agree that in determining the cost of wires it does not only refer to the price of the wire itself but also its installation, maintenance, or replacement and repairs whenever needed. However, it appears from a large number of electricians and the like that copper wires may be expensive when referring to price tag but considering aluminum wires’ complex installation requirements and the fact that they are more prone to failure and damage, a lot of these contractors conclude that spending a little more on copper wires is worth it.

Remember, copper electrical wire is popular among contactors and electricians since they possess high electrical conductivity. And since wires are associated with electricity, you have to take extra caution on choosing your type of cables and who will install them especially if it will be for home use. Best advice for you to take is to get help from reliable electrical contractors and let them know your wiring concerns before you embark on your home or business wiring project.

WesBell Electronics Inc
(800) 344-8400

Hooking Up a Generator with SOOW Cable

One of the most popular cables nowadays that is convenient for everyday use is SOOW Cable. Identified by consisting cords with many conductors, this cable is compatible for both inside and outside installation. The flexible rubber cable is also resistant to moisture, oil and other chemicals. It’s also susceptible for extremely cold environments due to its thermoplastic elastomer protector. If you want to start hooking up a generator with SOOW Cable, refer to the instructions below.

• Settle the generator enclosure closer to the service panel. Drill a hole through the exterior wall. Take a one inch conduit nipple and attach it to the waterproof device box and then slide it through the hole. Use appropriate screws or anchors to attach the device box to the wall.
• Take the square splice box and attach it to the other end of nipple with the conduit nipple and two lock nuts. Remove the cover of the box and trim from the main service panel. Remove a one inch KO from the panel’s side. Use an end bushing and two lock nuts to insert and secure the conduit nipple into the service panel. Remove a KO from the transfer switch and then place it at the end of the nipple. Drill a hole on the wall. Then fasten the switch into the nipple by using two lock nuts and end bushing.
• Push the ¾ inched black, red, green and white copper wire and strip through the nipple in order to connect the receptacle box to the splice box. Create loops at the end of receptacles of each wire. Settle the loops around the required screws on the receptacle.
• Run the cable between the transfer switch and the splice box. Make sure it is secured on the box with the ¾ inched size connectors. Join the ends of the conductors together inside the splice box but don’t put the cover yet until after the final inspection.
• Set apart the branch circuits with critical loads on the service panel. And then reroute the circuits to the automatic switch load center. You can use the same CBs that you have removed from the main service panel or try purchasing a new one but that depends on the design of the load center. This must be determined before working on this project.
• Install the 30A in the service panel. Join the ground neutral bar with the grounding lug together in the transfer switch. And then start connecting the neutral bars with the white colored conductor; the screws on the 30a breaker with the feed terminals that’s on the switch with the black and red conductor.
• Start hooking up a generator with SOOW Cable by taking the red, white and black wires to the neutral bar. And then connect the bare wire going with the ground hug.

Once you’re done hooking up a generator with SOOW Cable, call for a professional electrician to inspect your project. When you passed the inspection, you can now install all the adequate covers.

WesBell Electronics Inc
(800) 334-8400

Using Romex® Cable for Electrical Wiring in Your Home

Romex is a brand name used for a sheathed cable that is non metallic. Using Romex® cable in your home is your best option for wiring method because it’s so easy to install. The only materials needed for its installation are few handy tools such as hammers, wood chisels and cable cutters; unlike in other wiring methods that involves conduit, the electrician is required to use expensive, bending, cutting and threading tools.

The Romex® NM-B cable is comprised of insulated wires that are individually covered by a plastic vinyl coating. Typically, Romex® is created with a conductor or bare copper wire to be used on ground for earth safety. The wire used on ground for earth safety carries the errant voltages and return them to the panel box. The errant voltages usually take place when a certain hot wire collides with the baseboard heater’s metal frame.

The Romex® cable must be installed in areas which are not receptive to wet environments or any mechanical damage. The typical installation areas of the cable are alongside floor, ceiling joints and inside the wall cavities. The cable must also be supported to avoid sagging. This can be done through installing a plastic or metal cable in every 8 feet.

If you want to start using Romex® cable in your home, here are some helpful tips you need to keep in mind:

• Turn off all the cables which are inside the electrical box. The box can be either metal or of plastic construction.
• There are cable connectors attached inside the box. Use them to get the cable secured inside the electrical box.
• Use an approved metal cover to cover the electrical boxes. You can also use the device cover that comes with receptacle cover plates and finished switch plates.
• In order to reveal the insulated wires, use a pocketknife and remove six inches outer part of the insulation.
• Put wire strippers at the end of each wire. Reveal at least one inch of the copper and twist the wires together. This must be done in order to get the connection for that particular circuit.
• Cover every bare copper by using a single wire nut.
• All Romex® cables that are exposed to mechanical damage and wet environments must be placed inside the conduit.
• For underground installations, the required type of cable to use must come with a rated specialized underground Romex® or any type of NM cable. These cables, which are impervious to water infiltration, are also called the UF (underground feeder) type of cable and they always come in thicker exterior.

The national electric code has approved using Romex® cable in your home. In article 334.10, it was stated that the type NM wire can be run for both concealed and exposed work in usually dry locations. However, you must keep in mind that Romex® can’t be used on any kind of permanently installed extension cords. This is because it can cause an electrical shock hazard when the solid wire breaks inside the plugs.

WesBell Electronics Inc
(800) 334-8400

Rubber EPDM Insulation – Portable Cord Jacket Insulation

Rubber EPDM or Ethylene propylene diene monomer (M-class) is a synthetic rubber, an elastomer, considered for its many uses. It is used for tubing, radiators, seals, appliance and garden hose, washers, glass channel, and electrical insulation. This rubber insulation has density of 0.5, 0.6, and 0.7 g/cubic cm. The hardness is at 18-25 shore. The tensile failure stress is 25 MPa. For its thermal property, the service temperature is from -50°C to 150°C. It also has -°C glass temperature with linear coefficient of thermal expansion of 160 µm/m·K. Uses of rubber EPDM insulation includes making doors and window sealing component and bendable joint, sealing strip for window, steel doors that are plastic coated, making bent joint rubber strip, energy-saving door with aluminum alloy, and used in making vulcanized rubber sealing strip that are curtain oriented.

Rubber EPDM insulation for cable is very common especially for power cables and SOOW cables that are installed outdoors. It is very helpful in protecting wires from ultraviolet rays of the sun. Rubber EPDM has remarkable resistance from weather, ozone, and heat. It has great properties for electrical insulation.

Rubber EPDM can also provide great insulation for thermal resistance. It is used for sealing doors of cold room. In addition, rubber EPDM is also used in safety equipments. It is used in industrial respirators as face seals. Rubber EPDM is also used in making solar heat collector and in roofing. It is normally used to cover roofs to make it waterproof. It is very helpful because it does not make the run-off rainwater dirty. Houses that harvest rainwater use this kind of roofing as they can conserve water and money.

Rubber EPDM insulation is also very useful for vehicles. It is used for their weather seals like trunk seals, hood seals, window seals, and door seals. It is commonly used for the circuit hoses in the cooling system of an automobile. Rubber EPDM is used for hoses that connects EGR cooler, EGR valve, water pump, heater, thermostat, radiator, oil cooler, and degas bottle. For engines that are turbo charged, rubber EPDM is also used as air tubing charge. Also, rubber EPDM is used as alternative to silicone in vehicle paint spray surroundings.

Rubber EPDM is also used in making non-slip, permeable, soft, and safety surface in play grounds, pool decks, and other wet deck areas. To do this, polyurethane binders are mixed with the EPDM granules and sprayed onto asphalt, concrete, interlocking brick, screening, wood and others. In making waterproof pond liner, especially man made, EPDM sheeting is used. EPDM liner is also used in making koi ponds and back yard water gardens.

Insulation by rubber EPDM is very safe because of its molecular structure.  It has an average of 45% to 75% ethylene content. The diene content based on the weight composition is from 2.5% to 12%. This gives resistance from unexpected tackiness, flow, or move stealthily when used. Insulation by this rubber EPDM is really reliable any where it is used. This is the safest rubber insulation.

WesBell Electronics Inc
(800) 334-8400

Pertinent Details on Locating Romex Cable with Ground According to the National Electric Code

Even without the help of a licensed electrician, we ask ourselves if we can work on some electrical wiring installations on our own. However, the National Electric Code determines specific instances on how you must use every electrical wiring. Due to this, if you are not highly knowledgeable and completely skilled in this electrical wiring endeavor such as installing Romex® cable with ground, you must first familiarize with the National Electric Code and seek professional assistance.

A certain portion of the National electric Code specifically mentions about installing wires on either wet or dry locations. The National Electric Code differentiates electrical wirings on the basis of the planned location of such electrical wiring.

Article 310.8 (A) and (B) specifies the electrical conductors and cables that are allowed only in dry locations. Included are these types of electrical cables and well-insulated conductors: ZW, Z, XHHW-2, XHHW, XHH, TW, THWN-2, THHN, THW-2, THW, THHN, SA, RHW-2, RHW, RHH, PFA, MTW, FEPB, and FEP. These are the only types of insulated cables and conductors recommended and allowed by the governed as specified in this article and sections of the National Electric Code.

On the other hand, the National Electric Code also specifies electrical conductors and cables that are recommended and allowed for installation in wet locations. These types of electrical cables and well-insulated conductors are: ZW, XHHW-2, XHHW, THWN-2, THWN, THHW, THW-2, THW, TW, RHW-2, RHW, and MTW. Note that there are some types of these electrical cables and conductors that can be used in either wet or dry locations. It is the licensed electrician who can give a precise selection on which electrical wiring to use. Note that Romex® cable with ground has its own specifications and technical details to serve as your basis in determining whether it can be allowed for a wet or dry location for installation.

Thus, another part of this discussion is to help you determine the right electrical wire to use. Identify the circuit type you are planning to install. It is either a 110-volt or a 220-volt circuit. It may also either be a dedicated or undedicated circuit. A dedicated circuit can power only one item while an undedicated circuit can power several items that are plugged in. A 110-volt circuit is good for lighting equipment, TV, radio, and washing machine. The 220-volt circuit is suitable for electric wash dryers, refrigerators, and other power-heavy appliances.

You may also need to identify the amperage level of the circuit you plan to install. To be able to do this, you must verify with the product manufacturer or company reseller whether the amperage is suitable enough. Knowing the circuit type and amperage level will help you identify the correct electrical wire to use. There are standard charts that provide detailed and correct information about these; they are either available online or can be consulted with a local licensed electrician. You may also check other materials and details about the Romex® cable with ground and find out its suitability for indoor use and where to install it.

WesBell Electronics Inc
(800) 334-8400

PVC 16 AWG Wire and Its Different Uses

There are various wire types that are available in the market. Finding out the type of wire to buy and the difference between these wires can be very hard for a person who doesn’t have any solid background in electronics. All wires look all the same don’t they? Their difference is just their size and their color. You’d be surprised that the little difference in such things can mean a huge difference. To aid in the common man’s plight in wire distinctions, a short discussion on one of the wire types will be discussed.

A PVC 16 AWG wire is a wire that can carry up to 600 volts. It is one of the common insulators of our time. It is made of copper tinned material that is usually used in the common household appliances we see in most every home. You can put into mind while you’re choosing your wire that copper tinned materials is used in hook up wires so that you can solder or connect it together to other materials like that microwave oven you like to use so often for your popcorn.

This type of wire is one of the simplest kinds of wires since it is only coated with PVC or (Polyvinal Chloride) which can only withstand lower temperatures. This means that it can only handle low electrical current so that the heat produced by the current won’t be too much for it that it will begin to melt. Just imagine that the more electrical current that passes by the wire the hotter it will become because there is still resistance from the wire. Some of the electrical energy is converted into heat energy because of the resistance of the wire material to the electrical energy passing by it.

Their purpose is usually for internal wirings like that it your personal computer. You should also pay attention that it won’t get wet because it easily gets damaged. That’s why most of your household appliances tend to get destroyed when it gets wet with water. The water gets into the appliance and to the PVC wires which will get damaged.

The TFFN 16 AWG wire can usually carry heavier electrical flow compared to the 24 AWG wire and it can also be made of lead material. It is a low cost wire that can come in different skin colors. The heat resistance of this wire type covered in PVC can usually take up to 105 degree Celsius. It’s not bad for a wire that’s supposed to have the weakest heat resistance.

You can try it out and order now. Make sure your wire is of good quality where the PVC is flexible enough. A good stranding ratio for the PVC 16 AWG wire would be 26/30 and the diameter of this would be around .125”. Make sure you order your wire at trusted stores and are credited and approved by the government and follow the proper safety regulations.

WesBell Electronics Inc
(800) 334-8400

Top Reasons for Choosing Teflon 20 AWG wire

Hook up wires is commonly used for several reasons. For projects that require tolerance to high temperatures, Teflon wires are the best choice. Teflon is the brand of a company that specializes in manufacturing insulation for wires and cables could reach up to 200 degrees Celsius. Teflon wires are also known as STJ or Shielded Tape Jacket high temperature wires. This is a bit of a misnomer though because this type of wire can also be available as unshielded. Let us take a closer look as to why the Teflon 20 AWG wire is one of the best choices for among the different types of high temperature wires.

There are different types of Teflon wire. The most common are the Type E, Type EE, Type ET and the unshielded version. The main difference between these types is the voltage that the wire needs to conduct. For instance, type EE would be more suitable for 1000 volts, while type ET is most suitable for 250 volts. Another difference of these types will be based on the amount of current that might pass through the wire, also known as ampacity. Usually, higher voltage would equate to higher level of current that will flow through the wire and higher temperature. Thus, this should be taken into consideration when choosing the type of Teflon wire to use.

The Teflon 20 AWG wire is one of the best choices because of the following reasons. First, it is versatile. This type of wire has varieties available that can conduct as low as 250 volts and as high as 1,000 volts. The stranding is usually comprised of 19 strands with 32 AWG each. The diameter is usually 0.059 inches. In addition, it comes in different colors, so anyone who needs to have the wires color coded will find it an easy task to accomplish. Because of this, the wire can be used for anything around the house that may require high temperatures passing through the wires.

Another reason for choosing Teflon wire is because it is safe and it passes several standards. It is RoHS compliant so it is safe to have and use in any location, house or workplace. It has also passed the VW-1 flame test making it inflammable even if it is exposed to high temperatures. It also has the standard UL 1213 and Mil Spec M16878/4 approvals. Therefore, one can feel safe and secure about using this type of wire whether for personal or commercial reasons.

To summarize, the Teflon 20 AWG wire can be used for several reasons. At home, it can be used to fix different appliances such as stoves, microwave ovens or other cooking instruments and equipment. This type of wire is even more useful for commercial reasons. It is usually used in basic items like computer units or sensors, and it can also be used for more complex equipment such as those found in power plants, cellular stations or turbine power generation. In the recent years, it has also found its way in the field of military and commercial aerospace. 

WesBell Electronics Inc
(800) 334-8400

Most Favored Cable in the Household: NM-B Cable

Cables have already been popularly used in residential and industrial applications since the early 1900s. It all began with the use of conductor that is wrapped with flexible sheath that is made of metal. Such cables were used to take the place of the wiring referred to as the open knob-and-tube. 

Through the years, we have seen more types of cables being developed for specific purposes. There are cables meant for indoor setups, while there are those which are for more heavy-duty purposes. Cables come in different sizes and colors, not to mention that they are temperature-specific too.  Today, one of the most widely-used cables indoors is the NM-B Cable.

The most commonly encountered cable in any residential setup is the NM-B Cable. Taking a closer look at the cable’s name, “NM” is just an abbreviation of non-metallic. This refers to the non-metallic covering of the cable that is usually made of PVC. The heat rating of the cable is represented by “B” which means that it can withstand temperatures up to 194 degrees Fahrenheit without melting, breaking, overheating, or disintegrating. It is important to take note of the working temperature of any cable so as to avoid fire in the place wherein the cable is installed.

This kind of cable has specific applications only. It is recommended to use it in unexposed areas like underneath the floor, inside the walls, or behind the ceilings. Never attempt to use it in areas that are open because it will bring about possibilities of harm and malfunction. Therefore, it cannot be seen protruding in any case. Also, such cables cannot be used outdoors because of the possibility of acquiring moisture. This cable should be kept away from moisture if optimal function is desired. Moisture can cause the metal inside the flexible insulators to be corroded; therefore, enough precaution should be taken against water.

As mentioned earlier, cables are temperature specific. They can only endure a certain range of temperatures. In the case of Romex® NM-B Cable, the upper limit value for temperature that it can withstand is 194 degrees Fahrenheit. Higher than 194 degrees Fahrenheit, the insulation can melt and short circuit can result. The easiest solution for such problems is that during installation; make sure that the cable layout is well planned. They should not be located anywhere near the sources of heat like ducts for heating or even the pipes for heating of water. In addition, to avoid melting of the insulation by virtue of chemical reaction, covering of the cable with plaster, concrete, or cement is highly discouraged. Burying the cable underground is not an option as well because it only brings the possibility of exposing the wire to moisture.

This cable is usually seen in common wirings in the residential setup: receptacles, small appliances, lighting, as well as receptacles. This can also be used for larger appliances: clothes dryer, alternating current unit, central alternating current unit, electric range, and electric furnace. Due to it versatility and reliability in indoor applications, its popularity in households among cables is not yet paralleled.

WesBell Electronics Inc
(800) 334-8400

Romex 14 2 Cable – Your Home Wiring Needs

Romex® (rome-eks) has become the standard brand name in sheathed, insulated wires. Electrical systems in homes and businesses are mostly wired using Romex®. It is made up of two or more insulated wires with a flexible plastic sheath. Romex® cable can be run through walls, attics, under floors and others.

Romex® wire comes in many different sizes. Romex® 14/2 Cable is used as branch circuits for switches, outlets and other loads in residential wiring. It can also be used in concealed or exposed work in normal dry locations. You may run it in air voids of masonry block or in tile walls but should not be subjected to too much moisture. This cable is not for direct burial on the ground.

Romex® cable is easier to run through holes in studs due to its flexible sheath compared to metallic sheath and it is also cheaper. That is why it is labeled NMC which means non-metallic cable. NM is the sheathing used to distinguish it from metallic (BX or AC) sheathed cable. A rating of 14/2 pertains to the wire gauge and how many wires are inside the cable. 14 is the wire gauge and 2 means there are 2 wires in the cable. The lower the gauge is, the larger is the wire.

Romex® 14/2 Cable comes in white color jacket only because it falls under the #14 wire range. Other gauge sizes come in different jacket colors. This type of Romex® cable is an indoor residential electrical wire with solid bare copper strands. It weighs 57 lbs per 1000 feet and has 15 amps. It can resists temperatures up to 90°C and a maximum of 600 volts.

If you are thinking of using Romex® wires for your household wiring system, you need to make sure that you know the correct size to be used. The length and amount of amps you want are important to know the correct awg size. When you talk to your electrician or contractor, this information is needed so they can give you accurate information of what type of cable you should use. Take note that this cable is for indoor use only. If you need to run a cable outdoors, then you need a different type of cable built for outdoor use.

For a cable that pulls faster and strips easier, Romex® 14/2 Cable has these qualities. It is also tear resistant and has reduced burn-thru. It comes in 2 and 3 conductors and has awg sizes of 14, 12 and 10. Wesbell Electronics offer larger Romex cables by the foot in awg of 8, 6, 4 and 2. Since you need specific lengths and does not want to put your excess to waste, Wesbell Electronics allows purchasing of larger Romex® wires and UFB cables in any length that you desire.

For any specific requirements that you need for your cables and wires, please call Wesbell Electronics customer service and they will be glad to answer your inquiries and assist you in your wiring needs.

WesBell Electronics Inc
(800) 334-8400