Are You a Wiring Wizard or an Electrical Know-Nothing?

A junction box contains two connected wires, often placed behind outlets and switches. It acts as a protective enclosure, safeguarding electrical connections.

A ceiling fan must be secured to a mounting bracket, as the wires alone cannot keep it in position.

Steel conduit is designed to protect wires that will be buried underground. While most conduit is rigid, flexible conduit is also used for certain applications.

A voltage surge is an unforeseen increase in voltage that can damage the electrical components of a system. A surge protector prevents such spikes from harming delicate electronics.

GFCI stands for Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter, and GFCI outlets are used in areas with potential moisture to protect against electrical shorts by cutting off power. They feature both a test and reset button.

Wire strippers are tools designed to remove the insulation from wires, exposing the metal part for connection.

Wire gauge refers to the cross-sectional size of a wire, indicating the amount of copper or aluminum it contains. A higher gauge number means a thinner wire diameter.

Typically, the electric meter is situated outside for easy reading by utility workers. To locate it, trace the power lines from the street to your home, and you'll find it mounted on the wall.

The ground wire should be connected to the metal ground screw of your outlet, fixture, or junction box. Its role is to link all grounded components and direct any excess electricity back to its source.

The “hot” wire transports electrical current from the power source to the outlet, fixture, and so on. As the live part of the circuit, it constantly carries electricity, making it hazardous to touch when connected to a power source.