Ok, I have seen way to many times here where people are trying to save a few bucks. That is all well and fine except when it comes to safety. If you want to skimp on soil – fine, if you want to skimp on nutrients – fine, but when it comes to electrical safety there is only one way to do it, the right way. What gets me is that some people do not use common sense(if they even have any to begin with) especially when it comes to electricity. I am not an electrician, but I do have a construction background and know the basics. Electricity honestly scares the hell out of me when I have to mess with it. I have been known to pull the main breaker or fuse out to do electrical and then test it with my voltage meter to make sure there is no juice there before I even put a screw driver around it, even though I know it is dead. Below is a list of safety precautions to follow for electrical needs and in no particular order. Like I said, I am not an electrician so if I miss something or incorrect on something please correct me(electricians only please). I am just trying to save some peoples lives that cant or wont do it themselves.
Info update: Thanks gohydro:
14ga wire is good for 15amps BUT if you're going to attach it to a 20amp breaker (which most new homes have these days) then it MUST be 12ga wire. Most people don't understand that the purpose of the breaker is to protect the WIRING....not the device connected to it. If you connect 14ga wire to a 20a breaker there is the possibility that the wire will burn before the breaker trips. Also, you should never exceed 80% of the breaker rating. In other words.....you should never load a 20a breaker with more than 16amps. Lastly.....making connections OUTSIDE of a junction box is illegal....not just a bad idea.
- Use the proper gauge wire. In my applications I always use 14-2 romex wire for making the connections. I know cutting the ends off of extension cords will work, but I like the comfort of knowing the 14-2 wire is designed for more permanent applications, plus the durability of it.
- Make proper connections when connecting two or more wires together. Always use wire nuts and then wrap them in electrical tape, use junction boxes if you can. Electrical tape alone is not good enough. The tape alone will usually not hold that gauge of wire together safely. Over time the wires can start to come loose, once they come loose any movement of the wire can cause them to start arcing. The wire nut will securely hold the wires together. After using a wire nut use the electrical tape to add another layer of safety, the tape will help keep the wire nut from backing off and help keep moisture out of the connection.
- Always use the ground. The ground is very important, especially where water is involved. If there is any type of surge or short, that energy needs some place to go. Without the ground, that energy will go through you if it is not grounded properly. Electricity will follow the path of the least resistance, and with the human body and its water content you do not provide very much resistance, which is what electricity likes. With a proper ground the excess energy will follow the ground to well….the ground. If you ever wondered what that bar is outside driven into the ground next to your electric meter, that’s where all the electrical grounds in the house end up going. Attaching the ground wire to the metal handle on your 5 gallon bucket is not a proper ground. As far as I know you can always tell where to ground to by locating the green screw. Using GFI outlets is recommended.
- Do not exceed the recommend wattage of the light sockets. If I am not mistaken, the sockets can only handle so much heat until it can start to melt and then lead to a short or worse. If the socket says 100 watt max, then don’t put a 150 watt bulb in, get a fixture that is rated 150 watts.
Info update: Thanks gohydro:
14ga wire is good for 15amps BUT if you're going to attach it to a 20amp breaker (which most new homes have these days) then it MUST be 12ga wire. Most people don't understand that the purpose of the breaker is to protect the WIRING....not the device connected to it. If you connect 14ga wire to a 20a breaker there is the possibility that the wire will burn before the breaker trips. Also, you should never exceed 80% of the breaker rating. In other words.....you should never load a 20a breaker with more than 16amps. Lastly.....making connections OUTSIDE of a junction box is illegal....not just a bad idea.
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