The Basic Elements of a Domestic Power Installation
Posted on: 31 March 2021
Building a new home is an exciting process for any homeowner. However, the mood tends to change when it comes to power installation. Even those with an extensive background in electrical work may shy away at the thought of installing electrical infrastructure in a new home. While the process can be lengthy, power installation is actually much simpler than most people make it seem.
There are several basic elements that power any home's electrical supply. These components work in unison to facilitate the flow of current while protecting your devices. Here's a brief overview of the basic elements and how they work.
1. A metre for monitoring consumption
Your electricity will likely come from a local utility company that supplies electric power. This power is delivered via a metre that's attached to the main source, and the metre also monitors electrical consumption on a regular basis (more often per month). From the main source is where electrical supply then enters your home via the fuse box.
2. A fuse box acts as the central control unit
The fuse box is the main control unit for electricity in your home. Each fuse box is specifically designed to distribute electrical current to different parts of the home. For example, you will find separate panels for each bedroom, the lights in your home, the kitchen and other rooms.
Each home has a uniquely designed fuse box to meet its electrical needs. Furthermore, each fuse box needs to be of the right capacity to handle the electrical flow. As a safety precaution, you will find switches for each panel. These switches are equipped with a fuse that prevents the overloading of specific circuits in the home. In other words, the switch will flip to shut off the current in the event that too much power flows through the system.
3. Wiring to individual electrical outlets
In addition to the main fuse box, there are wires that allow the flow of current to each electrical outlet. Each wire is insulated with a non-conductive material for safety and efficiency. You will find that one wire runs from the fuse box to a specific outlet, while another wire runs back to the panel. There's a series of additional wires that earth the system to prevent the overflow of current.
4. Lighting and fixtures
While outlets allow you to plug in your devices, you will also notice wires that lead to lighting fixtures. Your lights will often run on a separate circuit and panel from other electronic devices. This is because lights require less current. Furthermore, you'll still be able to power your home, even when other circuits become damaged from an overload or short-circuiting.
Contact an electrician for more information.
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