Electrical Wiring FAQ Part 1 of 2 WARNING This FAQ has not been updated or posted in a number of years. It is intended that it will be updated to bring it more into compliance with current code. Comments welcome at wirefaq(@)ferret.ocunix.on.ca Frequently Asked Questions on Electrical Wiring Copyright 1991-2004 Steven Bellovin (smb(at)research.att.com) Chris Lewis (clewis(at)ferret.ocunix.on.ca) Redistribution for profit, or in altered content/format prohibited without permission of the authors. Redistribution via printed book or CDROM expressly prohibited without consent of the author. Any other redistribution must include this copyright notice and attribution. Comments to: [email protected] The latest FAQ can always be obtained from: http://www.landfield.com/faqs/electrical-wiring ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/electrical-wiring/part1 ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/electrical-wiring/part2 Subject: Questions answered in this FAQ Introduction/Disclaimers What is the NEC? Where can I get a copy? What is the CEC? Where can I get a copy? Can I do my own wiring? Extra pointers? What do I need in the way of tools? What is UL listing? What is CSA approval? What impact does NAFTA have on wiring standards and approvals? Are there any cheaper, easier to read books on wiring? Other Resources on Wiring Inspections how and what? Why should I get my wiring inspected? My house doesn't meet some of these rules and regulations. A word on voltages: 110/115/117/120/125/220/240 What does an electrical service look like? What is a circuit? "grounding" versus "grounded" versus "neutral". What does a fuse or breaker do? What are the differences? Breakers? Can't I use fuses? What size wire should I use? Where do these numbers come from? What does "14-2" mean? What is a "wire-nut"/"marrette"/"marr connector". How are they used? What is a GFI/GFCI? Where should GFCIs be used? Where shouldn't I use a GFCI? What is the difference between a GFCI outlet and a GFCI breaker? What's the purpose of the ground prong on an outlet, then? Grounding electrode system (NEW) Bonding requirements (NEW)