How Does a Residential Electrical System Work?

Electricity is constantly and widely used to carry out all in-house activities such as charging phones, watching TV, cooling systems, powering, heating, etc. Understanding how the residential electrical system works is also essential for every homeowner.

According to most professional electricians, understanding how the residential electrical system works can help maintain it adequately by keeping it in a safe working condition. Below is a systematic explanation of how the residential electrical system works.

How Is Electricity Distributed at Your Home?

The flow of electricity to your home is serviced by a series of outdoor power lines or underground connection cables. The primary electricity source consists of 120 voltage wires, including a neutral wire which delivers power or electricity to all your home appliances.

The electricity then enters your home through the electric meter mounted within house’s vicinity. This electric meter measures the amount of electric energy used in your home. However, it should not be tampered with due to its potential to cause harm and also because it’s a legally protected entity.

Electricity flows through the electrical service panel, closely located near the electric meter. This electric service panel serves as the central distribution of electricity to various electrical appliances and outlets in the house, including house switches. In case of an electrical system failure, the electrical service panel shuts the power off to the circuits.

The final step is electrical grounding, which includes connecting an electrical system to the earth using a third or grounding wire. The grounding wire is usually related to all electrical outlets in your home, including metal boxes. Electrical grounding plays a vital role in enhancing safety within your home by reducing the chances of shock or electrocution. 

How Can You Maintain Your Home Wiring Electrical System?

The electrical wiring system requires regular maintenance to avoid fire hazards. Statistically, more than 30 million homes in the US experience electrical fires due to aging. Homes older than 20 years are prone to experiencing electrical fires since they consist of electrical components and currently unsafe systems. 

However, an old home or house is not the only reason for electrical fire hazards. Other factors such as improper installation, misuse, and alteration have contributed to electrical hazards and safety concerns. 

Electrical systems deemed hazardous should be adequately addressed by identifying wires’ color, type, and size that might cause accidental electrical fire hazards. There are various ways to maintain the safety of your wiring system at home to eliminate any current or future electrical concerns.

One of the best ways of enhancing electrical safety in your home includes eliminating the use of the knob and tube wiring. The knob and tube wiring is an electrical wiring method that separates wires from combustible framing by using ceramic knobs back in the day. Today, electricians have deemed this type of wiring system completely unsafe due to its susceptibility to cause electrical damage from aging.

Do You Need To Repair or Maintain Your Home’s Electrical System?

Welcome to Eavenson Electric Co, offering some of the best electrical services to its clients. We consist of professional and competent electricians that can provide you with the best customer service experience. Since 1985, we have offered excellent electrical services, including repairs and installations to residential and commercial places. Call us today to speak to a residential electrician and address the electricity needs at your home.

Categorised in: Electrical Contractor

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