House Wiring
Green Application 3
Key Lessons from House Wiring
In House Wiring, we learned about:
• Proper preparation and planning of
electrical systems
• Installation of electrical services, roughin, and trim-out
• Electrical operations and maintenance
Green Building Principles
and House Wiring
Each of House Wiring’s key lessons can shape
these important green principles:
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Energy efficiency
Durability and water management
Green product selection
Reduce material use and recycle waste
Work with other trades
Homeowner education and training manual
Energy Efficiency
Electricians play one of the most
important roles of all trades in
determining how energy is used, and
how much of it is used.
A green electrician will select fixtures that
use energy efficiently, allow for
alternative renewable energy sources,
and manage electricity effectively.
Energy Efficiency
An electrician can:
• Select and install energy efficient electrical
equipment
• Select and install electrical controls
• Maintain and ensure the integrity of the air
barrier and insulation
• Select and install on-site renewable electricity
generation equipment
Durability and Water Management
House wiring can indirectly shape the
amount of water and moisture that can
enter a home.
A good electrician will make sure that all
roof and wall electrical penetrations are
correctly sealed so that no water can
enter.
Green Product Selection
There are many materials and products
that an electrician uses, and many of
these (like wire and equipment) are
used in large quantities.
A green electrician will select materials
and products that both use less material
and energy in their manufacturing, and
then less energy in their operations.
Green Product Selection
An electrician can:
• Select products and materials manufactured
with low environmental impact or recycled
content
• Select locally made materials and fixtures
• Select and install environmentally friendly
appliances
Reduce Material Use and
Recycle Waste
House wiring is material-intensive, and
oftentimes does not use the materials
efficiently.
An electrician can design and install
conduit layouts that are efficient and
then reuse or recycle the leftover rather
than wasting it.
Reduce Material Use and
Recycle Waste
An electrician can:
• Design and install efficient branch circuit
layout
• Use leftover materials
• Integrate electric waste into the jobsiterecycling program
Work with Other Trades
A green electrician must coordinate with
other trades that might change the
overall performance of the building.
For example, the electrician must know
where the carpenter will be framing to
ensure minimal penetrations and where
the plumber will be installing a water
heater to ensure adequate capacity.
Homeowner Education and
Training Manual
A green electrician is always ready to make
sure that her work is maintained properly to
last a long time.
Electricians can provide information to
occupants about where their electricity comes
from, the kinds of appliances in the home,
how to track their energy use, and how to be
energy conscious.
Referencing House Wiring
and the Green Application
House Wiring Section
1. Preparing and Planning
2. Service Entrances and
Equipment
3. System Rough-In
4. System Trim-Out
5. Maintaining and
Troubleshooting
Relevant Green Application Section
Green Product Selection
Reduce Material Use and Recycle Waste
Energy Efficiency
Reduce Material Use and Recycle Waste
Energy Efficiency
Work with Other Trades
Energy Efficiency
Homeowner Education and Reference
Manual