Wiring basic circuits
Objective:
Get acquainted with some basic electrical components, tools and how to wire four basic
electrical circuits.
Tools:
We’re going to use side cutting pliers, 3- and 6-way voltage testers, multi-meters, wire stripers,
screwdrivers, utility knives, lineman’s pliers, romex stapler and other basic electrical tools.
Please, ask to your TA (teaching assistant) or ask me if there is a tool new to you and you don’t
know its name.
Laboratory # 1:
Wire a 120-volt duplex receptacle.
Materials:
Wire 12 AWG (American Wire Gauge). Romex is a brand name of wire typically used
in dry, residential applications, and this is the type of wire that we’ll be using.
One 15 amp. 120-volt duplex receptacle.
One outlet box.
Wire nuts
Romex clampc
Note: The gauge of the wire correlates to its ampacity; in other words, what is the currentcarrying capacity of the wire. A 12 gauge wire, for instance can carry up to 20 amps under
normal operating conditions. This size wire is typically used to wire outlets in residential
installations.
Circuit Diagram:
Service Panel
Breakers
120-volt
Receptacl
e
Neutral/ Ground
busbar
White wire (Neutral)
to silver screw
Bare copper
wire to green
screw
Black wire (Hot)
to brass screw
Laboratory # 2:
Wire a 120/240-volt receptacle.
Materials:
Wire 12 AWG (American Wire Gauge).
One 20 amp. 120-240 volt duplex receptacle.
One outlet box.
Wire nuts
Romex clamp
Circuit Diagram:
Service Panel
Breakers
Red wire going to brass
screw
120-240 Volt
Receptacle
Neutral/ Ground
busbar
White wire (Neutral)
to silver screw
Bare copper or green
wire to green
screw
Laboratory # 3:
Wire a single-pole switch and a light fixture (luminaire).
Materials:
Wire 14 AWG (American Wire Gauge).
One 20 amp. 120 volt, 15 amp, single-pole switch.
One switch box.
Wire nuts
Romex clamp
Black wire (Hot)
to brass screw
Circuit Diagram:
Service Panel
Neutral/ Ground
busbar
Breakers
1-pole Switch
White wire (Neutral)
to silver screw
Light fixture
Black wire (Hot)
to brass screw
Bare copper or green
wire to green
screw
Laboratory # 4:
Wire three-way switches and light fixture (luminaire).
Materials:
Wire 14 AWG (American Wire Gauge).
Two 15 amp. 120 volt, three-way switches.
Two switch boxes.
Wire nuts
Romex clamp
Circuit Diagram:
Service Panel
Breakers
Black wire (Hot)
to brass screw.
Common.
3-way Switches
Light fixture
Common
Neutral/ Ground
busbar
White wire (Neutral)
to silver screw
Bare copper or green
wire to green screw
Traveler