Q&A for How to Wire a Simple 120v Electrical Circuit

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

How do I go from one outlet to another?

Community Answer

This is known as a daisy-chain connection. Normally, a receptacle has five screws with one (green) as the ground. The two screws on the same side as the ground screw are the neutrals (whites). The two screws on the opposite side are for the hot (blacks). Both sets are bridged, and normally only one is required for each source hot/neutral screw. The spare hot/neutral screws are utilized for daisy chaining power to another location-receptacle. Only one wire should be connected per screw. If more connections are needed, a junction box should be utilized.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 6
Question

Do black wires always connect to the breakers at all times?

Community Answer

Yes. By code and in general practice, they do. Electrical code and convention is black wire is hot, white is neutral, green is ground.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 5
Question

How do I install a 120v single pole switch when the light box has power to it?

Community Answer

Change fixture to desired style and connect the neutrals (white) and (ground) wires (bare or green). Run a two-conductor wire to a switch in a desired location and install electrical box with switch. Mark the extension wires with colored tape to identify switch wires (both ends). Connect the marked-white wire to the black lead going to light. Wait to connect the marked-black wire going to switch to hot (black) last. Wire switch to extension wire you ran to the switch terminals. It doesn't really matter which wire goes to the terminals, but normally the hot (black) wire will be on the bottom and white on top. Now connect the marked-black to hot black wire feeding AC power.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 7
Question

What gauge and type of wiring should I use to wire a house?

Community Answer

This varies depending on the location and amperage draw on the circuit, along with other factors. Contact an electrician or your local building code enforcer to determine which type of wire to use.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 8
Question

How do I control how dim the display is on a Samsung TV?

Community Answer

There should be a menu button on the remote and/or on the television itself. Keep in mind that you cannot make the display completely dim unless you have HDR (high dynamic range) on your TV. Brightness of the display may be known as "gamma" or "brightness", and may be in a similar location as contrast.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 3
Question

How do I determine the ground wire on a two-wire cord with a plain wire and a wire with raised grooves?

Community Answer

Normally, for AC, the smooth wire is for the hot and the grooved wire is for wiring to neutral power.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3
Question

How do I add an outlet to an existing circuit?

Community Answer

This is a complicated process. You should buy a book on simple wiring, or use a search engine to get a full description. If you are not well versed in wiring, consider getting an electrician to do it.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 6
Question

How do I work a msb?

Community Answer

On a master switchboard, turn OFF the switch for which you need the area you need the flow of electricity cut off. Anything in the area that requires an electric current will not turn on until you turn the switch into the ON position. This is a vital step for repairing things electrical or even changing fuses. You should make sure to turn off all of the devices and appliances first, or they may experience a surge and break.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 0
Question

Can I power a GFI outlet from a regular outlet below it?

Community Answer

Yes, you can power a GFI out of a regular outlet, but the only thing that will be protected is the GFI plug itself (and not the regular outlet).

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 0
Question

Can I install a separate grounding rod for a shed panel and then run three wires from the main panel to the shed panel instead of four?

Garrie Nassau

Community Answer

No. You should not install a separate grounding rod for a shed panel and run only three wires from the main panel to the shed panel. This is because electrical safety codes require that all detached structures with power must have a separate grounding conductor that is connected to the main building's grounding electrode system. It is important to follow electrical safety codes and regulations to ensure that your electrical system is safe and reliable.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0