jackie dici

There is nothing in the world of construction that is more mystifying to me than electrical. In essence, it’s basic one point connected to another point and boom power. But with the upgrades, data, digital, wi-fi, and voltages it’s easy to get lost in it, especially if the term conduit is foreign language. What do you want to know about electrical lingo to make you sound like you know the difference from a killowat (outside of back to the future).

If you are building or remodeling know where it comes from, the connection meter outside the home through the main service panel inside the home. We know this as the breaker box, it is sized for the capacity of your home and if you are remodeling you need to be sure you have “room” to add more to the panel. This is important for additions, kitchens, and lighting remodeling. Then know what it is feeding the rooms, switches, outlets, junction boxes (the hole in the ceiling with wires coming out that people connect a fan or chandelier to usually). Want to sound even cooler- talk dirty to your electrician. I am kidding, I just have a dirty mind those switches are referred to as “single pole”, “three way”, or “four way” etc. And outlets are referred to in the biz as receptacles. High demand appliances like washers, dryers, refridgerators, or stoves may need a speciatly receptacle with more amps (about 30-50 opposed to the normal 15-20 amp outlets you plug your smart phone into.)

Lastly the rest of it is wiring and technical details. As a homeowner these terms can get you through the basics of where you want your switches moved to, what you want them to use or power. Each outlet, switch, or junction box costs something so before marking all the spots you want them to go if you would like to save money consider what you need and how you will need to use it.