Most outlets in your home should have coiled electrical wiring. If not, you’ll learn about four different ways to wind electrical wires. If you have an older home, you need to make sure your electrical outlets are wired. A winding refers to a wire that runs from the socket into the ground, protecting residents from contact with electricity.
Regardless of the method, it is important that the grounding circuit provides an unobstructed path to the ground. Ground wires should be tightly connected at all points. If metal conductors or sheaths are used as a ground path, connections must be made carefully. If you are not sure whether your sockets are wound, the socket analyzer will tell you.
How to wind electrical wires safely?
We will show you how to install grounding in sockets, fixtures and switches. These tips will help you wind your electrical wires properly to keep your home safe.
Editor’s note: Building codes have changed over the years and vary by region. As a result, grounding methods can vary significantly. You can find different configurations in your home.
Cables in metal boxes
In a metal box system, the ground connection method is the safest. In this configuration, both the outlet and the metal box are grounded. The ground wires are combined and connected via a connector to the box and socket. The ground connection shown has a hole in the top to facilitate connection installation.
Other methods also work well if installed correctly. One such method is a ground clamp, which clamps the ground wire to the box. If the house is wired with armored cable or protective conductors, there is often no ground wire. A cable connector connects the metal sheath or protective conductor to the box to create a grounding path.
Cables in plastic boxes
When using plastic boxes, the ground wire usually only connects to the outlet. Here, as the wire runs through this box to another, the ground terminal connects to the device.
Cables in fixtures
Many older ceiling fixtures are not wound. However, current codes require electrical wiring in fixtures to be grounded. To do this, connect the fixture’s ground guide (usually a multi-conductor wire) to the metal box holder or protective conductor.
Wires in switches
Most older switches are not wound, many do not even have a ground screw. However, current codes require switch windings. Replace the older switch with a newer one that has a ground screw and connect it to the ground wire.
