0034 [PDF] This article discusses the difference between GFCI outlets and GFCI breakers and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Safety, Electricity

0050 [LINK] Great magazine web site for the electrical industry. This magazine is the technical authority for over 140,000 electrical professionals, including more than 84,000 subscribers in electrical contracting firms (reaching all NECA and IEC member firms and ENR's top 50), over 33,000 s... click to read more

0060 [PDF] This article addresses knob and tube wiring insurability issues. Sections: What is knob and tube? When does knob and tube become a problem? To rewire or not to rewire.

0069 [PDF] Publication information for a 711-page book about electrical codes.

As with all code books, this one is technical, mundane, and sometimes even boring for the general reader. If one can get past all that, though, the information that one needs to determine proper and safe wir... click to read more

0071 [PDF] Publication information for a 335-page book about old electrical wiring systems.

This book is a great resource for the non-professional. The author is a master electrician and does a good job of explaining to homeowners and do-it-yourselfers how to deal with identifying and ... click to read more

0074 [LINK] This trade association's web site is loaded with information about copper and copper alloy products. Expert engineers evaluate and index reports and articles from around the world for the online copper data center, providing instant access to worldwide technical literature on cop... click to read more

0091 [LINK] A great web site for electrical answers. The web site specifically states that it is for qualified electricians and not for the do-it-youself. However, there is some good information that even a do-it-yourselfer can use to understand what his electrician is going to do, and why.
... click to read more

0126 [JPG] A picture of an AFCI circuit breaker in the electric panel.

0127 [PDF] AFCIs and heat rise.
This useful 2-page publication from Cutler-Hammer, a major manufacturer of electric circuit breakers, explains heat rise with electronic circuit breakers, the maximum allowable heat rise, and why heat rise occurs. The cross-sectional picture of an AFCI brea... click to read more

0129 [JPG] Simple graphic showing types of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI).

0135 [PDF] Aluminum wire installation and terminations.
Six-page document detailing the history of aluminum wire, aluminum wire in the NEC, installation standards, wire brushing and oxide inhibitor, mechanical and compression connectors, Belleville washers, pin connectors, flexibility, and... click to read more

0144 [MHTML]
We use MHTML files for those web sites that don't fully support PDF creation, thereby cutting off the right side of the page in the PDF file. However, some browsers do not support MHTML files, so download this file at your own risk.

Informative web site about all aspects of aluminum electrical wiring.

0187 [MHTML]
We use MHTML files for those web sites that don't fully support PDF creation, thereby cutting off the right side of the page in the PDF file. However, some browsers do not support MHTML files, so download this file at your own risk.

House wiring “bundles” could be a fire hazard.

Discusses overheating and "derating" when electric wires are bundled.

0197 [PDF] Nice two-page graphical illustration of a home's electrical system.

0228 [PDF] Wired for trouble.
Newspaper article discussing the problems with old wiring and faulty wiring, warning signs, what to do, and advice if you're buying a home.

0230 [PDF] Proper and improper double taps.
The title of this article can be confusing; it discusses two wire terminations to circuit breakers, specifically discussing Square D and Cutler-Hammer, as well as neutral terminal bars.
Reading about electricity is not easy, but this article doe... click to read more

0234 [PDF] Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) fact sheet.
What it is, what it does, where it should be used, installing and testing, and the difference between an AFCI and a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter).
3 pages, 55 KB

0235 [LINK] The aluminum wiring web site: How to identify and repair aluminum wiring, sources of COPALUM electricians, and alternative aluminum wiring repair methods.
This web site discusses aluminum wiring overheating and fire hazards, how to recognize aluminum wiring in buildings, how to ... click to read more

0236 [PDF] Aluminum wiring repair.
This 4-page document (260 KB) comes from the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Includes background on aluminum wiring, warning signs, what the homeowner can do, and repair methods.

0240 [PDF] Electrical equations and formulas.
If you need to compute something relating to electricity, this might be the file for you. Includes formulas to calculate power, output, cost, amps, kilowatts, horsepower, volts, resistance, voltage drop, primary and secondary voltage, primary a... click to read more

0260 [PDF] Prefabricated wire mesh enhances electrical grounding systems. They are typically used in commercial applications but can also be used when ground rods can't be driven or where soil conditions are otherwise problematic.

0264 [JPG] Very useful diagram illustration how to use wire and outlet color coding to properly wire a typical 120-volt electrical outlet.

0266 [PDF] The one-page 1881 electrical code issued by the New York Board of Fire Underwriters.

0267 [PDF] Overview of the 2005 code changes related to electrical wiring devices.
Illustrations and plain English make this a very useful guide.

0271 [JPG] Illustration of equipotential bonding at swimming pools.

0275 [PDF] A 3-page document from Square D about testing AFCI circuit breakers.

0282 [PDF] Energy savers: Tips on saving energy and money at home.
This document comes from the U.S. Department of Energy. The thermograph picture of heat loss from a house (p. 3) is worth, as they say, a thousand words. Has a list of easy low-cost and no-cost tips, discussion about insula... click to read more

0288 [PDF] FPE Panels: Hazard or hype?
Very good 7-page discussion about Federal Pacific Electric panels.
734 KB

0292 [PDF] Leviton catalog for GFCI devices.
Useful catalog of many different types of GFCI devices and their technical specifications. Also useful information about the need for ground fault protection, in what locations, how GFCIs work, proper testing, OSHA jobsite requirements, and NEC ... click to read more

0300 [PDF] Electrical inspection checklist. Includes NEC references.
General requirements; wiring methods and devices; services, feeders, and branch circuits; grounding and bonding; dwelling units; commercial and industrial; hazardous locations; special occupancies; swimming pools; emergen... click to read more

0393 [PDF] Typical GFCI outlet.
1 page, 151 KB

0421 [PDF] Carlon expansion fittings for PVF rigid nonmetallic conduit.
Thermal expansion and contraction have a significant effect on long straight runs of conduit. Expansion fittings are used to accommodate changes in length and prevents potentially harmful thermal stresses in the condui... click to read more

0426 [PDF] Helpful hints on home electricity, Vol 12.
Dimmers: A bright idea for your home.
The ABCs of electrical safety devices.
Dress up your home with new switches and outlets.
Tuning in to whole-house audio.
A little light can go a long way.
Getting a higher education in dorm roo... click to read more

0427 [PDF] Helpful hints on home electricity, Vol 13.
How safe is your home from electrical dangers?
Protect your child from dangerous home electrical hazards.
The totally wired home: The “smart” bathroom.
The designer switch: The finishing touch to home decorating.
Inside tips for out... click to read more

0428 [PDF] Helpful hints on home electricity Vol 10.
The ABC's of dorm room safety
Wired versus wireless: How do you choose?
Portable heaters: A hot bed for hazards
The well-kept secret in home decorating
Ensuring a calm, bright holiday season
Are electrical hazards cooking in your ki... click to read more

0429 [PDF] Helpful hints on home electricity, Vol 11.
May is electrical safety month: Protect your home from electrical hazards.
Stay cool and save on your energy bill.
New switches and outlets add distinctive ingredient to kitchen renovations.
Test your electrical savvy with this quick... click to read more

0430 [PDF] Helpful hints on home electricity, Vol 7.
Electrical safety: Does your home pass the test?
Five outdoor electrical safety tips.
Is your home power hungry?
How to use electrical extension cords safely.
Three easy electrical projects for the weekend DIY-er.
How electrically s... click to read more

0431 [PDF] Helpful hints on home electricity, Vol 8.
What you need to know about the electrical safety devices in your home.
Give your home a facelift with decorative electrical devices.
Electrical safety checks for older homes save lives.
New lighting controls can liven up your living ... click to read more

0432 [PDF] Helpful hints on home electricity, Vol 9.
How safe are you in your home?
Clothes dryer fires: How to prevent them.
Cut back on your energy bill.
Don't let your hot tub get you into hot water.
Don't let electrical mishaps spoil Father's Day fun.
Tips on automating your home.... click to read more

0443 [PDF] Residential electrical inspection checklist.
Minnesota requirements: rough-in and final inspections, general circuitry, ground-fault protection, wiring methods, conductor sizing, equipment listing and labeling, grounding, underground wiring, electrical inspection fees.
8 pages,... click to read more

0451 [PDF] The National Electric Code from 1899.
41 pages, 236 KB

0471 [PDF] Square D safety concern notice concerning arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCI) manufactured between March 1, 2004, and September 23, 2004.
3 pages, 92 KB

0479 [PDF] Dielectric unions.
1 page, 281 KB