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The first thing to note is that electricity is dangerous. Unless you’re already a competent DIYer this is not the sort of project you want to take on as a starter. If you have any doubts regarding electricity contact your local, reputable electrician Sydney.
After all, you’d rather spend a little money paying the professional instead of being one of the 300 dead from electrocution each year in the United States and 20 in Australia.
Of course, simply adding a few extra cables could be within your remit. You’ll need to verify local regs allow it first. If they do here’s what you need to know when installing new electrical wires:
Power Off
The first step must always be to shut off the power at the main breaker. This will help to ensure you don’t get a nasty shock while actually working.
You should also test the area you’ll be working in. While the main breaker should shut off all power in your home don’t be certain that it will.
Locate The End Socket
If you’re simply adding an extra socket then you’ll need to add a wire onto an existing socket. You’ll need to locate the last socket on the circuit, it will be the one with one wire coming in and none leaving.
You’ll need to use the same cable as already in your socket. Unscrew the socket and add a fresh cable to it, connecting it to the one inside the box. Make sure the colors match up.
You can then run this cable to the location of the new socket and connect them to the socket in the right order. Screw the covers back on both sockets and you’re ready to turn the breaker back on.
New Circuit
Electrical circuits should be radial. That means the wire runs from socket to socket or light to light and simply finishes at the end. There is a limit regarding how many lights or sockets can be on one circuit.
If your circuit is already full then you’ll need to run wiring in from a new breaker at the main switchboard.
Start by making sure you have a space in the main box. Now run your cable from the box to where you want the new electrical appliance. Connecting the socket is straightforward. You use the same process as connecting any other socket in your home.
At the breaker end, you’ll need to put the live and neutral into the breaker, the earth should connect directly to the other earths in your home.
The breaker will also need to be connected to the live and neutral coming from the main power switch. Short pieces of wiring can work or a manufactured strip.
Once you’ve connected all cables at the fuse box and the socket you’ll be able to turn the power on and ensure it works properly. Make sure you label the breaker so that you always know what it was for.
Don’t forget that cables should always be connected in approved boxes and inside trunking unless they are inside the walls.
