When it comes to the wiring of the house the work should be conducted on sheer safety rules. None of the amateurs are supposed to be handling the task because a slight mistake can cause short circuiting thus leading to fire. The choice of words is very important because if you choose a wire that is capable of carrying alller intensity of current for a bigger ampere then it will lead to overheating of the wire and burning the equipment or erupting fire. In any case thorough analysis of equipment required is necessary so to avoid any damage.
Sub panels
Sub panels are the secondary service panel which gives 100 amp of service. The system for most homes is that it takes the service from the municipality and it is directed to master panel which is further divided into one or two sub panels. For connecting the master panel with the secondary ones a 2-guage electrical cable with non-metallic sheathing should be used to carry full 100 amp. The cable should also have two hot wires, one for grounding and other neutral wire. The standard colour of the sheath is usually yellow while the wire should be of 2-guage size.
Wire length
Length of the wire also greatly defines the guage wiring to be used. Much of the current is lost due to the resistance in electrical wires. So if the wire is long it will have more resistance since it will need more power to reach the outlet. Therefore a suitable wire is of 2-guage if the length of the wire is to be kept up to 2 feet.
If there is a confusion between two guage sizes for a 100 amp line then be at the cautious side. If the guage sizes are too large then there is money to be spent and if the sizes are small then the performance of the circuits will not be good posing risk of fire. So its better to go for bigger guage.
Precautions required
Switch off the main power line before dealing with electrical panels. If required you can call the service provider to cut off the electricity from the main. Also involved a licensed electrician who will check the work afterwards when you are done with 100-amp lines.
Electrical work needs alot of care because it involves risk of electric shocks as well. So follow the precautions.
- · Avoid the contact with water. Water conducts electricity immediately so just a slight but if contact will be enough to play havoc. So keep it dry all the time.
- · Use sound equipment. Avoid broken plugs, damaged insulations or flawed cords.
- · Turn off the main switch
- · Wear gloves or use insulated tools while working.
- · Use tester to check that the equipment is reenergized and then work with it
- · If you have to work at poles then use a wooden ladder instead of steel or aluminum.
- · You should know the codings of wire in your country.
- · Know about the modern requirements like the Ground Fault Circuit Interuppter GFCI which is used to cut off power and used mostly in kitchens and bathrooms where it is damp area.