Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example and On the Job from Udemy

While always maintaining a healthy respect for electricity, home electrical wiring projects don't need to be intimidating. This course will give you the knowledge you need to tackle these projects. Designed for the beginner, this course draws on the more than 30 years’ experience of a licensed electrical contractor and hundreds of on-the-job photos and easy-to-follow wiring diagrams. You will be provided with outside resources to supplement the information in the course and quizzes to test your understanding of the material. After completing this course, you will be able to take on home wiring projects with confidence.

The Course Outline

Safety

⦁ Do not work on energized circuits.

⦁ Do not work with energized wires.

⦁ Do not work in an energized panel.

Basics of Electricity

⦁ Electricity to the home

⦁ Overhead Service

⦁ Underground Service

⦁ Electrical Service

⦁ Grid Power System

Concept and Theory

⦁ Home Electrical Circuit Loads

⦁ OHMS Law Calculations

⦁ Electrical Circuit Loads

Tools

⦁ Hand and Pouch Tools

⦁ Power Tools

⦁ Special Tools

Testers

⦁ Plug In

⦁ Non-Contact

⦁ Analog

⦁ Digital

Electrical Distribution Panel

⦁ Interior Overview

⦁ Main Service Meter

⦁ Panel Circuit Bus

⦁ Earth Ground to Neutral

⦁ Earth Ground Components

⦁ Main Breaker Disconnect

Circuit Breakers

⦁ 120/240 Volt Circuit Breakers

⦁ Brands, Types, and Styles

⦁ Single Pole

⦁ Double Pole

⦁ Tandem

⦁ Quad

⦁ Installing a Breaker

⦁ Multi-Wire Circuits

Wire and Cable

⦁ Wire Sizes

⦁ Old Electrical Wire

⦁ Knob and Tube Wiring

⦁ Wire Connectors

Basic Wiring Methods

⦁ Connecting Wires to Terminal Screws

⦁ Using Wire Strippers

⦁ Making a Splice

⦁ Making a Ground Wire Pigtail

Home Electrical Wiring

⦁ Plans and Permits

⦁ Install Electrical Boxes

⦁ Drill the Wiring Holes

⦁ Install the Wiring

⦁ Install the Main Panel

⦁ Staple and Secure the Wiring

⦁ Make the Circuit Connections

⦁ Install Electrical Devices

Receptacle Outlets

⦁ 15- and 20-Amp Outlets

⦁ One Cable, End of Circuit

⦁ Push-In-Wire Connection

⦁ Screw Terminal Wire Connection

⦁ Series Wired Outlets

⦁ Parallel Wired Outlets

⦁ Double Wired Outlets

⦁ Half-Hot Switched Outlets

Switches

⦁ Single Switches

⦁ 3-Way Switches

⦁ 4-Way Switches

⦁ Dimmer Switches

Light Fixtures

⦁ Install an Outdoor Light

⦁ Wiring a Motion Detector

⦁ Wiring a Ceiling Light Fixture

Ceiling Fans

⦁ Wiring Diagrams

⦁ Install a Ceiling Fan and Light

⦁ Install a Ceiling Fan Remote Control

Surge Protection

⦁ Protecting the Electrical System

⦁ Surge Device

Updating Home Electrical

⦁ Outdated Wiring Circuits and Devices

⦁ Switches and Outlets

⦁ Incorrect Wiring Methods

⦁ Illegal Wiring Methods

⦁ Priority Updates

⦁ Smoke Detectors

⦁ AFCI Breakers

⦁ GFCI Outlets

⦁ Panel Upgrade

What's inside

Learning objectives

How electricity is generated and enters the home.
Electrical safety, theory, and basic wiring methods.

How to select and use the right tools and testers for the job.
How to wire outlets, switches, light fixtures, and ceiling fans.

How electricity is generated and enters the home.
Electrical safety, theory, and basic wiring methods.
How to select and use the right tools and testers for the job.
How to wire outlets, switches, light fixtures, and ceiling fans.

Syllabus

Introduction

This course provides a detailed explanation of home electrical wiring which consists of detailed photos that are taken on location during several phases of home construction, and then the specific electrical components and devices that are installed as a home is completed. Detailed wiring diagrams and examples are provided in each section to fully demonstrate the home electrical wiring process, along with full narration and explanation every step of the way. This provides a full understanding about home electrical wiring, the basic fundamentals of electrical wiring during various construction projects, and basic applications that are extremely helpful when performing any electrical project around the home.

How to locate and turn off the main circuit breaker, emphasizing that work shouldn’t be done on energized wiring, and work should not be done in an electrical panel.

When working on electrical wiring projects we always observe the existing wiring configurations, and make notes about any changes or alterations that have been make.

Electricity to the Home:

Overhead Service:

From a pole mounted transformer to the home electric service riser.

Underground Service:

From a pad mounted transformer to the home electric service panel. All the electric utility is underground.

Underground Service:

From a pad mounted transformer to the home electric service panel. The electric utility is overhead.

Underground Service:

From a pole mounted transformer to the home electric service panel. The electric utility is overhead.

Electrical Service:

From overhead or underground to the home electric service panel, with a Grid Tied Solar PV system.

Electric Service:

An Off Grid Power System. A renewable power source with a power storage unit.

Home Electrical Circuit Loads
Kitchen Appliances and Outlets
Lighting
Outlets #1
Outlets #2

Ohms Law Calculations
Working with Known Values
E - Watts
I - Amps
R - Ohms
OHMs Law circuit calculations

Tools for Electrical Wiring

Hand and Pouch Tools

Multi Purpose Tools
Power Tools
Special Tools

Job Specific Tools
Homeowner Tools

Above all, testers are the most important tools to have.

Overview:

Detect the presence of electricity to prevent accidental shock.

Help to troubleshoot and repair electrical faults and component failures.

You will learn about these testers and meters:

Plug In

Non Contact

Analog

Digital

Exterior View
The 120/240 Volt Service

MAIN SERVICE PANEL

Interior Overview
The Main Service Meter
The Panel Circuit Bus
Earth Ground to Neutral
Earth Ground Components
The Main Breaker Disconnect
Fuse Type Panels

120/240 Volt Circuit Breakers
Brands, Types and Styles
Single Pole, Double Pole
Tandem and Quad
Installing a Breaker
Multi-Wire Circuits
AFCI and GFCI Breakers

Home Electrical Wire

#14
#12

#10
Old Electrical Wire

Knob and Tube Wiring
Wire Connectors

Basic Wiring Methods

Connecting Wires to Terminal Screws

Using Wire Strippers

Making a Splice

Make Ground Wire Pigtail

Plan the Project
The Project Begins
Installing the Wiring

Make the Circuit Connections
Install the Structured Media

Install the Main Panel
Ready for the First Inspection

Install the Electrical Devices

Install the Circuit Breakers

Turn on the Power
Test the Circuits and Devices

Receptacle Outlets, with Wiring Diagrams and by Example.

15 and 20 Amp Outlets

One Cable, End of Circuit

Push In Wire Connection

Screw Terminal Wire Connection

Series Wired Outlets

Parallel Wired Outlets

Double Wired Outlets

Half Hot Switched Outlets

GFCI Outlets

How to Wire Switches, with Wiring Diagrams and by Example.

Single Switches

3 Way Switches

4 Way Switches

Dimmer Switches

Wiring Light Fixtures by Example:

Install an Outdoor Light

Wiring a Motion Detector

Wiring a Ceiling Light Fixture

Installing Ceiling Fans by Example

Ceiling Fan Wiring Diagram #1
Ceiling Fan Wiring Diagram #2

Installing a Ceiling Fan and Light Kit

Installing a Ceiling Fan Remote Control Unit

Protecting the Electrical System and Home Devices

The Power Surge Device

Protect the home against harmful power surges that can cause damage to electrical wiring system components and connected electronic equipment.

Protection against powerful power surges.

How a Surge Device is Installed.

Updating Electrical Devices and the Home Electrical System

How to Identify Outdated Wiring Circuits and Devices
Switches and Outlets

Incorrect Wiring Methods
Illegal Wiring Methods

Improvements and Essential Updates:
Smoke Detectors
GFCI Outlets

Panel Upgrade
AFCI Breakers
Up to Code Wiring
Install New Circuits
Install New Devices:

Grounded Outlets
Light Switches
Light Fixtures

Additional resources to help you learn more about home electrical wiring:

ask-the-electrician.com

home-electrical-wiring.com

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides a detailed explanation of home electrical wiring with photos taken on location during home construction phases, offering a practical understanding of the wiring process

Emphasizes safety first, teaching learners how to locate and turn off the main circuit breaker, reinforcing that work shouldn’t be done on energized wiring or in an electrical panel

Covers identifying outdated wiring circuits and devices, offering a clear plan for updating a home electrical system, including essential updates like smoke detectors and GFCI outlets

Explores the electrical distribution system and the various methods used to connect the electrical utility to the main service panel at the home, which is fundamental knowledge

Requires learners to observe existing wiring configurations and make notes about any changes or alterations that have been made, which may require some prior knowledge

Includes external links to ask-the-electrician.com and home-electrical-wiring.com, which may or may not be accurate or up-to-date resources for electrical work

Reviews summary

Practical home electrical wiring guide

According to learners, this course is a highly practical guide to basic home electrical wiring, ideal for beginners and DIY enthusiasts. Students particularly value the extensive use of real-world examples and on-the-job photos, which make complex concepts clearer. The strong focus on safety is a frequently mentioned positive aspect. Many feel they gained the confidence needed for common home projects, finding the coverage of topics like outlets, switches, and panel basics clear and actionable, supported by helpful diagrams. While offering a solid foundation, some students found the pacing slow or wished for coverage of more advanced topics. Despite minor points like basic quizzes, it's widely seen as an accessible and effective resource for home electrical work.

Some find presentation style dated.

"Some sections felt a bit dated in terms of video quality or presentation style, but content is solid."

Some found pacing slow; desire more depth.

"Pacing was a little slow in some sections..."

"I wish there was a bit more on troubleshooting circuits..."

"If you've watched a few YouTube videos, you might already know most of this."

Instructor's expertise is appreciated.

"Instructor is knowledgeable and easy to listen to."

"Instructor is clear, concise, and knows his stuff."

Delivers on common home wiring tasks.

"Learned exactly what I needed to wire a new outlet and replace a switch safely."

"The details on wiring outlets and light fixtures... saved me a ton of headache."

"Covers the necessary basics for common tasks."

"Covers the essential topics like panel, breakers, outlets, switches."

"Good basic course. Covers the fundamentals well..."

Highly accessible for newcomers.

"Absolutely fantastic course! As a complete beginner..."

"Perfect for a homeowner."

"Great for absolute beginners..."

"This course took all the mystery out of residential wiring for me."

"Might be good if you're really starting from scratch."

Strong emphasis placed on safety.

"The safety emphasis throughout gave me confidence."

"The safety sections are paramount and well explained."

"Safety first is the mantra here, which is exactly what you want with electricity."

Diagrams and visuals aid understanding.

"The examples and diagrams are crystal clear."

"The details on wiring outlets and light fixtures with clear diagrams saved me a ton of headache."

"Diagrams are good."

"Visuals were a great help in understanding the concepts presented."

Features real-world photos and job examples.

"The on-the-job photos were incredibly helpful for seeing how things look in the real world."

"Excellent practical advice. The examples and diagrams are crystal clear."

"Solid introduction to home wiring. The photos from actual jobs are a huge plus."

"The step-by-step approach using real examples made it click."

"The real-world photos are invaluable."

Assessments are very basic.

"The quizzes are way too easy, didn't feel like they tested my understanding much."

"Quizzes are extremely easy."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example and On the Job with these activities:

Review Basic Electrical Theory

Show steps

Reinforce your understanding of fundamental electrical concepts like Ohm's Law to better grasp circuit behavior and calculations covered in the course.

Browse courses on Ohm's Law

Show steps

Review definitions of voltage, current, and resistance.
Practice Ohm's Law calculations with different circuit configurations.
Research the relationships between power, voltage, current, and resistance.

Read 'Wiring Complete'

Show steps

Supplement the course material with a detailed guide to residential wiring practices and code requirements.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

Show steps

Obtain a copy of 'Wiring Complete'.
Read chapters relevant to the course syllabus.
Take notes on key concepts and wiring techniques.

Wiring Simulations

Show steps

Practice wiring common circuits using online simulators to reinforce understanding of circuit connections and safety procedures.

Show steps

Find an online electrical wiring simulator.
Simulate wiring a simple outlet circuit.
Simulate wiring a 3-way switch circuit.
Experiment with different wiring configurations.

Three other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all six activities

Document a Home Wiring Project

Show steps

Solidify your understanding by documenting a real-world home wiring project, including planning, wiring, and testing.

Show steps

Choose a small home wiring project (e.g., replacing an outlet).
Document each step with photos and descriptions.
Create a short video explaining the process.

Build a Wiring Practice Board

Show steps

Create a physical wiring practice board to experiment with different wiring configurations and improve hands-on skills.

Show steps

Gather materials: wood board, outlets, switches, wire, etc.
Mount electrical components on the board.
Wire different circuits according to diagrams.
Test circuits with a multimeter.

Read 'National Electrical Code'

Show steps

Familiarize yourself with the National Electrical Code to ensure safe and compliant wiring practices.

View NFPA 54 , National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1... on Amazon

Show steps

Obtain a copy of the latest National Electrical Code.
Review sections relevant to residential wiring.
Note any code requirements that apply to your local area.

Career center

Learners who complete Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example and On the Job will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

DIY Home Improvement Specialist

A DIY home improvement specialist undertakes and advises on home projects, and this course provides an in-depth look at home electrical wiring. The course covers topics such as electrical safety, tools, wiring methods, outlets, switches, and lighting. Understanding these electrical topics may help a DIY specialist perform electrical upgrades safely and effectively. This course, focusing on hands-on home electrical knowledge, is particularly relevant for a DIY specialist.

See salaries and explore the career path for DIY Home Improvement Specialist

Electrician

An electrician installs and maintains electrical systems in buildings, and this course provides essential knowledge and skills for this career. The course's focus on home electrical wiring, including outlets, switches, light fixtures, and ceiling fans, directly aligns with the tasks an electrician performs. It introduces proper wiring methods and explains how to work safely with electricity. For aspiring electricians, this course provides a practical introduction to the fundamentals of electrical work specific to residential environments. The course's emphasis on safety, tools, and testing will be particularly useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrician

Handyman

A handyman performs a variety of home repairs and maintenance tasks, often including minor electrical work. This course may be very useful in learning the fundamentals of home electrical wiring, including safety, tools, and installation methods for outlets, switches, and lighting. This course gives practical knowledge in home electrical repair, which makes it a valuable course for someone looking to work as a handyman. The course material on updating home electrical systems may also prove valuable.

See salaries and explore the career path for Handyman

Smart Home Installer

A smart home installer sets up and configures smart home devices, which often involves manipulating electrical wiring. This course may be useful as it provides essential knowledge of home electrical wiring. The course may provide an understanding of electrical systems, including wiring, outlets, switches, and light fixtures. A smart home installer may find the course's introduction to electrical safety, wiring methods, and electrical tools particularly helpful. The course helps build a foundation in electrical fundamentals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Smart Home Installer

Electrical Contractor

An electrical contractor manages electrical projects, overseeing teams of electricians and ensuring that work complies with regulations. This course may help a contractor understand the practical aspects of home electrical wiring, as it covers wiring methods, tools, and electrical safety. The course provides a foundation in the hands-on skills needed for residential electrical work, which can be helpful for contractors in managing projects effectively. An aspiring electrical contractor may find value in this course, particularly with the experience of an electrical contractor that shapes the course's content.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Contractor

Home Inspector

A home inspector evaluates the condition of a property's systems, including electrical wiring. This course may be useful in gaining foundational knowledge about home electrical systems, including the distribution panel, circuit breakers, outlets, switches, and wiring methods. Understanding common wiring methods, as well as safety procedures, can help a home inspector identify potential hazards. The course helps provide practical knowledge that may be valuable for a career in home inspection, including the course materials on outdated wiring and devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Home Inspector

Building Maintenance Technician

A building maintenance technician is responsible for the upkeep of buildings, regularly handling electrical repairs, and this course may be an effective place to start. The course will provide practical knowledge of electrical systems in a residential context, which includes topics such as wiring, outlets, switches, circuit breakers, and basic electrical theory. Understanding these aspects helps a technician maintain safe and functional electrical systems. A person who seeks a career as a building maintenance technician may find this course useful, and the course helps build a foundation for the electrical maintenance aspects of this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Building Maintenance Technician

Facilities Manager

A facilities manager oversees the maintenance and operations of buildings, and a basic understanding of electrical systems can be beneficial. This course may be useful in helping a facilities manager understand the practical elements of home electrical wiring, including distribution panels and wiring methods. The course can assist with recognizing common electrical issues. This course, which provides a background in residential electrical systems, might be a good fit for a facilities manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Facilities Manager

Construction Project Manager

A construction project manager oversees building projects, and this course may be a way to understand basic electrical systems, particularly in residential settings. This course may be beneficial as it offers an overview of home electrical wiring, including circuit planning, electrical service, and installation techniques. Understanding these core elements of electrical systems may help a project manager communicate effectively with electricians. A person in this role may find the course advantageous for a more holistic view of the building process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Project Manager

Appliance Repair Technician

An appliance repair technician diagnoses and repairs home appliances, and this course provides a basic understanding of the electrical systems that power them. While this course focuses on wiring, knowing the basics of electrical safety, circuits, and wiring methods will be valuable. The course may help an appliance technician better understand electrical flow and identify potential electrical issues. The material on circuit breakers and testers will be very helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Appliance Repair Technician

Solar Panel Installer

A solar panel installer installs and maintains solar panels, which involves understanding electrical wiring. This course may prove helpful in providing an essential introduction to home electrical systems, including electrical service, circuit planning, and wiring methods. Understanding home electrical systems may be beneficial for a solar panel installer. The course covers safety, tools, and home wiring which may help provide a good starting point.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar Panel Installer

Property Manager

A property manager oversees the maintenance and condition of properties, and a basic knowledge of electrical systems can be useful for identifying potential issues. This course may help a property manager by showing them common issues, as well as electrical wiring methods in a home setting. The course discusses electrical safety, tools, and wiring practices. This course provides the background to help a manager be more effective in their work, and the material on updating existing electrical systems may be helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Property Manager

HVAC Technician

An HVAC technician installs and repairs heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, which often involve electrical components. While this course focuses on general home wiring, it may help an HVAC technician understand electrical basics, which will be valuable. The course covers safety, tools, and basic electrical theory, which provides a foundation for electrical work. A person seeking a career as a HVAC technician may find value in this course's materials on wiring, outlets, switches, and circuit breakers.

See salaries and explore the career path for HVAC Technician

Electrical Engineering Technician

An electrical engineering technician assists in the development, testing, and maintenance of electrical systems, and this course may provide foundational knowledge in home electrical applications. This course may be useful as it provides practical, hands-on experience with residential electrical wiring, which includes wiring methods, outlets, and switches. This course helps provide an understanding of electrical systems that can be used in a variety of applications. The course's emphasis on safety, tools, and testers may prove valuable.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineering Technician

Real Estate Investor

A real estate investor purchases and manages properties, and this course may be helpful for understanding potential electrical issues when assessing a property. This course may help a real estate investor understand the basics of home electrical wiring, installation, and common problems. Gaining an overview of the electrical systems, including wiring, outlets, and light fixtures, may prove beneficial. The material on outdated systems and common mistakes many be particularly helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Real Estate Investor

Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example and On the Job

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Practical home electrical wiring guide

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses