28 Questions
Alternating current is also known as DC current.
False
The first power plant using alternating current came online in Niagara Falls, New York in 1894.
True
Most residential homes and server rooms have three-phase power.
False
AC voltage is not dangerous and cannot lead to loss of life or limb.
False
Black wires are always hot and carry the power that keeps devices running
True
White wires are used as hot wires and never as neutral wires
False
Green or bare wires are used as ground wires to protect against electrocution
True
Red wires are used as neutral wires in electrical circuits
False
Yellow and blue wires are commonly used as travelers in more complicated circuits
True
Modern Type NM cables with white sheathing indicate 14AWG conductors
True
Type AC cable, commonly called BX, does not have a grounding conductor
True
Color codes are sprayed onto cables with metal sheathing to indicate the current-carrying conductors
True
It is safe to rely on a wire's color alone to determine if it is 'hot' or 'live'
False
The grounding electrode is the item that actually makes contact with the earth
True
The grounding electrode conductor connects the ground bar to the grounding electrode
True
Bonding systems to the service is essentially the same as grounding to ground rods
False
Main breakers shut off power to the bars running through the panel, and most new homes have 100 to 200 amp services.
True
Circuit breakers prevent circuits from overloading and tripping is a safety feature required by code.
True
Outlet circuits usually have 15 or 20 amp single pole breakers, prone to tripping due to overloads from high wattage devices.
True
Lighting circuits typically have 15 amp single pole breakers and are less prone to overloading unless fixtures with auxiliary plugs are present.
True
Room circuits may have 15 or 20 amp single pole breakers and may trip due to overloads, requiring identification of the causing item.
True
Special circuits for appliances like furnaces or refrigerators have dedicated wiring and sized breakers.
True
Heavy-duty appliances like ranges and dryers require 240 volt dedicated circuits with double pole breakers.
True
Ground fault interrupter (GFCI) circuits, designed for wet environments, use 15 or 20 amp single pole breakers to prevent shocks.
True
Newer homes are equipped with arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) breakers, which can sense and prevent arcing occurrences, but may trip easily.
True
The main breaker panel is typically ranging from 50 to 200 amps.
True
Breakers are also used to regulate power to devices, detect shock hazards, and prevent fires and injuries.
True
Basic house wiring involves various types of electrical circuits and wiring configurations.
True
Study Notes
Understanding Home Electrical Breaker Panels
- The main breaker panel, also known as a 'load center' or 'distribution panel', is the central hub of a home's electrical system, typically ranging from 50 to 200 amps.
- Main breakers shut off power to the bars running through the panel, and most new homes have 100 to 200 amp services.
- Circuit breakers prevent circuits from overloading and tripping is a safety feature required by code.
- Breakers are also used to regulate power to devices, detect shock hazards, and prevent fires and injuries.
- Basic house wiring involves various types of electrical circuits and wiring configurations.
- Outlet circuits usually have 15 or 20 amp single pole breakers, prone to tripping due to overloads from high wattage devices.
- Lighting circuits typically have 15 amp single pole breakers and are less prone to overloading unless fixtures with auxiliary plugs are present.
- Room circuits may have 15 or 20 amp single pole breakers and may trip due to overloads, requiring identification of the causing item.
- Special circuits for appliances like furnaces or refrigerators have dedicated wiring and sized breakers.
- Heavy-duty appliances like ranges and dryers require 240 volt dedicated circuits with double pole breakers.
- Ground fault interrupter (GFCI) circuits, designed for wet environments, use 15 or 20 amp single pole breakers to prevent shocks.
- Newer homes are equipped with arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) breakers, which can sense and prevent arcing occurrences, but may trip easily.
Test your knowledge of home electrical breaker panels with this quiz! Learn about main breaker panels, circuit breakers, outlet circuits, lighting circuits, room circuits, special circuits for appliances, GFCI circuits, and AFCI breakers. Understand the functions and uses of different types of breakers to ensure electrical safety in your home.
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