DIY Electrical Wiring! Fast, Safe Home Wiring Basics for Switches and Outlets

Today we're discussing electrical wiring basics! I walk through how to choose the correct wire and what is inside, as well as the connectors available. You'll definitely want to check out the new, easy push in connectors and the outlets that make side wiring so much easier.... and more! Watch this video, quickly learn the basics and you can wire your next switch or outlet without the cost of an electrician!

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Welcome to the official April Wilkerson YouTube channel! I’m April and I’m the creator of Wilker Do’s. I am an obsessed DIYer and Woodworker. I'm not professional or have any training, so I just pick the project I want to tackle and figure it out step by step. On this channel you will find a variety of content like DIY home improvement, How-To’s, construction, design and more!

#AprilWilkerson #electrical #diy

[billbrown]

As a master electrician of 30 years your video is dead on! Good job!

Even though you are correct on all of your info in my opinion the only thing that I have a problem with (even though they are UL listed, and a lot of people use them) is the push in connectors. I am coming around to those, but still have a hang up on them. They work the same as the back stab ports on the outlet. I am also old school if the conductors are all solid my guys twist the wires together before installing the wire nut. I've seen too many loose wires under a wire nut that have caused problems. It is one way to insure the connection is tight. But you and everyone is correct, the manufacturer of the wire nuts do not require pre-twisting of the conductors. Like I said, I've been doing this for a while. When I started my apprenticeship my old boss made us solder ALL of our connections other than grounds. Code did not allow soldering of the grounds back then. You know what, there were ZERO lose connections too.

[GlennBrockett]

To echo other comments:
Try Wago connectors. Not as picky on gauge as wire nuts, contact for each wire is independent of the other connections, easy to release when needed, reusable.

[chrisflavelle]

As an Industrial Electrician, we use a lot of single wire for wiring because it's easier to pull through conduit. It's 99% stranded wire. If the connection goes to a receptacle or a light switch, It cannot be put under the terminals without being tinned, using a stakon connector or other crimp on connector to make the exposed end solid. This is especially true for those of us who like the industrial look in our shops and garages, with exposed conduit. Still a lot of great information for the non-electricians in the group.

[KevinCoop]

April, Excellent video. I started designing electrical systems in 1983. I believe Wago wire connectors came into our shop in 1984, and I used the original designed ones in my house in 1985. They have been around a long time. One technical point, per NEC definitions, there are lighting outlets, smoke detector outlets, receptacle outlets, etc. What you held in your hand is a duplex receptacle. A minor point to most, but important one when interpreting the NEC. Again excellent video! Respectfully, Kevin

[weldo]

Nice to see an informative and clearly presented video - especially on electrical basics. I am a retired contractor but an amateur at electrical work that will be installing receptacles and switches today. The only thing I might add to the video is the direct burial wire nut usually fails after a few years. In my low voltage landscape lighting, I’ve had to replace every connection because of the corrosion, which caused a big voltage drop. There are much better connections available for this application. I look forward to more of your videos! Thanks.

[gregorythomas]

I watch a lot of British/UK sparks...they hate our wire nuts...I kind of do too...I tend towards Wago connectors for my wiring...much easier to separate than the push-in kind.

[raymondmcgee]

I recommend twisting conductors when using wire nuts, especially when there are 3 or more. The wires can separate over time due to movement from heating and cooling. Also, wrap solid wires AROUND stranded ones; it's counterintuitive, but a far stronger connection. I've found plenty of loosened wires in residential and commercial settings because people "just want to get it done".

[brycecupp]

Great basic information to get people started doing some of their own stuff and getting them to do it right and avoid some of the pitfalls of dyi. One thing I did notice though was a burn on your wire strippers. I've had that happen myself and it's a great lesson to make sure you power off the circuit before working on the wiring if you're doing a update. LOTO is a life saver. No one likes to have a sudden "shock". 😁

[craiggoodwin]

A good basic video about wiring, plus I always seem to pick up a tip or two. Thanks for Sharing!

[PelicanPines]

Also... .Make sure you screw down any unused screws on the sides of an outlet. This can prevent shorts and arcing.

[jamievandalen]

lovin these electrical vids. Your woodworking is always so good, and these are no different. The "add a plug" video couldnt have came at a more ideal time as I was doing just that the day after the video came out. Id love to see some different ways to wire light switches if you feel like doing more of these. Either way, thanks! LOve the channel

[jeremymyers]

While you can put wires into a wire nut without pre twisting, the reason it’s shown to pre twist is because over time they can loosen and arc causing a fire. I have seen this happen to many times in my career as a firefighter.

[meshelle_kimeko]

🙋🏽‍♀️ I refrain from dealing with electrical projects. Actually hate having to deal with it. However know I have several areas I need to do electrical upgrades. So this video is great and right on time!

[shelbydog]

I can't believe I didn't know what the holes in the wire strippers were for. Thanks for the tip. I really appreciate all the tips I get from you. You're a wealth of information.

[sparkythebuilder]

Good information for a DIYer! The only thing I would correct is the direct burial wirenuts. Even though they have that gel, water will still find a way to get in and wreck the connection. I have seen it more times then I can count. If you must make a splice in the ground they make special splice kits for direct burial, or install an accessible ground box. The exception to this would be for low voltage lighting.

[profcah]

Great summary video April! Thanks a bunch!

[makeitkozi]

Definite like and will be referenced for my house project visions later. Thank you!

[oldmanjimh]

I grew up with this: Gardner Bender CR-100 4-Inch Romex Cable Ripper. The price is a bit too much for what it is but anyone inexperienced at removing the outer covering should get this rather than using a pocket knife.

[BearCreekWoodworking]

I need to buy some of those push connectors. This video was packed with a lot of useful information. Awesome Video April!

[REXOB]

Thanks for the overview of DIY wiring.