Electrical Wiring Basics

Learn the basics of electrical circuits in the home using depictions and visual aids as I take you through what happens in basic circuits. Knowing this information is invaluable to homeowners who want to install new circuits and troubleshoot wiring issues.

Brettley Built features projects involving welding, electrical, plumbing, carpentry and much more. My channel is dedicated to teaching you how to do tackle projects yourself and save money. My wife, daughter, and I live in western Pennsylvania on six acres. We enjoy being outdoors, making improvements to our property, and making things. We adore our four dogs and three cats. We hope you enjoy our videos and spend time with us as we build and create!

[brettleybuilt]

▶️ Check out my other electrical videos:

[joshw]

Wow, this man recording educational videos in the freezing cold for the benefit of strangers, thank you sir.

[Kyle-nyct]

Late comment, but I wanted to say that not a lot of foreman or tradesman (in general) will stop and teach like this. Of the years I spent in trades I've never had this kind of mentorship and I think this is exactly what's wrong with its culture. We don't have servant leaders like yourself to help lift others up in their knowledge base. The cycle repeats and we don't produce quality workers; we reap resentful ones.

[seanlovesrealestate]

I learned more in 20 mins than 4 years at University. Thanks for this!

[ChrisTowerzTV]

I dont think I've ever sat down and paid attention to a youtube video so hard in my life. Thanks for breaking this down!

[brandonr.]

This is essentially an entire college course, condensed into a 20 min video. This is amazing work. Thank you so much!

[louisberryhill]

I'm currently taking basic electrical classes at 41 yrs old. Never had an Ole man or mentor to teach me the basics. This right here is gold. Will definitely be following your videos. Keep it up bub

[miguelsalgado]

I have been in the trades many years and always steered away from electrical because I thought it was too complex. You sir, made it soo easy to understand. I salute you for your consideration to go out your way and teach us the basics. Thank you

[Paultkach]

You certainly taught me, and I’m 71. Never too late to learn. Thanks,

[geoffreymaynard]

As a home owner who wants to do the basic jobs around the house, this video was remarkable. Taught me more in 23 minutes than a lifetime of trial and error. Thank you.

[sferguson]

I’m a 41 year old commercial GC. My work ethic has always been strong. I’ve only had 3 FT & 1 PT jobs since graduating HS, and haven’t been unemployed at any point, since starting to work at 15. I’ve worked my way up to management at every job ( excluding the electrician job ), and have never been fired. I’ll give context to the reason I brought up my resume, at the end. I did 2 1/2 years as a residential electrician’s apprentice from ‘99-‘01 ( I was called a house mouse. Not sure if that’s still a thing lol ). During the building phase, I did grunt work ( loading, unloading the van, nailing boxes in their marked locations, etc. ). During the finishing phase, I installed receptacles, switches, light fixtures, plates, etc ). I never shadowed, or worked around a circuit panel. I was always kept busy, so I wasn’t able to observe, but the other two guys were doing . I was always instructed what to do, but never why to do it. As a result, I never truly understood the fundamentals of electricity. In retrospect, I understand that 2 1/2 years in a field, is a drop in the bucket, relative to what it takes, to master your field. That said, my master electrician, was a very insecure, neurotic, little man syndrome guy, who took his job very serious. I genuinely believe, that I was being held back, from my full potential, as a result of him. There’s no telling how many more years, I would have needed to put in, in order to get the proper training. The reason I mentioned my résumé at the beginning, is because I wasn’t some shady, lazy, unintelligent person, that teaching efforts, would’ve been wasted on. I received none of what you’ve taught, just in this video alone, in my 2 1/2 years, in the field. Anyways, this is all to say THANK YOU, for all the effort and everything you do, in order to share your knowledge and insight. 🙏🙏🙏

[hremaddox]

Thank you, sir. I'm a 53 year old woman who needs to maintain her home. I'm learning as much as i can

[BC-blpn]

You’re demo of paper and physical electrical parts finally made the “lightbulb” click in my brain after decades!!!

[elvinhozanovic]

I’m an electrical apprentice and this is by far one of the best videos I have seen on YouTube. I wish every journeyman electrician was a great teacher like you. Don’t get me wrong, a lot are great electricians and teachers but you explained it so well! Thank you sir

[CJ-ghwq]

This was hands down the best explanation I've ever seen. I've been searching for teaching on 3 way switches for years and have learned more on this video than any other. Thank you sir!

Side note: maybe you could be the change people want to see in our educational system. You're a fantastic teacher.

Thank you for this video! 👍

[lynniepennpenn]

I've always been so scared of electoral but I've NEVER ever had someone break it down step by step like you. I can't thank you enough. Bcz the handyman I hired hasn't done any more work and I am going to do it myself. Thanks to you. I wish I could hug you. 😊

[gswerhb]

This is gold, So many people make it so complex and you just taught me more about household wiring in 30 minutes than ive learned my whole life. Thank you. Brilliant video.

[tomr]

In my many years of trying to understand electricity you are the very first person that makes sense and makes me want to learn more instead of closing the door again. Thank You for that!

[waynehiggins]

I was fortunate to have a father-in-law that showed me how to do electrical work. 5 years ago I bought a lake house that was very old and when I looked at the place the first time and being a volunteer firefighter I was surprise the place never burned to the ground. The previous owner had junctions boxes everywhere and most were not grounded or covered. I ended up gutting the place. I removed all the wiring and had the electric panel and service updated by an electrician. I just wasn't comfortable with that phase. I did run all the circuits for the outlets and lights. But I have to tell you that the three way switch still confuses me and also t bought a light switch that controls two things, in my case bathroom light and exhaust fan. That took me some time to figure out as well. Enjoyed your video and found it refreshing. I am still working on the lake house finishing the basement and adding a 2nd bathroom. It is amazing how much you can do on your own if you just put your mind to it. Thanks again....

[GeoKnowLearning]

Thank you for actually doing an explanation video of HOW things work and not just how to wire something. I hope you make more and more videos teaching basics of home maintenance/repair because this is the content that so many people need!