Residential Wiring

Student Activity Guide

Version 3.6
August 2012

This guide was developed for use with the following products:
DEPCO, LLC Wiring Panel

DEPCOllc
Copyright © 2012 DEPCO, LLC All Rights Reserved

Unauthorized Duplication Prohibited

The information contained in this activity guide was accurate at the time of its printing.
DEPCO, LLC reserves the right to change specifications and operational performance
of its products without notice. Any changes or corrections to the information in this
publication will be incorporated in the future issues. No part of this document or
accompanying software may be reproduced or modified in any manner without express
written consent of DEPCO, LLC
This activity guide was assembled by New Hope Employment Opportunity Center
of Pittsburg, Kansas.

All DEPCO Format 2000 guides conform to strict quality control standards.
 Table of Contents

Activities

1 Introduction...............................................................................................................5
2 Service Entrance, Ground Rod, and Service Panel............................................17
3 Circuits Breakers and Junction Boxes.................................................................37
4 Convenience Outlet................................................................................................47
5 Ceiling Lights and Wall Switch.............................................................................61
6 Wiring a Second Junction Box..............................................................................73
7 220-Volt Outlet.......................................................................................................81
8 Wiring a Doorbell...................................................................................................89
9 Wiring a Three-Way Switch............................................................................... 105
10 Post-Test and Wrap-Up........................................................................................117
11 Bonus Activities.................................................................................................... 123
Problem Solving....................................................................................................124
Crossword Puzzle................................................................................................ 125
Vocabulary Quiz.................................................................................................. 126
12 Challenge ..............................................................................................................127
13 Open-Ended Challenge.......................................................................................131
14 Careers ................................................................................................................. 135
15 Internet ..................................................................................................................141
Reference.............................................................................................................. 145
Glossary................................................................................................................ 146

Instructor’s Section
Instructor’s Section..............................................................................................147
Pages to Copy.......................................................................................................161

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 3

DEPCOllc
 DEPCO, LLC
Proceed to the next section

4 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
 Activity 1
Introduction

Objectives
After successfully completing Activity 1, you will be able to:
1. Identify the hand tool used by an electrician.
2. Describe the fundamental use of each tool.
3. Identify the electrical components used in wiring.
4. State the basic safety principles when working with wiring.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 5

DEPCOllc
Activity 1 Introduction

Purpose
The purpose of this activity is to introduce you to the components
and hand tools of wiring. You will also learn the safety practices
while working with electricity.

Equipment
Pre-Test
Student Answer Sheet

New Terms
ampere volt
circuit voltage
kilowatt-hour watts
OSHA

Procedure
Complete the Pre-Test
1. Ask the instructor for the Pre-Test.
2. Write the letter for the correct answer to each question on the
Student Answer Sheet. Do not write on the test.

Instructor 3. Return the test to the instructor.

Checkpoint

Hand Tools of Wiring

The proper use and selection of hand tools in wiring is very
important. A responsible electrician knows his or her tools and
the safe use of each.

6 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Introduction Activity 1

Pliers
Two kinds of pliers are needed for most wiring jobs, long or
needle nose, and lineman’s pliers. See figure 1-1. The needle nose
pliers have grooved jaws that hold wire firmly while it is shaped
for attachment to a terminal. Needle nose pliers are from seven to
eight inches (in.) in length and have a wire cutter near the pivot.
Lineman’s pliers are used for pulling wire, bending heavier wire,
and twisting out removable parts of certain electrical components.
These pliers also have a wire cutter and striated jaws.

figure 1-1

Screwdriver
Electricians work with many different kinds of electrical
components. Most of these components will have one of two types
of fastener screws. The slotted screwdriver or the Phillips screwdriver
are commonly used. See figure 1-2. Electricians should always use
screwdrivers with insulated handles to prevent electrical shock.

figure 1-2

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 7

DEPCOllc
Activity 1 Introduction

Tape Measure
Electricians often need to take measurements. There are many
different kinds and lengths of tape measures, usually the electrician
uses a 16 to 25 foot (ft) tape measure. Besides the tape measure,
electricians use measuring tools such as an extension rule, push-
pull tape rule, and a steel tape. See figure 1-3.

figure 1-3

8 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Introduction Activity 1

Voltmeter
Voltmeters are essential to any residential wiring job. The standard
voltmeter has a neon bulb and two insulated wires that end in
metal probes. Its main purpose is to check that the current is off
before you begin a job. With the power on, the standard voltmeters
check for proper grounding, and in some circumstances check that
voltage is available in the wires. Standard voltmeters can be used on
circuits carrying approximately 90 to 500 volts (V). See figure 1-4.

figure 1-4

Multipurpose Tool
Preparing wires to attach to electrical devices is accomplished
efficiently with a multipurpose tool that both cuts the wires and
strips insulation. Wire gauges are printed on the multipurpose
tool to indicate which hole to use for stripping insulation without
causing damage to the wire. Cutting small bolts and crimping
special kinds of wire connectors are other functions of the
multipurpose tool. See figure 1-5.

figure 1-5

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 9

DEPCOllc
Activity 1 Introduction

Fuse Puller
If the service panel contains cartridge fuses, removing them for
testing or replacement is done simply and safely with a fuse puller.
The fuse puller looks similar to pliers, but for insulating purposes
is made entirely of plastic. Fuse pullers are available in different
sizes according to cartridge fuse sizes.

Metal Shears
Metal shears or aviation snips do a fast, neat job of cutting cable.
Metal shears may also be needed to trim metal flanges from certain
components. See figure 1-6. Straight-cutting blades are preferred
over curving blades in metal shears.

figure 1-6

Drill Bits
Drill bits are used to create holes through wood so cables can
carry electricity where it is needed. Drill bits come in a variety
of sizes and shapes including auger, spade, expansive, twist, and
masonry. See figure 1-7. For running cable through masonry, a 1/2
in. carbide-tipped masonry bit is necessary. An 18 in. extension
attachment is essential if electricians have to drill through thick
or widely spaced beams.

figure 1-7

10 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Introduction Activity 1

Tape and Wire Caps

The fasteners of electrical wiring, wire caps, and electrician’s tape,
are used for making and securing wire connections. See figure 1-8.
Wire caps come in assorted sizes to be used according to the gauge
of the wire and the number of wires to be connected.

figure 1-8

Utility Knife
The utility knife is mostly used to cut the outside insulation from
the wire, enabling the wire stripper to remove the inner insulation
from the wire. See figure 1-9.

figure 1-9

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 11

DEPCOllc
Activity 1 Introduction

Wrenches
In residential wiring, the electrician will use different kinds of
wrenches. See figure 1-10. They will range from a 1/4 in. end wrench
to large adjustable wrenches.

figure 1-10

Safety in Residential Wiring

Although there are many aspects of electrical safety, this module
will emphasize the need to practice safety when using and working
with electricity. Accident prevention is the major area of concern.
Every accident has a cause or reason why it happened. The severity
of accidents can range from pinching with a pair of pliers to more
serious injuries such as loss of life through electrical shock. While
some accidents are caused by operators, using faulty equipment
can also cause accidents. Many accidents can be prevented. A
responsible worker is always aware of the possibility of an accident
and protects himself or herself and co-workers from accidents. An
important factor of safety awareness is the attitude of the worker.

12 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Introduction Activity 1

Worker safety is of primary importance. Accidents can result in

worker injury on the job. The worker must do all that he or she
can to prevent or avoid any situation that may cause an accident.
Most accident prevention is common sense. Most accidents are
caused by carelessness, inattention, or forgetfulness.

Safety Rules
Many safety rules apply to working safely with residential electricity.
These rules include power tool safety, heavy equipment safety,
fire safety, designing building safety, safety promotion programs,
and safety as defined by the Occupational Health and Safety
Administration, OSHA. OSHA is one of many agencies that oversee
safe operations on the job and in the factory.
This module concentrates on safety as it applies to the use of hand
tools. Three areas of safety covered in this guide will be personal
safety, safe use of tools, and laboratory and facility safety.

Personal Safety Rules

1. Obtain instructor permission before starting the module.
2. Ensure to use the tools properly.
3. Ensure to pay attention to what is being done.
4. Always read directions completely and carefully.
5. Keep the Wiring Center clean at all times.
6. Ensure that the main power switch is in the OFF position
before beginning work.
7. Do not put the tools in your pockets.
8. Be courteous to the other students.
9. Report any accidents to the instructor.

Safe Tool Use Rules

1. Use the tools only after you have received instruction as to
their proper use.
2. Use the tool to do the job for which it was intended.
3. Handle the tools with care.
4. Leave all tools at the Wiring Center.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 13

DEPCOllc
Activity 1 Introduction

5. Do not use the tools to pound with.

6. Ensure to report any faulty tool or unsafe situation to the
instructor.

Laboratory and Facility Safety Rules

1. Clean the Wiring Center when finished.
2. Place the tools in their proper storage location.
3. Treat the equipment, the Wiring Center, and the room with
respect.

Units in Electricity
When working on home or building wiring, the common units
used to measure electricity are ampere, watt, and volt. A circuit is
the path of electricity from a source to the components, such as
lights and outlets, and back to the source. Each unit has a specific
significance, and they bear a relationship to one another.

Ampere
The ampere is the unit of measure for the amount of current, or
the number of electrically charged particles called electrons that
flow past a given point on a circuit each second. If you could see
the particles moving along a wire and could count to 6.28 billion
in one second, then you would have counted enough particles to
make one ampere. Current that has lost its voltage still has amperage
as it completes the circuit and returns to the power plant.

Watt
The watt is the unit of measurement for power. It indicates the
rate at which a device converts electric current to another form
of energy (either heat or motion). A watt is the rate at which the
device consumes energy.

14 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Introduction Activity 1

Kilowatt-Hour
The kilowatt-hour is the unit of measurement for energy. It measures
the total amount of electricity that is consumed. The kilowatt-hour
is used by electric companies to measure and charge customers for
electricity. If you view your electric bill, you will see that your bill
is calculated based on the amount of kilowatt-hours. This amount
will range from seven or eight cents per kilowatt-hour to 20 or
25 cents per kilowatt-hour, depending upon geographical regions.

Volt
The volt is the unit of measurement for the potential difference
in electrical force, or pressure, between two points on a circuit.
The voltage, not to be confused with volt, refers to the force that
causes electricity to move through a conductor. The current at
most receptacles and lights is at a pressure of 120 V, although it
may vary from 114 to 126 V. As the current moves from the hot
supply wire through the load presented by an appliance or light, it
loses voltage in doing work. When the current leaves the load and
enters the return circuit provided by the neutral wire, it has lost
all voltage and is at zero pressure, the same as the earth.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 15

DEPCOllc
Activity 1 Introduction

Activity Review
Answer the following questions on the Student Answer Sheet. Do
not write inside the activity guide.
1. Proper use and selection of hand tools in residential wiring is very
important.
A. True B. False

2. Most accident prevention is common sense. Most accidents are

caused by carelessness, inattention, or forgetfulness.
A. True B. False

3. A positive attitude toward safety programs or safety on the job is

essential to the success of the program.
A. True B. False

4. The _____ is the unit used to measure the amount of current that
flows past a given point on a circuit each second.
A. ampere
B. watt
C. kilowatt-hour
D. volt

5. There are two kinds of screwdrivers a residential electrician uses, the

_____.
A. left-handed and right-handed
B. inside and outside
C. Phillips and slotted
D. insulated and non-insulated

Review Question: What is the most important factor of safety awareness on

the job.

Cleanup
Ensure to return all items to their storage location. When you have
completed the activity, turn in the worksheet to the instructor.

Instructor
Checkpoint
Conclusion
Safety on the job is very important. In this activity, you learned
about safety and the components and hand tools of wiring.

16 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
 Activity 2
Service Entrance, Ground Rod, and
Service Panel

Objectives
After successfully completing Activity 2, you will be able to:
1. Identify the service line that comes into a building from the
electric company.
2. Identify and explain why and how the service line must be
grounded.
3. Identify and discuss the use of the ground rod in the
grounding of the electrical appliances in a house.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 17

DEPCOllc
Activity 2 Service Entrance, Ground Rod, and Service Panel

Purpose
The purpose of this activity is for you to become familiar with the
components used in residential wiring. You will install the service
entrance wire and the ground rod.

Equipment
Wiring Center with tools and supplies
Student Answer Sheet

New Terms
convenience outlet
cover plates
grounding
National Electrical Code (NEC)
single-pole switch

Procedure
Wiring components
There are a variety of electrical components used to provide
adequate electricity throughout modern houses. Common
components include switches, outlets, doorbells, cable TV,
telephone, Internet connections, and security systems. In a typical
house, outlets, switches, and junction boxes are used to hold the
wiring and components in a desired location.

18 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Service Entrance, Ground Rod, and Service Panel Activity 2

Switches
Switches are used for controlling the flow of electricity to a specific
light or receptacle. Switches come in a variety of styles to meet the
consumer’s needs. They include a single-pole switch, quiet switch,
dimmer switch, three-way switch, and four-way switch. See figure
2-1. A single pole switch is the most common of the switches. A
single-pole switch turns one light or one appliance off or on from
a single location. A three-way switch is used when power can be
turned off or on at two different locations. A four-way switch is
used when power can be turned off or on in three locations.

figure 2-1

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 19

DEPCOllc
Activity 2 Service Entrance, Ground Rod, and Service Panel

Convenience Outlets
Convenience outlets are used to supply electricity for portable
appliances and devices such as lamps, radios, computers, and power
tools. It is suggested that outlets be placed every six feet along a
wall or at least one outlet per wall in a room. In a kitchen or shop
area, additional outlets are placed to allow the homeowner enough
room for placing multiple appliances and tools on the countertops
or workbenches. In this module, you will install a 110-volt duplex
outlet. A 110-volt duplex outlet contains two connections where
electrical devices can be plugged in. See figure 2-2.

figure 2-2

You will also install a 220-volt outlet. These outlets are used for
large appliances and devices such as air conditioners, electric dryers,
and ranges. Because of their size, these outlets require heavier wire
and an additional wire to power the outlet. See figure 2-3.

figure 2-3

20 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Service Entrance, Ground Rod, and Service Panel Activity 2

Cover Plates
Cover plates are used to cover electrical components and protect
a person from shock or injury. Cover plates come in a variety of
colors and styles to match any possible situation. See figure 2-4.

figure 2-4

Electrical Code
The National Fire Protection Association has developed the National
Electrical Code (NEC). The NEC is approved by the American
National Standards Institute (ANSI). Most municipalities will have
at least one copy of this code on file in the code enforcement
section of the municipal office. Generally, they accept the code
as written, and amend certain sections to be more in line with the
needs of the community it is serving. Most cities have adopted
and incorporated the code into their building codes. Cities also
have adopted certain exceptions to the code.
Codes should be checked before a wiring job is started. This
module is an overview of what an electrician does. Do not attempt
to complete any wiring outside of this module.

Grounding
Grounding connects what has been wired with the ground. This
allows a safe path for the electrical current if a short occurs.
Grounding should always be done in a wiring job.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 21

DEPCOllc
Activity 2 Service Entrance, Ground Rod, and Service Panel

Step 1. Install the ground bar

1. Using the slotted screwdriver, remove the cover plate from the
service panel. See figure 2-5.

figure 2-5

2. Inside the service panel, there are two main terminals. These
are the terminals where the electrical power from the electric
company is connected. See figure 2-6.

figure 2-6

22 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Service Entrance, Ground Rod, and Service Panel Activity 2

3. Locate the service panel ground bar and screw. See figure 2-7.

figure 2-7

4. Mount the ground bar into the ground terminal of the service
panel as shown in figure 2-8. The bar should be flush against
the panel. Screw the ground bar onto the service panel.

figure 2-8

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 23

DEPCOllc
Activity 2 Service Entrance, Ground Rod, and Service Panel

5. Locate the service panel ground strip. See figure 2-9.

figure 2-9

6. Mount the ground strip in the service panel as shown in figure

2-10. You will have to insert the flat holding rod into the back
of the ground strips.

figure 2-10

24 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Service Entrance, Ground Rod, and Service Panel Activity 2

Step 2. Install the ground wire to the outside of the building

1. Locate a 1/2 in. cable clamp and unscrew the bottom part of
the clamp. See figure 2-11.

figure 2-11

2. Mount the clamp on the bottom left hole of the service panel.
See figure 2-12.

figure 2-12

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 25

DEPCOllc
Activity 2 Service Entrance, Ground Rod, and Service Panel

3. Locate the 12 in. piece of No. 10 copper wire. See figure 2-13.

figure 2-13

4. Place the wire through the bottom left hole below the service
panel. See figure 2-14.

figure 2-14

26 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Service Entrance, Ground Rod, and Service Panel Activity 2

5. Manipulate the wire through the cable clamp on the service Note:
panel and insert it into the top ground terminal just above the You will have to bend and twist the copper
wire in order to get it to fit through the
ground bar. See figure 2-15.
holes and into the ground terminal.

figure 2-15

6. Tighten the terminal down onto the wire using the slotted
screwdriver. The ground wire has been attached to the outside
of the building.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 27

DEPCOllc
Activity 2 Service Entrance, Ground Rod, and Service Panel

Step 3. Install a ground rod

1. Locate the 9-1/2 in. piece of 5/8 in. copper ground rod and
the copper ground clamp. See figure 2-16.

figure 2-16

2. Connect the ground clamp to the ground rod as shown in

figure 2-17.

figure 2-17

28 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Service Entrance, Ground Rod, and Service Panel Activity 2

3. Connect the ground clamp to the ground wire as shown in

figure 2-18.

figure 2-18

Note: Normally, the ground rod is an 8 ft copper rod that is driven

into the ground outside the building that is being wired. All of
the electrical components of the building will be grounded and
eventually return to this rod.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 29

DEPCOllc
Activity 2 Service Entrance, Ground Rod, and Service Panel

Step 4. Install service entrance wire

1. Locate a 3/4 in. cable clamp and unscrew the bottom part of
the clamp. See figure 2-19.

figure 2-19

30 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Service Entrance, Ground Rod, and Service Panel Activity 2

2. Mount the clamp on the top hole of the service panel. See
figure 2-20.

figure 2-20

Note: It is good practice to use cable clamps whenever you install

power wire into a service panel or junction box. It allows you to
tighten the wires so they will not move around in the box, and
it protects the wire from getting cut by the sharp edges of the
service panel.
3. Locate the service entrance wire. See figure 2-21.

figure 2-21

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 31

DEPCOllc
Activity 2 Service Entrance, Ground Rod, and Service Panel

4. Place the service entrance wire through the cable clamp on the
top of the service panel, with the end with the plug extended
a few inches from the top. See figure 2-22.

figure 2-22

Note: 5. Attach the white wire to the top slot in the terminal ground
The ground strip on the left side of the strip. See figure 2-23.
service panel is the terminal ground strip.
The ground strip on the right is the service
panel ground strip.

figure 2-23

32 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Service Entrance, Ground Rod, and Service Panel Activity 2

6. Attach the green wire to the bottom slot in the service panel
ground strip. See figure 2-24.

figure 2-24

7. Attach the black wire to the top terminal of the main power.
See figure 2-25. To get the black wire to tighten down you will
need to bend it into a u-shape and place it in the center of the
connector.

figure 2-25

Note: The black wire and the white wire are live power wires and
the green wire is the ground wire.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 33

DEPCOllc
Activity 2 Service Entrance, Ground Rod, and Service Panel

Note: 8. Plug the service entrance wire into the electrical power pack
The electrical power pack may be attached to the side of the panel.
to the side panel of the Residential Wiring
trainer or may be placed to the side of the
trainer on the table.
Step 5. Evaluate your work
1. Check your work to ensure that all connections are secure and
that they are terminated correctly. The wiring panel should be
similar to figure 2-26.

figure 2-26

2. Ask the instructor to check your work.

3. Replace the service panel cover plate.
Instructor
Checkpoint

34 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Service Entrance, Ground Rod, and Service Panel Activity 2

Activity Review
Answer the following questions on the Student Answer Sheet. Do
not write inside the activity guide.
1. The green wire on the service entrance wire is the _____ wire.
A. live power
B. no power
C. ground
D. current

2. There is very little standardization in electrical wiring.

A. True B. False

3. Grounding is not necessary in residential wiring.

A. True B. False

4. The types and sizes of electrical equipment and the methods by which
they are installed are established by the _____.
A. electrical contractor
B. homeowner
C. National Electrical Code
D. financing agency

5. Which of the following are wiring components?

A. switches
B. cover plates
C. outlets
D. all of the answers are correct

Review Question: Why is it important to ground electricity?

Cleanup
Ensure to return all items to their storage location. When you have
completed the activity, turn in your work to the instructor if needed.
Instructor
Checkpoint
Conclusion
In this activity you became familiar with the components used in
residential wiring. You installed the service entrance wire and the
ground rod.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 35

DEPCOllc
 DEPCO, LLC
Proceed to the next section

36 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
 Activity 3
Circuit Breakers and Junction Boxes

Objectives
After successfully completing Activity 3, you will be able to:
1. Discuss how electricity gets into a house or building.
2. Identify and discuss the purpose of the junction box.
3. Demonstrate the proper wiring of a junction box.
4. Demonstrate the proper wiring of a circuit breaker.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 37

DEPCOllc
Activity 3 Circuit Breakers and Junction Boxes

Purpose
The purpose of this activity is to assist you in installing a circuit
breaker and a junction box. You will learn the purpose of each
component, as well as how to wire them.

Equipment
Wiring Center with tools and supplies
Student Answer Sheet

New Terms
branch circuit
circuit breaker
junction box

Procedure
How Electricity Gets to Your House
The wires transmitting electricity from the power company
generator into your living room enter the house at a point called
the service entrance. If the wires are buried beneath the ground,
they enter through a pipe called conduit. More commonly, however,
they run from a power company pole on the street to a service
head located on one side of the house. At the service head, house
wires connect to the utility wires and lead down the side of the
house to a meter, and then into the house to a service panel. The
power is distributed through the house by wiring systems called
branch circuits. Circuit breakers are safety devices used to limit the
maximum rate of current flow in a circuit. Circuit breakers open
circuits when the current in the circuit exceeds the predetermined
amount of heat for that circuit

38 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Circuit Breakers and Junction Boxes Activity 3

In most homes built since World War II, three wires lead from the
service head to the meter and into the service panel. Two are hot
wires that carry 110 V each. The 110-volt wires are used by branch
circuits to operate everything but the largest appliances. For other
branch circuits, the pair of 110-volt circuit breakers is combined
to make the 220 V necessary for such large appliances as ranges,
dryers, hot water heaters, heating systems, air conditioners, etc.
The third wire is the neutral wire, maintained at zero voltage. It
is connected at the service panel to a ground wire clamped to a
metal rod driven into the ground or to a buried metal water pipe.
Junction boxes are used where wires are connected together. This
allows wires to be lengthened and makes wiring easier.

Step 1. Install a cable clamp

1. Remove the cover plate from the service panel.
2. Locate the 18-1/2 in. Romex wire. See figure 3-1.

figure 3-1

3. Insert the 18-1/2 in. Romex wire through the cable clamp with
the copper wire.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 39

DEPCOllc
Activity 3 Circuit Breakers and Junction Boxes

4. Attach the white wire of the Romex wire to the terminal ground
strip. See figure 3-2.

figure 3-2

5. Attach the ground wire to the service panel ground strip. See
figure 3-3.

figure 3-3

6. Use the Phillips screwdriver to tighten the cable clamp around

the wire.

40 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Circuit Breakers and Junction Boxes Activity 3

Step 2. Install the circuit breaker

1. Locate a single-pole circuit breaker. See figure 3-4.

figure 3-4

2. Use the screwdriver to loosen the screw on the front side of

the circuit breaker. See figure 3-5.

figure 3-5

3. Feed the end of the black wire inside the opening created from
loosening the screw.
4. Tighten the screw. Ensure the black wire is securely connected
to the circuit breaker.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 41

DEPCOllc
Activity 3 Circuit Breakers and Junction Boxes

5. Place the end of the circuit breaker with the hook into the
bottom, right side of the breaker connection.
6. Push the end of the circuit breaker with the metal teeth into
the other side of the breaker connection, until it clips into
place. See figure 3-6. Ensure the circuit breaker is turned off.

figure 3-6

7. Replace the cover plate on the service panel.

42 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Circuit Breakers and Junction Boxes Activity 3

Step 3. Wire the junction box

1. Locate a 1/2 in. cable clamp.
2. Mount the cable clamp on the left side of the junction box as
shown in figure 3-7.

figure 3-7

3. Slide the Romex wire through the cable clamp on the junction
box. See figure 3-8.

figure 3-8

4. Tighten the cable clamp around the wire.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 43

DEPCOllc
Activity 3 Circuit Breakers and Junction Boxes

5. Using electrical tape, tape the ends of the black and white wires
as shown in figure 3-9.

figure 3-9

6. Gently bend the wire back into the junction box. You do not
want the wires sticking out of the junction box. See figure 3-10.

figure 3-10

44 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Circuit Breakers and Junction Boxes Activity 3

7. Locate a junction box cover plate. See figure 3-11.

figure 3-11

8. Using the Phillips screwdriver, screw the cover plate onto the
junction box.
Note: When wiring a service panel, it is important to keep the
inside neat. It is good practice to arrange the wires neatly after
they have been attached to the terminals. This arrangement
makes it easier to trace the wire if the need arises.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 45

DEPCOllc
Activity 3 Circuit Breakers and Junction Boxes

Activity Review
Answer the following questions on the Student Answer Sheet. Do
not write inside the activity guide.
1. The wires transmitting electricity from the power company generator
to your living room enter the house at a point called the service
entrance.
A. True B. False

2. In most homes built since World War II, two wires lead from the
service head to the meter and into the service panel.
A. True B. False

3. The third wire contains no voltage and is called the neutral wire.
A. True B. False

4. 110 V is used by branch circuits to operate the _____.

A. interior lights
B. heating system
C. electric hot water heater
D. none of the answers are correct

5. 220 V are necessary for such large appliances as electric _____.

A. ranges
B. dryers
C. hot water heaters
D. all of the answers are correct

Review Question: Who supplies residential electricity to homes?

Cleanup
Ensure to return all items to their storage location. When you have
completed the activity, turn in your work to the instructor if needed.

Instructor
Checkpoint
Conclusion
In this activity, you assisted in installing a circuit breaker and a
junction box. You learned the purpose of each component and
how to wire them.

46 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
 Activity 4
Convenience Outlet

Objectives
After successfully completing Activity 4, you will be able to:
1. Identify a convenience outlet and where it is to be located.
2. Discuss the purpose of a convenience outlet.
3. Demonstrate the proper wiring of a convenience outlet.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 47

DEPCOllc
Activity 4 Convenience Outlet

Purpose
The purpose of this activity is to assist you in identifying and
locating the convenience outlets. You will also learn how to
correctly wire convenience outlets.

Equipment
Wiring Center with tools and supplies
Student Answer Sheet

New Terms
hardboard receptacle

outlet box

Procedure
Outlet Boxes
When wiring a building, it is important to identify how many
convenience outlets are to be in the building. The convenience
outlet is used to connect electrical appliances to electricity. Most
homes have many convenience outlets.
The central element in any permanent electrical installation is an
outlet box, a metal or plastic enclosure embedded in a wall or
ceiling. A receptacle, switch, or light fixture is mounted inside
a box, cables enter and leave through holes in the back or sides,
and all wiring connections are entirely contained within the box.
Receptacles, often called outlets, supply electricity to portable
appliances like toasters.
Outlet boxes vary in shape according to their position and function;
rectangular wall boxes are used with receptacles, switches, and wall
lights; octagonal or circular ceiling boxes are used with ceiling
lights; and square junction boxes, the largest of all, are used with
house connections between two or more cables that branch out
to different parts of a circuit.

48 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Convenience Outlet Activity 4

The existing boxes in your home, installed when the house was
built, are probably attached directly to studs or to joists. Studs
are vertical posts that support a wall and joists are the beams to
which a ceiling is fastened. Plastic boxes, widely used in houses
built since 1970, are always installed in this way. When you install
new boxes however, you probably will not have direct access to
studs or joists. Therefore you must use a metal box secured in
other ways. The method you choose depends upon the type of
construction in your house.
In a house built after 1950, walls and ceilings are most commonly
constructed with plasterboard, drywall, or sheet rock. Plasterboard
is four by eight foot sheets of plaster that are sandwiched between
two outer layers of paper and nailed directly to the studs or joists.
Other wall and ceiling materials include wood panels, plywood
sheets, or sheets of compressed wood fibers called hardboard.
Like plasterboard, all these wooden walls are fastened directly to
the studs or joists.

Step 1. Connect the wires in the junction box

1. Remove the junction box cover plate.
2. Locate a 1/2 in. cable clamp.
3. Mount the cable clamp on the other side of the junction box.
4. Locate the 21 in. Romex wire.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 49

DEPCOllc
Activity 4 Convenience Outlet

5. Pull the Romex wire through both holes in the studs to the
right of the junction box. See figure 4-1.

figure 4-1

Note: 6. Pull the Romex wire through the cable clamp and into the
It is important to straighten the wire junction box until about 2 in. of the Romex wire is inside. See
as it leaves the junction box. A straight figure 4-2.
wire is easier to work with and reduces
the chance of making an error when
connecting the wires together.

figure 4-2

7. Tighten the cable clamp around the wire.

50 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Convenience Outlet Activity 4

8. Locate three yellow wire nuts. See figure 4-3.

figure 4-3

9. Remove the tape from the black wire inside the junction box.
10. Position the two black wires together and place one of the
wire nuts on them. See figure 4-4. Twist clockwise to tighten
the wire nut around both wires. You may have to twist several
times before they become tight. Do not over tighten.

figure 4-4

11. Gently tug each black wire to ensure the connection is tight.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 51

DEPCOllc
Activity 4 Convenience Outlet

12. Remove the tape from the white wire inside the junction box.
13. Repeat this process by placing wire nuts on all the white wires
and a wire nut on all the copper ground wires.
14. Gently bend each wire back into the junction box as shown
in figure 4-5.

figure 4-5

14. Replace the junction box cover plate.

52 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Convenience Outlet Activity 4

Step 2. Wire the receptacles

1. Remove the screw inside the bottom of the receptacle located
closest to the junction box and pull out the cable clamp. See
figure 4-6.

figure 4-6

2. Pull the end of the Romex wire coming out of the junction box
into the first wall receptacle until 2 in. of the wire sticks out
of the from of the receptacle. See figure 4-7. The wire should
be placed in the lower-left hole of the receptacle.

figure 4-7

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 53

DEPCOllc
Activity 4 Convenience Outlet

3. On the wall receptacle next to the one you just wired, remove
the screw inside the bottom and pull out the cable clamp.
4. Locate the 17 in. Romex wire.
5. Place the Romex wire into both of the receptacles as shown in
figure 4-8 until about 2 in. of wire is outside the receptacles.

figure 4-8

6. Screw the cable clamps in both receptacles back into place.

Tighten the clamps to secure the wires.

54 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Convenience Outlet Activity 4

Step 3. Wire the convenience outlet

1. Locate the two convenience outlets. Turn one of them over to
look at the back. You will notice that there are a number of
holes and slots on the backside of the outlet. Also, notice that
there are two screws on each side of the outlet. On one side,
the screws are brass-colored and on the other side, the screws
are silver-colored. See figure 4-9.

figure 4-9

2. Position a convenience outlet up to the wires that are coming

out of the first receptacle you wired.
3. Stick both black wires in the holes on the side of the brass-
colored screws. It may be easier to use needle nose pliers to
get the wires into place.
4. Stick both white wires in the holes on the side of the silver-
colored screws.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 55

DEPCOllc
Activity 4 Convenience Outlet

5. Connect the copper wires to the green screw. See figure 4-10.

figure 4-10

6. Tighten the green screw.

Note: If you make a mistake and put one of the wires in the
wrong hole, taking a small screwdriver and sticking it into the
slotted hole in the back of the convenience outlet can remove
that wire. By pushing the screwdriver into this slot and pulling
on the wire, the wire will easily slip out of the outlet.
7. After you have connected all the wires to the outlet, gently
fold the wires back into the box.

56 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Convenience Outlet Activity 4

8. Attach the outlet to the receptacle by tightening the screws on

top and bottom of the convenience outlet. See figure 4-11.

figure 4-11

9. Repeat the procedure for the second convenience outlet. There

will be only one black, white, and copper wire.
Note: Ensure the black and white wires are connected both to
the top of the outlet or both to the bottom of the outlet.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 57

DEPCOllc
Activity 4 Convenience Outlet

Step 4. Test the circuit

1. Ask the instructor to turn on the electrical power pack.
2. Locate the multimeter and the lead wires. See figure 4-12.

Instructor
Checkpoint

figure 4-12

3. Set the indicator knob to the 50 VAC setting.

4. Insert the large end of the red lead wire into the positive hole
on the multimeter. Insert the small end of the black lead wire
into the negative hole on the multimeter. See figure 4-13.

figure 4-13

58 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Convenience Outlet Activity 4

5. Turn the circuit breaker to the ON position.

6. Insert the small end of the red lead wire into the larger slot in
the convenience outlet. Insert the large end of the black lead
wire into the smaller slot of the convenience outlet. See figure
4-14.

figure 4-14

7. The needle on the multimeter should indicate approximately

12-V. See figure 4-15.

figure 4-15

Note: If your wiring does not work properly, ensure the power pack
is on and that all your connections are secure.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 59

DEPCOllc
Activity 4 Convenience Outlet

8. Ask the instructor to turn off the electrical power pack.

9. Turn the circuit breaker to the OFF position.

10. Remove the lead wires from the convenience outlet.

Instructor
Checkpoint
Activity Review
Answer the following questions on the Student Answer Sheet. Do
not write inside the activity guide.
1. The convenience outlet is used to connect electrical appliances to
electricity.
A. True B. False

2. Octagonal or circular ceiling outlet boxes are used for light switches.
A. True B. False

3. Plastic outlet boxes are not widely used in houses.

A. True B. False

4. The existing electrical boxes in your home, installed when the house
was built, are probably attached directly to _____.
A. studs
B. sheet rock
C. lathe
D. girders

5. In a house built after 1950, walls and ceilings are most commonly
constructed with _____.
A. lathe and plaster
B. shiplap
C. plasterboard (drywall)
D. dimension lumber

Review Question: What is the central element in residential wiring?

Cleanup
Ensure to return all items to their storage location. When you have
completed the activity, turn in your work to the instructor if needed.

Conclusion
In this activity, you identified and located the convenience outlets.
You also learned how to correctly wire convenience outlets.

60 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
 Activity 5
Ceiling Lights and Wall Switch

Objectives
After successfully completing Activity 5, you will be able to:
1. Identify a ceiling light fixture and where it is to be located.
2. Demonstrate the proper wiring of a ceiling box.
3. Demonstrate the proper wiring of a switch to the ceiling
light fixture.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 61

DEPCOllc
Activity 5 Ceiling Lights and Wall Switch

Purpose
The purpose of this activity is to assist you in installing the ceiling
light fixture box. You will properly wire it so that the light can be
controlled by a switch on the wall.

Equipment
Wiring Center with tools and supplies
Student Answer Sheet

New Terms
diffusing bowl traffic pattern
toggle switch

Procedure
Residential Lighting
When wiring a building, one of the most important elements of
a room is the light fixture in the ceiling. The mounting box must
be placed in the ceiling and wire run to it long before the sheet
rock is placed on the ceiling. In addition, a switch must be wired
to control the light.
It is difficult to determine what lighting is desirable for everyone.
Some people prefer more light than others. Sufficient light should
be provided for the activity to be pursued in a given area. Basically,
two types of lighting fixtures are used in residences. They are the
incandescent and the fluorescent types. All bulbs and tubes should
be shielded in a way which will minimize glare. Exceptions are
closets and storage areas. Diffusing bowls and shades are commonly
used to reduce glare. Diffusing bowls are the parts of a light or
lamp that distributes the desired amount of light to certain areas.
Lighting fixtures may be permanently mounted on the ceiling
or wall, or they may be lamps that are plugged into convenience
outlets.
It is desirable to plan for a ceiling fixture in the dining room
centered over the table. Another trend in lighting is to use
fluorescent tubes above a suspended ceiling in the kitchen and
bathrooms. This technique provides plenty of light and is very
attractive.

62 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Ceiling Lights and Wall Switch Activity 5

The number and placement of switches throughout the house will

be related to the number of lighting fixtures, switched convenience
outlets, and other equipment used. Try to select the logical location
for each switch. Take into consideration the traffic patterns. How
most people travel through an area in a home or business is called
a traffic pattern.
The least expensive type of switch is a simple ON/OFF toggle
switch. A little more expensive, but preferred by many people, is
the quiet switch, and the completely silent mercury switch. Other
types include push button, dimmer, and delayed action switches.
A modern home may require several types of switches.

Step 1. Install the wires in the junction box

1. Before you begin, ensure the power pack is off. The red light
on the top of the power pack should be off. If it is not, ask
the instructor to turn it off.
2. Remove the cover plate from the junction box.
3. Loosen the cable clamp on the right side of the junction box.
4. Locate the 35 in. Romex wire.
5. Thread the wire into the hole located above and to the right
of the junction box, straight over through the next hole on
the right. See figure 5-1.

figure 5-1

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 63

DEPCOllc
Activity 5 Ceiling Lights and Wall Switch

6. Thread the wire through the next hole on the right of the panel
by the ceiling fixture. See figure 5-2.

figure 5-2

7. Insert the wire into the junction box. Pull the wire into the
junction box approximately 2 in. See figure 5-3.

figure 5-3

8 Re-tighten the cable clamp on the junction box.

9. Remove the yellow wire nuts from the wires inside the junction
box.

64 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Ceiling Lights and Wall Switch Activity 5

10. Using the wire nuts, attach the new wires to the existing wires.
Ensure to attach the black to the black, the white to the white,
and the copper to the copper. See figure 5-4.

figure 5-4

11. Gently bend the wires back into the junction box.
12. Replace the cover plate.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 65

DEPCOllc
Activity 5 Ceiling Lights and Wall Switch

Step 2. Install wires in the ceiling fixture box

1. Remove the screw inside the bottom of the ceiling fixture box
and take out the clamp. Set it aside.
2. Insert the loose end of the Romex wire into the ceiling fixture
box. The wires need to be inserted into the lower left hole of
the ceiling fixture box. See figure 5-5.

figure 5-5

3. Remove the screw inside the bottom of the ceiling fixture box
and take out the clamp. Set it aside.
4. Locate the 18 in. Romex wire.
5. Loosen the clamp located at the top of the fixture box.
6. Insert one end of the Romex wire into the top left hole of the
fixture box.
7. Tighten both cable clamps that are inside the fixture box.

66 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Ceiling Lights and Wall Switch Activity 5

Step 3. Install the light fixture

1. Place a wire cap on the two copper ground wires. See figure
5-6.

figure 5-6

2. Locate a light fixture, the white connecting wire, and the black
connecting wire. See figure 5-7.

figure 5-7

3. Attach the white connecting wire to a silver-colored screw on

the back of the light fixture, and then tighten the screw.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 67

DEPCOllc
Activity 5 Ceiling Lights and Wall Switch

4. Attach the black connecting wire to a copper-colored screw,

and then tighten the screw. See figure 5-8. Set it aside.

figure 5-8

Step 4. Install the light switch

1. Remove the screw inside the top of the switch outlet box
located to the left of the fixture box and take out the clamp.
Set it aside.
2. Pull the loose end of the Romex wire through the top, left
hole on the panel and into the top, right hole of the switch
box approximately 2 in. See figure 5-9.

figure 5-9

68 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Ceiling Lights and Wall Switch Activity 5

3. Tighten the cable clamp in the switch box.

4. Locate the single-pole light switch, the smallest of the three
switches. Look at the backside, notice the two holes in the
back of it.
Note: Ensure that the switch and the circuit breaker are in the
OFF position.
5. Insert the white wire into the top hole. To determine which
end is the top, hold the switch so that the words OFF and ON
are seen right-side up.
6. Insert the black wire in the bottom hole.
7. With the needle nose pliers, form a hook on the copper ground
wire that can be attached to the green ground screw on the
switch. See figure 5-10.

figure 5-10

8. Attach the copper wire to the green screw, and then tighten it.
9. Gently bend the wires back into the switch box.
10. Attach the switch to the box by tightening the screws located
on the top and bottom of the switch.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 69

DEPCOllc
Activity 5 Ceiling Lights and Wall Switch

Step 5. Install the fixture

1. Locate the ceiling fixture that you set aside earlier.
2. Attach one of the black wires in the ceiling fixture box to the
white wire on the back of the light fixture using a yellow wire
nut. See figure 5-11.

figure 5-11

3. Attach the remaining two white wires together with a wire nut.

70 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Ceiling Lights and Wall Switch Activity 5

4. Attach the black wire on the back of the light fixture to the
black wire inside the ceiling fixture box with a wire nut. See
figure 5-12.

figure 5-12

5. Gently bend the wires into the box and mount the light fixture
by tightening the screws.
6. Locate a light bulb, and then screw it into the socket.
7. Ask the instructor to turn on the power pack.
8. Turn on the circuit breaker and the light switch.
Instructor
Note: If everything is wired correctly, you should have light. If Checkpoint
the light does not come on, you will have to check your work.
9. Turn off the light switch and the circuit breaker.
10. Ask the instructor to turn off the power pack.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 71

DEPCOllc
Activity 5 Ceiling Lights and Wall Switch

Activity Review
Answer the following questions on the Student Answer Sheet. Do
not write inside the activity guide.
1. A trend in lighting is to use fluorescent tubes above a suspended
ceiling in the kitchen and bathrooms.
A. True B. False

2. Traffic patterns are not to be taken into consideration when planning

the placement of light switches.
A. True B. False

3. When wiring a building, one of the most important elements of a room

is the light fixture in the ceiling.
A. True B. False

4. Basically, two types of lighting fixtures are used in residences. They are
_____.
A. incandescent and fluorescent
B. bright and soft
C. AC and DC
D. direct and indirect

5. The least expensive type of switch is a _____.

A. mercury
B. dimmer
C. three-way
D. toggle

Review Question: List the types of switches most often used in residential
wiring.

Cleanup
Ensure to return all items to their storage location. When you have
completed the activity, turn in your work to the instructor if needed.

Conclusion
In this activity, you installed the ceiling light fixture box. You wired
the fixture so that it could be controlled by a switch on the wall.

72 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
 Activity 6
Wiring a Second Junction Box

Objectives
After successfully completing Activity 6, you will be able to:
1. Identify a second junction box and where it is to be located.
2. Discuss the purpose of a second junction box.
3. Demonstrate the proper wiring of a second junction box.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 73

DEPCOllc
Activity 6 Wiring a Second Junction Box

Purpose
The purpose of this activity is to assist you in installing a second
junction box to serve a residence.

Equipment
Wiring Center with tools and supplies
Student Answer Sheet

New Term
three-way switch

Procedure
Putting in New Wiring
When wiring a building, you will find there is often a need for
multiple junction boxes. Generally, each circuit will lead to a
junction box, and then the service outlets will begin at that
junction box. It could be that there are 10 to 20 junction boxes
in a typical home.
No matter how large or versatile your wiring system, it is likely
to be outmoded quickly. New appliances overcrowd existing
receptacles, and new room arrangements call for new lighting
fixtures and switches. Straightforward procedures enable you to add
receptacles near plug-in appliances, to put in three-way switches to
turn lights on and off from two different locations, or to install
built-in fixtures like track lights, illuminated cornices or valances,
or a whole luminous ceiling.
To create these amenities, you must run cables and install outlet
boxes. This additional wiring is simple to conceal inside walls and
ceilings, as long as you work on interior partitions and ceilings. In
most houses, ceilings and the walls between rooms are hollow so
that you can snake cables inside them and sink boxes into them.
It is important that these new wires originate from a new junction
box. The new junction box allows a number of outlets to be put
on a single circuit breaker.

74 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Wiring a Second Junction Box Activity 6

It may be that a number of new junction boxes will be added to

the electrical system of an existing home. The electrician will first
have to check the service panel to see if there are any open circuits
left. Generally, when a home is designed and built, the service panel
will have four to eight open circuits to allow for expansion. These
circuits will be attached to the new junction boxes.

Step 1. Install a circuit breaker

1. Before you begin, ensure the power pack is off. The red light
on the top of the power pack should be off. If it is not, ask
the instructor to turn it off.
2. Remove the cover plate from the service panel.
3. Locate a 1/2 in. cable clamp.
4. Mount the clamp in the bottom middle hole of the service
panel. See figure 6-1.

figure 6-1

5. Locate the 42 in. Romex wire.

6. Pull the Romex wire through the cable clamp until about
5 in. of the cable is in the service panel.
7. Tighten the clamp.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 75

DEPCOllc
Activity 6 Wiring a Second Junction Box

8. Attach the white wire to the third ground pole from the top
on the terminal ground strip and the copper wire to the third
pole from the bottom of the service panel ground strip. See
figure 6-2.

figure 6-2

9. Locate a single-pole circuit breaker.

10. Attach the black wire to the new circuit breaker and tighten
the screw to hold the wire in place. See figure 6-3.

figure 6-3

76 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Wiring a Second Junction Box Activity 6

11. Mount the circuit breaker on the service panel above the first
circuit breaker. Ensure the breaker is off.
12. Replace the service panel cover plate.

Step 2. Wire the junction box

1. Locate a 1/2 in. cable clamp.
2. Mount the cable clamp on the left hole on the second junction
box. The second box is directly below the light fixture you
installed.
3. Feed the Romex wire through the studs to the second junction
box. See figure 6-4.

figure 6-4

4. Insert the wire into the junction box. Pull the wire through
the hole on the left side of the junction box, until about 2
in. of the cable is in the junction box.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 77

DEPCOllc
Activity 6 Wiring a Second Junction Box

5. Tighten the cable clamp. See figure 6-5.

figure 6-5

6. Using electrical tape, tape the ends of the black and white wires.
7. Gently fold back the wires in the junction box.
8. Locate a junction box cover plate.
9. Place the cover plate on the junction box.

78 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Wiring a Second Junction Box Activity 6

Activity Review
Answer the following questions on the Student Answer Sheet. Do
not write inside the activity guide.
1. It could be that there are 10 to 20 junction boxes in a typical home.
A. True B. False

2. In most houses, ceilings and the walls between rooms are solid so that
you cannot snake cables inside them and sink boxes into them.
A. True B. False

3. No matter how large or versatile your wiring system, it is likely to be

outmoded quickly.
A. True B. False

4. When adding new circuits, the electrician will first have to check the
_____ to see if there are any open circuits left.
A. electrical company
B. service panel
C. outlets
D. receptacles

5. Generally, when a home is designed and built, the service panel will
have _____ open circuits to allow for expansion.
A. one to two
B. three to four
C. five to six
D. four to eight

Review Question: What is the purpose of the junction box?

Cleanup
Ensure to return all items to their storage location. When you have
completed the activity, turn in the worksheet to the instructor.

Instructor
Conclusion Checkpoint
In this activity, you added a second junction box to serve a
residence.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 79

DEPCOllc
 DEPCO, LLC
Proceed to the next section

80 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
 Activity 7
220-Volt Outlet

Objectives
After successfully completing Activity 7, you will be able to:
1. Identify a 220-volt outlet box and where it is generally
located.
2. Discuss the purpose of a 220-volt outlet.
3. Demonstrate the proper wiring of a 220-volt outlet.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 81

DEPCOllc
Activity 7 220-Volt Outlet

Purpose
The purpose of this activity is to assist you in wiring a 220-volt
outlet to serve a residence.

Equipment
Wiring Center with tools and supplies
Student Answer Sheet

New Term
double-pole duplex circuit breaker

Procedure
Calculating Electrical Usage
In residential housing, most electrical applications require 110 V,
and until now that is what you have been working with in this
module. However, there are several instances when more than
110 V are needed to operate certain appliances. This area is where
the 220-volt line is used. The cooking range, the hot water heater,
the clothes dryer, and the heating system are all items that require
220-volts.
The size of service entrance equipment and number and type
of branch circuits are dependent upon the size of the house,
appliances, and lighting to be installed. In an effort to show how
circuit requirement calculations are performed, see figure 7-1.

Typical Residence - 1500 ft2

Lighting
1500 ft2 at 3 watts per ft2 = 4,500 watts
Special Circuits
220-amp circuits for kitchen = 4,800 watts
Individual Appliance Circuits
1 circuit for electric range = 12,000 watts
1 circuit for clothes dryer = 5,000 watts
1 circuit for hot water tank = 2,000 watts
1 circuit for clothes washer = 700 watts
1 circuit for garbage disposal = 1,200 watts
1 circuit for dishwasher = 1,200 watts
1 circuit for furnace = 800 watts
Total Wattage = 31,300 watts
figure 7-1

82 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
220-Volt Outlet Activity 7

For a 1500 ft2 home using 110/220-volt, 3-wire systems 31,300 watts
are needed. The entrance requirements are calculated by dividing
31,300 by 220 V, which equals 130.4 amps. Service panels come in
ratings of 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 100, 150, 175, and 200 amps. Since
130.4 is between 125 and 150, the minimum service for this home
is 150 amps. To allow for future expansion, it is advised that a
175-amp service panel be installed for this home.

Step 1. Wire the service panel

1. Before you begin, ensure the power pack is off. The red light
on the top of the power pack should be off. If it is not, ask
the instructor to turn it off.
2. Remove the cover plate from the service panel.
3. Locate a 3/4 in. cable clamp.
4. Mount the cable clamp on the lower-right hole of the service
panel.
5. Locate the double-pole duplex circuit breaker and the 30 in.
14/3 gauge wire. The 14/3 gauge wire should have one white,
one black, one red, and one ground wire. See figure 7-2.

figure 7-2

6. Feed the 14/3 gauge wire through the 3/4 in. cable clamp on
the service panel.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 83

DEPCOllc
Activity 7 220-Volt Outlet

7. Tighten the cable clamp. See figure 7-3.

figure 7-3

8. Attach the copper ground wire to the service panel ground

strip in the fourth hole from the bottom. See figure 7-4.

figure 7-4

9. Attach the white wire to the terminal ground strip in the fourth
hole from the top.
10. Attach the red wire to the top side of the double-pole duplex
circuit breaker.

84 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
220-Volt Outlet Activity 7

11. Attach the black wire to the bottom side of the double-pole
duplex circuit breaker.
12. Mount the circuit breaker into the service panel. See figure
7-5.

figure 7-5

13. Attach the service panel cover plate.

Step 2. Wire the 220-volt outlet

1. Locate the 220-volt outlet. See figure 7-6.

figure 7-6

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 85

DEPCOllc
Activity 7 220-Volt Outlet

2. Loosen the screw in the center of the outlet. The outlet will
come apart.
Note: Inside the outlet there should be a bag of three screws.
Use these screws to attach the outlet to the wall. Do not loose
this bag. You will need to put the screws back in it when
dissembling the panel.
3. Mount the outlet on the wiring panel. See figure 7-7.

figure 7-7

4. Feed the 14/3 gauge wire through the stud and through the
cable clamp into the 220-volt outlet.
5. Tighten the cable clamp.
6. Attach the white wire to the bottom of the terminal.
7. Attach the black wire to the right side of the terminal.

86 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
220-Volt Outlet Activity 7

8. Attach the red wire to the left side of the terminal. See figure
7-8.

figure 7-8

9. Loosen one of the bottom screws you used to attach the outlet
to the wall.
10. Attach the copper wire under the screw head and tighten the
screw. It may be easier to use the needle nose pliers to create a
hook in the copper wire, then wrap the wire around the screw,
and then tighten.
11. Replace the cover plate to the 220-volt outlet, and then tighten
the screw.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 87

DEPCOllc
Activity 7 220-Volt Outlet

Activity Review
Answer the following questions on the Student Answer Sheet. Do
not write inside the activity guide.
1. In residential housing, most electrical applications require 110 V.
A. True B. False

2. The size of service entrance equipment and number and type of

branch circuits are dependent upon the size of the house, appliances,
and lighting to be installed.
A. True B. False

3. A 220-volt outlet is generally wired with lighter wire.

A. True B. False

4. A typical residence of 1500 ft2 would require an amperage of

approximately _____ watts.
A. 10,000
B. 31,300
C. 35,000
D. 100,000

5. The cooking range, the hot water heater, the clothes dryer, and the
heating system need _____ volts to operate.
A. 100
B. 110
C. 150
D. 220

Review Question: If electricity costs 12 cents per kilowatt hour, what would
the electric bill be of a home using 365 kilowatt hours of electricity?

Cleanup
Ensure to return all items to their storage location. When you have
completed the activity, turn in your work to the instructor if needed.

Instructor
Checkpoint Conclusion
In this activity, you worked with some heavier wire, a 220-volt
circuit breaker, and a 220-volt outlet.

88 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
 Activity 8
Wiring a Doorbell

Objectives
After successfully completing Activity 8, you will be able to:
1. Identify a doorbell in a home and where the necessary
components are located.
2. Discuss the purpose of a transformer.
3. Demonstrate the proper wiring of a doorbell.
4. Demonstrate proper connections to low voltage.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 89

DEPCOllc
Activity 8 Wiring a Doorbell

Purpose
The purpose of this activity is to assist you in wiring a doorbell
using low voltage to operate the doorbell.

Equipment
Wiring Center with tools and supplies
Student Answer Sheet

New Terms
doorbell
low-voltage systems
step-down transformer
transformer

Procedure
Low-Voltage Systems
In residential housing, a doorbell is the most common method
of notification of need for entrance. It is generally located at each
entrance to the home. By pressing a button, a bell or a chime will
sound alerting the homeowner that someone wishes to enter. Most
doorbells or chimes do not operate on 110 V. Rather, they operate
on low voltage, generally 12 V or 16 V. In order to achieve this
reduction in voltage, a step-down transformer must be wired into
the circuitry. A transformer will move energy from one circuit to
another.
Low voltage has become a popular and economical method of
signaling and controlling certain systems within a home. This
method lowers power consumption and provides savings.
Low-voltage systems in homes operate at less than 30 V. Doorbells,
intercoms, security systems, and remote control wiring are all
examples of systems that fall into a voltage range of 12 to 24 V.

90 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Wiring a Doorbell Activity 8

Low voltage is popular with these systems because it is safer and

more economical than standard voltages. Safety is increased because
the lower voltage reduces the hazard of shock. Economy is provided
because these low-voltage systems use smaller wires, which cost less.
In addition, low-voltage systems are easy to install and require no
elaborate protective measures.
Note: Additional information on the installation of low-voltage
equipment can be found in Article 725 of the NEC.

Step 1. Wire a doorbell button

1. Locate two yellow electrical wires and a doorbell button. See
figure 8-1.

figure 8-1

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 91

DEPCOllc
Activity 8 Wiring a Doorbell

2. Attach the ends of the wires to the back of the doorbell button.
See figure 8-2.

figure 8-2

3. Feed the wires through the small hole in the wall that is below
the 220-volt outlet.
4. Attach the doorbell button to the wall. See figure 8-3.

figure 8-3

92 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Wiring a Doorbell Activity 8

5. Feed the wires from the doorbell button through the three
studs to the location where the doorbell will be. See figure 8-4.

figure 8-4

6. Locate the second doorbell button and the two orange electrical
wires. See figure 8-5.

figure 8-5

7. Attach the ends of the wires to the back of the doorbell button.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 93

DEPCOllc
Activity 8 Wiring a Doorbell

8. Feed the wires through the hole in the wall in the upper-right
corner of the wiring panel. See figure 8-6.

figure 8-6

9. Attach the doorbell button to the wall.

Step 2. Install the doorbell transformer

1. Locate the doorbell transformer. See figure 8-7.

figure 8-7

94 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Wiring a Doorbell Activity 8

2. Locate the lock nut. It may be connected to the transformer.

If so, remove it. See figure 8-8.

figure 8-8

3. Locate a junction box. Notice there are two screws sticking out
of the back. See figure 8-9.

figure 8-9

4. Remove the nuts and washers from the two screws.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 95

DEPCOllc
Activity 8 Wiring a Doorbell

5. Using the lock nut, attach the transformer inside the junction
box. Tighten the lock nut using the channel lock pliers. See
figure 8-10.

figure 8-10

6. Locate two green electrical wires for the doorbell.

7. Attach a short green wire to each of the screws on the
transformer. See figure 8-11.

figure 8-11

96 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Wiring a Doorbell Activity 8

8. Stick the wires of the transformer through the hole in the stud
and mount the junction box with the transformer onto the
stud. See figure 8-12.

figure 8-12

9. Place the nuts and washers on the bolts and tighten them using
the 3/8 in. end wrench. See figure 8-13.

figure 8-13

10. Locate a junction box cover plate with a hole in the center.
11. Feed the green wires through the hole in the cover plate and
attach the cover plate.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 97

DEPCOllc
Activity 8 Wiring a Doorbell

Step 3. Wire the junction box

1. Before you begin, ensure the power pack is off. The red light
on the top of the power pack should be off. If it is not, ask
the instructor to turn it off.
2. Remove the cover plate from the second junction box.
3. Remove the electrical tape from the wires.
4. Locate a 1/2 in. cable clamp and attach it to the second
junction box.
5. Feed the wires from the transformer into the second junction
box as shown in figure 8-14.

figure 8-14

6. Tighten the cable clamp.

Note: Notice that one wire coming from the transformer is
green and two are black.
7. Locate three wire nuts.
8. Connect the green wire from the transformer to the copper
wire in the junction box using a wire nut.
9. Connect a black wire from the transformer to the white wire
in the junction box using a wire nut.

98 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Wiring a Doorbell Activity 8

10. Connect the remaining two black wires together using a wire
nut. See figure 8-15.

figure 8-15

11. Gently fold back the wires in the junction box.

12. Replace the junction box cover plate.

Step 4. Wire the doorbell

1. Locate the doorbell. See figure 8-16.

figure 8-16

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 99

DEPCOllc
Activity 8 Wiring a Doorbell

2. Remove the white cover from the doorbell.

3. Remove the rubberbands from the doorbell if needed. Notice
two screws taped to the side of the doorbell, these screws will
be used to mount the doorbell.
4. Attach the doorbell to the wiring panel as shown in figure 8-17.

figure 8-17

5. Feed the loose end of one of the green wires coming from the
transformer, through the back of the doorbell. See figure 8-18.

figure 8-18

100 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Wiring a Doorbell Activity 8

6. Use the needle nose pliers to form a loop, and then attach the
green wire to the middle TRANS screw of the doorbell. See
figure 8-19.

figure 8-19

7. Feed a loose end of one of the yellow wires through the back
of the doorbell and attach it to the FRONT doorbell screw.
See figure 8-20.

figure 8-20

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 101

DEPCOllc
Activity 8 Wiring a Doorbell

8. Feed a loose end of one of the orange wires through the back
of the doorbell and attach to the REAR doorbell screw.
Note: Ensure the wires do not interfere with the mechanisms
of the doorbell.
9. You should have three remaining wires, one yellow, one orange,
and one green. Using a wire cup, connect all three wires
together.
10. Carefully tuck the wires behind the doorbell wall to protect
them.
11. Place the cover on the doorbell.

Step 5. Test the circuit

1. Ask the instructor to turn on the power pack.
2. Turn on the circuit breakers.
3. Press each doorbell button.
4. Turn off the circuit breakers.
Instructor Note: If your wiring does not work properly, ensure the circuit
Checkpoint
breaker is on and that all your connections are secure.
5. Ask the instructor to turn off the power pack.

102 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Wiring a Doorbell Activity 8

Activity Review
Answer the following questions on the Student Answer Sheet. Do
not write inside the activity guide.
1. Most doorbells or chimes operate on 110 V.
A. True B. False

2. Low voltage is popular because it is safer and more economical.

A. True B. False

3. In residential housing, a doorbell is the most common method of

notification of need of entrance.
A. True B. False

4. Doorbells, intercoms, security systems, and remote control wiring are

all examples of systems that operate on _____ voltage.
A. higher than 110
B. lower than 30
C. no
D. AC

5. Additional information on the installation of low-voltage equipment

can be found in _____.
A. service entrance boxes
B. receptacles
C. step-down transformers
D. article 725 of the NEC

Review Question: What voltage is considered low and what types of appliances
can run on low voltage?

Cleanup
Ensure to return all items to their storage location. When you have
completed the activity, turn in your work to the instructor if needed.

Instructor
Checkpoint
Conclusion
In this activity, you had the opportunity to work with smaller wire,
a transformer and a doorbell.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 103

DEPCOllc
 DEPCO, LLC
Proceed to the next section

104 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
 Activity 9
Wiring a Three-Way Switch

Objectives
After successfully completing Activity 9, you will be able to:
1. Identify a three-way switch in a home, where it is, and the
necessary components to make it function.
2. Discuss the purpose of a three-way switch.
3. Demonstrate the proper wiring of a three-way switch.
4. Demonstrate proper wiring connections for a three-way
switch.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 105

DEPCOllc
Activity 9 Wiring a Three-Way Switch

Purpose
The purpose of this activity is to acquaint you with the wiring of
a three-way switch.

Equipment
Wiring Center with tools and supplies
Student Answer Sheet

New Terms
hinge pin
power leg
travelers

Procedure
Three-Way Switch
Two three-way switches are used to control a light or appliance
from two locations. The term three-way is merely a name given to
the switch and in no way describes its operation. There are three
terminals on the back of the three-way switch. The single terminal
at one end of the switch is called the hinge point or common. This
terminal is readily identified because it is darker than the other
terminals. The power leg, or hot line, is always connected to this
dark terminal. The remaining two terminals are called travelers and
are used to connect other wires.
Three-way switches are really two-position switches. When the
handle is down contact is made with one terminal. When the
handle is up contact is made with the other terminal. Three-way
switches have no on or off markings because it is the position of
the contacts from one three-way in relation to the other three-way
that determines whether the circuit is complete or not.

106 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Wiring a Three-Way Switch Activity 9

Step 1. Wire the junction box

1. Before you begin, ensure the power pack is off. The red light
on the top of the power pack should be off. If it is not, ask
the instructor to turn it off.
2. Remove the cover plate from the second junction box. See
figure 9-1.

figure 9-1

3. Locate the 22 in. Romex wire.

4. Loosen the screw at the bottom of the junction box and remove
the cable clamp.
5. Insert the wire through the right hole and reattach the cable
clamp.
6. Remove the wire nut from the two black wires. Add the black
wire from the Romex wire and connect the three wires using
the wire nut.
7. Remove the wire nut from the white and black wires. Add the
white wire from the Romex wire and connect the three wires
using the wire nut.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 107

DEPCOllc
Activity 9 Wiring a Three-Way Switch

8. Repeat the procedure for the remaining Romex wire. See figure
9-2.

figure 9-2

9. Gently fold back the wires in the junction box.

10. Replace the cover plate on the junction box.

Step 2. Wire the light fixture box

1. Locate two 1/2 in. cable clamps.
2. Mount the cable clamps on the remaining light fixture box.

108 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Wiring a Three-Way Switch Activity 9

3. Locate the 14/3 gauge wire with ground. See figure 9-3. The
sheath should already be trimmed from the middle and the
red and copper wires clipped.

figure 9-3

4. Insert the wire into the light fixture box. See figure 9-4.

figure 9-4

5. Tighten the cable clamps.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 109

DEPCOllc
Activity 9 Wiring a Three-Way Switch

Step 3. Wire the light switch box

1. Insert the other end of the 14/3 gauge wire through the back
of the second light switch box and reattach the cable clamp.
2. Unscrew the two bottom screws from the light switch boxes
and remove the cable clamps.
3. Place the left end of the 14/3 gauge wire through the stud and
into the right hole in the back of the light switch box. See
figure 9-5.

figure 9-5

4. Insert the end of the Romex wire through the stud and then
through the bottom of the light fixture.

110 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Wiring a Three-Way Switch Activity 9

5. Reattach the cable clamp. See figure 9-6.

figure 9-6

6. Unscrew the bottom screw in the light fixture box and remove
the cable clamp.

Step 4. Install the light fixture

1. Separate all the wires in the light fixture box and connect the
three bare copper wires with a wire nut.
2. Use a wire nut to connect the black wire form the junction
box to the red wire coming from the first switch.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 111

DEPCOllc
Activity 9 Wiring a Three-Way Switch

3. Locate the white and black connecting wires and the light
fixture. See figure 9-7.

figure 9-7

4. Attach the white connecting wire to the silver-colored screw

and attach the black connecting wire to the copper-colored
screw on the light fixture.
5. Connect the black wire from the light fixture to the red wire
in the light fixture box using a wire nut.
6. Connect the remaining white wires together using a wire nut.
See figure 9-8.

figure 9-8

112 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Wiring a Three-Way Switch Activity 9

7. Gently fold back the wires in the light fixture box.

8. Mount the light fixture on the light fixture box.

Step 5. Install the switches

1. Locate the two three-way switches. See figure 9-9.

figure 9-9

2. Connect the red wire from the first light switch box to the
terminal by the black screw in one of the switches. See figure
9-10.

figure 9-10

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 113

DEPCOllc
Activity 9 Wiring a Three-Way Switch

3. Connect the black and the white wires to the two upper
terminals.
4. Wrap the copper wire around the green screw and tighten the
screw. See figure 9-11.

figure 9-11

5. Gently fold back the wires in the light switch box.

6. Attach the switch to the light switch box. See figure 9-12. Repeat
the procedure with the second switch and light switch box.

figure 9-12

114 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Wiring a Three-Way Switch Activity 9

Step 6. Test the circuit

1. Locate the light bulb.
2. Insert the light bulb into the fixture.
3. Ask the instructor to turn on the power pack.
4. Turn on the circuit breakers.
5. Test the circuit by using both light switches.
6. Ask the instructor to turn off the power pack. Instructor
Checkpoint

Step 7. Install the face plates

1. Locate three switch cover plates and mount them into place.
2. Locate two convenience outlet cover plates and mount them
into place.

Activity Review
Answer the following questions on the Student Answer Sheet. Do
not write inside the activity guide.
1. When the handle of a three-way switch is down, contact is made with
two terminals.
A. True B. False

2. Three-way switches have no on or off markings.

A. True B. False

3. The term three-way switch _____.

A. is a name only
B. indicates how it works
C. refers to the convenience outlets
D. describes the operation of the switch

4. There are _____ terminals on the back of the three-way switch:

A. two
B. three
C. four
D. five

5. Three-way switches are really _____ switches.

A. two-position
B. single pole
C. double pole
D. none of the answers are correct

Review Question: When would a three-way switch be used?

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 115

DEPCOllc
Activity 9 Wiring a Three-Way Switch

Cleanup
Ensure to return all items to their storage location. When you have
completed the activity, turn in your work to the instructor if needed.

Instructor
Checkpoint Conclusion
In this activity, you had the opportunity to work with a light that
can be operated from two switches.

116 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
 Activity 10
Post-Test and Wrap-Up

Objectives
After successfully completing Activity 10, you will be able to:
1. Demonstrate your knowledge of residential wiring by taking
the Post-Test
2. Complete any unfinished activities.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 117

DEPCOllc
Activity 10 Post-Test and Wrap-Up

Purpose
The purpose of this activity is to assist you in finalizing a job and
removing all components from the panel.

Equipment
Wiring Center with tools and supplies
Post-Test

Procedure
Step 1. Take the Post-Test
1. Ask the instructor for the Post-Test.
2. Write the letter for the correct answer to each question on the
Student Answer Sheet. Do not write on the test.
3. Return the test to the instructor.
Instructor
Checkpoint

Finalizing the Wiring Project

All projects come to an end. The wiring of a residence will usually
end before the rest of the home is finished. When the wiring phase
of the construction is completed there are still several things that
must be completed before the electrician will get the final payment
for the job. These things include:
• Accounting for all supplies
• Returning supplies for credit
• Cleaning up
• Final inspection to see that all the circuits are functioning
Generally the electrician will not leave any electrical components on
the job unless it was part of the original contract. If the electrician
was to supply all components, then they belong to him or her. If
the homeowner was to supply the components, then they belong
to the homeowner.
Most commonly the electrician will only clean up his or her own
supplies, and the waste material will be cleaned up by a laborer.

118 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Post-Test and Wrap-Up Activity 10

The final inspection is the most important part of the finalizing

of the project. It is the responsibility of the electrician to see that
all of the circuits work. If they do not, he or she must see that
they are fixed.

Step 2. Disassemble the service panel

1. Ensure that the power pack is off and the power to the unit is
unplugged. The red light on the top of the power pack should
be off. If it is not, ask the instructor to turn it off.
2. Locate the student wiring panel inventory sheet from the
instructor. Use this sheet to keep track of the components you
remove from the panel.
3. Remove the front cover of the service panel.
4. Disconnect all of the wires to the terminals.
5. Remove the ground clamp from the ground rod.

Step 3. Disassemble both junction boxes

1. Open the cover panel to the first junction box.
2. Disconnect the wires from the terminals.
3. Place the wire nuts in a plastic bag.
4. Repeat with the second junction box.

Step 4. Disassemble the 220-volt system

1. Remove the cover to the 220-volt plug.
2. Disconnect the wires from the terminals.

Step 5. Disassemble the convenience outlets

1. Remove the outlet from the box.
2. Disconnect the wires from the terminals.
Note: To remove the wires, get a screwdriver, and then insert it
into the slot next to the hole. Pull the wires out as you push
in the screwdriver.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 119

DEPCOllc
Activity 10 Post-Test and Wrap-Up

Step 6. Disassemble the light switches and light fixtures

1. Remove the screws from the light switches.
2. Disconnect the wires from the terminals.
Note: Remove the wires from the backside of the light switches
using a screwdriver.

Step 7. Disassemble the doorbell

1. Unscrew the doorbell buttons. The screws should be placed in
a plastic bag with the doorbell buttons.
2. Disconnect the wires from the terminals.
3. Take off the cover to the doorbell.
4. Disconnect the wires from the terminals.
5. Take off the cover to the transformer junction box.
6. Disconnect the wires from the terminals.
7. Unscrew the junction box from the wall stud.
8. Remove the transformer from the junction box.
Note: All of the yellow and green wires should be rolled up
separately and placed in a plastic bag. There should be six wires
all together.

Step 8. Finish disassembling

1. Remove all of the cable clamps throughout the wall panel.
2. Put the 1/2 in. cable clamps together and the 3/4 in. cable
clamps together in the caddy.
3. Collect the 14/3 Romex wire used in the three-way switch and
place it in the supplies caddy. Straighten the ends of the wire
using pliers and fold it neatly together.
4. Collect the 12/2 Romex wire used in the 220-volt switch and
place it in the supplies caddy. Straighten the ends of the wire
using pliers and fold them neatly together.
5. Collect all of the 14/2 Romex wires. Straighten the ends of the
wire using pliers and fold them neatly together.

120 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Post-Test and Wrap-Up Activity 10

6. Bundle the wires together and place them in the supplies caddy.
7. Remove the ground strip located in the right of the service
panel.
8. Place the cover on the service panel.
9. Gather up all the tools and place them in the supplies caddy.
10. Sign and date the inventory sheet.
11. Ask the instructor for his or her final check out and signature
on the inventory sheet.

Instructor
Checkpoint
Step 9. Complete unfinished activities
1. If there are any incomplete activities, finish them now.
2. You may also review any activities that were difficult or hard
to remember.
3. If you are finished with the previous activities, proceed to the
Bonus Activities in Activity 11.

Cleanup
Ensure to return all items to their storage location. When you have
completed the activity, turn in your work to the instructor if needed.
Instructor
Checkpoint
Conclusion
When you have completed this activity, the residential wiring
student panel should be clear of all the electrical components
except for the service panel, two junction boxes, three wall switch
boxes, two light fixture boxes, and two convenience outlet boxes
for a total of ten components. Also, ensure that you have removed
all of the cable clamps from the boxes and the service panel.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 121

DEPCOllc
 DEPCO, LLC
Proceed to the next section

122 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
 Activity 11
Bonus Activities

Activities

Problem Solving........................................................ 124

Crossword Puzzle.....................................................125
Vocabulary Quiz......................................................126

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 123

DEPCOllc
Activity 11 Bonus Activities

Problem Solving

On the Student Answer Sheet, answer the following questions.

Do not write in this guide.

1. You are the contractor of XYZ Electrical Wiring. You are bidding
on two residences. One residence is a three-bedroom house with
one bathroom. The other is a four-bedroom house with two
bathrooms. The three-bedroom will cost you $1000 in supplies.
The four-bedroom will cost you $2000 in supplies. You have
three employees and you must pay them $14 per hour. It will
take you three days to completely wire the three-bedroom, and
the four-bedroom will take you four days to complete. What is
the lowest you can bid on each house without losing money?
Eight hours is considered one workday.

2. You are working on a house that is 30 ft by 50 ft and has eight

rooms. You will use 1 ft of wire for 1 ft2 of floor space. A 25 ft
roll of wire costs $1.96. You will need four outlets per 100 ft2.
Each outlet costs 60 cents. You will need to wire 3–4 junction
boxes per room.

a. What is the total square footage for this house?

b. How much wire is needed for the house?
c. What is the total cost of wire?
d. How many outlets will you need?

124 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Bonus Activities Activity 11

Crossword Puzzle

Across Down
3. One thousand watts. 1. A material that readily permits electric current to flow
9. A condition that provides no path for electric current. through it.
10. The unit of measure for determining power consumption 2. A set of guidelines and regulations for the safe installation
on an hourly basis. of electrical equipment.
13. The movement of electrons through a conductor. 4. A device used to increase or decrease voltage.
14. Winding of a transformer that is connected to and 5. Electricity in which the direction of electron flow is
receives energy from the source; frequently referred to reversed at regular intervals.
as the input side of the transformer. 6. A complete electrical path through which electricity
15. The unit of measure of the rate at which electricity may flow.
passes through a conductor. 7. The unit of measure of electrical pressure.
16. A condition that provides an undesired path for electrical 11. The modern replacement for fuses.
current. 12. A safety device used to limit the maximum rate of current
17. A material that strongly resists electric current; for most flow in a circuit.
purposes, a material that blocks the flow of electrons.
18. The type of electricity in which electrons flow in one
direction only.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 125

DEPCOllc
Activity 11 Bonus Activities

Vocabulary Quiz

On the Student Answer Sheet, match the following terms on the left to the definitions on the right. Do
not write in this guide.

1. Reduction in voltage by the transformer to other circuits that

require higher voltage.
ampere 2. Popular and economical method of signaling and controlling
certain systems within a home.
branch circuit
3. Terminals on a three-way switch, excluding the power leg.
circuit breaker
4. A safety device used to limit the maximum rate of current
cover plates
flow in a circuit.
double-pole duplex circuit
5. A plate used to cover electrical components in a wall to
breaker
protect a person from shock or injury.
grounding 6. The unit of measure for determining the power consumption
hardboard on an hourly basis.

junction box 7. A metal or plastic enclosure embedded in a wall or ceiling.

kilowatt-hour 8. Switch that turns one light off and on from a single location.

low-voltage systems 9. Force that causes electricity to move through a conductor.

OSHA 10. A device used to increase, step up, or decrease, step down,
voltage.
outlet box
11. Wiring systems that distribute power throughout the house.
receptacle
12. A simple, ON/OFF light switch.
single-pole switch
13. Connecting what has been wired electrically with the ground.
step-down transformer
14. The unit of measure for the amount of current that passes
toggle switch through a conductor.

transformer 15. The unit of measurement for power.

travelers 16. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

voltage 17. Supplies electricity to portable appliances.

watt 18. A circuit breaker that has two switches.

19. Sheets of compressed wood fibers.
20. A box where wires are joined together.

126 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
 Activity 12
Challenge

Objectives
After successfully completing Activity 12, you will be able to:
1. Diagram a wiring plan for a residence.
2. Inventory the components needed for wiring a residence.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 127

DEPCOllc
Activity 12 Challenge

Purpose
Part of wiring a residence is first planning out what components
you need. You will learn to plan ahead and diagram a residence.

Equipment
Activity 12 Worksheet

Procedure
Step 1. Lay out a wiring plan
1. Locate the Activity 12 Worksheet.
2. Decide where you want to put outlets and light switches.
3. Use the chart in figure 12-1 to label your diagram.

   




  
 

   

     

       

figure 12-1

128 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Challenge Activity 12

Step 2. Inventory the components

1. Make an inventory of the wiring components you need to wire
the house. Ensure to list three-way switches as well as single
switches.
2. Look over the diagram and ensure you have all the components
on it. It is easier to wire a house without the drywall or sheet
rock covering the wires than it is to snake wires through the
walls later.

Step 3. Finish up
When you have completed the activity, turn in the Worksheet to
the instructor.

Cleanup
Ensure to return all items to their storage location. When you have Instructor
Checkpoint
completed the activity, turn in the worksheet to the instructor.

Conclusion
Completing the Activity 12 Worksheet gives you the experience
with planning electrical components into a residence.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 129

DEPCOllc
 DEPCO, LLC
Proceed to the next section

130 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
 Activity 13
Open-Ended Challenge

Objectives
After successfully completing Activity 13, you will be able to:
1. Identify and describe the components of an extension cord.
2. Identify the proper assembly of the components of an
extension cord.
3. Complete an extension cord.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 131

DEPCOllc
Activity 13 Open-Ended Challenge

Purpose
The purpose of this activity is to assist the student in designing
and making an extension cord.

Equipment
Length of 16/2 ground extension cord
Male extension cord end
Female extension cord end
Slotted screwdriver
Knife
Wire cutters
Wire strippers

Procedure
Step 1. Prepare the wire
1. Locate the length of 16/2 ground extension cord wire.
2. Strip both ends of the extension cord. Allow about 3/4 in. of
bare wire.
3. Twist the ends of each wire to make them more rigid.

Step 2. Attach the male cord end

1. Locate the male extension cord end.
2. Attach the wires to the screw poles of the receptacle using the
slotted screwdriver.
Note: The screw poles will be green for the ground wire, copper
for the black wire, and silver for the white wire.

132 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Open-Ended Challenge Activity 13

Step 3. Attach the female cord end

1. Locate the female extension cord end.
2. Attach the wires to the screw poles of the receptacle using the
slotted screwdriver.

Step 4. Test the cord

1. Ask the instructor to look over your extension cord.
2. Plug in your extension cord into a convenience outlet in the
room.

Step 5. Disassemble the cord

1. Take apart the extension cord.
2. Put away all materials used in this activity.

Cleanup
Ensure to return all items to their storage location. When you have
completed the activity, turn in your work to the instructor if needed

Instructor
Conclusion Checkpoint

You have demonstrated through this activity that you have

developed knowledge of wiring. This knowledge can help you fix
plugs from appliances that might have come loose from wear.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 133

DEPCOllc
 DEPCO, LLC
Proceed to the next section

134 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
 Activity 14
Careers

Objectives
After successfully completing Activity 14, you will be able to:
1. Identify at least four job duties associated with the
residential wiring industry.
2. Describe what kind of training is required for electricians.
3. Describe basic apprenticeships associated with electricity.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 135

DEPCOllc
Activity 14 Careers

Purpose
Everyone must determine his or her career interests. The purpose
of this activity is to assist you in surveying the career possibilities
in the residential wiring field.

Equipment
paper

Occupations
Apprenticeships
Job opportunities for electricians are expected to be excellent for
qualified electricians and most electricians acquire their skills by
completing a formal 4 or 5 year apprenticeship program. Most
apprenticeship sponsors require applicants for apprentice positions
to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or its
equivalent. Apprenticeship gives trainees a thorough knowledge of
all aspects of the trade and generally improves their ability to find a
job. Although more electricians are trained through apprenticeship
than are workers in other construction trades, some still learn their
skills informally. One-third of all electricians work in industries
other than construction.
Duties
Electricians install, connect, test, and maintain electrical systems
for a variety of purposes, including climate control, security, and
communications. They also may install and maintain the electronic
controls for machines in business and industry. Although most
electricians specialize in either construction or maintenance, a
growing number do both.
Electricians work with blueprints when they install electrical
systems in factories, office buildings, homes, and other structures.
Electricians must follow the National Electric Code and comply
with State and local building codes when they install these systems.
In factories and offices, they first place conduit (pipe or tubing)
inside designated partitions, walls, or other concealed areas.

136 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Careers Activity 14

In addition to wiring a building’s electrical system, electricians

may install coaxial or fiber optic cable for computers and other
telecommunications equipment. A growing number of electricians
install telephone systems, computer wiring and equipment, street
lights, intercom systems, and fire alarm and security systems. They
also may connect motors to electrical power and install electronic
controls for industrial equipment.
Electricians’ work is sometimes strenuous. They may stand for
long periods and frequently work on ladders and scaffolds. Their
working environment varies, depending on the type of job. Most
electricians work a standard 40-hour week, although overtime
may be required. Those in maintenance work may work nights or
weekends, and be on call.

Training
Regardless of how one learns the trade, previous training is very
helpful. High school courses in mathematics, electricity, electronics,
mechanical drawing, science, and shop provide a good background.
Special training offered in the Armed Forces and by post-secondary
technical schools also is beneficial. All applicants should be in
good health and have at least average physical strength. Agility and
dexterity also are important. Good color vision is needed because
workers must frequently identify electrical wires by color.
Most localities require electricians to be licensed. Although licensing
requirements vary from area to area, electricians usually must pass
an examination that tests their knowledge of electrical theory, the
National Electrical Code, and local electric and building codes.

Wages
In 2000, median hourly earnings of electricians were $19.29. The
middle 50 percent earned between $14.49 and $25.41. The lowest
10 percent earned less than $11.31, and the highest 10 percent
earned more than $31.71.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 137

DEPCOllc
Activity 14 Careers

Career Research
After you find a career that interests you, it is a good idea to learn
as much as you can about it. Here are some ways to get information
about potential careers.
Interview or Guest Speaker
Interviewing people who are working in the profession can provide
answers to questions like these:
• How did you get started in your job?
• What do you like most about your job? Least?
• W
 hat personal qualities are important for someone in your
field?
• What education or training does your job require?
• W
 hat advice do you have for a young person interested in
getting started in your field?
• A
 re jobs in your field centered in one particular part of
the country? If so, where?
Newspaper Ads
The Sunday edition of large city newspapers is a good source for
researching job openings. Look for answers to questions like these:
• Which occupations have the most openings?
• What skills are required?
• What are the educational requirements?
• What is the pay range?
• Which jobs require travel or relocation?
Field Trips
Visiting a company or organization that interests you can answer
questions like these:
• What are the working conditions?
• Is the atmosphere formal, informal, fast-paced, or relaxed?
• H
 ow much time do employees spend working alone? In
groups?
• W
 hat are the job responsibilities of different people in the
company?
• Do the employees seem to enjoy their jobs?

138 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Careers Activity 14

College Handbooks
As you find out educational requirements for a career that interests
you, review several college handbooks to find the answer to
questions like these:
• What degrees are available in my field of interest?
• What are the degree requirements?
• What courses are offered?
• W
 hat is the background of the faculty who teach courses
in my field of interest?
State Government
Your state’s department of human resources has publications that
can answer questions like these:
• W
 hat is the employment outlook for my career of interest
in this state?
• W
 hat are the average earnings of a worker in my career of
interest in this state?
• What are the major industries in this state?
• Who are the major employers in this state?
Teachers and counselors
Teachers and counselors can answer questions like these:
• Where can I get the best training for my career of interest?
• W
 hat careers best suit someone with my interests and
abilities?
• W
 hat skills can I develop now that will help me on my
career path?
Library
Librarians can help you find information about careers that interest
you in newspapers, books, magazines, brochures, and the Internet.
Classroom Material
Books and magazines may be available as resource material in the
classroom.
Internet
The World Wide Web has many sites devoted to career education,
job search, and preparation for college. You can also research
specific companies on the Internet.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 139

DEPCOllc
Activity 14 Careers

Cleanup
Ensure to return all items to their storage location. When you have
completed the activity, turn in your work to the instructor if needed.

Conclusion
In this activity, you learned about some of the careers and training
requirements associated with residential wiring. You also developed
research skills.

140 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
 Activity 15
Internet

Objectives
After successfully completing Activity 15, you will be able to:
1. Search the Internet.
2. Follow instructions that are outlined on the Internet.
3. Identify and locate Web sites that relate to the field of
residential wiring.

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 141

DEPCOllc
Activity 15 Internet

Purpose
This activity is intended to provide you exposure to the Internet.
In this activity, you will follow instructions on how to access the
Internet. Once you have connected to the Internet, you will locate
a particular set of instructions on the DEPCO, LLC Web site.
In addition, you will be given a list of other Web sites to search
through.

Equipment
Computer system
Web browser program

Procedure
Step 1. Start the program
Follow the instructor’s directions to open the Web browser
program.
Instructor
Checkpoint
Step 2. Find DEPCO on the Internet
1. In the address bar, type http://www.depcollc.com, and then
click Go. See figure 15-1.

figure 15-1

2. On the DEPCO Web site, click Student Activities. See figure

15-2.

figure 15-2

142 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
Internet Activity 15

3. Locate and select this module to find more information about

the subject. See figure 15-3.

figure 15-3

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 143

DEPCOllc
Activity 15 Internet

4. Follow the on-screen instructions to select a keyword and search

engine.
5. Click to go directly to selected Web sites or the online
Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Step 3. Exit the program

When it is time to complete this activity, follow the instructor’s
directions to exit the Web browser program.

Cleanup
Instructor Ensure to return all items to their proper storage location. When
Checkpoint you have completed the activity, turn in your work to the instructor
if needed.

Conclusion
This activity provided you with a few useful tips for researching on
the Internet. You can now explore various Web sites and search to
locate information you may need for future projects.

144 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc
 Reference

Reference

Glossary.....................................................................146

Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide 145

DEPCOllc
 Reference Section

Glossary

ampere: The unit of measure for the amount of current low voltage systems: Popular and economical method
that passes through a conductor. of signaling and controlling certain systems within a
home.
branch circuit: Wiring systems that distribute power
throughout the house. multimeter: Single instrument which combines the
function of a voltmeter, an ammeter, and an ohmmeter.
circuit: A complete electrical path through which
electricity may flow from the source to a component. National Electrical Code (NEC): A set of guidelines
and regulations for the safe installation of electrical
equipment.
circuit breaker: A safety device used to limit the
maximum rate of current flow in a circuit; the modern
replacement for fuses. Occupational Health and Safety Administration
(OSHA): An agency that oversees safe operations.
convenience outlet: A receptacle used to supply
electricity for portable appliances and devices. outlet box: A metal or plastic enclosure embedded in a
wall or ceiling.
cover plates: A plate used to cover electrical
components in a wall to protect a person from shock or receptacle: Also known as an outlet, supplies electricity
injury. to portable appliances.

diffusing bowl: The part of a light or lamp that single-pole switch: A switch that turns one light or
distributes the desired amount of light to certain areas. appliance on and off from a single location.

doorbell: Most common method of notification of need step-down transformer: Reduction in voltage by the
for entrance. transformer to other circuits that require higher voltage.

double-pole duplex circuit breaker: A circuit breaker three-way switch: Light switch used to turn lights off
that has two switches, rather than one switch like the and on from two different locations.
single-pole circuit breaker.
toggle switch: A simple, ON/OFF light switch. It is the
fuse: Safety device used to limit the maximum rate of least expensive type of switch.
current flow in a circuit. When the current becomes
excessive, the fuse melts and opens the circuit.
traffic pattern: An area in a home or business where
people most often travel.
grounding: Connecting what has been wired electrically
with the ground, which allows a safe path for the
electrical current in case a short occurs. transformer: A device used to increase (step up) or
decrease (step down) voltage.

hardboard: Sheets of compressed wood fibers.

travelers: Terminals on a three-way switch, excluding the
power leg.
hinge pin: The single terminal at one end of a three-way
switch.
volt: The unit of measure of electrical pressure.

junction box: A box where wires are joined together.

voltage: The force that causes electricity to move through
a conductor; also called electromotive force (EMF).
kilowatt-hour: The unit of measure for determining the
power consumption on an hourly basis.
watt: The unit of measurement for power. The rate at
which a device converts electric current to another form
of energy.

146 Residential Wiring Student Activity Guide

DEPCOllc