Electrical Installation Maintenance and Repair

Posted on Dec 6, 2024 in Technology

Electricity Maintenance and Basic Repairs

Maintenance and basic repairs of electrical installations are essential for building conservation.

Basic Electrical Repair Tools and Components:

Electrician’s knife, pliers (flat and cutting), screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead), screwdriver extension poles, wire fish tape, small hammer, duct tape, wire connectors, etc.

Common Electrical Installation Faults:

Short circuits, caused by accidental contact between two conductors, commonly occur in sockets, switches, and junction boxes. Electrical installations include circuit breakers that cut power if current intensity increases significantly. To repair a short circuit in an outlet (often due to loose wires or bad contact):

  1. Disconnect the power at the breaker panel.
  2. Remove the outlet cover to access the screws holding the mechanism in the box.
  3. Check connections; replace any faulty components.
  4. Reinstall the mechanism, cover, and test.

If the short circuit is in a junction box, access it, identify the cause, and insulate all connections using plastic or rubber wire connectors.

Switch faults usually involve the inability to turn current on or off. Repair steps are similar to outlet repair, but note the wiring configuration:

  • Normal switch: two cables
  • Switch with light: three cables
  • Three-way switch: four cables

Fluorescent light problems (flashing or non-illumination) may be due to:

  • Improper tube placement: Rotate until properly connected.
  • End-of-life tube: Replace the tube.
  • Faulty starter or ballast: Replace the component.
  • Noisy terminals: Check connections; replace faulty ballast.

Always take appropriate safety precautions when performing electrical repairs to prevent accidents and comply with occupational hazard prevention laws.

  • Electrical Installation Protection Systems:
    • Fuse: A cylinder containing a calibrated wire that melts if current exceeds its rating, preventing damage.
    • Circuit Breaker: Similar to a fuse, but can be reset after tripping.
    • Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI): Protects users from accidental contact with energized parts.
    • Main Switch/Breaker: Protects the entire electrical system from overcurrent.
  • Wire Identification:
    • Neutral: Blue insulation
    • Hot/Phase: Black, brown, or gray insulation
    • Ground: Yellow and green insulation
  • Minimum Wire Gauge:
    • Lighting: 1.5 mm2
    • Outlets: 2.5 mm2
    • Washing machines/heaters: 4 mm2
    • Kitchen appliances/HVAC: 6 mm2

Electrical Installations in Public Places

Electrical installations must meet these conditions:

  • The main distribution panel should be located as close as possible to the service entrance.
  • Sub-panels are installed in areas inaccessible to the public.
  • Sub-panels have control and protection devices for each circuit.
  • In lighting installations, a failure in one circuit should not affect more than one-third of the total lights.