Basement wiring includes all the work related to the electricity of a residential basement, such as electrical wiring or its modification and reconstruction, installation of switches and electrical sockets or their replacement, installation of invisible light and any interior lighting, installation of electrical panels, installation of fuses up to renovation, repair and optimization of them, installation of security systems. They are the most critical parts of basement wiring, but they can be independent of its implementation. Because, in most cases, the design group is different from the implementation group.

The most critical factors in repairing and wiring the basement electrical system

If you plan to renovate your basement, you should know that one of the essential factors of re-wiring is the lighting issue because it can transform the interior decoration of your basement. To ensure that the lighting you want is implemented precisely, you can ask the electrical designer of your building to simulate the work plan for you so that you know precisely how your basement will look.

The second issue is an electrical map. In the renovation of your basement, you should not carry out wiring without an electrical plan because the electrical renovation, like the first day’s design, requires a plan.

Know the methods of basement wiring

There are two general methods for basement wiring; surface and recessed methods. In the surface method, as its name suggests, the wiring is done on the surface of the walls and ceiling. This method does not need to dig a channel and carve on the walls. The wires are seen without pipes or any protection on the walls, which is the biggest drawback of this method. The surface method is mainly used as supplementary electroplating. So, it is used in places that are not visible if the building’s electricity needs more lighting; in recessed wiring, all the wires are inside the pipe, and the lines are inside the channel. In this method, you must dig a canal to install the pipes. Recessed electrification is the usual method of electrification of all kinds of buildings.

How to ensure the safety of the basement electrical wiring?

The insulation quality of the electric wire is damaged by electrical leaks, chemical corrosive substances, overvoltage and even some environmental factors such as humidity and temperature. Due to the importance of electrical wiring in terms of potential risks, it is necessary to periodically test the electrical wiring’s health. The basement electrical wiring test is one of the safety tests you can perform in all residential, commercial, and office buildings. By completing this simple test, you can avoid the risks caused by wiring problems. Electric shock and fire are the most critical risks caused by faulty power supply systems and electrical circuits.

How to check the wiring in old basements?

Due to worn-out wiring circuits in old basements, testing is more important. To test the integrity of the wiring, you need an electrical map of the basement. This map contains complete information on all electrical panels and the location of junctions, fuses, and circuit breakers. If this map does not exist, you must find the main switches and draw a diagram of all the circuit breakers and fuses. You should measure the chandeliers and lamps connected to the switch and the electrical outlets.

Note: In old buildings, there is a possibility of changes in the main electrical plan of the building! Previous owners always make changes to the wiring system. If you have the basic electrical map, you can determine the circuit path from it. It is better to draw the electrical map for the subsequent cases.

It is necessary to check the wiring of the basemen.

Electrical wiring is one of the systems that an electrician implements. Typically, standard wiring does not cause a problem, but you cannot ignore the wear and tear of wires and electrical circuits over time. Working on the building’s electrical cables, switch, and socket branches requires specialized knowledge. People not trained in wiring should not try to open and repair switches and sockets just by having a phase meter and a screwdriver. For example, when installing a chandelier on the ceiling, you should check the insulation of the wires in advance. Installing a sensor lamp is not something you can do without expertise. It would be best if you did not ignore the dangers of high-voltage shocks. Distribution boxes, fuses, and even simple switches and sockets can also fail.

Note: Be sure to test with a voltmeter before working on electrical circuits. If it shows a number, there is still current in the circuit. If you don’t have experience, get help from an electrician, like KCS Group, to save your life.

The initial stages of testing wiring in the basement

Using the switch on the electric meter, turn off the electricity to the house or room where you want to work on the electrical wiring.

Test the electrical circuit you will work on with a voltmeter before touching it. Hold the voltmeter with an insulated grip and connect the bare end of the probe to the circuit’s hot wire, usually white or black, located near the bottom of the box. Connect the other probe to a metal object to establish a ground connection. If a number is displayed, the circuit is still active, and you should not work on it as long as it is energized.

Try one of the wall outlets by sticking a probe to the left and right of the socket. If the socket works, the voltmeter shows that a specific voltage is coming from the socket.

Turn all circuit breaker switches off and then on to make sure they work. Then check all the wires to make sure they are not short. Replace them if needed.

KCS Group Basement Wiring Services

Implementation and repairs of basement electricity, reconstruction and renovation of wiring, duct installation, troubleshooting of basement electricity, connection repair, repair and replacement of electric fuse, miniature switch, fuse box and electrical panel, installation of various chandeliers, lighting, replacement of switches, and other electrical accessories, and cabling of HVAC systems are among the services provided by KCS Group. Contact the experts of KCS Group to ensure the electrical wiring of your basement.