RESIDENTIAL ELECTRICAL MATERIALS Apprentice Electricians Should Know

Summary

In this educational video, Dustin Stelzer from Electrician U introduces essential materials for residential electrical work. He covers nonmetallic sheathed cable (Romex), various staples for securing cables, nail-on boxes, pop-in boxes, and different types of boxes for lights and fans. Dustin also explains receptacles, switches, circuit breakers, and special devices like GFCI and arc-fault breakers. The video is a comprehensive guide for apprentices to familiarize themselves with common electrical components and their applications in residential settings.

Takeaways

• 🔌 Romex, also known as nonmetallic sheathed cable, is commonly used for wiring in residential settings.
• 📌 Staples are essential for securing NM-B cable to walls in residential electrical work.
• 🏠 Nail-on boxes are mounted on wood studs and used for housing receptacles, switches, and other devices.
• 🔩 Pop-in or cut-in boxes are used for installations in existing drywall, allowing for easy integration into remodeled spaces.
• 💡 Round nail-on boxes are specifically designed for ceiling lights and are always round in shape.
• 🥞 The pancake box is a shallow box used where only the depth of the drywall is available for installation.
• 🎉 Fan-rated boxes, or 'fan-cakes', are reinforced to support the weight of fans and heavy lighting fixtures.
• 🛠️ Bar hangers are used when mounting electrical boxes between studs or trusses without direct nailing access.
• 🔑 Duplex receptacles provide two outlets for plugging in devices, a common feature in residential electrical setups.
• 💧 GFCI receptacles are crucial for wet locations to prevent electrocution by interrupting the circuit in case of ground faults.

Q & A

What is Romex and what is it commonly used for?

Romex is a brand name for nonmetallic sheathed cable, specifically NM type-B. It is used for running electrical wires in walls between plugs, switches, and other electrical devices in residential settings.

What is the purpose of staples in residential electrical work?

Staples are used to secure nonmetallic sheathed cable, like Romex, to walls during residential electrical installations.

Can you explain the function of nail-on boxes in electrical installations?

Nail-on boxes are used to hold electrical devices such as receptacles or switches. They are hammered into wood studs and have nails attached for securing the box in place before wiring.

What is the difference between a pop-in box and a nail-on box?

A pop-in box, also known as a cut-in box, is used in remodel jobs or in existing houses with sheetrock already in place, whereas a nail-on box is used in new constructions where you can directly nail the box onto a wood stud.

Why are round nail-on boxes used in electrical installations?

Round nail-on boxes are typically used for light fixtures, especially in ceilings, as they provide a means to secure the wiring and attach the light fixture.

What is a pancake box and when would you use one?

A pancake box is a shallow electrical box used when there is limited space, such as directly over a stud or joist. It's only as deep as the sheetrock and is used for running a few conductors.

How does a fan-rated box differ from a regular pancake box?

A fan-rated box, or 'fan-cake,' is reinforced to hold heavier loads, such as ceiling fans. Unlike a regular pancake box, which has small ears that can bend under heavy weight, a fan-cake has a stronger, threaded, and reinforced side to support the weight of a fan.

What is the purpose of a bar hanger in electrical installations?

A bar hanger is used when you need to mount an electrical box between studs or joists without direct access to a solid surface to nail into. It's a flexible solution for hanging boxes in areas where traditional mounting isn't possible.

What is a duplex receptacle and how is it different from a single receptacle?

A duplex receptacle has two outlets, allowing two devices to be plugged in simultaneously. A single receptacle, on the other hand, has only one outlet for a single device.

Why are GFCI receptacles important in residential electrical work?

GFCI receptacles are crucial for safety in wet locations, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoors, as they protect against electric shock by interrupting the circuit when a ground fault is detected.

What is the role of a circuit breaker in a residential electrical system?

A circuit breaker is a safety device in an electrical panel that protects electrical circuits from damage caused by overload or short circuit by interrupting the flow of electricity.

What is the purpose of an AC disconnect and where is it typically used?

An AC disconnect is used to provide a means of disconnecting power at the point of use, typically for appliances like air conditioning units or electric water heaters, allowing for safe maintenance or service without affecting the entire circuit.

What is the function of an in-use cover in outdoor electrical installations?

An in-use cover, also known as a bubble cover, is a weatherproof enclosure used to protect outdoor electrical devices, like receptacles, when they are in use, preventing moisture and water ingress.

Outlines

00:00

🛠️ Essential Materials for Residential Electrical Work

Dustin Stelzer from Electrician U introduces essential materials for residential electrical work. He starts with Romex, a brand name for nonmetallic sheathed cable, specifically NM type-B, used for in-wall wiring between plugs, switches, and other household electrical components. Staples are necessary for securing Romex to walls, with various types and depths available. Nail-on boxes are used to hold receptacles or switches and come in different gang sizes. Pop-in or cut-in boxes are used in remodeling or existing houses with sheetrock. Round nail-on boxes are for light fixtures, typically installed in ceilings. Round pop-in boxes are used similarly but for existing sheetrock setups. Pancakes are shallow boxes for areas with limited space, while fan-cakes are reinforced versions for hanging fans. The paragraph concludes with the mention of fan braces, which are heavy-duty supports for fans and heavy chandeliers.

05:01

🔌 Receptacles, Switches, and Breakers in Electrical Work

The video continues with a discussion on various types of receptacles and switches. Duplex receptacles have two outlets, while single receptacles are used for dedicated circuits like refrigerators. GFI receptacles, also known as GFCI, are crucial for wet locations to prevent electrocution. Single pole switches are basic on-off switches, whereas three-way switches allow controlling the same light from two locations. The video also touches on different styles of switches, such as toggle and decora. Circuit breakers are introduced as the starting point of branch circuits, with a focus on arc-fault circuit interrupters that provide additional protection against electrical fires caused by arcing faults.

10:08

⚙️ Outdoor Electrical Materials and Safety Equipment

The script moves on to outdoor electrical materials, starting with carflex, a nonmetallic, liquid-tight flexible conduit used to connect outdoor units like air conditioners to prevent water penetration. Carflex connectors, including straight and 90-degree types, are used to adapt to different installation angles. AC disconnects are highlighted as essential for safely disconnecting power to outdoor units like air conditioners for maintenance. Bell boxes are weatherproof enclosures for outdoor receptacles or switches, designed for wet locations. Lastly, in-use covers, also known as bubble covers, are explained as weatherproof seals used to protect outdoor electrical boxes from moisture, with different inserts for various devices.

15:11

🏠 Overview of Residential Electrical Components

In the final paragraph, Dustin summarizes the wide range of residential electrical components covered in the video, emphasizing their importance for apprentices and those new to the field. He hints at future videos that will delve deeper into commercial electrical work and encourages viewers to ask questions for further clarification. The video aims to provide a foundational understanding of the terminology and practical applications of various electrical materials and devices used in residential settings.

Keywords

💡Romex

Romex is a brand name for nonmetallic sheathed cable, specifically referred to as NM type-B in the script. It's a type of electrical cable used for residential wiring, running between outlets, switches, and other electrical devices within a house. The term 'Romex' is widely used colloquially, even though it's technically a brand name, indicating its prevalence in the field. In the video, Dustin Stelzer emphasizes the importance of understanding the correct terminology and usage of Romex for residential electrical work.

💡Staples

Staples are used in electrical work to secure nonmetallic sheathed cable, like Romex, to walls or other surfaces. They come in various types and depths, with some rated to hold one or more conductors. The script discusses the debate over stacking multiple conductors under a single staple, which is an important consideration for electrical safety and code compliance. Staples are a fundamental tool in the installation and securing of electrical wiring in residential settings.

💡Nail-on Box

A nail-on box is a type of electrical box designed to be secured to wooden studs by nails. It's used for holding electrical devices like switches, receptacles, or other outlets. The script mentions different sizes of nail-on boxes, such as one-gang for a single device and four-gang for multiple devices. These boxes are essential for organizing and protecting electrical connections in residential construction.

💡Pop-In Box

A pop-in box, also known as a cut-in box, is used for installations where sheetrock is already in place, such as in remodeling projects. This type of box is cut into the sheetrock to provide a place for electrical devices. The script specifies single-gang, three-gang, and four-gang pop-in boxes, indicating the variety available for different numbers of devices. Pop-in boxes are crucial for retrofitting electrical components into existing walls.

💡Round Nail-On Box

A round nail-on box is specifically designed for use with light fixtures, typically in ceilings. It's always round and comes in different sizes, such as a four-inch round nail-on box mentioned in the script. These boxes are used to secure light fixtures in place and are a common sight in residential electrical installations, particularly for ceiling lights.

💡Pancake

A pancake is a type of electrical box with a shallow depth, suitable only for the thickness of sheetrock. It's used in situations where a light fixture or other device must be placed directly over a stud or similar obstruction and cannot be moved into an open space. The script mentions that pancakes are not rated for many conductors, so understanding 'box fill' rules is important when using them. Pancakes are a specialized tool in the electrician's arsenal for specific installation scenarios.

💡Fan-Cake

A fan-cake is a fan-rated version of a pancake electrical box, designed to support the weight of ceiling fans, which are typically heavier than light fixtures. Unlike a standard pancake, a fan-cake has reinforced sides to handle the additional load. The script emphasizes the importance of using a fan-cake instead of a regular pancake for ceiling fans to prevent damage or failure due to weight.

💡Fan Brace

A fan brace is a heavy-duty support used for mounting fans or heavy chandeliers, especially in situations where a standard box or fan-cake is not sufficient. The script describes fan braces as being used for mounting between trusses or in other situations where a strong support is needed. They are rated to hold significant weight, making them essential for safely installing heavy electrical loads.

💡Bar Hanger

A bar hanger is a type of electrical support that hangs between studs or trusses, rather than being nailed directly to them. The script mentions that bar hangers are used for light-weight installations and are not suitable for heavy loads like fans or large chandeliers. They are versatile, allowing for the installation of electrical devices in situations where direct stud mounting is not possible.

💡Duplex Receptacle

A duplex receptacle is an electrical outlet with two slots, allowing two separate plugs to be inserted simultaneously. It's a common type of receptacle found in residential settings, as mentioned in the script, and is used for everyday power needs. The term 'duplex' refers to its double capacity, and it's a fundamental component of residential electrical systems.

💡GFCI Receptacle

A GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) receptacle is a safety device used in wet locations, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoors, to prevent electric shock. The script explains that GFCI receptacles are designed to trip and切断电源 when they detect a ground fault, which could occur if water comes into contact with live electrical components. They are a critical safety feature in residential electrical installations.

💡Single Pole Switch

A single pole switch is a basic on-and-off switch used in residential electrical systems. The script mentions that it's used for controlling lights or as a disconnect for certain devices like gas furnaces. It's a fundamental component in electrical wiring, allowing for the manual control of electrical circuits.

💡Three-Way Switch

A three-way switch is used to control a light or other electrical device from two different locations. The script clarifies that it's not called a two-way switch because it involves a 'common' terminal and two 'traveler' terminals, allowing the flow of electricity to be directed in two different paths. This type of switch is essential for certain lighting configurations in homes.

💡Circuit Breaker

A circuit breaker is a safety device found in electrical panels that protects electrical circuits from damage caused by overload or short circuit. The script describes how circuit breakers function as the starting point for branch circuits, which distribute power to outlets and devices. They are a fundamental part of residential electrical systems, ensuring safety and preventing damage.

💡Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter

An arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) is a type of circuit breaker designed to detect and interrupt electrical arcs, which can be a cause of fire. The script mentions that AFCIs are required in specific locations within homes, providing an additional layer of safety beyond standard circuit breakers. They are particularly important for protecting against electrical fires caused by faulty wiring or devices.

💡Carflex

Carflex, also known as nonmetallic liquid-tight flexible conduit, is used to protect electrical wiring, especially in outdoor applications where water exposure is a concern. The script explains its use in connecting wiring from a house to outdoor units like air conditioners, ensuring that the wiring remains protected from the elements. Carflex is a versatile and essential component for outdoor electrical installations.

💡AC Disconnect

An AC disconnect is a device used to provide a safe means of disconnecting power to appliances like air conditioning units or electric water heaters. The script mentions that it allows technicians to safely work on equipment without having to access the main electrical panel. AC disconnects are crucial for safety during maintenance and repairs of electrical appliances.

💡Bell Box

A Bell box is a weatherproof electrical enclosure used for outdoor installations, such as on the exterior of a house. The script describes how it can house receptacles or switches and is designed to withstand exposure to the elements. Bell boxes are essential for outdoor electrical installations, providing protection against moisture and weather-related damage.

💡In-Use Cover

An in-use cover, also referred to as a bubble cover, is a weatherproof cover used to protect electrical boxes and devices in outdoor or wet locations. The script explains that it allows for the use of extension cords or other cords while keeping the electrical connections safe from the elements. In-use covers are an important accessory for outdoor electrical installations, ensuring safety and protection from the environment.

Highlights

Introduction to residential electrical materials by Dustin Stelzer

Explanation of Romex and its alternative name, nonmetallic sheathed cable

Different types of nonmetallic sheathed cable and their uses

Use of staples for securing NM-B cable to walls

Debate on stacking multiple conductors under a single staple

Nail on boxes for securing electrical boxes to wood studs

Variety of nail on box sizes for different electrical devices

Pop pin boxes or cut-in boxes for use in sheetrock

Round nail on boxes for ceiling light fixtures

Round pop in boxes for adding lights in existing sheetrock

Pancake boxes for shallow installations in sheetrock

Fan-cake boxes for supporting fan fixtures

Difference between pancake and fan-cake boxes

Fan brace for heavy-duty installations in wood or between trusses

Bar hanger for installations between studs without direct nailing

Duplex receptacle for dual plug-in capability

Single receptacle for dedicated circuits like appliances

GFI receptacle for wet locations to prevent electrocution

Clarification on the terms GFI and GFCI

Single pole switch for basic on-off control

Three-way switch for controlling lights from two locations

Difference between toggle and decora switches

Circuit breakers as the starting point of branch circuits

Arc-fault breakers for additional protection in specific locations

Carflex for outdoor wiring to prevent water penetration

Carflex connectors for different installation angles

AC disconnect for local power disconnection at appliances

Bell box for weatherproof outdoor electrical enclosures

In-use covers for outdoor receptacles to prevent water ingress

Transcripts

What's going on my friends this is Dustin Stelzer  

with Electrician U and today we're going  to talk about a whole bunch of different

materials that you should know if you're  getting into the residential electrical game

Alright number 1 on our list is romex. A lot of  people call this Romex, Romex is really a brand

It's actually called nonmetallic sheathed  cable. This specifically is NM type-B

There's several different types  of nonmetallic sheathed cable,  

but this is the stuff that you run in the wall

So between plugs and switches and pretty much  everything in a house, you're gonna use romex

Number 2 staples

Staples are what we use to secure  that type NM-B cable to walls

There's several different types of  staples. There's several different  

depths some of them have ratings  so that you can put one of these

pieces of romex

under one staple

Some of them are rated for two. There's a whole  

debate on whether or not you  should be stacking multiple

conductors or multiple pieces of romex under  

a staple. We'll get into that  conversation at a later date

But just know staples are your  method of securing said cable.

Number 3 is the nail on box. Nail on boxes are

what they say they are. It's a  box with nails that come on it

You hammer these into a wood  stud and that's what holds

the box in place and then you run wire into it  and you're gonna have a receptacle or a switch

or something in this box. They come in a bunch  

of sizes because you may have  one device. This is a one-gang

This is a two-gang nail-on box. So you  could have two switches, two plugs, whatever

three-gang nail-on box and a four-gang  nail-on box. There's many different  

types and styles some come  with screws some come with

brackets some come with a little a little

extra piece of plastic with holes  in it so you can screw it in but  

essentially they're all doing the same purpose

They're all being nailed on to a stud

Next is the pop pin box or the cut-in box,  

depending on where you're at in  the country what people call it

This is a single gang

Same thing as the nail on it's just  that these get cut into sheetrock

So you would typically use these in  a job like a remodel or something or  

if you're adding something to  an existing house that already

has all the sheetrock up and  you need to put something

Receptacle or a switch somewhere

So this is the stuff that you would  use when there's already sheetrock up

The other stuff is what you would use if  it's just wood and it's a brand new building

So these come in single-gang,  I don't have a two-gang...you  

don't know how much that actually irritates me

But I do have a three-gang and I do have a  four-gang. So again the same kind of thing

You're just putting several different  devices in these and have different sizes  

depending on how many different  devices you're putting in them

Next is the round nail on  box. So these are for lights

Usually you're gonna have these in a  ceiling somewhere run wire into it.  

And then your light fixture  is going to attach to this

They're always round. There's several different  

styles of these again. This is  a four inch round nail on box

Next up is the round pop in box or cut in box

this is if there's already sheetrock up and you're  adding a light somewhere cut the sheetrock out and

Stick this up in the hole and secure it down and  it's going to hold itself against the sheetrock

This is a three inch round

This is a four inch round again  multiple different styles of each,  

but you need to know the round pop in box

Number seven is the pancake. So this is a box that  you would use. It's only the depth of sheetrock

So if you have something like a piece of  

wood a stud or something and you  have to have a light right there

It can't be moved over into the open space,  

you would use a pancake and you  run your conductors into this

Very few conductors. These aren't rated  to have a whole bunch of wires in them

So you have to know a little bit about box fill,  

but essentially you just need  to know this is called a pancake

Number eight is the fan-cake, so

Fan cake is basically the same thing as a  pancake. It's just that it's fan-rated. So

You can't hang a fan from this pancake.  You have to have a fancake instead

Or a fan rated pancake. (We just  call them fan cakes.) Reason is,  

is a pancake has these tiny little

ears on them and with enough  weight you can bend those ears

So for a fan, they typically weigh a  whole lot more than a light fixture

You need something that has a hard side that's  threaded and reinforced that can hold a fan. So

You need to know fan-cake

Next up is the fan brace. So just like a fan cake  is meant to hold a fan, a fan braces is as well

the only difference between the  fan cake and the fan brace is if

You're mounting to wood, then you  would use something like this the  

fan cake if you're mounting in between a chase

You know in between two trusses then you're going  to use something like this a super heavy-duty

Usually holds between 50 and 70 pounds depending  on which rating you're using (CSA or UL's rating)

But just know, fan braces are for fans. We also  use these a lot for really heavy chandeliers

Or really heavy lighting that we put up  if we think that a regular box, you know

something like this or or

A nail on box is not stout enough and we  

think it's gonna rip hunter the  ceiling if we use one of these

Then we'll use something a lot more heavy-duty  

like this fan brace for it.  Next up is the bar hanger

So a bar hanger is really essentially one  of these nail on boxes just on a hanger

So if you're not nailing  it up to a stud or a truss

You're gonna put it in between two of them  just like you would do with the fan brace

and then this whole thing slides you're  gonna use these things like crazy

Sometimes you'll use them  in walls. So they'll face  

out like this and a light fixture will hang off

Sometimes you put them up in the  ceiling but you're gonna do light

weight stuff with one of these you're not putting,  

you know a 300-pound fixture  hanging from it. It's plastic

So it's got plastic holes. It's  you put threaded screws into it

And if it's heavy enough

Something can rip out of this

so you would still need to use  like a fan brace or a fan cake  

or something heavy-duty if you're gonna do like a

Fan or like a 100 pound chandelier. Next up is  

the duplex receptacle. It's called a  duplex receptacle because there's two

receptacles you can plug two different things into  this. So you're gonna install so many of these

that you're not ever even gonna be able  to count the amount of duplex receptacles

you're going to put in but just know this  is a duplex receptacle. This is not a plug

This is a receptacle. Although you're gonna  hear so many people just call this a plug

Next is the single receptacle. So just  like a duplex receptacle it receives

a plug or a cord that goes in  to it, but there's only one

so we usually use these for dedicated  circuits if we have a refrigerator a

dishwasher or disposal or something  and we don't want something else  

getting plugged in so that there's two  loads being drawn in the same circuit

We just put this in so you can  only plug one thing into it

So this is a single receptacle.  Next we have the GFI receptacle.  

This is a ground fault circuit interrupter

This is something that you're going to use in wet  locations like outdoors or in you know garages

Utility rooms, kitchens, bathrooms,  anywhere where you could potentially  

have water on the floor and people could  stand in that water and get electrocuted

badly, so you're going to use  GFI receptacles quite a bit

And another thing a lot of people  call them GFI's they're actually GFCIs

There are some people out there  that are very picky about you  

calling it a GFI versus you calling it a GFCI

a GFI is a ground fault interrupter a

GFCI is a ground fault circuit interrupter

Either way you go

just know when you're going in that  this is to clear ground faults and  

ground faults are something  that we'll get into in a later

video but these receptacles GFCI receptacles are  

used in wet locations. Next  up is a single pole switch

So a single pole switch you're  gonna install so many of these again

you can even imagine how many of  these you're going to be working on

single pole switch is

essentially just an on-and-off. That's all there  is. It's either connecting or disconnecting a wire

so you use these a turn light  switches on sometimes you use them as

disconnects so that you can disconnect power  to like a gas furnace or something like that

but you'll use the crap out of these just remember  

single pole switch means  turning on and turning off

Next in that same vein is the three-way switch a  

three-way switch surprisingly does  not turn on three different things

This was a hard thing for me as  an apprentice to understand why,  

it doesn't matter why I  mean, you know how it works

but it's like

You think intuitively it should be called a  

two-way switch because you can  switch from two different ways

But that's not what it's it's for. So they call  it a three-way switch. You can see that the

terminals on the back are different. This  single pole receptacle only has two screws

You have your incoming hot and then you have the  

the conductor that goes out  to the light with a threeway

you actually have three screws

So you have a common screw  which is where your incoming

hot goes or you're outgoing out  to a light and then you have two  

travelers that get run between these two devices

we'll go into this later

You don't need to know that you just need to  know a three-way switch is a switch that's used

when you're trying to switch the same  lights from two different locations,  

so it's not just an on and off. It's a

Send current one-way and send  current in a different way,  

depending on which position you switch this in

Now another thing to bring up real quick before I  

move on you see the difference  between these switches, right?

This is what we call a toggle switch

So you there's actually a lever a toggle that  you flip this is called a decor or decora switch

You have it's basically a paddle  switch of people calling that as well

But they're just two different styles  of switch. That's it. It's just a  

visual aesthetic thing some people love this style

They usually match these plugs

They all have the same plates that go around  them because they're identical, same size

So a lot of people like the style in their homes

where a lot of other people like  the standard style where, you know,

there's the round face on receptacles  and the toggling for the switches

Next up is the circuit breaker

so circuit breakers are in every building  that you're gonna mess with so just

understanding that a circuit breaker  is the starting point of a branch  

circuit and a branch circuit is what goes out to

receptacles and lighting and everything  that comes out of the panel and

feeds some kind of load. But the way that  

you turn the circuit off is by  turning the breaker on or off

So this is just a standard single pole breaker

So the next thing that you're gonna want to know  is the arc-fault breaker. In dealing with homes

we have these things called arc fault  breakers. They have this fancy little

white pigtail that comes off of them.  There's a whole bunch of different styles

There's different, you know "combination  arc-fault" that will do series and parallel  

arc detection or there's just regular arc-fault

but knowing arc-faults is a really  important thing because there's very  

specific rooms and locations and loads  that have to have arc-fault protection

this is a breaker, but it does more than just

test how much current is going through a circuit.  So it trips if there's a dangerous situation

It also detects if there's any arcing  happening somewhere in the circuit

so just knowing that arc-faults and circuit  breakers are essentially the same thing

there's just a difference in why and how they  

work and what locations are what  but we'll do more on that later

Next is what we call out in the field,  carflex. Some people just call this flex

There's a whole different series  of names that you can understand  

because there's three different types of conduits

That kind of look very similar to this

But this is nonmetallic

liquid tight

flexible conduit

Meaning it's nonmetallic. So you can flex it.  

It's liquid type meaning no water is  gonna penetrate it and get into it

and it's a type of conduit so you would  run conductors on the inside of this

mainly we use these

outside at

Air conditioners when you're coming from  inside the house where your wires emerge  

out of the house and there's an  air conditioner on the ground

You're going to use this to hook up conductors so  

that the conductors don't get wet.  You can't just run them in free air

You actually have to have  them in some kind of conduit

That's not the only place you would use these  there's a lot of reasons why you would use carflex

But just know what carflex is  and that it's used outdoors

to hook things up around the house

Alright, so since we just talked about carflex,  

the next thing we should talk  about is carflex connectors.

So there's two different styles of  connectors (actually there's way more  

than two different styles)  but there's two different

types to concern yourselves with  this is what we call a car flex 90

because it's a 90 degree connector. So

you would essentially hook this up like this

if the box that you're hooking up  to is at 90 degrees. If you don't  

have enough room to run straight into that thing

you know like this would  be sticking out. This is a

straight carflex connector  and this is a car flex 90

So just know that there's two different

kinds depending on what you have room for and  where you're coming into an enclosure or a box

next up is the AC disconnect. An AC disconnect is

Generally used for hooking  up to air conditioning units

There has to be a means of disconnection or what  

we call a disconnecting means - a  way for a technician that you know

maybe an AC guy has to go out  and fix an air conditioning unit

he needs to be able to pull power  and disconnect that unit right  

there at the unit so he can work on it and then

reconnect power when he leaves

Same thing for furnaces a lot of electric furnaces  

use AC disconnects where they're  not really called AC disconnects

We just call them that if you're at  Home Depot, you might see some boxes

Usually it's a 60 amp disconnect and  it just says AC disconnect on it,  

but they're used for a lot of different things

sometimes they're used for water  heaters, electric water heaters,  

but just know what a disconnect  is and that they're used to

For a technician to be able to  disconnect power locally at an  

appliance and work on it and then reconnect power

that way they don't have to run  all the way around the house try  

to turn a breaker on or turn a breaker off and

Then go all the way back and start working  on something and then Mr. or Mrs. Homeowner

goes and flips that breaker for some  stupid reason and shocks them while  

they're working on it. Next up is the Bell box

So a Bell box is a weatherproof enclosure that  

you can put a receptacle or any  kind of device a switch inside

Of so, you would run

usually on the outside of a house if there's brick  

or something or a hole and then  you put a connector in here and

You would screw this thing

Into the wall, so it sits outside all the time

It can get rained on and it's  specifically meant for wet locations

So the Bell box is something  you use outdoors all the time.

Alright and last on our list  is the in-use cover. A lot of  

people call these bubble covers  because the cover is all bubbly

Whatever you call it. It's actually called an  

in-use cover but the idea  is say you got a bell box

or maybe you just have a regular box that you  cut into a wood exterior of a house or something

this goes on this, there's a weatherproof seal  

all the way around so moisture and  water doesn't get inside of it and

once your receptacle is installed inside, there's  all these different inserts if you're using a plug

You're using a switch or if you're  using maybe a GFI or a decor device

but you're gonna have a  receptacle inside of here and

This allows you to have a cord. There's a there's  a little knock out here that you can pull out

that way you can have an

extension cord or some kind of cord plugged  into the device and this thing will close

while that is still plugged in it  gives you a little bit of extra  

room because that that plug is gonna be long and

kind of cumbersome, so you  need something with extra room,  

but the whole idea you just  need to know what a weatherproof

bubble cover or an in-use cover is because you're  going to use these again outside around houses

gardens, all over the place. So that's it. That's  my list of I don't know, I lost count by now

That's probably more than 25, but let me  know if you guys have any other questions

There's definitely way more to know  so I'll probably do more of these

I'm gonna do some that are commercial as well.  

But I just wanted to give some of  y'all apprentices some understanding

When you're first getting into residential of  

what these things are called and what  they do and why you should know them

You