Electrical woes

I already mentioned the importance of double/triple/quadruple checking the electrical connections before installing the drywall. Here is a couple of other tips:

TIP #1: DO NOT USE TWO-POLE SWITCHES

A two-pole (or a three-way) circuit allows you to control one electrical fixture (such as a ceiling lamp) via two wall switches. Unless you have a long hallway (which is not likely in a small house), do not use them. Why? Because they complicate things. They don't work with "smart" switches. And they may not work with "dumb" switches either.

Image courtesy Electrical 101

Case in point: my ceiling fan. I spent a lot of time looking for a fan with a wall control. Finally found one. Guess what: it doesn't work with a three-way switch.

Now, there is a way to convert a three-way switch to a regular single-pole switch, but doing this requires an electrician (or someone who knows how to probe circuits) and it's just easier to go with single-pole switches from the start.

TIP #2: KEEP POWER CABLE AWAY FROM THE ETHERNET CABLES

This is something I learnt when studying for the CISSP exam (while building the house): electricity may interfere with the Ethernet signal, so electrical and Ethernet cables should be laid further away from each other. An electrician may bundle them together because it would be easier to do, but it would be wrong. I am glad I knew about it when we discussed how to lay out cables.

There are more caveats related to electrical issues. Like: do not alter electrical diagrams after they got approved by your electrical company and building planning. Minor things, like changing a one- to a two-gang outlet should not be an issue, but more serious changes will require a formal review. Keep in mind that an approved plan does not guarantee passing an inspection. Which brings us to...

NEXT: HERR INSPEKTOR

PREVIOUS: THE CURSE OF A BIFOLD DOOR

FIRST: INTRODUCTION