Home Electrical Circuits

Electricity is necessary for modern living and all modern homes. Many appliances and systems in the modern home rely on electricity. There are two main circuits or systems to the modern home.

Lighting Circuit

The first is the lighting system which has its own circuits and fuse. The lighting circuit runs on fewer amps than the power circuit and all modern lighting circuits have an earth. In older houses an earth wire was not included in the light circuit but because many light fixings are metal this rule has been changed. All light circuits must include an earth and all light fixing must have an earth wire running to them. This means if you have an older house 15 years or older you may need to have an electrician add an earth wire to any new light fittings that are installed.

Power Circuit

The next circuit is the power circuit which is supplied with an earth. Many houses have a number of power circuits which is dependent on the size of the home and number of power points required. It is important that an earth leakage or safety switch is installed in your home to protect people from electric shock. This switch detects any flow of circuit to earth and can switch off in a micro second. The safety switch is different from a fuse switch. A fuse does not switch off instantly it thermally overloads and by doing so protects the circuit or wires it does not protect people instantly.

Other Circuits

High speed data network cables: for high speed internet. This is an unpowered wired system and can be run by the home owner or an electrician.

Home Automation

This system can control everything electrical in the house. A small computer circuit controls all the switches in the house including lights, air conditioning, alarms, and other systems. This system is installed by an specialised electrician only.