New York City firefighters are trained to extinguish fires in homes, buildings and commercial properties. They respond to emergency calls from 218 firehouses around the city.
The most common way to report a fire or emergency is by telephone. The caller dials a special seven-digit number published by the fire department in each borough, which directs the call to the proper borough dispatch office.
Electrical Wiring
Electrical wiring is the network of wires and cables that carry electricity from a power source (breaker panel) to outlets and switches in a house or other building. It’s essential to understand the different types of wire and cable, what their purpose is, and how to safely handle them if you’re doing any kind of electrical work in your home or business.
Wires and cables come in a variety of sizes, shapes, materials, and colors. Some are used for specific purposes, like telephone wires or data cables, while others are for common household use. For example, low-voltage wires are used for things like doorbells and most thermostats.
The most common type of wire found in residential homes is non-metallic or NM cable, also called Romex wire. These wires are typically three or more individual conductors that are wrapped in a flexible plastic jacket called sheathing.
NM cable is designed to reduce the chances of fires by redirecting excess electricity. It has a hot wire, a ground wire, and a neutral wire. These wires are connected together and connected to a grounding terminal in an outlet box, then a metallic strip in an electrical panel.
If you’re unsure which wires belong where, check with an electrician or look for labels that indicate the purpose of each. You can also choose to have colored wires installed to make it easier for professionals and homeowners alike to identify the correct connections when working on your electrical system.
Many houses in New York City were built with older electrical systems that aren’t up to current standards. They may be ungrounded, and they could contain metal insulation materials that actually increase the risk of electrical shock or fire.
In some cases, your home may require a full rewiring. This can be a very labor-intensive process that might involve demolishing the walls to access all of your old wires and replacing them with new ones.
If you’re planning on rewiring your home, it’s important to follow the National Electrical Code and local ordinances. Not doing so will increase the risk of fire and other hazards, and it can cost you if you ever decide to sell your home.
Wiring Connections
The best electrical wires connect devices, such as outlets and switches to a metallic strip (busbar) in an electrical panel. This carries electricity from one circuit to the next. A copper wire is a good choice because it’s rated for heavier loads and has better insulation. Aluminum wires are also a good choice, particularly for incoming mains.
For the most part, it’s best to consult with a licensed electrician to get your wiring done right. It’s also important to keep your house safe from fire and other hazards. The best way to do this is by following the New York City Fire Code and making sure that all electrical outlets are GFCI rated.
Aside from the aforementioned GFCI s, if you’re looking to save some money and make your home safer, it’s a good idea to replace older, less reliable or obsolete equipment and fixtures with energy-efficient ones. Fortunately, newer appliances and lighting fixtures are designed with energy efficiency in mind.
In North America, there was a brief time from the 1960s to the 1970s when aluminum wire was considered the rage for branch circuits. While it’s not a perfect fit for every job, it’s still the best option available for many applications and is a good choice as long as you do your homework.
Wiring Diagrams
The electrical wiring in your home is a complex system that includes different colors and wire types. These wires are not only used for power, but they also help keep your home safe from fires and other electrical hazards. Luckily, there are specific color-coded wires that can help you know which wires carry electricity and which ones don’t.
The color of the wire you use depends on whether it carries 120, 208 or 240 volts. For the majority of homes in the United States, black is the standard color for 120-volt circuits and red is the standard color for 240-volt wires. For the most part, you won’t have to worry about these color codes when working on your own electrical system, but it’s still a good idea to understand them before performing any electrical work.
Another important thing to know is that all electrical wires are considered live, and if you aren’t careful they can easily carry a current. To avoid any potential danger, shut off the power at your breaker panel before working on any wires in your home.
Ground wiring is used to redirect excess electricity from a circuit and back to a grounded portion of the electrical panel, thereby reducing any risk of fires caused by electrical overload. This type of wiring is usually found in electrical outlets, switches, and wall switches for appliances, lights, and machinery.
Similarly, you will usually find blue and yellow wires in conduit for plug-in devices like ceiling fan lights, light fixtures and other electrical appliances. These wires carry electricity from an outlet to the plug-in device, which then returns to the breaker box to complete the circuit.
