Understanding Household Electricity

Home electrical systems have gotten complicated with all the circuit types, voltage requirements, and safety concerns flying around. As someone who has worked on electrical systems in every home type, I learned everything there is to know about residential power. Today, I will share it all with you.

Basic Concepts

Probably should have led with this section, honestly—understanding voltage, amperage, and watts matters:

• Voltage: Electrical pressure (120V/240V typical residential)
• Amperage: Current flow amount
• Watts: Power consumed (Volts × Amps)

Typical Circuits

• 15-amp: Standard lighting and outlets
• 20-amp: Kitchen, bathroom, garage outlets
• 30-amp: Dryers, some AC units
• 50-amp: Ranges, large appliances

Safety Basics

• Never overload circuits
• GFCI protection in wet areas
• AFCI protection in living areas (code requirement)
• Always turn off power before working on circuits