The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California

Practical Electricity And House Wiring

The two wires from any lamp, clock, toaster, or other device are connected to the terminals of an attachment plug of the general type shown in Fig. 19, which is then plugged into a receptacle. This provides a quick and easy way of connecting devices which are used intermittently, or in different locations.

The ordinary receptacle is rated by the Underwriters at 15 amp. which at 115 volts is equivalent to 115 X 15 or 1,725 watts. When a greater amount of power is required, special heavy-duty receptacles must be used, as for example, the 50-amp. receptacle commonly used with electric ranges, and described in a later chapter.

Wall Plates.—Switches and receptacles are mounted inside the walls of houses with only the handles of the switches and the outside surface of the receptacles showing in the room. For neatness' sake as well as safety, they are covered with wall plates, known also as face plates, of the type shown in Fig. 20. Wall plates are made of metal (usually brass) or bakelite, or similar insulating materials.

Bakelite plates are usually considered neater and are today far more commonly used than metal plates.

When two or more switches or other devices are mounted side by side and covered by a single large plate, the plate is then known as a "2-gang" plate if it covers two devices, or "3-gang" plate if it covers three, and so on.

Other Devices.—Many other devices are used in house wiring. Their construction and use can best be covered in later chapters as their installation and use is described.