COMO COLOCAR MECANISMOS: INTERRUPTORES Y ENCHUFES

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of installing electrical mechanisms such as switches and outlets. By following these step-by-step instructions, you'll be able to perform these tasks like a professional, enhancing your DIY skills and ensuring safety and functionality in your electrical projects.

Step 1: Understand the Parts of a Mechanism

Before beginning installation, familiarize yourself with the components of an electrical mechanism:

• Faceplate: The visible cover that sits over the mechanism.
• Mechanism Body: The internal part that houses the wiring connections.
• Terminals: The points where wires are attached for power supply.

Step 2: Install a Simple Outlet

Follow these steps to install a single outlet:

1. Prepare the Work Area:

   • Ensure that the power is turned off at the circuit breaker.
   • Use an electrical tester to confirm that the outlet is not live.

2. Strip the Wires:

   • Use electrician scissors to carefully strip about 1 inch of insulation from the end of each wire.
   • Avoid damaging the copper strands.

3. Connect the Wires:

   • Attach the wires to the outlet:
     • Connect the live wire (usually brown or black) to the terminal marked "L".
     • Connect the neutral wire (usually blue or white) to the terminal marked "N".
     • Connect the ground wire (green or bare) to the ground terminal.

4. Secure the Mechanism:

   • Carefully tuck the wires back into the electrical box.
   • Screw the outlet into place and attach the faceplate.

Step 3: Install a Double Outlet

Installing a double outlet follows a similar process with slight variations:

1. Prepare the Work Area:

   • Ensure power is off and confirm with a tester.

2. Strip the Wires:

   • Strip the insulation from the wires, similar to the single outlet process.

3. Connect the Wires:

   • Connect the wires to each side of the double outlet:
     • Each side will have terminals for the live and neutral wires.
     • Follow the same color coding as in the single outlet installation.

4. Secure the Mechanism:

   • Tuck in the wires and secure the double outlet in the electrical box.
   • Attach the faceplate.

Step 4: Install a Switch

Installing a switch involves similar steps:

1. Prepare the Work Area:

   • Ensure that power is turned off.

2. Strip the Wires:

   • Strip the wires as previously described.

3. Connect the Wires:

   • Attach the live wire to one terminal of the switch.
   • Connect the wire leading to the light fixture to the second terminal.
   • Ground wire connection if available.

4. Secure the Mechanism:

   • Tuck the wires into the box and secure the switch.
   • Attach the switch plate.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have learned how to install electrical mechanisms like outlets and switches safely and effectively. Always remember to prioritize safety by turning off power before working on electrical installations. If you're looking to expand your skills further, consider tackling more complex electrical projects or exploring additional resources on electrical work. Happy DIYing!