wires

A Layered Approach
A little more than 100 years ago, in the first big growth spurt in the use of electricity, the harsh realities of the hazards involved with it quickly became apparent.  Fires were common occurrences everywhere electricity was distributed, and serious (and often fatal) accidents made daily headlines wherever people came into contact with this wondrous phenomenon.    Virtually all of the electric works being built in those early days were set up to provide lighting for a population tired of living in the gloom of candles, gas lamps and coal-oil lanterns.  That meant that
Easier by Analogy
Several years ago, I was asked to conduct a seminar on basic electricity for the members of a small homeowners' association.  They were working their way alphabetically through the various trade disciplines with which a homeowner might come in contact.  As I recall, they had covered attic fans, brickwork, cabinetry, carpeting, decks and doors at previous meetings.  I learned that I was to be followed in coming months by fences, fireplaces and