House Wiring

Green Application 3

Key Lessons from House WiringIn House Wiring, we learned about:

• Proper preparation and planning of electrical systems

• Installation of electrical services, rough-in, and trim-out

• Electrical operations and maintenance

Green Building Principles and House Wiring

Each of House Wiring’s key lessons can shape these important green principles:

• Energy efficiency• Durability and water management• Green product selection• Reduce material use and recycle waste• Work with other trades• Homeowner education and training manual

Energy EfficiencyElectricians play one of the most

important roles of all trades in determining how energy is used, and how much of it is used.

A green electrician will select fixtures that use energy efficiently, allow for alternative renewable energy sources, and manage electricity effectively.

Energy EfficiencyAn electrician can:• Select and install energy efficient electrical

equipment• Select and install electrical controls• Maintain and ensure the integrity of the air

barrier and insulation• Select and install on-site renewable electricity

generation equipment

Durability and Water ManagementHouse wiring can indirectly shape the

amount of water and moisture that can enter a home.

A good electrician will make sure that all roof and wall electrical penetrations are correctly sealed so that no water can enter.

Green Product SelectionThere are many materials and products

that an electrician uses, and many of these (like wire and equipment) are used in large quantities.

A green electrician will select materials and products that both use less material and energy in their manufacturing, and then less energy in their operations.

Green Product SelectionAn electrician can:• Select products and materials manufactured

with low environmental impact or recycled content

• Select locally made materials and fixtures• Select and install environmentally friendly

appliances

Reduce Material Use and Recycle Waste

House wiring is material-intensive, and oftentimes does not use the materials efficiently.

An electrician can design and install conduit layouts that are efficient and then reuse or recycle the leftover rather than wasting it.

Reduce Material Use and Recycle Waste

An electrician can:

• Design and install efficient branch circuit layout

• Use leftover materials

• Integrate electric waste into the jobsite-recycling program

Work with Other TradesA green electrician must coordinate with

other trades that might change the overall performance of the building.

For example, the electrician must know where the carpenter will be framing to ensure minimal penetrations and where the plumber will be installing a water heater to ensure adequate capacity.

Homeowner Education and Training Manual

A green electrician is always ready to make sure that her work is maintained properly to last a long time.

Electricians can provide information to occupants about where their electricity comes from, the kinds of appliances in the home, how to track their energy use, and how to be energy conscious.

Referencing House Wiring and the Green Application

House Wiring Section Relevant Green Application Section1. Preparing and Planning Green Product Selection

Reduce Material Use and Recycle Waste2. Service Entrances and Equipment

Energy Efficiency

3. System Rough-In Reduce Material Use and Recycle WasteEnergy EfficiencyWork with Other Trades

4. System Trim-Out Energy Efficiency5. Maintaining and Troubleshooting

Homeowner Education and Reference Manual