An evening in Jacobhouse.

A return to wiring.

1/7/2020

(Above: A twilit Jacobhouse.)

Active Summary: After the daily dawn routine, I returned to Jacobhouse where I wrote for another while and bought a textbook for the Macroeconomics class I will soon be taking. At about 8:50 AM, I headed back outdoors to search for wiring tools and PVC glue, because at 9:00 AM, it would be time for some electrical work at Madre’s container project.

We started a tad late, and there were some tool-finding shenanigans a few times throughout, but I did get a decent bit done by 12:45 PM. During those 3-or-so hours , I wired a pair of switches, installed/wired a junction box, ran some wire for three outlets / a second set of switches / a ventilation fan, and wired the aforementioned second pair of switches.   

  • The first switches I wired.
  • A pretty junction box.
  • Mid switches in the Madre Workshop.

(6:22 PM Update:) Afternoon activities consisted of the usual bovine-related tasks: feeding, treatment, genetic tests, and health checks. Near the end, I helped Padre find and extricate a small wagyu calf from a densely weeded hiding spot.

Wiring multiple lights and switches.
Wiring lights and switches (multiple circuits).

TIL: Today I reviewed how to wire switches. I find it interesting that the only wires that a switch controls are the hot (black) wires. Of course, ground wires must be connected to the grounding screw – something that is achieved through pigtailing a multitude of copper wires together – but in regard to the neutral wires, they all are joined together (again, through pigtail) without even touching the switch at all. It may be difficult to envision what I am talking about, so I included a diagram to the left*.

Commentary: It was a prime morning for wiring. The climate could not have been any more pleasant, what with the sun shining and the presence of a cool and gentle breeze. In regard to the task itself, it was about as simple as I remembered. All one has to do is focus, review/research if uncertain of anything (only happened once at beginning), and ensure that all connections are neat & tight.

As for highlights, here is one Padre and I experienced early in the morning:

Final Note: Tomorrow, I plan on finishing the paint work in the Master Blend freezer room. It should not take very long – perhaps an hour – and afterward, I may begin work in the Macroeconomics class.

*Also for future wiring reference. I acquired the image from here.