Precautions to take when working with AC mains

Hello, I am relatively new to playing around with circuits, and I have started a circuit build on a small 12V amplifier which naturally requires a plugin from the AC mains of the house. I feel confident with wiring the circuit, it is not very complex; i do want to make sure though that I am not looking over any safety precautions besides the obvious when I am building the circuit (specifically the power supply unit). Also, is there any way I could damage the internal wiring of the house when using an AC/DC power supply? Thanks for any input, I am trying to be as safe as possible

 

One thing you can do to protect yourself a little is to make sure the AC circuit you connect to if protected by a GFCI. You can even buy extension cords equipped with one in case there isn't one handy where you are working. This will protect you from being shocked should you accidently touch one of the live AC wires.

Always have an inline fuse in the AC part of the circuit, and use the smallest fuse you can based on the current the circuit will draw. If there is a metal case involved, make sure it is connected to the ground wire coming from the AC cord.

Not really anything you can do that would permanently damage your house wiring. The house circuit breaker's job is to prevent that. Good luck and have fun!

 

Welcome to the forums.

I started building circuits when I was around 10.
I blew up many 120v electronic items in the interest of learning.


As long as you use a 120v to 12vdc power supply..... your project is on the protected side of the mains service. Today, there are literally hundreds of 12vdc power supplies to choose from. You can select from eBay to amazon as well as a large handful of online retailers.

MCM electronics is a hobbyist friendly easy to use site that has no minimum order and has great customer service. I've been buying from them for over 15 years.

MCM Electronics: Home and Pro Audio/Video, Security and Test Equipment

 

From the terminology used I feel the OP is not based in the US. Voltages and set ups may differ from what we have.

 

The OP is located in the United States.

 

I got the same feeling as Chandler did because of the above statement.

Just to be clear, you are not planning to connect to the main breaker, or the main (large) wires feeding the main breaker correct?

 

Back years ago pre solid state it was common practice to plug TVs and radios into isolation transformers for safety when you worked on them.