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Understanding Home Electrical

  • ReBuilding Center 3625 N Mississippi Ave Portland, OR, 97227 United States (map)

This is a THREE-DAY class, and has the same start and end times on ALL THREE days:

- Wednesday, August 18th (5:30-8:30PM)

- Wednesday, August 25th (5:30-8:30PM)

- Wednesday, September 1st (5:30-8:30PM)

In the Understanding Home Electrical cohort series, students will be given detailed and hands-on instruction in-class with some take-home (optional) homework assignments. The "homework" will help you demystify your own personal electrical situation, diagnose more accurately when you need to call a professional, and can lead to significant savings when you have to bring in a pro.

Class Objectives:

  1. Learn how to safely replace outlets, switches, and light fixtures. These simple skills can save you tons on an electrician's bill or a home remodel. Lots of hands-on practice along with loads of info to help you decide which projects to tackle yourself, and when to ask for expert help.

  2. Learn how to map your home's entire electrical system in order to make diagnosing common problems a snap and equipping you with the knowledge and groundwork to save money and time when you do need to call a professional.

  3. Learn to install GFCI's and install/repair 3-way switches. We'll go through each of these in detail and this will help you make decisions on your personal home electrical system.

  4. Learn to install cut-in boxes and how to fish wire through existing drywall.

Cost: $150

Skill level: This class is ideal for beginners; open to ages 16+ (minors will need a signed youth waiver.)

Class Schedule: Class will run for 3 hours each day, from 5:30-8:30pm, with no breaks planned.


COVID-19 POLICY UPDATE ON AUGUST 4, 2021

Per guidelines announced by the Oregon Health Authority on July 27, we request that all students wear masks, regardless of vaccination status. All instructors and volunteers will also wear masks.

Please note: We recommend wearing a mask with a wire nosepiece. Safety glasses are required in most of our classes and the wire nosepiece will help reduce fogging. 


CLASS SAFETY

  • Please plan to arrive 5-10 min early if possible. For safety reasons we cannot allow students into class more than 15 minutes after it has begun.

  • We will provide safety glasses for all students, though you are welcome to bring your own from home if you prefer.

  • Hearing protection is strongly encouraged when using saws and other tools. We will provide several options for hearing protection, but you are welcome to bring your own.

  • Wear closed-toe shoes — no sandals!

  • Long hair must be tied back.

  • Do not wear any dangling jewelry or baggy clothing.


FAQs
When and where to arrive? 
Arrive 5-10 minutes before class to settle in and be ready to go! Come in through our administrative entrance across from StormBreaker Brewing — look for the “Classes” sign set out on the sidewalk with an arrow pointing to the red door. Once inside, go straight through the conference room, turn right, and walk down the hall to the Shop (there will be signs to direct you).

How about public transportation/parking options? The ReBuilding Center address is 3625 N. Mississippi Avenue, Portland, and there is a #4 bus stop nearby. The Yellow Max Line (Overlook Park stop) is about a 15-minute walk away. There’s also parking available on the surrounding streets. Depending on your class, please consider that you may have a large project piece that you might need to carry home on public transportation.

Class fees & donations: Class fees include all materials. Want to throw a little extra in to support our program? There’s a donation option at registration to add any amount that you want to pay forward. A donation receipt will be included with your registration confirmation email.

Ongoing classes: Hear about new class announcements every other week, or check out all currently scheduled classes here.
 
Do I have to bring my printed ticket? No - we'd prefer to save a few trees! We will check your name off the list when you arrive.
 
Is there an age limit? 
All our classes are 18+ unless otherwise indicated in the class description.

What is your refund policy? We currently do not offer refunds or transfers between classes. You may, however, transfer your ticket to anyone 18 or older by sending an email to education@rebuildingcenter.org with 1) the date and name of the class, and 2) first name, last name, and email address of the person you’d like to transfer your ticket to.

Other questions? Email us at education@rebuildingcenter.org.

Earlier Event: August 16
Mosaic-Making (with Artist Pam Consear)
Later Event: August 22
Intro to Tools: Carpentry Essentials
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