A LIVING FROM THE LAND 



work it is necessary to know the number of 

 amperes the wire is to carry. This may be 

 determined by dividing the load in watts by 

 the voltage which is to be used. 



The service lateral is a system of wires which 

 form a path over which electricity is carried 

 from the main line to the house. This is generally 

 built by the utility company and its cost will 

 depend upon the distance of the residence from 

 the main line and whether the owner furnishes 

 poles, labor, etc. 



Wires should be of such size as to give suffi- 

 cient mechanical strength to stand up under 

 sleet conditions. Usually three entrance wires 

 are used to carry the electric energy from the 

 utility connection to the house. The lateral 

 is the electrical doorway to the farm and is 

 the most essential part of the wiring system. 

 The wires should be of adequate size so as 

 to provide proper voltage and give complete 

 electrical service for all ordinary requirements of 

 current. 



It is important to see that the electrical 

 equipment is properly "grounded," that is, the 

 connecting to earth of certain metallic objects 

 which are near power conductors. The purpose 

 is to carry to the earth any heavy electrical 

 charge which might exist on such objects and 

 cause electrical shocks when they are touched. 



68 



