Distribution and use of electricity throughout the home. Electrical standards vary greatly worldwide, so providing your location in your question or your profile helps ensure you get answers that are relevant to you.
6
votes
4answers
1k views
Can I replace an outlet that uses knob and tube wiring with a grounded outlet?
Can I replace an outlet that uses knob and tube wiring with a grounded outlet? Obviously the best choice would be to replace the old wiring. Is there a standard way to ground these outlets? Do I need ...
6
votes
9answers
11k views
How do I put a fluorescent light on a motion sensor?
I have a couple closets in my basement that I have outfitted with a fluorescent light attached to a motion sensor (this one). The idea was that when you open the closet door, the light comes on ...
4
votes
1answer
913 views
How do I install electrical through stucco
Is there such a thing as an "old work" stucco junction box?
Rather than cutting and flashing a 4" hole for a new junction box, can I cut a 1/2 hole for the non-metallic cable, and attach some sort of ...
13
votes
3answers
654 views
Can I safely use a switch rated for “1A at 125V” with 240V, assuming I stay below 125W?
I recently purchased a foot switch for a standing lamp. The switch is rated for 1A at 125V.
I would like to use this switch with a low energy lamp (typically 10W or below) but with a 240V supply. Is ...
11
votes
3answers
414 views
9
votes
2answers
2k views
How can I add a circuit breaker when there are no openings available in the neutral bus bar?
I'm trying to add a 20 amp circuit breaker into my existing main panel. The main panel has one vacant slot to put the breaker, but the neutral and ground bars have no more vacant slots. My question is ...
9
votes
1answer
352 views
Humming Ceiling Fans
I have two Harbor Breeze 52in. Builders Series Ceiling Fans. Under normal operation these fans are smooth and quiet. However, during power outages like we've had recently, I use a Devilbiss 6000 ...
8
votes
1answer
848 views
How to replace a standard 2-gang light switch with an electric dimmer switch
I'm looking for a some assistance in fitting a new electric dimmer light switch. I'm in the UK if that makes a difference.
I am trying to replace my existing two-gang light switch with a LightWaveRF ...
8
votes
5answers
17k views
How do I add more circuit breakers once the breaker box is full?
My house was completely rewired by the previous owner. They tore out all the old knob-and-tube and replaced it with modern wiring. I definitely appreciate this, but unfortunately they left ...
7
votes
3answers
2k views
How can I improve the wiring under the sink for a garbage disposal?
My vegetable sprayer line broke yesterday, which led me underneath my sink. It wasn't until I was kneeling in a large puddle of water with the line draining on me and the floor that I realized how bad ...
7
votes
2answers
627 views
Are there any “easy” ways to trace a home electrical system?
We bought a home a few months ago, and the electrical panel (and subpanel) are completely unlabelled. We have no way, short of flipping breakers, to know what breaker powers which fixtures. Is there a ...
7
votes
2answers
2k views
How can I stop bulbs from buzzing when dimmed?
I've got some hanging lights with "Fat Albert" bulbs that are plugged into a dimmer switch. When they're dimmed to certain levels, the bulbs make a soft buzzing sound. The buzz is amplified and ...
6
votes
2answers
139 views
Does lamp maximum wattage matter for CF bulbs? [duplicate]
Say I have a table lamp that states (via a slightly scary sticker) that it takes a 60W max bulb. Of course, that was based around incandescent wattages.
Is there any risk with putting in a CF bulb ...
6
votes
2answers
360 views
How can I ground old 2-prong receptacles? (120V)
I have several old receptacles that are 2-prong. There is armored cable running from the breaker panel to each receptacle. What do I need to do in order to install and properly ground new 3-prong ...
5
votes
3answers
431 views
What's the best way to label a double gang box with two circuits
I'm installing some lights in my basement, and will be replacing the single gang box in the hall (currently only for hall light) with a double gang box. The idea is to accommodate the hall light ...
5
votes
1answer
1k views
How do I convert a light circuit with a single pole switch to use two 3-way switches?
I have a box in the hall which includes a 3-way switch (with another switch at the other end of the hall), a single pole switch to the garage lights and a single pole switch to the exterior lights on ...
4
votes
3answers
807 views
How Do I Plan for an Intrusion Detection System?
I would like to plan for an intrusion detection system in a home that is currently under construction. The home has a walkout basement that is sloping, shown in the rear elevation picture shown ...
4
votes
3answers
2k views
Why is it safe to use 15 A receptacles on a 20 A circuit?
OK, the one answer I got was way off target, and another commenter couldn't figure out what I was asking, so I'm restating the question...
Are 15A 3-prong grounded outlets actually rated to 20A, ...
4
votes
1answer
1k views
Replace two-wire thermostat
I'm replacing an old mercury thermostat with a digital one.
The new unit has 7-8 connections (labeled w1,wh,r1,rh,y,c, etc.) and a bunch of instructions about how to connect similarly labeled ...
4
votes
7answers
2k views
How can I create circuit diagrams and what program should I use?
Circuit diagrams are very handy. On this site, they can really help illustrate the problem or solution (see here). They can help you visualize what needs to be changed when doing work on your house, ...
3
votes
1answer
1k views
Why won't my dimmer dim CFL Lights?
My dinning room had an on/off switch for the light which made it impossible to have romantic dinners there - the light was either too bright or off. So I decided to install a dimmer. Being energy ...
3
votes
2answers
1k views
Is this a valid way to add an electrical outlet?
I've got a feed from my electrical panel in the garage to a single outlet inside the house (for the entertainment center). This was installed by an electrician back in 2009. Through the garage, the ...
2
votes
1answer
97 views
oven not igniting
(Updated.)
I have a gas stove and oven with no pilot light (so they ignite using electricity). The stove and broiler (at the top of the oven cavity) are lighting fine, but the oven is not (at the ...
0
votes
2answers
877 views
It is dangerous to have a power outlet run from a light circuit?
Re this answer regarding wiring a garage door power point from a light is this legal I thought it wasn't but just checking.
Edit: Legality will depend on location as mentioned in answers, I worded ...
32
votes
8answers
3k views
Which way is up? (electric outlet)
My house has electric outlets in both orientations. Which one is correct? Should the ground hole be at the bottom or the top?
OR
19
votes
4answers
1k views
How can I get a wire that is outside a wall to be inside a wall
I recently removed an abominable drop ceiling from my dining room and found this close to the ceiling on the one side of the room.
There is definitely a stud between these two holes. On the other ...
12
votes
3answers
846 views
What is the right way to connect 7 conductors in an electrical box?
What is the "right" way to join 7 different wires in a single electrical box?
Here's the situation. I opened up a four-gang light switch. There were four switches controlling five lights.
As ...
11
votes
3answers
4k views
What's the minimum depth that an electrical box can recess into a finished wall? Does it have to be flush?
Do electrical boxes have to be flush to the finished surface? Can they recess any depth into the wall by as much as 1/8" or 1/4"?
Edit: I appreciate everyone offering alternative solutions to ...
11
votes
3answers
1k views
Is this electrical junction up to code?
I was up in my attic a few days ago, and I noticed a pretty ugly electrical junction that wasn't in a junction box. Here's the pic:
Is this up to code? FWIW I live in north Alabama, outside city ...
10
votes
1answer
754 views
What is the correct way to wire a 4 prong oven receptacle?
I think I wired this the right way but I can't find an online reference that I trust enough to flip the breaker back on.
This is how I wired it.
Is this correct?
10
votes
4answers
4k views
Extension cord and power strip safety
I've heard that there are some safety and building code issues involved with using extension cords or power strips (surge protectors) for anything other than temporary use. What are the issues, and ...
9
votes
2answers
467 views
How do I tell if a light switch is live?
I have a light switch that I want to get rid of. I don't know if it is active or not. I want to wallpaper the wall. How do I tell if the circuit is "live" and if so how to turn it off so it is safe ...
9
votes
3answers
4k views
Do all wires on basement walls have to be in conduit?
I need to know if, when a basement is unfinished and an outlet is on the wall, is it required to put all wires in conduit?
9
votes
3answers
1k views
What is electrical code for number of wires in a breaker?
US, Georgia
I am adding some new ciruits to add some additional outlets. The closest place is to run a wire to the main panel box.
My question is, can I connect more than one wire to a breaker and ...
9
votes
5answers
6k views
Why does my shower switch keep burning out?
I have a Mira Shower 10.8 kW.
My switch is a 45A switch. I have a 50A fuse for the shower. The shower uses 10mm2 cable.
9 months ago the switch sparked and refused to turn off and the fuse ...
9
votes
2answers
2k views
Can I change a 1-gang electrical box to a 2-gang electrical box?
I live in a house built in the 50's in Maryland, US. Each bedroom contains 4 electrical outlets - configured in two 1-gang electrical boxes on opposing walls. However, with all the modern ...
9
votes
1answer
800 views
Is there a difference between the two conductors in 120VAC wiring?
With DC wiring, there is an obvious, positive 'hot' wire and negative/ground wire. In AC wiring is there still such a concept as a single 'hot' wire?
If yes, why is this since either wire will be at ...
8
votes
1answer
836 views
Is there an average number of outlets that are wired off of one circuit breaker?
I recently demolished my basement to start a reconstruction/improvement project. My first horror was the electrical layout. I've got hidden junctions, mismatched wire sizes, improper junctions and ...
7
votes
4answers
907 views
Acceptable ground to neutral voltage?
First of all I'm pretty sure I know the theory behind the effect. I know about the inductive and capacitive coupling, about 3-phase balance problems and about ground bounce, so this question isn't ...
7
votes
4answers
800 views
When wiring two circuits through the same conduit, what wire coloring is required?
Problem
I am wiring a septic control/alarm box to a subpanel. They are on the same post, so the wire run is through a short stretch of 3/4" flex conduit.
There are two circuits required: a 240V for ...
7
votes
2answers
288 views
Why only a few volts between the legs of a 240 V 3-wire dryer outlet?
I installed a new dryer in our house. It runs but won't heat. It has a 240V 3 wire connection. There is a 30 amp double pole breaker installed in the breaker box. (the box is very old) I've read ...
7
votes
2answers
2k views
How much should it cost to add a circuit breaker?
In this question, I asked about problems between my circuit breaker for a circuit shared by my microwave and sump pump. The conclusion was that another circuit should be added to support the microwave ...
6
votes
2answers
246 views
Is there a name for a duplex outlet that takes eight wires, plus ground?
In my home (built around 1970), I found a bizarre outlet when replacing the dated old ones. The front is your standard duplex, but on the back there are holes for 8 wires (4 hot, 4 neutral) plus the ...
6
votes
1answer
502 views
5
votes
2answers
205 views
Why is there an arc when I pull a plug out of an outlet?
I notice that, on some of my (self-installed) power outlets, when I pull an appliance plug out of it, there is a small arc. This most frequently happens with an iron, which has no switch of its own ...
5
votes
4answers
581 views
Can different gauge wiring be used in the same circuit?
I am extending a lighting and outlet circuit in a basement. The current setup has the following characteristics
15 amp. circuit breaker (200 amp service)
4 existing lighting fixtures using CFL bulbs ...
5
votes
2answers
4k views
How do I troubleshoot power receptacles?
I just bought a recently renovated house and the house inspector said that all the plugs in the basement worked.
Well... I plugged in several devices into the plugs and they don't power on. If I use ...
5
votes
4answers
2k views
Is this an adequate junction box wire job using a standard electric box? (pic included)
I needed to splice a wire to repair nicked wire insulation, but I didn't feel like running to Lowe's just for a junction box. Instead, I used a regular electrical box.
The wire comes up from the ...
5
votes
4answers
393 views
Can re-closing a circuit-breaker be dangerous?
I have a circuit breaker that keeps tripping. When i try to reset (close) it, it immediately jumps back to the open position with a noise that sounds a little scary.
I have now stopped trying to do ...
5
votes
1answer
513 views
Parallel Fluorescent Wiring
I've got a few ceiling lighting 'boxes' that have one capacitor, two ballast, two starters, and two fluorescent lamps in each. Everything seems to be nicely wired up internally and I just need to ...
