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
3answers
519 views
Is it OK to have ground wire connected to breaker box wall instead of neutral bus?
After having issues with lights flickering, I noticed the main 100A breaker was warm and arcing slightly. Instead of just replacing the breaker, I decided to call in a electrician to install a larger ...
6
votes
3answers
2k views
How do I install a one-way switch w/ pilot light?
I am trying to replace a very old one-way switch with a pilot light (light comes on when the switch is on). The original switch was extremely old, and used quick-install terminals ONLY. Even worse, ...
6
votes
3answers
523 views
Is there an easy way to make a square hole in plaster/brick to put an electrical outlet box in?
I am about to fix a few new sockets, I can run the cables down the back of some built in cupboards, but would rather not use surface mounted sockets.
I do not have a SDS drill, just a standard ...
6
votes
1answer
104 views
How do you weatherproof a light switch?
I have a switch that I would like to put in a workshop in a potentially damp location. It's not going to be outside in the rain, but it's entirely possible that at some point water might get splashed ...
6
votes
4answers
1k views
Should I put a dimmer switch on a ceiling fan?
I have a ceiling fan on our bedroom's vaulted ceiling. Since we don't want 7' pull-cords, the speed is stuck at full-tilt, which is no good. The fan has separate switches on the wall for lights and ...
6
votes
2answers
340 views
How can I safely extend a wire in my electrical panel?
I need to move some breakers (and attached wires) from the upper part of my electrical panel to the lower part but the wires I need to move aren't long enough to reach their new location.
Is it safe ...
6
votes
2answers
302 views
What's the right connector for connecting #12 solid copper to #14 stranded?
Still working on installing my exhaust fan. It required a dedicated 20A circuit so I ran #12 copper. The wiring from the unit appears to be #14 stranded. It's also silver colored but I don't know if ...
6
votes
1answer
798 views
Which exterior outlet cover is required by NEC?
There are two types of outlet covers used on external outlets. The first type is for damp locations that covers the outlet when it's not in use:
And the second type is for wet locations that allow ...
6
votes
1answer
255 views
How can I get my Self-Destruct switches to do something?
In my house, there were some confusing panels of that had lots of switches on them, so I bought a labeling machine and put labels over all the switches in the house.
There are two blank switches next ...
6
votes
1answer
1k views
How do I wire these dimmer switches? The current wiring is crazy
I've installed light switches in other parts of our house, but there is one pair of dimmers that mystifies me. One is a normal dimmer and one is supposed to be a three way dimmer, but the latter is ...
6
votes
3answers
746 views
What to do with an apartment with only 2-pronged outlets
I just rented an apartment (Colorado, for what it's worth RE code) that has 2-pronged outlets throughout the place except for two GFCI's, one in the bathroom and one in the kitchen.
I bought the ...
6
votes
1answer
100 views
How do I retrofit a junction box in an insulated wall?
Typical cold climate construction: Drywall, 6mil vapour barrier, fiberglass batt insulation. How do I retrofit a junction box and maintain the vapour seal? To be clear, by 'retrofit', I mean the ...
6
votes
2answers
678 views
Light flashes on then turns off. What do I look for?
I just moved into my first home and the light fixture in the water closet broke. I replaced the fixture with a new one, but the light only flashes on, then turns off. I checked for loose ...
6
votes
2answers
780 views
What should I do about a receptacle with 2 circuits going through it where white wires are hot?
I have a receptacle that has 3 white wires and 1 black. The black wire is hot and 2 of the white wires are hot but on a separate circuit than the black one (2 bedroom's outlets on separate circuits ...
6
votes
3answers
1k views
Is this an acceptable way to add a light to a 3-way circuit?
I have three way switches at the top and bottom of my stairs. There is a light at the top of the stairs controlled by the switches and I wish to add a light at the bottom.
A 14/2 runs first to the ...
6
votes
2answers
267 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
1k views
How can I replace a light fixture?
I need someone to sort out this wiring question for me. I'm trying to hang a flourenscent light in the garage, however, when I took the old garage light out (one of those round, single light ...
6
votes
6answers
1k views
Why are bulbs burning out quickly in newly installed light fixtures?
I installed five incandescent, recessed light fixtures in the cathedral ceiling of my living room. The fixtures are wired in parallel series (A connects to B connects to C ...). All the wiring is done ...
6
votes
1answer
337 views
What are the tabs on this face-plate for?
The Steel City RS-6 4" face plate has metal tabs that break-off easily. What is their purpose?
(click for full-size)
As you can see, they are cut and bent to leave a gap/slot.
6
votes
2answers
924 views
Are generator interlock kits permitted in residential applications?
There have been some questions on the site lately, that reference using interlock kits with portable generators.
This has inspired me to read through article 702 Optional Standby Systems of the ...
6
votes
2answers
244 views
Induction power source across 1/2" of wood?
I'm looking for a way to put a small lamp inside a piece of furniture through which I do not want to drill any holes or run wires along. Are there any premade induction power systems that can get a ...
6
votes
3answers
738 views
Environmental protection for computer equipment in unheated garage
I live in Minnesota, and I have an unheated, detached garage. I would like to place an "offsite" data backup device (possibly a NAS) in the garage, which I should be easily able to connect to the ...
6
votes
2answers
565 views
Are there energy saving lamps which work with touch/electronic dimmers, timers, etc.?
Dimmable energy saving bulbs are usually labeled as "Use only with standard dimmers. Not to be used with touch dimmers, electronic dimmers, timers, ..." After reading ...
6
votes
0answers
75 views
How can I install a ceiling fan that needs a 4“ box where I only have a 3” box?
As part of a home renovation project I discarded my old ceiling fan and have bought a new one. When installing the new one the electrician tells me that I have a 3" junction box and that I'll need a ...
6
votes
0answers
54 views
Beeping in My home [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
what is beeping in my house?
For the past 3 weeks there has been a beeping in my house. It sounds like a smoke alarm. It beeps at about 40 second intervals. Early on ...
6
votes
4answers
2k views
What could be causing AFCI breaker and GFCI receptacle nuisance tripping?
I have a very unusual set of electrical issues that have proven difficult to troubleshoot.
I live in a newly constructed house. Each bedroom has AFCI breakers.
In the past 3 years living there, the ...
5
votes
3answers
1k views
I modified a nail-in electrical box to use screws instead of nails. Is there some code that prevents that?
Ever since I dove into the electrical side of things with my project, I've encountered a bunch of code restrictions. One thing that wouldn't surprise me if it was a violation of code is what I've ...
5
votes
3answers
864 views
What's the procedure for stripping wires with pliers?
In this answer to this question on stripping wires pliers are mentioned as a tool suitable for that job. I guess it can be done, but I feel quite paranoid about damaging the conductor which is made of ...
5
votes
5answers
901 views
How to make lights turn on one at a time?
So we've all seen this scene dozens of times in movies: a character flips a switch and lights turn on, one at time, down a long tunnel, or throughout a giant garage, or something like that.
I'd like ...
5
votes
2answers
1k views
Why doesn't the main breaker shut off power for house?
Location: California | United States
I'm certain I'll need a licensed electrician for this but wanted to get thoughts on what could be going on.
I recently noticed that power remains on in my house ...
5
votes
3answers
501 views
What is simplest strategy to map circuits to breakers in the panel?
My breaker box is very poorly labeled and I want to figure out which circuits may have overloaded (or close to it) and which could reasonably handle a little more.
In the past I have just tried ...
5
votes
3answers
5k views
How can I stop my lights dimming when my Air Conditioning turns on?
I have no noticeable problems with my house's electricity, but when my Air Conditioner kicks in (and here in Central Texas, it kicks in year round) my lights dim for a second or so and then run ...
5
votes
2answers
469 views
How can I solder a wire onto a piece of metal?
I am replacing the antenna on my radio. I removed the old antenna to find that a wire had been soldered directly onto the bottom of the antenna. I attempted to solder the wire onto the new antenna ...
5
votes
3answers
446 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
4answers
723 views
How can I tell if a circuit breaker is worn out?
I was installing a light and tripped the breaker (in retrospect, should have turned the breaker off before starting). When I finished installing it I reset the breaker and tried the light switch. ...
5
votes
2answers
1k views
How to determine the correct capacity for a sub-panel for a shop?
I plan to install a sub-panel for my woodworking shop, and would like to determine the total capacity that should supply that sub-panel. These are the main items that will likely be running in the ...
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
2answers
2k views
Is it unsafe if some three prong outlets don't properly test as grounded?
It's me again -- the pest ;-)
On the general inspection report for the house we're looking at buying, there's a note about the house's electrical:
Some three prong outlets did not test properly ...
5
votes
5answers
2k views
What's the suggested standard gauge wire for a given current?
I'd like to see a reference to an US or EU standard that lists in a table the suggested wire gauges for AC/DC and volts / amps.
5
votes
2answers
2k views
What about a light switch in the closet?
Okay you guys I have next question. And like all good questions this one begins with a story.
I was reading the post about a nick in a wire and read a couple of you mention that light switch in a ...
5
votes
4answers
415 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
3answers
283 views
What level of electrical service should I order, for new construction?
Starting from scratch here. A transformer on the street, no buildings on the land yet.
I want to order temporary electrical service now, for use during construction. So we don't have to dig the ...
5
votes
2answers
11k views
How to properly wire a ceiling light fixture?
I rent an apartment and a tenant installed ceiling fan that was not well secured to the ceiling. I removed the fan and attempted to re-install the original light fixture after he moved out.
I am ...
5
votes
4answers
2k views
Can the socket in my recessed light be replaced without replacing the entire framing kit?
I have recessed lighting in my living room. One of the bulbs went out. I tried replacing it with a fresh one, but no luck. There is electricity flowing to the socket, but the socket appears to have ...
5
votes
4answers
246 views
Why would my TV image turn black when electrical appliances turn on?
I have my computer connected to my TV via HDMI. Every time something electrical happens (fridge turns on, stove sparks, etc), the image on the TV goes black for a second and then comes back on. And ...
5
votes
4answers
1k views
What type of electric heating system is the most energy efficient?
I am about to buy a flat that hasn't got any central heating system.
There's no way to use gas heating.
The only way to produce heat is by converting Electricity.
The flat at the moment has some ...
5
votes
2answers
401 views
What are some tips for working with inaccessible power receptacles?
When a power receptacle is blocked by large or unwieldy furniture, but there is a small amount of clearance available, what are some good techniques for plugging in? I'm looking for ways to solve ...
5
votes
2answers
1k views
Why does using a dimmer with this ceiling fan and lights cause energy saving bulbs to flicker?
At a hotel I manage we purchased 34 ceiling fans with two integrated light sockets that operate on a dimmer all controlled by a remote control. Obviously using a dimmer with fluorescent bulbs won't ...
5
votes
1answer
409 views
What is the primary function of the main breaker in a breaker box? How does it differ from other breakers?
Location: California | United States
I'd like to better understand the roles of main breakers and sub-breakers. Why are there multiple levels of breakers? I suspect that sub-breakers are intended to ...
5
votes
1answer
617 views
What's the best/official way to draw a building's electrical system?
We are installing home automation systems, and we have serious problems with electricians. Short: they are stupid and lazy. So, we have to do something.
There're some stories:
We have a spreadsheet ...
