The wire tag has no wiki summary.
97
votes
2answers
6k views
What is the purpose of these holes on my wire stripper?
I have been using this wire stripper for a while, but I have always wondered what was the purpose of those holes in the center and above LOOP, and those teeth on the handles.
9
votes
3answers
3k views
Do I really have to fasten interior-wall electrical wire to a stud to keep it from moving?
I am fresh out of cable staples and would rather not go all the way to Lowe's just to get a box. What are the implications of not fastening loose electrical wires to a stud? It's not like there's ...
7
votes
1answer
1k views
Can I extend an electrical ground wire with a copper wire crimp?
I am working with an electrical socket and I need extra length on the ground wire. It doesn't seem unreasonable that I can attach an extra three inches to the existing one and attach it with a copper ...
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
1answer
158 views
Is it safe to install a three pronged wire into a four pronged dryer?
I just moved into an old home that has a three pronged wall jack as shown below:
I have a newer dryer that has a four pronged wire. Please see the back of the dryer, I've removed the four pronged ...
5
votes
1answer
607 views
Can i run my cables from the outside box to the inside breaker box through 2x4 studs?
I am turning our carport into a living room and we have a 100amp breaker box outside that feeds power into the breaker box on the inside of our house. the conduit is going to be in the way of the wall ...
4
votes
2answers
481 views
How do I connect a stranded wire to a bus bar?
A typical bus bar has this design:
and connecting a solid wire to it is more or less easy. But how do I connect a stranded wire? I expect the following to happen: when I drive the screw in, the ...
4
votes
2answers
391 views
How can I route an unknown amount of wires through an outside wall?
I'd love to figure out the best way to make a reusable junction through an outside wall for routing cables through it. (Specifically, ham-radio coax cables). It would be fairly simple if I was going ...
3
votes
5answers
3k views
How should I wire for a security system during construction?
I would like to run wires in anticipation of a future hard-wired security system. However, I have yet to find any information that pulls everything together regarding what is required.
From what I ...
3
votes
3answers
2k views
is it possible to do a 3 way switch if power source is in the second switch?
In my research on how to install a 3 way switch, i've seen different ways on how to install the wires but i haven't found the schema that would help me in my situation.
Here's a screenshot of my ...
3
votes
2answers
408 views
How can I fix chewed through wires?
I have two standard two prong wall plugs my puppy has chewed through completely, and he managed to sink his teeth into a laptop cord as well.
I'm thinking the wall plugs are history (a lamp and a ...
2
votes
3answers
162 views
Inferring wire gauge from cable size
Is there any way to infer the gauge of the wires inside an NM cable from the size and shape of the cable? I reckon a round cable is generally -/3 W/G and a flatter cable -/2 W/G, but I do not know how ...
2
votes
2answers
88 views
How close can speaker wire be to a recessed light before heat is a concern?
I'm currently building a home and have plans to install in-ceiling speakers in my family room when the house is finished. The package that the builder offers is obnoxiously expensive and I can't do it ...
0
votes
2answers
337 views
How can I remove the wires from this lamp holder?
The wire on my lamp is too short, so I'm trying to replace it. The fitting/fixture (what's the correct term?) however doesn't play nice: I can't see the correct way to remove the old wire (and still ...
0
votes
0answers
66 views
Should I run cable through an always damp crawl space or a dry soffit in the living area?
You guys are one of the best electrical help web-communities, so thanks for your
time and efforts!
I am advising some homeowners who need to rewire their first floor on Long Beach Island, NJ after ...
