The installation of wire and/or electrical devices, to allow the transmission of electricity from one point to another.
1
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2answers
330 views
Why would lights plugged in to lamp holder outlet adapter be testing as live?
We bought an old pendant light for our flat, with a two prong plug. Rather than rewiring it in to the existing outlet, I just bought one of those $2 lamp holder outlet adapter. To be on the safe ...
1
vote
0answers
52 views
Duplex Outlet's Max Amperage Rated by Socket or by Whole Unit? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Duplex Outlet's Max Amperage Rated by Socket or by Whole Unit?
If you have a duplex outlet thats rated for lets say 20 amps, is the whole unit rated for 20 amps, or ...
4
votes
2answers
465 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 ...
1
vote
3answers
244 views
How to hide light-colored wires in a dark-colored cabinet?
I'm installing some LED lights in a particle-board cabinet. The cabinet's walls have dark-colored veneers (nearly black), while the wires to the LEDs are beige, and would stand out quite prominently.
...
4
votes
2answers
286 views
Installing a ceiling fan into a socket with 3 wires jammed into the socket
I recently purchased a ceiling fan thinking it would be a fun DIY project but when I went to install it, I came across many problems. I have attached a photo of my ceiling fan socket on the ceiling ...
3
votes
1answer
632 views
When is it generally safe/acceptable to use a wire nut?
Can someone please clarify for me when exactly it's safe/acceptable to use wire nuts?
Regional building codes withstanding, I think the general rules of thumb are:
Only use wire nuts in ...
7
votes
3answers
484 views
How should I go about fixing a faulty 220 V Electrical Outlet
This afternoon, my wife and I noticed a peculiar smell coming from the garage. We localized it to a faulty 3-wire 220 V outlet. Something got really hot resulting in part of the rubber melting on ...
4
votes
2answers
382 views
We have a light switch in the kitchen that is wired to the central ac?
We bought our house 2 years ago and thought this was just an unused switch, it doesn't turn anything on that we can see. Then the other day my husband was putting up a ceiling fan in the kitchen and ...
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 ...
4
votes
2answers
386 views
GFI reset is behind refrigerator, need to remove refrigerator from circuit and relocate GFI
I am looking at purchasing a home in Florida, built in 2005.
Our home inspector was not the smartest cookie in the jar, but accidently discovered some strange things. So far, this is what I have ...
4
votes
1answer
174 views
Where can I purchase push button electrical switches?
Our old house has push button light switches. I would like to find some modern replica switches and face plates for use in some electrical improvements. I have checked at our local home improvement ...
5
votes
2answers
1k views
Do I need to “protect” low voltage cables that are run through an insulated wall?
I'm planning to run speaker cables from a new outlet at an uninsulated wall to a new outlet at an insulated wall. I've already run Cat5e and coaxial cable to the uninsulated wall, and am comfortable ...
5
votes
2answers
1k views
How do I know if my lightswitch is wired incorrectly?
I recently replaced a couple of the really old lightswitches in my house. Shortly afterwards I heard Shirlock Homes on the StackExchange podcast and he mentioned that you can shock yourself if you ...
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 ...
7
votes
3answers
648 views
What happens if I shave a little sliver off electrical wire with a utility knife?
I needed to replace an electrical wire with a longer one so I could move an electrical outlet. When I went to cut away the outer rubber cover of one of the wires with a utility knife (yes, dumb, I ...
4
votes
2answers
386 views
How can I add a second light to a circuit?
I have recessed lights that are controlled by two switches. They used a black, red and white wire for each switch to a junction box then used a 14-2 wire to the recessed lights. My question is how do ...
4
votes
3answers
2k views
Splitting a circuit breaker into multiple lines
I recently found out that several rooms in my house are apparently connected to one circuit breaker.
Setup:
My wife was in the bathroom drying her hair and I decided it was time to nuke lunch in the ...
11
votes
3answers
2k views
Ethernet cable instead of Thermostat wire?
I need to pull new wire from my furnace to my thermostat and was wondering if there would be any problems in using an Ethernet cable instead of standard thermostat wiring.
The reason being is I have ...
4
votes
1answer
174 views
What's wrong with an electrical outlet that will power a lamp but not a space heater?
Thought my space heater had died when I plugged it in and it wouldn't turn on, not even the "on" indicator light, so I went out and bought a new one. When the new one wouldn't work either, I tested ...
5
votes
2answers
824 views
How do I wire my wall-mounted HD TV?
This image wall-mount setup should give a good idea of the current TV set up on the wall.
I wanted to use a SmartStrip to power my TV and all the other devices (receiver, BluRay player, Wii, cable ...
3
votes
2answers
399 views
How to wire a lamp to a junction box?
In my bathroom, I had an old wall lamp hanging above the mirror, that was connected to a junction box. I dismounted the old lamp and didn't pay attention to which wires it was connected. Now I need to ...
2
votes
1answer
2k views
Potterton EP3000 -> Horstmann C27 boiler programmer wiring
I'm in the UK, using an ancient tempermental Potterton EP3000 boiler programmer, but I have a brand new Horstmann C27 which I'd like to replace it with.
Apart from the mains supply, there are three ...
5
votes
1answer
126 views
Can I use a hot wire on another panel?
I have a room upstairs that's the size of a small studio apartment. My daughter decided to move back home but my tenant noticed that the room she moved into is tied into their apartment. I went to the ...
1
vote
3answers
2k views
What did I do wrong??! Wiring error is tripping circuit breaker
Here's the scoop:
There are 3 switches in my hallway. One switch on side A and two switches on side B. Side A switch controls same light as one switch on Side B. I replaced the switch on Side A ...
3
votes
1answer
393 views
Should the tester start flickering when I touch my chandelier's top wiring cover?
(First time quiestion here, so correct me if something's wrong)
I recently installed a lamp on the ceiling (a metallic chandelier). Two wires connected to the ceiling (one phase and one "zero"). The ...
4
votes
1answer
2k views
What are the requirements for wiring an unfinished garage with lights and outlets?
I found this DIY article online which suggests that running Romex along the center faces of studs and rafters was code compliant for unfinished garages.
How to Wire a Garage
The article is dated ...
3
votes
1answer
472 views
What are the “rules” for connecting different kinds mains electrical wires?
Aluminum wires can't be connected directly to copper wires - otherwise the contact spot overheats badly, such connections should only go through steel connectors. I was rather surprised when I found ...
3
votes
2answers
402 views
Term to describe two circuits run through one /3 cable
For example, I have a 12/3 cable in which the red and black wires are controlled via separate breakers. The 12/3 drops into a single-gang outlet, out of which runs a 12/2 to another room. Is there a ...
3
votes
1answer
395 views
Should a generator transfer switch have continuity between all contacts in the “Gen” position?
I am finishing up installing my generator transfer switch today and I think I have a wiring problem...
I have a six circuit transfer switch wired in with a power inlet box outside. Everything is ...
5
votes
3answers
784 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 ...
3
votes
1answer
314 views
How reliable are connector strips with plug-in terminals and how do I select and use them properly?
Here's a close-up photo of a connector strip with plug-in terminals
It's used for connecting 220 volt mains wires – you can see a bare metal wire coming in – that's 4mm2 aluminum wire. Each of the ...
3
votes
1answer
3k views
How can I add a single pole switch next to a 3-way switch?
I currently have a 3-way circuit in the family room. I would like to install a 2 gang box @ one of the switch locations and add a single pole switch to control an exterior light. Can I wire the single ...
4
votes
2answers
1k views
How is pre-wiring done for motion sensors / alarm system in new construction?
In new construction, how is pre-wiring done for alarm systems, when then alarm may not be installed right away (or ever)?
It makes sense to me to actually install recessed door contacts (they're only ...
2
votes
2answers
395 views
how can i find electric short from room to fuse box?
When I came home last night the wife was setting in the dark in the bedroom. Why are the two hall lights strobing I ask? She did not know, she took a nap and when she woke no power in the room. ok??? ...
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 ...
3
votes
2answers
804 views
Can I piggyback a thermostat with a C Wire hookup on a furnace?
I'm trying to install a new thermostat that needs a C wire hookup. There are currently 4 wires running from the thermostat to the furnace, none of them are a c wire. When I look at my furnace itself ...
2
votes
1answer
418 views
How do I detect and repair faulty wiring?
Recently, during a storm, an outdoor spotlight was broken in its socket, its internal wiring shorting out. The lights happen to be on a motion sensor, and in turn on switch, and a breaker at the ...
2
votes
1answer
132 views
What hardware do I need to have a wireless light switch in UK/Ireland?
Builders are converting my attic at the moment and stupidly, the electrician only installed the light switch for the attic at the bottom of the stairwell so there's no actual light switch in the room. ...
5
votes
1answer
16k views
What wire gauge should I use with a 30 amp breaker for a 220V welder?
I am installing an outlet in my garage for a 220v mig welder. The welder specs call for 30A breaker.
The outlet for the welder is only 2 feet from the garage sub panel. The wiring refernece charts ...
5
votes
3answers
1k views
Does a grounding wire from a breaker panel to an outside grounding rod need to be in conduit?
I've got a breaker panel in my detached garage (it is not a sub-panel, but is a primary forked off just past the meter). The panel seems to be wired correctly- the neutral and ground bars are tied ...
8
votes
2answers
293 views
Is it within code to complete 12g wiring circuit with 10g wire?
In installing a dishwasher on a dedicated 20amp circuit on 12g wiring, I've come short about 5 feet to run a line. I have some surplus, heavier, 10g wire. Would it be safe to install a junction box ...
6
votes
5answers
1k views
Should I have multiple cable runs for a room, or just one?
My girlfriend is finishing up her basement and has set up a good layout for electrical outlets throughout the rooms (family room, bedroom, and office), but she's only accounted for a single coaxial ...
3
votes
1answer
925 views
Is my dimmer switch failing or is it bad wiring?
A few days ago my wife mentioned that there was a "burning smell" near the kitchen, but it went away before I could investigate. Today I turned on the dimmer switch in my kitchen, and the lights began ...
8
votes
3answers
291 views
What is a minimally intrusive way to move a wire that is in a wall 3.5" to the left?
I need to move a speaker that's mounted on a wall about 3.5" to the left.
Here's what the actual mounted speaker looks like:
The wire comes out inside the bracket that attaches to the wall, and ...
1
vote
0answers
168 views
Why does power loss leave my split/ductless AC unit inoperable for hours or days? [closed]
I've got an LG Ductless 12000 BTU unit that does the most annoying thing..
It is wired into a semi-standard (one of the prongs is sideways) 15A or 20A (can't recall) GFCI outlet inside - and if the ...
9
votes
5answers
1k views
What are some pros, cons and recommendations for multicables?
Currently saving to build a new home and I'm going over wiring options in my mind. My current home has too few sockets, cable connections and LAN ports (yes I still like wired LAN, wireless is good ...
3
votes
1answer
383 views
Why does my fluorescent light fixture ruin bulbs within six months?
My bathroom has a fixture for twin 48" fluorescent bulbs. About every six months, the bulbs start to go bad. At first they will only come on about half way, and they flicker dimly for a few seconds ...
2
votes
1answer
406 views
adding new power outlet, ceiling fan/switch kills the power to it when on
I'm adding a new power outlet for some electronics. I'm dropping a 12/2 wire from the attic where I'm attaching it to a junction box. The junction box has an existing wire, 12/2, and a 14/2 wire ...
6
votes
4answers
2k views
Buying a programmable thermostat to replace a manual one: any considerations?
I'm about to look for a programmable thermostat to replace a manual one. There are already a couple of good questions on thermostat replacement that make the task seem pretty straightforward for ...
8
votes
2answers
567 views
Is there a standard wiring scheme for AC/heater thermostats?
I have a project idea where I would really like to be able to make my own thermostat to control my home's AC and heater. I have just two questions
Is there any standard wiring/color code?
Are any ...
