The installation of wire and/or electrical devices, to allow the transmission of electricity from one point to another.
11
votes
3answers
6k views
How do I run ethernet, speaker wire, and coax through a wall into a crawlspace?
I would like to run three low-voltage cables from my entertainment center through an old plaster wall, down (1-3 feet) through the sill plate, and into the crawlspace.
The cables are Ethernet, ...
0
votes
3answers
786 views
How can I wire an exhaust fan to turn on from multiple locations?
I just bought a Panasonic FV-20NLF1 inline bath exhaust fan that I planned to used to exhaust 2 different bathrooms. I want each bathroom light switch to control the fan, so when the lighting turns ...
8
votes
3answers
11k views
How should I run wiring for my above-fireplace mounted TV?
I'm going to mount my 47" LCD above my fireplace. I'm not looking for arguments against this decision. I'm looking for wiring solutions. The diagram below should help explain the situation.
...
10
votes
4answers
2k views
What should I use to secure/organize data cable runs?
I am running Cat-6 and Coax in new construction. I am looking for advice/best practices on how to organize and secure the cables during the runs.
I will be running 2 Cat-6 and 1 Coax to a ...
5
votes
2answers
841 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 ...
7
votes
2answers
1k views
How do I run a wire underground to an outdoor post lamp?
I live in Geauga county Ohio. My question is three part. First what type of wire do I need to run from the house underground to a post lamp 100 feet away? Second,does it need to be in conduit and ...
8
votes
3answers
17k views
How do you know when and where it is safe to drill into a wall?
Lots of home projects involve cutting or drilling through walls (everything from nails, screws, or hooks to mount things to cutting through drywall and drilling through studs to run wire).
In ...
13
votes
6answers
2k views
What is the right way to strip power wires?
I've been working with electrical circuits as a DIYer for years, including electronics and powerline work. But one thing I always feel like I do a terrible job at is stripping wires: both the outside ...
5
votes
3answers
2k views
What are some ways to wire rear speakers in a home theater system?
I have two rear speakers, that I never use, since I don't have a good way (yet) to wire them.
I have a hardwood floor. And the side of the room that is nearest to the TV+Audio source is open. So I ...
4
votes
3answers
481 views
How can I wire this three-way circuit between two buildings with only 3 conductors?
I am rewiring my entire house after a major malfunction of two antique knob and tube circuits. I'm up against a challenge with some outdoor lights. Here's the situation:
I have a detached garage. It ...
4
votes
2answers
927 views
Do open-back low voltage boxes have advantages over standard outlet boxes?
I will be running LV wiring in new construction. I've seen the open backed Carlon boxes, but have read that they are difficult to insulate, and therefore should not be used on exterior walls. I ...
3
votes
4answers
380 views
How can I verify that the protective earth/ground is separate from the neutral wire in an electrical AC installation?
It's easy to verify which wire is the phase without relying on wire colors. But I'm not sure if I'm able to determine which wire is the ground and which is the neutral.
I have heard that using a ...
3
votes
1answer
3k views
How should I wire this White-Rodgers fan and limit control? What about the thermostat?
I have a wood-burning stove, that is used as an auxiliary heat source in the house. There's a regular electric furnace, and adjacent to it is the stove. The warm air duct (out) from the stove ...
1
vote
4answers
610 views
Is a duplex outlet's max amperage rating for each socket or the whole unit?
If you have a duplex outlet thats rated for lets say 20 amps, is the whole unit rated for 20 amps, or is each socket rated for 20 amps?
Edit: So if I had a circuit that had a 40A breaker on it, could ...
10
votes
3answers
3k views
Is running ethernet cable through an air return allowed under US code?
I'm looking to wire up the second floor of my house and the cold air return provides a convenient, straight run from the office to the utility room. Is it safe and within code to run ethernet cable in ...
4
votes
3answers
822 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, ...
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 ...
0
votes
2answers
892 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 ...
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 ...
8
votes
1answer
194 views
How should I install a signal cable duct from new home office to a wiring closet?
I'm constructing a new home office and rather than having fixed cables from the (existing) wiring closet, I want to have the flexibility to add/remove/change cables in future, so I've been looking at ...
8
votes
2answers
587 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 ...
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
2answers
3k views
What gauge speaker wire do I need?
I am looking to run some speaker cable through my unfinished basement.
I will need 35 ft long cables for a couple of Technics SB-A10 speakers. What gauge of cable will I need? How is the gauge ...
5
votes
4answers
632 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
1answer
5k views
Is it ok to wire light switches and lights with 12/2 cable?
It sounds like light switches and lights are usually wired with 14/2 cable. Is it okay to use 12/2 cable instead? Would I need special switches?
4
votes
1answer
645 views
How do I wire a switch/receptacle combination?
Here's my current situation. I've got 14/2 to the ceiling. The hot wire has a runner, which runs down to the switch, and the other wire is a switched hot, back to the light. The other side of the ...
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 ...
3
votes
3answers
1k views
How to use network patch panel in new house
I just moved in to a townhouse built in 2007 with a seemingly nice CAT5 and coaxial cabling. In fact, I found a patch panel in the closet! I opened it and found this:
I also noticed some ...
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
2answers
405 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
3answers
1k views
Borescope recommendations (features)
I'd love to get a borescope, but I've never used one. Should I try to find a place to rent one first(does such a place even exist?), or should I bite the bullet and buy one. What features should I ...
2
votes
2answers
248 views
Should I be able to run some 1.5" PVC chase conduits from attic to basement next to a cold air return?
I have a new home I just moved in to and rather than having them put this stuff in ahead of time (silly me) I'm now trying to do it now.
Here is my situation...
I live in a 2 story home with a ...
2
votes
2answers
7k views
How should I connect the ground wire for my light fixture?
I am replacing a light fixture in my bathroom and have the following setup:
The electrical box is plastic
The wire coming from supply has black (hot), white (neutral) and copper (ground).
The light ...
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 ...
2
votes
2answers
130 views
How can I protect a hose and wire in a high-traffic area?
It's about 20' from my RV to the water supply and electric receptacle. This is a high-traffic area, and having foot (and car!) traffic on the hose and wire seem like a bad idea.
Ideally, I'd run ...
2
votes
4answers
2k views
What is the proper wiring for a NEMA 14-30 240v receptacle?
We moved into a resale home, the previous owners had a Gas Dryer, we have an Electric.
The laundry room has a NEMA 14-30 receptacle installed. I hooked up our brand new dryer and it didn't get power.
...
1
vote
1answer
285 views
What are the codes for electrical wiring in attics?
What is the typical code for wiring in attics? I understand these vary but what's best practice?
Can you just have electrical wires exposed with all the junctions, in junction boxes, provided all the ...
1
vote
4answers
2k views
How do I take a live wire off of a two way switch?
if I know how to take the live wire off then my job is easier.
