SteveR

2,811 reputation

bio	website
	location	United States
	age	61
visits	member for	1 year, 4 months
	seen	Jun 11 '12 at 11:28
stats	profile views	64

Retired Electrical Engineer.

	2,811 reputation	bio	website		visits	member for	1 year, 4 months
29 badges		location	United States		seen	Jun 11 '12 at 11:28

summary answers questions tags badges favorites bounties reputation activity

91 Comments

suggestions reviews revisions comments badges posts accepts all

May 25	comment	How do I connect a dryer with a four prong plug to a three prong socket? See my edit quoting Wiki article.
May 25	comment	How do I connect a dryer with a four prong plug to a three prong socket? As to your edit: To give advice to the OP to wire the dryer in this this way is irresponsible and dangerous! The only correct answer is to replace the receptacle with the correct four prong outlet!
May 25	comment	How do I connect a dryer with a four prong plug to a three prong socket? @Tester101- I'm not saying it was not done years ago, I'm saying it is not done today. To give advice to the OP to wire the dryer in this this way is irresponsible and dangerous! The only correct answer is to replace the receptacle with the correct four prong outlet!
May 25	comment	How do I connect a dryer with a four prong plug to a three prong socket? Can you post a picture of the plug and receptacle so we can answer this question without guessing?
May 25	comment	How do I connect a dryer with a four prong plug to a three prong socket? Did you read the link? "This was a legal grounding method under the National Electrical Code for electric ranges and electric clothes dryers from the 1947 to the 1996" If I am to offer advice it won't be on how it was done wrong in the old days, but how to do it safely today. The practice of using the neutral as ground is no longer used, and that is why he has the correct four prong plug!
May 23	comment	Did the plumber hook up my water heater backwards? Okay, I see your point. I was in a hurry... :)
May 22	comment	Why exactly is WD-40 not a true lubricant? +1 -Says it all.
May 21	comment	Can I use the white from one switch, but the black from another? I added to my answer. The whites all get connected together as long as there is only one power source in the switch box (probably is). You will be bringing the white from the existing light over in the 14-2 cable anyway. So yes you can use that white to go to the fan-light circuit.
May 19	comment	What could be causing my water heater inlet pipe to corrode? You say the heater is 6yrs old, you should get another 6yrs out of it. Maybe more if you check, replace the anode rod and drain it once a year.
May 18	comment	What could be causing my water heater inlet pipe to corrode? Not two devices for the same thing, they both are used together. The nipple is a dialectic on the inside only. You need the union to isolate the currents from the galvanized to copper connection.
May 18	comment	Network Garage Door opener/ how does the switch work @TomG- I believe mine is current sensing, by using different resistances. I remember monitoring the voltage on the pair and it was 18 VDC static. With an accessory button pushed it would drop a volt or two, polarity stayed the same. I did not take apart the control panel so I can't say for sure. If it were diode steering as you suggest, I would think the pair would be polarity sensitive showing only the FV of the diode. If I get time I will take the switch panel apart to see for sure:)
May 17	comment	Is it safe to splice these cords with tape instead of a terminal? @UNECS - I can't remember ever seen a double insulated appliance with a three prong plug. One reason for the double insulation is so it does not require a ground. If it did have a ground, I'm sure you should not defeat it. The OP did not state what the load was, therefore I assume it should be grounded.
May 16	comment	How do you install blocking in a straight line? You could also toe screw it with deck nails.
May 13	comment	Circuit breaker trips every couple of weeks @Iqlarry - He has a 15A breaker, not a 20A breaker. Didn't you mean to say 1440 Watts resistive?:)
May 10	comment	What is my drill hitting and not penetrating when I hang curtains? +1 Also used to protect plumbing when the hole is close to the edge of the stud.
May 9	comment	How can I replace my main water shutoff valve? @Skudd - Odd that the metal water pipes are not bonded to the ground, I'm guessing you do not live in the USA. You could have used a slip joint PVC fitting instead of the more expensive union fitting, however the union will work just fine.
May 7	comment	Will an ungrounded light fixture on a GFCI circuit cause the GFCI to trip? Actually you want to tie the light ground back to the outlet ground. Do not also connect to an external ground such as a ground rod. All grounds must return through the breaker panel only.
May 6	comment	Can I use a standard extension cord with my refrigerator? Sorry, but no. To keep it safe, you really need to add a dedicated outlet.
May 6	comment	HVAC unit won't come on Is there power going to the furnace? Is there power to the condensation pump?
May 5	comment	Is corrosion on top to an otherwise working electric water heater dangerous? If it looks questionable, and is 11 years old, than it's probably at the end of its life-cycle. You could test the pressure relief valve by lifting the lever to see if water comes out the overflow. Keep a bucket under the overflow and remember it is VERY hot water!