Timeline for Why would an outlet use a black wire as neutral
Current License: CC BY-SA 4.0
7 events
| when toggle format | what | by | license | comment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 30, 2021 at 19:40 | comment | added | Simon B | @IrishRedneck To clarify, a 15A socket can pass 20A down to the next socket on the line. That doesn't mean it's OK to plug a 20A appliance into a 15A socket. | |
| Jun 30, 2021 at 18:11 | comment | added | Qiuzman | First I’ve learned non contact tester are not reliable enough to know if there is current. I used a multimeter and there is electric coming from only one romex and it’s a black wire ! So to understand if the outlet is reversed by accident is there a way to test? | |
| Jun 30, 2021 at 17:32 | comment | added | Harper - Reinstate Monica | The black wire could just be a pigtail from the neutral bundle to the receptacle. It's sloppy not to use a white pigtail, but most inspectors would let it slide. | |
| Jun 30, 2021 at 16:39 | comment | added | Qiuzman | I have actually decided to investigate this myself. I took out the old box and added a double box since you are right the volume was overfilled. I ran the new wire and updated post above. This wiring scheme is strange. I know what it was before so I am fine to go back to the old way but I need to understand this first. | |
| Jun 29, 2021 at 20:28 | comment | added | Harper - Reinstate Monica | @IrishRedneck because some appliances really do need 20A. They have the rotated neutral pin, and cannot fit in a 15A socket. | |
| Jun 29, 2021 at 20:15 | comment | added | Qiuzman | That’s good to know I can use my 15amp outlets on the 20amp circuit. Why do there exist 20amp outlets then if 15amp are rated for 20amp? | |
| Jun 29, 2021 at 17:53 | history | answered | Harper - Reinstate Monica | CC BY-SA 4.0 |