All Questions
2,948 questions
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15
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Replace recessed light with flush mounted light
I'm somewhat new to electrical stuff but have dabbled a bit. I have experience changing outlets, light switches, and existing light fixtures.
I'm trying to change some recessed lights with some flush ...
- 1
2
votes
1
answer
94
views
Where should I connect ground in my new service panel?
I am DIYing my house from the ground up and have reached the point of electrical. I am in beautiful rural Michigan.
I mounted my 200amp meter socket. I have also mounted the 200amp disconnect. I also ...
0
votes
1
answer
51
views
GFCI Outlet Blew and Sparked
I am replacing outlets in my 1960’s house to be GFCI in the kitchen. This specific outlet had line and load wires. I found the correct line and load wires and wired the 15 amp GFCI outlet. I connected ...
- 21
1
vote
1
answer
29
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Loss of power to bathroom and bedroom to single pole breaker
I have unplugged everything. Immediately trips breaker. Replaced old breaker, still tripping. Checked outlets and lights switches,all ok. So it's the wiring itself then?
2
votes
1
answer
286
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Why isn't there power to receptacles on my GFCI breaker circuit? [closed]
We switched out old receptacles to new ones with screw less plates. So far we got 54 of them working and the last three we switched out totally killed the power to the circuit. The GFI is in the ...
- 21
0
votes
1
answer
65
views
Can I put a 20 amp plug on a 20 amp outlet wired to a 30 amp / 220v circuit breaker line?
In our house (Asia) we have 3 bedrooms with each having a dedicated outlet for AC
and each having their own lines to connected to their own 30 amp / 240v circuit breakers. All outlets are rated 20 ...
- 123
3
votes
2
answers
691
views
How can I properly ground my service disconnect panel?
I am not sure my house is properly grounded.
The meter outside connects to a single breaker panel with a 150 amp breaker (I will call this the service panel). This service panel is not connected to ...
- 981
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0
answers
37
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Grounding a Chandelier Properly
The ceiling box has a ground copper wire coming from above the ceiling wrapped around a green screw and then extending downwards. The mounting bracket also has a green grounding screw. The chandeliers ...
1
vote
2
answers
54
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WEN Dust Collector - how to configure Circuit breaker and 5-20r Outlet
I have a WEN Dust collector - rated as 120v, 16amps.
But they say the startup amperage may spike up to 80a for a short moment... ???
the collector has a built-in 25a overload protector, so they say ...
2
votes
0
answers
109
views
Why do I measure 120 Volts at the breaker when it’s turned off?
A friend's house had outlets go out in the garage and in one of the bathrooms and rooms. I went into the attic and checked for junction boxes. All the cables are direct to the circuit panel with no ...
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4
answers
135
views
Does cycling a main electrical breaker result in a power surge?
Would turning off main electrical breaker switch in the breaker box on & off really fast cause a power surge and cause damage to something like an internet router?
When turning off the main ...
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2
votes
1
answer
407
views
Does Sub panel need ground rod?
Have a Outside Main Box that's Full. Want to add Outside Sub-Panel right next to it 12 inches to the right. I know the Sub-Panel uses separate Neutral Bar and Ground Bar. But, Does the Sub-Panel need ...
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votes
1
answer
82
views
Is it enough space to install double-pole circuit breaker?
Can someone take a look at my panel and let me know if it’s enough space to install a double-pole circuit breaker?
Also, my panel doesn’t have a main breaker to shut off all the electric. Anyone have ...
- 45
0
votes
0
answers
36
views
Copper grounding to water line
when grounding residential home with 4 gauge copper wire to main water pipe, does wire need to touch panel also? I already have panel grounded with 6 gauge copper wire touching same water pipe.
0
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1
answer
83
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Wire size for Tesla Wall Connector at maximum output
I’m trying to DIY install the Tesla Wall Connector with 60 Amps circuit breaker.
I’m looking around and see that so many recommendations using 6 AWG is enough, but some said 4 AWG.
So to be safe, I’ll ...
- 45
1
vote
2
answers
72
views
How should I ground three switches in a box with one ground wire?
There are 3 switches in a junction box. Only one switch has a ground wire.
Can I extend the current ground wire to the other two switches? Can I do this by connecting all 3 ground terminals together ...
- 13
0
votes
3
answers
103
views
Is it safe to use a "quad" breaker to supply NEMA 6-50 outlet for EV charging?
I recently acquired a new EV and I'd like to upgrade my electrical system to include a NEMA 6-50 outlet (my car charger uses this one as opposed to the more popular 14-50) to provide faster, level 2 ...
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7
votes
2
answers
397
views
Do I need a GFCI sticker when grounded by box
I have replaced a 3-prong bathroom outlet with GFCI. The metal box does not have any ground wire in it, so I just connected the hot and neutral wires. I was expecting the outlet tester to indicate the ...
- 71
0
votes
1
answer
74
views
Is it possible to replace ceiling fan chain without turning off the circuit breaker (it's an apartment building, not a house)?
I have a ceiling fan whose chain broke off when trying to turn off the fan. It was on the highest speed. Luckily, it has a switch for winter, summer, and OFF. I set it to OFF and the fan stopped. The ...
- 111
1
vote
2
answers
98
views
What type of circuit breaker can I use for my Sylvania type qfp ? It is a 20 amp single pole breaker
Circuit breaker replacement for GTE Sylvania power box.
3
votes
4
answers
1k
views
Split outlet with GFCI breaker?
When my house was built, I didn't know where the fence/gate would end up, so wire was installed to the general area. It was up to me to finish trenching and wiring up once the gate was installed. ...
- 33
1
vote
1
answer
65
views
Two new circuits, two GFCI outlets, common return and ground, only one GFCI works
I have just wired in two new circuits from my panel into a room where I'd like to have two separate GFCI outlets (each on their own circuit). I used a common return and ground for each GFCI outlet, ...
0
votes
2
answers
90
views
Double-pole GFCI breaker on MWBC
I’m running a 20A multi-wire branch circuit (MWBC) to a shed. Can I use this with a double-pole GFCI breaker in the panel (or combined GFCI+AFCI)? Uses will be for power tools, battery chargers, ...
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votes
1
answer
51
views
Replacing hardwired microwave with plug-in
Home built in '04 with separate in-cabinet microwave and oven. I'm the process of replacing the microwave and the new one comes with a 20a plug, whereas the old one (and the oven) were hardwired ...
3
votes
5
answers
759
views
Can you combine 2 circuits that share a neutral?
Currently, I have a home built in the late 80s that wired the house sharing neutrals. Looking to clean up the panel from a spagetti mess left by the prior owner. I am looking to combine a few circuit ...
-2
votes
1
answer
66
views
Where does the ground go or use a different fixture thoughts? [closed]
I’m replacing track lighting in my garage there are two, one track at both ends of the garage and they run on the same switch.
When I took it all down it’s in a plastic housing and had one hot one ...
5
votes
3
answers
1k
views
Need help with 220v Spa Disconnect
I acquired a spa that runs on 220v. The manual states that for my model I need the following:
Your 220-volt spa pack will require a 40-amp dedicated G.F.C.I. circuit breaker.
Never tie ground and ...
- 51
2
votes
1
answer
80
views
What size outdoor breaker box do I need?
I'm running the electric cable for a new heat pump install. On the wall where the unit will be placed I'm going to put the subpanel breaker, but I'm wondering what the best choice is. I've run a 6 AWG ...
- 219
0
votes
1
answer
47
views
Weird fan or exhaust fan like noise from wall
We just had our power go on and off last few days just for a minute or two but came back.
Now suddenly yesterday started having some weird issue and dnt knw what to do .. in my living room .. where I ...
- 31
1
vote
2
answers
108
views
14amp 240V induction cooktop instructions call for 40/240 breaker?
The 2 burner induction cooktop has a 20 Amp plug and the input wire is labeled as 16 Amp and stamped 14awgx3c 300v. Here is the amazon item page link:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MZWMEF3/ref=...
- 11
0
votes
3
answers
118
views
How should I determine cable ampacity with the various temperature specs?
I have read conflicting opinions on the ampacity rating for NM-B cable. Please help clarify the code.
Chart 310.16 does not list NM-B cable and 334.80 says The ampacity of Types NM and NMC cable shall ...
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2
votes
1
answer
124
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NM-B wire/ampacity for subpanel - NEC 310.16 and 334.80
An electrician is installing a 100 amp subpanel in my basement approximately 50 feet from the main panel on the opposite side of my house. He is using an 80 amp breaker in the main panel to feed the ...
- 149
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0
answers
53
views
How to handle grounding of a hybrid inverter/grid system?
I am researching integrating a solar system into a house, in the USA.
Design goals:
The solar system and the grid need to be able to power the house simultaneously.
Ideally, I would like to have ...
0
votes
1
answer
34
views
Is it ok to use a wood screw with a washer when installing outside lamp into metal mounting bracket but also screws into the wall
I had 2 hard grounding wires coming out of the wall and had a thin wire from the outside light I was installing. The grounding screw was just too short so I found a screw that along with a washer ...
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0
votes
1
answer
53
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Why did I have to switch off multiple circuit breakers? [duplicate]
I just replaced an old dimmer switch that no longer allowed the lights to get to full brightness.
I tested that my non-contact voltage detector lit up and screeched at the faceplate. (Well, it did ...
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2
votes
0
answers
54
views
house water pipe is energized
this is a mobile home, the owner tried to shut off the main water and got a shock when he touched to valve, I found, with the main house breaker off and the electric meter pulled, I had 35 volts A/C ...
- 21
0
votes
2
answers
88
views
Will my panel inside be considered a subpanel, and now be un bonded
I have installed a 200 amp distribution panel w/socket head. Will this be considered my main panel, and my panel inside now becomes my subpanel?
Should my subpanel be unbonded, and 2 lines, 1 neutral, ...
0
votes
3
answers
45
views
Upgrading to smart 3-way switch with existing non-grounded switch
I have been upgrading my dumb switches with some new matter based smart ones. My home was built in 1997, so there are ground bundles in the boxes, but the existing switches do not have a ground ...
0
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0
answers
69
views
Mini circuit breaker has an LED on for U > 270V
Any idea what it means? It is an Eaton Moeller FL7 32 amps (from the electric company).
I recently extended the grounding cable for my electric system for the house and this popped on.
- 11
7
votes
4
answers
3k
views
Sticky goo making it hard to open and close the main 200amp breaker
While looking in one of the two panels inside my house, I found a clear sticky goo had worked its way down the main feed cable from inside the sheathing and into the 200amp breaker. The goo continued ...
- 71
3
votes
1
answer
455
views
What purpose is the GND screw serving in this vanity lighting setup?
Trying to install a bathroom vanity light. Here's the wiring coming out of the wall:
So 3 wires:
White
Black
Bare copper
Plus a green GND screw
This wiring was set up by our electrician before we ...
- 57
1
vote
1
answer
69
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Does current draw of one fridge affect another fridge’s microprocessor if both fridges are on same circuit?
Two fridges are on one circuit. Not sure the exact amps, but 15-20 amps is probable.
When the compressor of the one analog fridge starts, and pulls current, some of that current goes to the other ...
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0
votes
2
answers
103
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Why would tightening screws on a GE Arc-fault breaker cause "frizzing" sound and flickering lights? Once applied torque is removed all is good
Background. House built new in 2017, using GE Goldmark panel. All was done well and checked well with no issues. Needed to go into the panel recently, for some unrelated work.... and decided (per good ...
1
vote
2
answers
84
views
Does anyone recognize this electrical panel or know what brand of breakers are acceptable?
I need to add a 15amp 240v double breaker to an outdoor subpanel. The only identification number on the panel is on a small sticker in the box that says Class-CTL ENCLOSED PANELBOX No. EU 387722. (I ...
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1
vote
1
answer
61
views
Replacing a 2-pole Quad Circuit Breaker
Can a 2-P Quad Breaker (20/30/30/20, with inside common trip) be replaced with a 1-P 20A breaker, a 2-P 30A breaker (common trip) and another 1-P 20A breaker?
1
vote
0
answers
88
views
Bare copper conductor for grounding a sub panel
Several years ago, my father converted a 240V sub panel to 120V by re-purposing one of the 3 available conductors for the ground wire and using the other 2 conductors for the hot and neutral.
Now he ...
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1
vote
2
answers
67
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THQL2150 50 amp breaker rated for CU/AL 60/75C wired with 8/3 teck cable for hot tub
I have a hot tub. It is wired with 6/3 teck cable to a pull out disconnect switch. The pullout is wired with 8/3 teck cable to the main GE panel with a 50amp standard breaker.
It was roughed in with ...
- 14.4k
1
vote
0
answers
67
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Identifying an older electrical breaker
Wondering if anyone knows what brand/model breaker box this is and what year its from approximately? Is it original? (this is on the exterior of a single family house built in 1947 in southern ...
- 199
3
votes
1
answer
112
views
What does "opposite to neutral" mean when installing a feeder breaker?
I am adding a 100A subpanel to my 200A main panel (Vintage Cutler Hammer - Model CH30JM200). I intend to add a ground bar, clean up the wiring and better secure the SER cable, but a sticker in the ...
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0
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1
answer
111
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Screw in fuse box
I need to replace the piece in fuse box that my 30amp fuse screws into. Can I buy just that? Or have to change the whole thing?
