Building Homes or Extensions/eletrical surge

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Expert: - 11/18/2009


Question
Hello Dan i have a ? for you:
i live in a house built in 1990 in California with copper wiring,i have lived in this house for over 2 years and have a recent problem the lights in the house have started to surge or aka dim at times i looked in the breaker box and have none of the wiring hot and check breakers also no great heat. the surge is in the hole house please can you give me idea were to check or how to check this problem i fear there is something wrong with my electrical tks Steven

Answer
Steven, this is normally a sign of a problem with the neutral bar in the panel.  I would contact your electrical supplier (utility) and ask them to check the service.  They may handle it for you, or they may tell you to get the services of an electrician.

I cannot suggest that you try to tighten the neutral connection in the panel on your own without killing the meter.

I hope this gets you headed in the right direction.

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Dan Griffin

Expertise

I can answer almost all questions related to the total construction process. My expertise is in commercial construction, though I can field most any residential question. I have hands on experience in concrete, heavy equipment, masonry, all phases of carpentry, interior finishes, and I am fairly strong in mechanical and electrical.

Experience

I have over 20 years experience as a commercial carpenter and commercial construction superintendent. I have another 20 years experience in facility management for a major school district.

Organizations
My favorite hobby for he past 12 years has been singing bass in a The OkChorale men's barbershop chorus and the Mature Moments quartet.

Education/Credentials
I hold a Bachelor's degree in English and Math. I have completed many continuing education hours in the building trades. I hold a Master Carpenter card from the AGC, Associated General Contractors.

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