| Subject | Date Asked |
|
| Lights flicker, lights go out | 11/10/2009 |
Q: I am currently having my kitchen renovated and the walls skim coated in my living room. The kitchen ...
A: Ann, From what you have described there is a loose connection somewhere along that circuit that is ...
|
| Condo electric keeps cutting out in part of unit | 10/25/2009 |
Q: We rent a condo to two young ladies for the last 3 years. Last year while on vacation we found that ...
A: Lorraine, Your very welcome. There is no threat of fire just the hassle and inconvenience of the ...
|
| Condo electric keeps cutting out in part of unit | 10/24/2009 |
Q: We rent a condo to two young ladies for the last 3 years. Last year while on vacation we found that ...
A: Lorraine, The breaker not blowing is a clear indication this is a connection issue some where ...
|
| Fuse Panel Addition | 10/22/2009 |
Q: I currently have an older 100amp fuse panel. Will be upgrading to a 200amp breaker in the future ...
A: You can't put a 30 amp fuse on a 15 amp circuit regardless of the load on it. Use the pull out for ...
|
| Fuse Panel Addition | 10/22/2009 |
Q: I currently have an older 100amp fuse panel. Will be upgrading to a 200amp breaker in the future ...
A: Chris, You can't over fuse a 20 amp or 15 amp circuit even temporarily. Do you have any 240 volt ...
|
| commerical deep fryer is 480 i have 220 | 10/12/2009 |
Q: I bought and sold 2 new vulcon deep fryers, telling my buyer they were 3 phase, failing to tell him ...
A: Nancy, Your very welcome. Most commerical buildings having restaurants in them that would use these ...
|
| commerical deep fryer is 480 i have 220 | 10/11/2009 |
Q: I bought and sold 2 new vulcon deep fryers, telling my buyer they were 3 phase, failing to tell him ...
A: Nancy, The key here is we don't know what was involved to change the wiring from 240 to the 480 ...
|
| 115/208 hook up | 10/8/2009 |
Q: I have to hook up a food warming heater that was previously hard wired. THe data plate states ...
A: Jim, The data plate info, number of wires and colors are very significant. If you hook it up the ...
|
| Automotive Starter | 9/30/2009 |
Q: Sir I've noticed that in some automobiles, when starting the engine, the accessories like the radio ...
A: Prashanth, Yes I believe that is so and it makes sense that the motor starter receive as much power ...
|
| baseboard heaters | 9/28/2009 |
Q: i live in an apartment with baseboard heaters. there is no thermostat in the apartment just ...
A: Lee, Probably not, what your hearing is the expansion and contraction of the aluminum fins that are ...
|
| Circuit Breaker Tripping | 9/27/2009 |
Q: My house is 50 years old and has the original wiring. A breaker started tripping and as soon as I ...
A: Harold, You have a classic "short circuit" which means if its nothing you have plugged in then its ...
|
| hello | 9/26/2009 |
Q: Sir I've noticed that on some power grid wires, the are colorful plastic balls, especially the ...
A: Prashanth, The balls are there to make the wires more visable to plane's, helicopters, hot air ...
|
| Power to shop | 9/24/2009 |
Q: Bob I would like to run power from 1 or 2 sources. My meter box outside(200 amp) has 2 unused ...
A: Russel, The meter would be best as it is the main source and coincidently the easier of the two ...
|
| AC | 9/13/2009 |
Q: I believe and have also heard several places recommend that to achieve best energy and cost ...
A: Nick and Nancy, If you turn your AC off when you leave your house on a hot summer day VS setting ...
|
| 220 3 Pole 50 Amp Range Receptacle | 9/7/2009 |
Q: You answered a question for Ross on 2/17/2008 regarding wiring a pre 96, 3 prong 220 house wire to ...
A: Gary, Given the 3 wire cable you have you can't use a 4 wire receptacle. You have to use a 3 wire ...
|
| Direct burial vs Over headpower line | 9/1/2009 |
Q: Well my question is more like 3 questions. I am wanting to build a home about 350 yards from nearest ...
A: Andrew, If you haven't done it already you need to meet with your utility representitive to discuss ...
|
| starter/motor hook up | 8/30/2009 |
Q: I have hooked up a mag starter to a compressor motor. I have my 240 to L1 and L2 on starter, T1 and ...
A: Clint, Yes, the pressure switch should control the magnetic starter. In other words it needs to be ...
|
| residential home construction/wiring | 8/27/2009 |
Q: how is the electrical wireing different for my home construction;i am building a 1 story full ...
A: David, As far as the foam blocks go you can do your wiring basically one of 2 ways: You can run PVC ...
|
| powering an electric arc welder | 8/26/2009 |
Q: I am a backyard/hobby kind of welder. I had a little "buzz-box" welder that recently died and I am ...
A: Ed, HD shows a 50 amp receptacle next to the unit which means it actually draws some where around ...
|
| household wiring | 8/20/2009 |
Q: I RECENTLY PURCHASED A HOME WITH A ROOM ADDED ON.WHEN I PUT A BULB INTO THE CIELING FAN IT BLEW AND ...
A: Andrew, The black wire on the fan should go to the 3 black wires in the box. The Blue wire on the ...
|
| Hampton Bay Ceiling Fan Remote | 8/10/2009 |
Q: The remote works the light, but only works on Hi for the fan. Low and Med do not work. Is there a ...
A: Ok, again your receiver is probably the culprit here and it should be replaceable. Some times they ...
|
| Hampton Bay Ceiling Fan Remote | 8/9/2009 |
Q: The remote works the light, but only works on Hi for the fan. Low and Med do not work. Is there a ...
A: Sue, The fan has a pullchain on it that controls the fan with 3 speeds. Check to be sure it is set ...
|
| The Hum - big effect, what cause? | 8/4/2009 |
Q: Since Jan 2007, I've been plagued by a humming noise which is omnidirectional in my flat - I cannot ...
A: Serena, I would say something in your building or on your block possibly another building next door ...
|
| residential wiring and generator install | 8/3/2009 |
Q: Lots of details here;I hope enough to get some help. I have learned enough lately by reading up on ...
A: Dennis, You raise an excellent point. Since the installation of the outside panel your inside panel ...
|
| changing from 110v to 220v | 8/3/2009 |
Q: I have moved to Saudi Arabia and the house has 3 phase 110v in it.All the outlets are 110v and I ...
A: John, What your proposing can be tricky to accomplish and potentially dangerous because there may ...
|
| Wiring for New Cooktop | 8/1/2009 |
Q: Mossman, I hired a contractor to update my kitchen, including installing a new gas cooktop which was ...
A: Shelley, I don't know how he worded his contract with you but if he said he was going to "install ...
|
| Flickering Lighta | 7/29/2009 |
Q: The lights in my downstairs bathroom flicker intermittently. They seem to be the only lights on that ...
A: Wayne, You most likely have a loose coonection. Check the splices in the box behind the fixture ...
|
| new light installation causing dimming | 7/28/2009 |
Q: I just recently purchased a home that had a surface light fixture in the kitchen. This fixture had a ...
A: Adam, Ok I'm going to give you a little home work to do, heres what I want you to find out: The ...
|
| new light installation causing dimming | 7/27/2009 |
Q: I just recently purchased a home that had a surface light fixture in the kitchen. This fixture had a ...
A: Adam, Your very welcome, 3 way systems can be set up many different ways and what you have can be ...
|
| new light installation causing dimming | 7/27/2009 |
Q: I just recently purchased a home that had a surface light fixture in the kitchen. This fixture had a ...
A: Adam, Something is definitely wired wrong it shouldn't be doing that. The 50 watt floods together ...
|
| Open Neutral on Main | 7/26/2009 |
Q: End of June beginning of July for about a week our lights would dim, flicker, and brighten. Even ...
A: Absolutely, the connections are outside exposed to the weather where the insulating materials on the ...
|
| Open Neutral on Main | 7/26/2009 |
Q: End of June beginning of July for about a week our lights would dim, flicker, and brighten. Even ...
A: Marsha, It not only could have caused the high bills but the condition ruined the microwwave. The ...
|
| amp draw of roof snowmelt tapes | 7/23/2009 |
Q: I'm looking at installing two heat tapes on my shingle roof and gutters: one is 160 ft long (w 6.7 ...
A: Mark, Between the two tapes your total load will be 15 amps. If the circuit the receptacle is on is ...
|
| No 220V | 7/21/2009 |
Q: We had problems with random breakers failing. I replaced some and all was ok. The one for the drier ...
A: OK James its time to call your utility and tell them whats going on. They should send some one out ...
|
| No 220V | 7/21/2009 |
Q: We had problems with random breakers failing. I replaced some and all was ok. The one for the drier ...
A: James, If it were your main breaker you might hear it making crackling sounds or buzzing sounds and ...
|
| No 220V | 7/20/2009 |
Q: We had problems with random breakers failing. I replaced some and all was ok. The one for the drier ...
A: James, It sounds like you have a connection problem there in the panel that is effecting the output ...
|
| Residential Box Transformer Noise | 7/19/2009 |
Q: I have a box in my rear yard. For 33 years it made NO noise beyond 5 feet. We had no problems and ...
A: John, If you contact your states "Board of Public Utilities" they should be able to help you and ...
|
| residential power panel breakers | 7/18/2009 |
Q: In the process of replacing two old(30 year old panel) cruse hind breakers, I discovered that one of ...
A: No problem, the twin breaker is ganged together to create two 20 amp 120 volt circuits or you can ...
|
| residential power panel breakers | 7/18/2009 |
Q: In the process of replacing two old(30 year old panel) cruse hind breakers, I discovered that one of ...
A: Richard, The "2 pole" breaker you speak of is not a 2 pole breaker at all and you can't get 240 ...
|
| Replacing Surface Mount Lighting fixture with Recessed Light | 7/16/2009 |
Q: My question is that I purchased several IC recessed lights that I am installing in my kitchen. FYI - ...
A: Adam, I install IC "old work" (existing) cans right up against the side of a ceiling/floor joists ...
|
| three wires running from main power to sub panel. | 7/9/2009 |
Q: I recently purchased a home, Going under the house i noticed that the power wires running from the ...
A: Carlos, What your describing doesn't sound right, exposed wires with open splices are not good. ...
|
| 10 gage 4 wire + ground | 7/2/2009 |
Q: Is there such a thing as direct burial 10 gage 4-wire + ground? If so, where could I find it?
A: Clint, I couldn't find anything 10 gauge but I did find 8 gauge which is one size larger than what ...
|
| Portable generator | 6/23/2009 |
Q: What size generator(starting amps and running amps) would I need to run the submersible pump in my ...
A: Yes it does because I believe the lowest wattage 120/240 unit I have seen is 3500 watts which will ...
|
| Portable generator | 6/23/2009 |
Q: What size generator(starting amps and running amps) would I need to run the submersible pump in my ...
A: Ray, 2000 watts (running) minimum which will handle 16.6 amps and gives you a nice 6.8 amp ...
|
| motor starter wireing | 6/20/2009 |
Q: I have a 3 phase 230vac n1 starter with 120vac and 240vac coil with 4 term. screws,starting an air ...
A: David, The starter coil has 2 windings in it, 2 of the screws on the coil are connected to one ...
|
| cm2 36 56 help | 6/18/2009 |
Q: I'm sorry for too many questions but I think I finally found the problem. You said that on the board ...
A: Alex, No problem, now at this point I must ask you about the two wires your hooking power up to. ...
|
| wiring | 6/17/2009 |
Q: i have a trailer the other day half the elec. went out in the trailer cant not find out why we have ...
A: Shannan, If you have power coming out of all your breakers and the connections to the breakers are ...
|
| Worldwide electric CM2 36 56 | 6/17/2009 |
Q: I just bought a Ingersoll Rand compressor for the house and tested it before actually making the ...
A: Alex, If you just bought this like you say and the motor is NG the best thing you can do is return ...
|
| Worldwide electric CM2 36 56 | 6/17/2009 |
Q: I just bought a Ingersoll Rand compressor for the house and tested it before actually making the ...
A: Ok Alex I checked out this motor and its a 2 HP dual voltage motor with manual thermal protection. ...
|
| Worldwide electric CM2 36 56 | 6/17/2009 |
Q: I just bought a Ingersoll Rand compressor for the house and tested it before actually making the ...
A: Alex, You should get some sort of reading putting the ohm meter across the two main input wires. ...
|
| wiring | 6/16/2009 |
Q: i have a trailer the other day half the elec. went out in the trailer cant not find out why we have ...
A: Shannan, If your losing not just one circuit but a number of them all at one time then it indicates ...
|
| Wire for exterior lamp post. | 6/11/2009 |
Q: I have an existing switch to an exterior outlet which I want to abandon and use for a pole lamp. ...
A: No problem Monty, if your willing to lose the use of the outside outlet you can try this, its your ...
|
| Wire for exterior lamp post. | 6/10/2009 |
Q: I have an existing switch to an exterior outlet which I want to abandon and use for a pole lamp. ...
A: Monty, What ever size the wire is at the exterior outlet , you must use the same size wire to the ...
|
| washroom outlet no power after blow dryer blew | 12/4/2008 |
Q: i changed the outlet checked wires behind fuse panel all fuse ok why is there no power what open up ...
A: Tony, There maybe a GFI receptacle some where in the condo that feeds the receptacle in the wash ...
|
| bathroom exhaust fan | 12/4/2008 |
Q: fan drips water .........attic is well insulated around fan any ideas
A: Michelle, Its either the 4" exhaust hose where it probably exits through your roof and its leaking ...
|
| Power supply | 12/2/2008 |
Q: ...!! In our country 230v/50hz for 1ph and 415v is used for 3ph....to domestic customers some are ...
A: Paul, Hello to you, Higher voltages such as 415 volts 3 phase are usually used for commercial or ...
|
| outlet | 8/3/2008 |
Q: I have a floor outlet that looks like it may be 220, however, the wire is 12/2. Unfortunately, I ...
A: Cecil, The wire doesn't determine if its 220 or 110, it could be 14-2 or 10-2 or even 12-3 so the ...
|
| psc motors | 8/2/2008 |
Q: I put a psc motor in my dad's furnace but the motor wont start Only with my hand. I have changed the ...
A: Ken, If its a new motor it should work but thats not to say you couldn't have a defective motor. ...
|
| wiring | 8/2/2008 |
Q: I'm building a small campground on my property. I want to figure out how best to run electric to ...
A: Brett, You don't say how far your runs are from the main panel which will effect wires size and you ...
|
| 115 VOLTAGE? | 5/20/2008 |
Q: what is 115 Vlotage? I know that this is a very basic question, but I am trying to get a window air ...
A: Jo, The vast majority of homes have two voltages available in their circuit breaker or fuse boxes ...
|
| query | 5/15/2008 |
Q: i am sorry i did forget to ask my question, if a breaker is being used to control the dimmer on and ...
A: Brian, 900 watts is a fairly sizable load on a 15 or 20 amp circuit and occasionally a breaker will ...
|
| specs on Gold Bond 6E ceiling heating | 4/29/2008 |
Q: I installed Gold Bond heating sheetrock in the ceiling in 1978. It is clean and works great. My ...
A: Larry, You can't cover over radiant ceiling panels directly, you would have to have some sort of ...
|
| RV 50amp service from house breaker (mistake!) | 4/28/2008 |
Q: I was wiring a 50 service at my house - so that I could plug in my motor coach while it is parked at ...
A: Kyle, You made no mention of a CB panel on the Fleetwood some where. There has to be one. I don't ...
|
| 115 vs 230 | 4/21/2008 |
Q: Mr. Mossman, I have bought several woodworking equipment that are can work with both 115 and 230. ...
A: Alfredo, The advantage with 230 is you can run more machines on one circuit @ 230 than 120, in ...
|
| Electrical Service | 4/11/2008 |
Q: Currently my house had a 200 amp main disconnect off of the meter feeding a 200 amp panel. I am ...
A: Jeffrey, You could tap the load side of the 200 amp breaker but you can't up grade it to a higher ...
|
| plasma cutter and generator | 4/6/2008 |
Q: I hope you can help me. My plasma cutter requires at least 28 amps to run. My 5000 watt generator ...
A: Tom, The generators have to "synchronize" in order to do what you want, in other words the "sine ...
|
| Which 50A range plug/recepticle to use? | 4/1/2008 |
Q: My wife found a used Maytag range, but the plug is a NEMA 14-30P style (based on home depot's ...
A: David, You have to change the cord and plug on the Maytag range to match the receptacle on the ...
|
| electrical service panel loading/ gfi on a afi | 3/24/2008 |
Q: Hi how can one load the panel to ensure the load is balanced? Can i put a GFI recepticle on the end ...
A: Tim, First of all the way circuits are structured in panels your well on your way to a balanced ...
|
| Wiring for solar panels | 3/22/2008 |
Q: I wish to run wire from my garage roof to inside the garage to bring power from the panels to the ...
A: Don, The manufacturer of the panels should have that detail shown some where. In other words do the ...
|
| relay or starter | 3/18/2008 |
Q: I'm building an electric smoker. I have a controller. It has a sensor that I place in the smoker. I ...
A: Burtis, You need to get a "single pole" relay who's contacts are rated for at least 20 amps or 30. ...
|
| Recessed Lighting Specs | 3/15/2008 |
Q: I have recessed lighting in my house and on the housing there are specs for the wattage of the bulbs ...
A: D, The BR or R-40 , or R-30 is an incandescent lamp that is still available but being phased out. ...
|
| wire size | 3/12/2008 |
Q: I have a panel 550' from a utility pole, half way is a ground splice box. From the splice box to the ...
A: Jonn, Using 4/0 AL all the way to the pole and figuring a hypothetical load of 150 amps on your 200 ...
|
| 30 amp breaker | 3/12/2008 |
Q: I currently installing a 30 amp breaker to feed three 4 gang weatherproof boxes I am runnig 10 # ...
A: Roger, No you can't. In this instance the wire size must remain the same right through to the ...
|
| Plug substituting | 3/11/2008 |
Q: Just got an electric stove. We don't have an outlet for the plug it came with, so my husband ...
A: Laura, Good questions. Your correct that full size electric stove's utilize a 50 amp line . As long ...
|
| Flickering Lights | 3/10/2008 |
Q: All of a sudden,when my washing machine is operating all the lights in my house are ...
A: Charlie, Call your utility and tell them all the lights in your house are flickering and you'd like ...
|
| 240 v to two 120 V circuitd | 3/8/2008 |
Q: I'm replacing an electric cooktop with a gas cooktop. The electric power is provided by red, black, ...
A: Dave, Code wise you can't do it. Even if you down size the breaker to 20 amps and change the ...
|
| Business - Increasing amp from 100 to 200 | 3/7/2008 |
Q: I'm setting up a fast food restaurant in a new leased location. The landlord provided me a 100amp, ...
A: Rahill, Based on the information you have provided I'm not sure what you really have voltage wise. ...
|
| Fixing Entrance Cable | 3/4/2008 |
Q: We are selling our home and were told by the buyer's building inspector that the outside wire going ...
A: Sara, "Repair" and "replacement" in this instance are two different things so I don't know what ...
|
| 220v-110v | 2/27/2008 |
Q: Bob - I know variations of this question have already been asked, but I was still a little confused. ...
A: Pat, That line is probably a 30 amp line which is larger than you need and by the time you do the ...
|
| Mobile home power issue | 2/25/2008 |
Q: I hope you can help me or someone there. My husband and I bought an older (1974) mobile home about ...
A: Sarah, The power company does a have certain responsibility to maintain the line to your trailer in ...
|
| 220 3 Pole, Non-Grounding Range Receptacle Wiring | 2/17/2008 |
Q: I know 3 prong 220 is not up to code for a new range now at days but my dad removed the old ...
A: Ross, A 3 wire hook up for a range is still legal today but technically you have to have the right ...
|
| 110 volt from 220 volt | 2/17/2008 |
Q: If you have 220 volt single phase wired in, how do you tap off of it and get 110 volt? Black to ...
A: Ok I can't assume anything here so I need to know how many wires are in the cable, what are the ...
|
| lights flicker | 2/13/2008 |
Q: I have recently installed a different well pump at my house, ever since the change of pumps, ...
A: Jeff, If you set the pump up to operate at 240 volts there will be less voltage drop and it will ...
|
| air handler wiring | 2/5/2008 |
Q: Bob, I'm relocating and replacing my current air handler with a new one from the closet to the ...
A: Tim, If the aluminum is #4 and your using #6 copper and split bolt mechanical bugs with Alumilox ...
|
| Temporary Power | 2/3/2008 |
Q: I am trying to get temporary power to an area of my farm where I am doing some construction. I ...
A: Mel, 10 or 12 gauge wire won't support a 5 amp load with out excessive voltage drop you need to go ...
|
| in line shower fan | 2/3/2008 |
Q: Our ceiling shower fan which comes on with the light has stopped working. We have just bought a ...
A: Lesely, Yes its fine, and it sounds like your cable if its grey in color is actually "UF" cable ...
|
| in line shower fan | 2/3/2008 |
Q: Our ceiling shower fan which comes on with the light has stopped working. We have just bought a ...
A: Lesely, Thats an interesting way of handling that, anyway the "in line" fan should have a 1/2" ...
|
| Temporary Power | 2/2/2008 |
Q: I am trying to get temporary power to an area of my farm where I am doing some construction. I ...
A: Mel, A thousand feet of the size wire you would need to support one 20 amp circuit will cost you a ...
|
| 220/240v vs 208v | 2/1/2008 |
Q: Our church has ordered a commercial range, and convection oven for our new facility. Initially we ...
A: Tim, Yes, if he says so then I'm sure it is. So changing the elements would solve the problem with ...
|
| 220/240v vs 208v | 2/1/2008 |
Q: Our church has ordered a commercial range, and convection oven for our new facility. Initially we ...
A: Tim, Your electrician is absolutely correct if the range is still wired for 208 three phase. The ...
|
| 220v line converting to 2- 110v lines | 1/26/2008 |
Q: I have too many appliances on one line (New microwave @ 14.8 amps, new oven @ 7.5 amps) and exisitng ...
A: Bart, To be clear one 12-2 black to the black of the 12-3 and the black of the other 12-2 to the ...
|
| 220v line converting to 2- 110v lines | 1/25/2008 |
Q: I have too many appliances on one line (New microwave @ 14.8 amps, new oven @ 7.5 amps) and exisitng ...
A: Bart, This 220 line needs to be a 4 wire line if your going to use it for what you want, 3 ...
|
| playhouse wiring | 1/24/2008 |
Q: I am building a 1000 sq ft playhouse for my kids 250 ft behind my home. It's got a bathroom with a ...
A: Al, I concur with your friend # 2 copper would be fine, a 60 amp load which is about what you will ...
|
| mild shocks | 1/23/2008 |
Q: This is with reference to the last question on this subject last evening. Following were the Actions ...
A: Lalit, I see you've been very thorough. I don't know what else you can check as it seems you've ...
|
| dryer using range cord and receptacle | 1/23/2008 |
Q: Bought a new clothes dryer. The old dryer was plugged into 240 volt range-style receptable. The ...
A: Carl, If your existing 240 volt receptacle is a 3 wire plug then you need a 30 amp 3 wire dryer ...
|
| mild shocks | 1/22/2008 |
Q: I am receiving number of complaints from my collegues regarding intermittent small shocks on the ...
A: Lalit, As I said earlier try using a Volt Ohm meter to see if any parts on the work station is ...
|
| mild shocks | 1/22/2008 |
Q: I am receiving number of complaints from my collegues regarding intermittent small shocks on the ...
A: Lalit, Dry air low humidity conditions are prime for static electricity, also having carpeting on ...
|
| mild shocks | 1/22/2008 |
Q: I am receiving number of complaints from my collegues regarding intermittent small shocks on the ...
A: Lalit, Static electricity certainly fits your description as a possible cause, or some electrical ...
|
| 50 Hz Electrical Motor Use | 1/22/2008 |
Q: Bob: I have a refrigerator which I brought back, to the US, from the Middle East. It operates on 220 ...
A: Richard, If your going to use this line it should be fused down to 20 amps on the panel end even ...
|
| Metal Halide Tap to 120V | 1/17/2008 |
Q: Is it safe to use the "120V out" tap to put 120V in, on the Cooper 400W, 480V Metal halide PS units ...
A: Bob, If you are saying these 480 volt ballasts have a 120 volt output to the lamp then definitely ...
|
| GFI | 1/16/2008 |
Q: I put GFI.s all through my house. But I must be stupid for I cant figure out how to put one on the ...
A: Brian, No problem, all you have to do is get a 1900 box , a 1900 GFI plate, the GFI of course, and ...
|
| Checking Circuit Amperage | 1/15/2008 |
Q: I was wondering... I have a multimeter (with a 10A) setting and I am trying to figure out how many ...
A: Josh, No you don't have it quite right and if what your trying to measure is over 10 amps then the ...
|
| Checking Circuit Amperage | 1/15/2008 |
Q: I was wondering... I have a multimeter (with a 10A) setting and I am trying to figure out how many ...
A: Josh, Your shorting your instrument to ground , in other words your multi meter can measure up to a ...
|
| Light switch | 1/12/2008 |
Q: I have a light switch that is hot but, am not able to locate the outlet to which it belongs. The ...
A: Pete, That switch may not operate any of those outlets and the fact that its in a closet tells me ...
|
| Adding 30ma circuit breakers to 3phase distribution panel. | 1/8/2008 |
Q: I am living in the South of France and the power supply to my house is 3 phase. The overall supply ...
A: What are trying to hook up and what is the voltage to the neutral wire ? I understand you get 220 ...
|
| Pool Light replacemennt | 1/4/2008 |
Q: I am a 23 year retired Navy Seabee electrician that just settled down in Southern California in a ...
A: Manny, The NEC prohibits a deck box or any junction box for that matter with in 4 feet of the edge ...
|
| Distance from meter to breaker box | 12/29/2007 |
Q: I,m in the middle of a add on to my home. Tripling the size of my home.I need to up date to 200 amp ...
A: Frank, You could temporarily power up the new panel with the line to the pool, that would work but ...
|
| Distance from meter to breaker box | 12/29/2007 |
Q: I,m in the middle of a add on to my home. Tripling the size of my home.I need to up date to 200 amp ...
A: Frank, In regards to the 8 feet, that is not a National Electrical code requirement and makes no ...
|
| flickering lights | 12/29/2007 |
Q: I owe a 30 year old house. About a year ago, my power through the house started flickering on and ...
A: Marie, If you had the panel changed then its something before the panel where there are connections ...
|
| holding tank pressure switch | 12/20/2007 |
Q: my mother just had new 200 amp power box installed, along with new well pump and holding tank. ...
A: Thomas, Well pumps typically operate @ 220 so you can feel pretty comfortable with that, the ...
|
| 115 or 230 volt | 12/17/2007 |
Q: I got a hot tub and it can be wired 115 or 230. What is going to be cheaper to run as far as elec. ...
A: Earl, The way it usually works is the hot tub will heat up more slowly at 115 volts and may not get ...
|
| Solid-state generation of electricity without causing hazardous pollution or radioactivity? | 12/16/2007 |
Q: In the next 20 to 50 years, what is likely to be a solid-state source of electricity that does not ...
A: One of the most significant potential changes approaching that will effect energy consumption are ...
|
| car lift motor | 12/12/2007 |
Q: i have a car lift with a 208-230vac, single phase, 60 hz motor, the wiring instructions state to be ...
A: Timothy, I don't know the details of your situation but your first problem is the panel, if it only ...
|
| Dimmer for a low voltage fixture | 12/9/2007 |
Q: I've recently purchased a lighting fixture from my local Ikea. The transformer used in this low ...
A: Jean Pierre, A google search says this is an electronic item, you can further confirm this by the ...
|
| hooking electric to new home from existing | 12/7/2007 |
Q: I have existing electrical on my property and a existing old home. What i want to do is run power ...
A: Daniel, Your new modular home should have its own metered electric service. I'm not sure what your ...
|
| Using 110v Lighting Fixtures in Europe | 12/3/2007 |
Q: We are building a house in Germany. My wife has found some exterior lighting fixtures with which she ...
A: Glen, If from what you said the sockets are the same in Europe as here in the US then all you would ...
|
| ? about 220 outlet w/dryer | 11/26/2007 |
Q: my dryer stoped working the other day, i went to replace one button but still doesnt work. so i had ...
A: Kim, You will get a reading of 120 to 125 volts on the receptacle depending upon where you put the ...
|
| Recessed lights layout | 11/21/2007 |
Q: Bob, what is the typical recessed light spacing you use for 6" Halo H7 (310w trim) for a basement, 7 ...
A: Stehpanos, It depends upon how your going to use the basement and how much overlaping even lighting ...
|
| 200 amp upgrade | 10/29/2007 |
Q: it has a 100 amp main breaker installed in the panel.I am looking to put in a on demand water ...
A: Andrew, Because on demand water heaters have little to no storage capacity and they have to heat ...
|
| 208 | 10/25/2007 |
Q: I have three light poles with 3 250 watt lights per pole they want to put up 3 1000 watt heads on ...
A: Charlie, You need to find out how the pole's are wired. There should be one line going out to one ...
|
| wire diagram for automatic fan | 10/16/2007 |
Q: I wish to wire a fan into a control panel to start automatically when a thermostat gets to a ...
A: Ryan, What ever the control voltage of the thermostat is , for instance 24 volts is common, you ...
|
| water | 10/10/2007 |
Q: why does water cost money? (bathroom, kitchen) thanks! ANSWER: Josh, Because its not free ...
A: Josh, How old are you and where do you live. Bob
|
| Electronic dimmer for LV halogen track lights | 10/3/2007 |
Q: Bob.....I need to dim two tracks which are on the same circuit and contain 12 (twelve) 50W MR16 ...
A: Russ, If you can change the wiring so you can control each track separately that would be best ...
|
| electric service | 9/16/2006 |
Q: My house is 300' from utility pole. The service line is run halfway underground with 4/0 aluminum ...
A: Ed, You need to consult with your utility on all this...in the mean time you can have them ...
|
| 3 phase motor | 8/16/2006 |
Q: Amprobing 100hp air compressor motor, A leg is 10 amps higher than B and C 90A , 80A , 80A. Breaker ...
A: Steve, Not necessarily.....its not all that unusual for a disparity in amperage draw between the 3 ...
|
| Properly grounding an entrance panel | 8/14/2006 |
Q: Can yoexplain the proper proceedure to ground an entrance panel. I once removed a temporary ground ...
A: James, The neutral block in a main panel (not a sub panel) where all the white wires go and the ...
|
| Breaker and Wire Size | 8/14/2006 |
Q: I have been told that NEC allows 12 gage wire for a 30 amp breaker, as long as the wire is not ...
A: Rick, In answer to your first question, no that is not correct......think in terms of 14 AWG = ...
|
| electricity supply | 8/9/2006 |
Q: why does my plug socket area have a funny smell of fish coming from it when I play my cd player or ...
A: Laura.....you most likely need to replace that receptacle......if the plug for the TV or cd player ...
|
| Grounding BX cable | 7/31/2006 |
Q: I'm selling my house in Northern NJ, and the home inspection report says that I have two ungrounded ...
A: Norm.....your friend is right in that there is no separate ground wire in BX like you have with ...
|
| AC voltage from cable at rear of TV | 7/13/2006 |
Q: Bob, we went on vacation, only unplugged and disconnected cable from 1 of 3 TV's. When we returned, ...
A: Glenn......sorry for the delay but my back went out on me and I've been laid up for awhile......Ok ...
|
| Licensing | 7/13/2006 |
Q: I have a friend he's a great electrician, the only problem is he went to school in Mexico, and i ...
A: Doug, Sorry for the delay but my back went out and I've been layed up for a while......Ok Arizona ...
|
| pvc capacity | 7/9/2006 |
Q: I'm runnig an underground line to my pool pump/filter and I need a seperate convenience outlet on a ...
A: Julian......simple solution......a 1 HP motor operating at 120 volts draws 6.5 amps.....using 12 ...
|
| pvc capacity | 7/9/2006 |
Q: I'm runnig an underground line to my pool pump/filter and I need a seperate convenience outlet on a ...
A: Julian......10-2 in 3/4 is asking a lot even with pulling compound much less a 14-2 in there ...
|
| 100 Amp 250' service | 7/5/2006 |
Q: from the meter I am going to run wire underground approx 250' to a barn. I am going to run a 100 ...
A: Mike......due to the long distance and voltage drop considerations I recomend you use size 1/0 ...
|
| Wire size type | 7/1/2006 |
Q: I ran 6 gauge 3 wire cable from subpanel in Detached Garage, underground (85 feet) to a Termination ...
A: Doug, I'm going to assume the 3 wire cable you ran under ground is type "UF" cable which is ...
|
| outside electrical | 6/8/2006 |
Q: Last question Mr. Mossman. Once I stub up my electrical on the end that goes to my babrbecue since ...
A: ........I was assuming you will be stubbing up to a short wooden post or something to mount the box ...
|
| outside electrical | 6/7/2006 |
Q: I'm trying to tap into an electrical outlet outside and run wire to a barbecue aprox. 20 feet away. ...
A: Mark, The code says if you use direct burial cable even though its coverd by a minimum of 4" of ...
|
| Voltage spikes? | 6/4/2006 |
Q: My partner and I are currently living in a small one bedroom unit, and lately our electrical ...
A: Vidar, You most likely have an "open neutral" condition which destablizes the voltage and can do ...
|
| electronic dimmers and derating | 5/20/2006 |
Q: Just for my own education, I have a follow up on the derating issue. I'm wondering why I won't have ...
A: .......my pleasure.....its nice to help someone who appreciates it.....anyway you mentioned the ...
|
| electronic dimmers and derating | 5/20/2006 |
Q: I have questions about using an electronic dimmer that I hope you can help with. I have a series of ...
A: Becca, Yes it would be a good idea to separate the incandescent light from the LV halogens mainly ...
|
| " Hi, Bob, and thanks in advance... | 7/5/2005 |
Q: " Hi, Bob, and thanks in advance for your answer. I was watching Jurrassic Park last nite, and a ...
A: Mike, Believe it or not I never saw Jurasic Park so I'm not familiar with this particular scene. ...
|
| mobile home wiring | 2/26/2005 |
Q: ------------------------- REGARDING mobile home wiring: ENERGIZED the (bad) circuit using back up ...
A: Greg, If you were able to back feed into the circuit and everything works. And you know for sure ...
|
| mobile home wiring | 2/25/2005 |
Q: any advice/insight on following problem welcomed. Parents have (large) new mobile home with 2 rooms ...
A: Greg, There are two ways to wire receptacle's. The fast and loose way which is just "stabbing" the ...
|
| Low voltage lighting | 2/24/2005 |
Q: Is low voltage lighting safer to use in wet environments (shower for example) than mains voltage and ...
A: Mike, It wouldn't surprise me if they made low voltage shower lights that are specifically made for ...
|
| breaker upgrade | 2/15/2005 |
Q: The mains are 4 linked switches connected by a horizontal bar the has "150" engraved on it. the ...
A: John, You can't change those breakers to a higher capacity breaker if those wire's are 14 gauge ...
|
| Rough In | 2/10/2005 |
Q: I have to upgrade a fair amount of wiring in an older home. There will be a change in style of the ...
A: Ed, The term "rough in" mainly applies to new construction. Here's why. While the walls are open ...
|
| wire size | 2/3/2005 |
Q: I need to run power to an existing shed about 250ft away. I plan to have a trench dug and use the ...
A: Robert, I'm assuming this application is for your home and the voltage were talking about is ...
|
| Service Entrance Panel 200a | 1/6/2005 |
Q: I have a 103 yr. old brick home with an existing 200 amp service (appears to be aluminum cable). ...
A: Ed, If you have no 200 amp main breaker outside your house under or next to the meter then I'm ...
|
| 12 volt switch question. | 1/6/2005 |
Q: I bought a 12 v illuminated switch for a courtesy light in my truck. It lights when turned on. It ...
A: Chuck, Yes you should be able to do what you want. One terminal on the switch is to your negative ...
|
| Street Lamp | 12/15/2004 |
Q: I know all street lamps have a light sensor so they turn on at dusk and off at dawn, but I've ...
A: Simon, If your seeing groups of them go on and off together then your probably right. Yes when one ...
|
| Temporary Power with Generator | 10/31/2004 |
Q: A couple seasons ago I was hunting with a few friends of mine when our power went out. We decided ...
A: Frank, Its impossible for me to explain exactly what happened, obviously he screwed something up. ...
|
| Replace 3-way Sw with dimmer | 8/14/2004 |
Q: Bob; I have a dining room ceiling fan/light fixture that turns on by one of two 3-way switches on ...
A: Phil, Hunter brand fans makes a wall module that would replace one of your 3 way switches so you ...
|
| Converting 3WayLight switch to 3WayFan/Light | 5/28/2004 |
Q: I am trying to convert an existing light fixture controlled by two three-way on/off switches to a ...
A: Ron, Believe it or not this is possible without any rewiring. Casablanca brand paddle fans offer ...
|
| electrical IP ratings of equipment | 5/15/2004 |
Q: currently im fitting a out door hot tub, i have to fit a electrical isolator outside for the power ...
A: Dave, What country are you from. The reason I'm asking is because there is no electrical ...
|
| Lights flickering... | 4/16/2004 |
Q: The lights in my house have suddenly began occasionally flickering. The house is a 1930s house that ...
A: Ryan, You have a loose connection some where along this circuit. Turn the circuit off, go around ...
|
| Recessed Lighting Specifications | 3/22/2004 |
Q: I am currently in the process of finishing my basement and was planning on installing recessed ...
A: David, You should have no problem installing the max size recessed light designed to fit in a ...
|
| Florescent lighting replacement | 2/17/2004 |
Q: I have recessed florescent lighting in my kitchen ceiling, I want to replace it with something other ...
A: I agree with you a 100 % that florescent lighting is not only bad light for a kitchen but the ...
|
| Regarding electrical volt system | 12/15/2003 |
Q: Can u tell me the essential difference between our electrical volt system and Europe and Asias? ...
A: John, Basically over here we operate at 60 Hertz ( alternating current cycles per second) and they ...
|
| Florescent Lighting | 11/28/2003 |
Q: Mr Mossman, I hope I don't insult you with asking this question. I just installed 8' cold ...
A: Barry, Not at all......I don't know if these are new or used fixtures but a low hum from the one ...
|
| us power supply | 10/24/2003 |
Q: can u tell me about the standard voltages of Americe power supply(including resident & industrial ...
A: Augustine, Residential is : 120/240 volts single phase. Commercial and Industrial is basically : ...
|
