About Bob Thompson Expertise Answers to most electrical questions or problems. Answers will be code related and not necessarily correct in your jurisdiction. Master Electrician, former business owner, member of several professional organizations. I also have a little plumbing and mechanical knowledge, but I may be of little help in this area.
Experience Master Electrician, previous business owner, over 30 years experience, certified electrical, plumbing and mechanical inspector.
Question thanks bob. also, when i turn on the dryer, it causes a brief dimming of the lights. is that normal as well given the power needed to operate the dryer?
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Followup To
Question -
Bob,
I have noticed that when I run the clothes dryer for an extended time that the area in the sevice panel about the circuit breaker for the dryer gets slightly warm. It is a 100amp panel and dryer appears to be on a 30amp breaker. Any advice on what the problem is and how to fix it?
Answer -
"Slightly warm" as in it's a warm feeling but not unbearable? Or "warm" in that it's so hot you can't hold your hand on it for very long? For the former, it's normal for a breaker to get warmer than it's neighbors if current is flowing through it, especially if it's carrying it's rated capacity. For the latter, it's abnormal and a sign of a loose connection at the buss, loose wiring on the breaker, or a failing device. Either condition, and it needs immediate attention as it could result in an electrical fire.
Answer Dimming of lights when a motor load comes on is a normal occurrance. Sometimes it's more pronounced in one location over another, and sometimes it can be minimized, but a momentary flicker is okay...a prolonged absense of light is abnormal and the problem should be investigated and repaired.
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