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 Hi Bob,
I was recently mapping out my main panel, and found that I needed to trip two circuit breakers in order to shut off power to several devices. I just bought the house, and most is wired with BX cable. I was told this is called cross wiring, where two circiuts join into a single new one. I am assuming this is dangerous because the breakers are basically no longer working. I am calling an electrician to track this problem down. My question is, is there any way I can do some of the tacking myself? Is there something in a junction box I should look for?
Thanks
Answer Sorry for the delay...I was out of town and forgot to use the "vacation" feature.
It sound as though somewhere there is a mis-made joint, most likely in a three wire circuit, or where two separate circuits enter the same box and the neutrals were made up wrong. Without a wiring diagram to go by, it's just a hunt and peck method of finding the problem. You obviously have two breakers controlling a number of receptacles and light fixtures (don't forget about the switches), so my only suggestion would be to turn off these breakers, and then examine all of the joints at each individual outlet box. You might even have to break all of the joints and start all over. This would best be left to someone knowlegable.
About Electrical Wiring in the Home
This site answers questions related to home electrical wiring, home wiring, general electrical help,and other electrical questions related to aleternating current (AC). You can find help on the National Electical Code, home electrical issues, wiring electrical outlets, installing lighting, electrical grounding, and general electrical help for do-it-yourself projects not require an electrician. If you do not see your home electrical wiring question answered in this area then please ask your electrical wiring question here
