Electrical Wiring in the Home - Home Improvement/Repair - Home/Garden

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About Rick Miell
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
Past County electrical inspector, hold St. of Colorado Master license, will try to answer any electrical question with Code related answers.

Experience
State of Colorado Master Electrician. Past County Electricial Inspector (15 years)

You are here: Experts > Home/Garden > Home Improvement/Repair > Electrical Wiring in the Home

Questions Answered By Expert Rick Miell
In Category Electrical Wiring in the Home

Subject	Date Asked

wrong breaker size	8/14/2009
Q: I notice my panel has 5 30 amp breakers. I am wondering what those could be used for. We have only ... A: If you feel comfortable opening the panel, you can check the wire size coming from the breakers. If ...
service panel	8/14/2009
Q: I have a few question on understanding the service panel. The main breaker has 100 on it; does this ... A: If your main device is rated 100amps, then that is what your service is rated. While true that if ...
Upgrading electrical service	8/14/2009
Q: We recently had an electrician to our house to complete some work and he suggested that we should ... A: The statement about there being no true 300 amp service is correct, because there is no equipment ...
question-01	8/13/2009
Q: I want build a light circuit using 6amps breaker.. circuit has 6 light. each ligh has 220watt. My ... A: I'm not familiar with the electric power system or requirements in your part of the world ...
30 amp rv temporary hook-up.	8/13/2009
Q: Am preparing for electrical inspection in WA. Have hooked up receptical and power supply and ... A: The only thing I can tell from your photo is that the flat copper band located on the neutral buss ...
Rewiring Mobilehome	8/12/2009
Q: Miell, I just got a mobile home that I need to remodel. It is a 1970 65' X 12' with a 7' X 12' ... A: I would recommend you upgrade to a 150 or 200amp panel, due to your increased loads. I would also ...
Swap a 30-amp dual pole for 2 20-amp single pole breakers	8/11/2009
Q: I moved into a new home where they provided a 30-amp circuit for the dryer, which uses #10 3-wire ... A: I'm not following you on how you hooked up the neutral and the ground to the outlets ("splitting the ...
double switch outlet	8/11/2009
Q: I read the answer you gave to Catherine about a double switch outlet. And when you said the switch ... A: Sorry for the confusion. What this combo switch has is, on one side of the switches, 2 screws that ...
light trips breaker when turning on and off light	8/11/2009
Q: I put in 3 new lights where there was only 1 light now i have power to the lights but when i switch ... A: Matt, do you by chance have a special breaker installed? if you have an AFCI type breaker, your ...
House Generator	8/10/2009
Q: I bought a 7000/8750 generator with an L14-30 fenmale receptor built into the generator. I want to ... A: Michael, as much as I would like to come on down, I think that what you propose may work, but you ...
electrical short?	8/10/2009
Q: As new homeowners my husband removed an old ceiling fan and installed the new one in our livingroom. ... A: You will need to find out if the breaker is indeed providing power to your circuit. You can check ...
House Generator	8/9/2009
Q: I bought a 7000/8750 generator with an L14-30 fenmale receptor built into the generator. I want to ... A: Your plan, as presented here, is one that has noticable hazards. Hazard #1: a double male ended ...
fan wiring	8/8/2009
Q: i want to add a ceiling fan in my bedroom. there is nothing on the ceiling now. on the wall i have a ... A: I would recommend you run a 3-wire cable from the switch directly to the new fan/light. Hook up the ...
light trips breaker when turning on and off light	8/8/2009
Q: I put in 3 new lights where there was only 1 light now i have power to the lights but when i switch ... A: First off, reinstall the 15 amp breaker. You have created a hazard by putting a larger breaker in. ...
Electrical Problems	8/8/2009
Q: I need HELP PLEASE. I have been experiencing problems during the summer months only for a couple of ... A: I would follow up with your electrician. Have them do a complete evaluation of your electrical ...
under ground new	8/7/2009
Q: I am setting up my mobile and plus putting in two other meters for RV hook up , I under stand the ... A: This will depend and a couple of things. First, contact your power company to see where they want ...
Home and Gen wiring	8/6/2009
Q: http://www.allexperts.com/user.cgi?m=6&catID=2405&expID=48878&qID=4869537 I was told that there were ... A: I have read the orginal posts, looked at the photos and diagram. To answer your question posted ...
deep well pump	8/5/2009
Q: I need to run electricty to my well pump which is 400ft from my house. The pump motor is 1/2 ... A: I punched this information into my voltage drop calculator, and I can up with a wire size of: If ...
Wiring for garbage disposal	8/4/2009
Q: I have an older home with no garbage disposal. There is an outlet under the sink where the ... A: I have seen this done before, but if the dishwasher, or the disposal are large enough, you might be ...
main feeder splice	8/4/2009
Q: I want to add inductive ammeters to each leg of my home's electrical sub panel, just for the fun of ... A: Since this panel is not your main panel (no main breaker installed), you might be able to replace ...
Pot lighting spacing	8/4/2009
Q: We have basement 20x30. The height is 7ft. I have 3' pot lights & would like to wash the walls. How ... A: I'm afraid I don't know what a pot light is, since you say these are 3'. If these are just your ...
wiring	8/3/2009
Q: can you go from 12-2 wire to 14-2 wire in a gang of receptacles that are on a 15 amp breaker thank ... A: As long as the breaker does not exceed that required for the smallest wire in the circuit, you can. ...
blinking light	8/3/2009
Q: I apologize for the triviality of this question -- my ignorance is great. I have a lamp that ... A: This could be caused by a faulty socket. With the lamp unplugged, remove the lamp and look at the ...
Installing radiant heat floor thermostat from tapping off of GFCI	8/2/2009
Q: Wondering what is the best way to tap into a gfci to install a radiant heat flooring thermostat and ... A: The gfci may not allow this added load, so I recommend you run a separate circuit for this. If you ...
second breaker box	8/2/2009
Q: I want to put a second breaker box in a part of a house that has never been wired. I would like to ... A: In order to run 100amps, you will need to use the correct wire size. #6 is not large enough, nor is ...
AFCI breakers	8/1/2009
Q: I recently completed installation of two new circuits in a shop area behind my garage. The circuits ... A: There could be a possibility that the breaker is faulty. I would recommend you take the 20 amp ...
208/230 A/C wall unit	8/1/2009
Q: I have a frigidair and i wanted to install the breaker i ran the wire as told so. I explains that if ... A: I'm a little confused on what you are hooking up. Is this an window-type air conditioner? You will ...
Wall Outlet making ticking sound	7/31/2009
Q: I have a wall outlet in my living room (not in use) that all of a sudden started making a ticking ... A: I would recommend you have an electrician come in to check this out for you. It could be a bad ...
Help	7/31/2009
Q: all my breakers are on, but i got no power in the back of m house,one breaker(i got 2 switches on ... A: I recommend that you first check to make sure you have both hot legs available in your breaker ...
outlets and light not working	7/30/2009
Q: i do have a bathroom in that room which is master bedroom and it has gfci outlet and we reset it and ... A: I would check the breaker first. It may have tripped, causing an outage on this circuit. Look for ...
water leak, electrical outlet box	7/30/2009
Q: How do I determine whether or not electrical outlet is safe to use and/or what precautions to take ... A: Start by turning off the power. Then remove the outlet from the box. Look for deteriation on the ...
lightining	7/30/2009
Q: several homes in a line about a half mile long were damaged by lightining . two houses , ten lots ... A: I suspect that your grounding system was in good enough shape to help bleed the excess voltage to ...
Light Install	7/29/2009
Q: However he is maxed out on questions now.I wired the like to the box the way he said but he also ... A: Sometimes fluorescent fixtures will not work correctly without a ground. If there is not a bare or ...
Wiring for deck	7/29/2009
Q: I am installing a deck and want to tap into an existing outdoor outlet. Here are my questions: 1) ... A: Q1: there is no requirement for spacing or number on a circuit, in this case. Q2: 100' should ...
Lights work but not outlets on same circuit	7/28/2009
Q: We have a circuit with a few light switches and 5 outlets on the same circuit (one of which is a ... A: It sounds like your breaker may be faulty. You can check the output with your meter to verify that ...
Electricity	7/28/2009
Q: My sons electric bill has went up in his rental house by about 115% for the last four months ... A: There are a couple of things to check on his bill before doing anything major. Compare the ...
3 wire to 4 wire hookup on dryer	7/28/2009
Q: We just moved to a new townhouse & the dryer wall outlet is a 4 wire plug, & the dryer which is just ... A: Look on the back of the dryer, there should be a wiring diagram there. What you will need to do ...
romex bare wire as neutral	7/27/2009
Q: 12/2 romex with gnd is installed and walls are closed up, an extra hot circuit is needed, took black ... A: You ask if this could be grandfathered, but since you are changing the use of the cable it does not ...
outlet distances	7/27/2009
Q: we had a new cooktop installed on a 66" counter. we want to add a 20A GFI wall outlet. Is there a ... A: The is no NEC madated minimum spacing requirement. There is a requirement for placement of an outlet ...
high voltage in the home	7/26/2009
Q: I live in Mexico. Recently, I checked my outlets with a multimeter and discovered that my home's ... A: This voltage rating is the higher limit on what the supply should be, but I don't think it will be ...
Electric service upgrade	7/26/2009
Q: Rick, I live in Arvada Co. and own a home that was built in the 50's. I need to have my outside ... A: I would think that you will be required to upgrade the inside panel also. I have not had to bid a ...
stove,hard wire to plug	7/25/2009
Q: my old stove is hard wired. My new stove has as plug. I thought about cutting the plug on the new ... A: Most stoves, if supplied with a cord, cannot be hardwired. I would recommend you install a 50amp ...
electrical wiring	7/25/2009
Q: How can i tell which wire is hot and which is neutral? I have an old house with wiring that is not ... A: You can use a neon voltage tester, reading from one wire to some grounded surface, like a plumbing ...
Changing dryer cord	7/24/2009
Q: My dryer has only 3 prongs, the guy at lowes told me to connect the green and white togeather. Can I ... A: If you are installing a new dryer in an existing location that only has a 3-wire outlet, you can ...
find total amprage	7/24/2009
Q: How do you find the total amperage when the amperage on leg A and leg B is know on 240V single phase ... A: You have done the measurements to find the amperage. You don't sum them together, or try to measure ...
Noisy electrical lines for Home studio	7/23/2009
Q: I have a professional home recording studio. I am getting lots of hum and RF Interference. I have ... A: Usually noise comes in from the grounding system, so I would recommend you have an electrician come ...
Permit	7/23/2009
Q: I'm contemplating wiring my basement - now that I'm done framing - and thought about going it on my ... A: Usually if an addition or a remodel consists of square footage equal to or greater than 50% of the ...
pool wiring	7/22/2009
Q: What is the acceptable type of wire to use underground for an above ground pool? We are getting ... A: I suggest you visit this site to get the skinny on above ground pools. I don't have my copy of the ...
Sub Panel Feeders	7/22/2009
Q: After getting lots of great info on here I thought I'd ask a specific question about a project I am ... A: I strongly recommend replacing the wire. Since it sounds like you can't do this, how about using ...
Pool House Wiring	7/21/2009
Q: I would like to provide power to a pool house. the poolhouse requirements are: 1x 30 amp 240volt ... A: It looks like you are feeding 100amps to the new pool panel, so your wire will have to be rated for ...
240/120 Voltage	7/21/2009
Q: I live in a country where 240 volts is standard. The electrical wiring is complete with 3 wires,(2 ... A: Bob, even tho you may be hundreds of feet from the earth, you could still come into contact with a ...
smoke detectors	7/20/2009
Q: What is the correct placement for hardwired smoke detectors? We have to upgrade because we are ... A: I'm sorry, but smoke detector placement is not in the electrical code book. This is a building code ...
Bonding steel beams	7/20/2009
Q: What size wire is required for bonding 2 steel beams in a basement of a residence? What do I ... A: I will keep your rating comments in mind whenver I try to answer future questions. PS: To answer ...
240/120 Voltage	7/20/2009
Q: I live in a country where 240 volts is standard. The electrical wiring is complete with 3 wires,(2 ... A: This is a safety concern, because you have connected the white to the ground. Whenever current is ...
Ressessed Can Light Codes	7/19/2009
Q: I am installing (6) Halo 6" H7RICT ressessed can lights in my kitchen remodel project and am ... A: If the cans are rated IC, then they can have insulation installed directly on top of it. If not IC, ...
3 Way Wiring?	7/18/2009
Q: I have a light switch that controls too many outlets and both top and bottom. I want the switch to ... A: From your description, it sounds like the change in the wiring will need to be done in the 1st ...
panel box	7/17/2009
Q: are there height requirements for installing a panel box...especially under a staircase. We live in ... A: Check with your local inspector to get the answer for your area. The NEC does not give a height ...
Wiring Bedroos and Baths	7/17/2009
Q: Rick, First thanks for your time in providing answers - it is appreciated. I am rewiring some ... A: Check your local codes first. They may requie different things than the NEC does. Q#1: NO to ...
2 separate lights, 2 switches, same box, one outlet	7/17/2009
Q: I replaced two switches in the same box (one bath light, one hall light). Included is a wire for the ... A: It sounds like you may have connected the hall light to the hot wire, instead of connecting it to ...
Bonding steel beams	7/16/2009
Q: What size wire is required for bonding 2 steel beams in a basement of a residence? If I fill all ... A: "Hi Peter. Unless there is a chance that the beams could become energized, don't worry about ...
Stablock failures and replacement	7/16/2009
Q: Recently we’ve had 2 circuit breaker failures. We currently have Stablock breakers (single poles are ... A: Usually, manufacturers will warranty their boxes only if their brand of breakers is installed. I ...
Breaking transformer	7/15/2009
Q: I have a sprinkler system with 6 outlets controlled by 24V valves controlled by an electronic ... A: All I can think of is your replacement transformers are too small for the job. I would suggest you ...
Outlet stopped working	7/15/2009
Q: I have an outdoor outlet that was working and then stopped. I have a snapit three prong tester; I ... A: This could be bacause the gfci protecting this outlet has tripped. The gfci could be elsewhere in ...
Switch Wiring	7/14/2009
Q: I bought a home about a year ago, and there is a switch that turns on power to a light on my porch ... A: This looks like a 3-way switch diagram. Is there another switch somewhere that doesn't seem to ...
3 Way Switches Keep Failing	7/14/2009
Q: Our home is now 6 years old. We have 12 or 13 3-way switches in the house. Within 1 year of being ... A: My first thought was that the electrician was using cheap switches, but you say you had heavy duty ...
Aluminum-Copper wiring	7/14/2009
Q: Can Copper and Aluminum wiring be spliced together? I recently installed a Garage door Opener where ... A: You can splice the two, but you need to make sure the wirenut you use is approved for copper to ...
Electrical Problem	7/13/2009
Q: What could be possible problems for a room to loose power and the breaker DID NOT tripped? I use a ... A: It sounds like you may have a loose connection at some point in the electrical system. I don't know ...
Refrigerator circuit requirement	7/12/2009
Q: In a house I bought from a builder 10 years ago, the refrigerator outlet is connected on a GFCI ... A: Having a refrigerator on a gfci protected circuit probably won't be a problem, but there has been ...
Celing Fan Wiring	7/10/2009
Q: I live in a home with a flat roof with no access to crawl space. The living room has 17' celings ... A: Without seeing how this is actually wired, I would think that it can't be done like you want to. ...
grounding water meter	7/10/2009
Q: An inspector said that my water meter is improperly grounded. Where should the ground clamps be in ... A: This is not grounding, but bonding. It looks like the lower clamp is below the valve, which would ...
Slater Electric Switches	7/9/2009
Q: In a mobile home, we find all outlets/light switches are made by Slater. It is a self-contained ... A: I suggest you visit ...
Wiring in bathroom	7/9/2009
Q: I am remodeling my master bath and I have 3 questions: 1. I understand that you must supply one 20A ... A: You can supply everything in that one bathroom with the dedicated 20 amp circuit, or you can just ...
remote building power line	7/9/2009
Q: I have a 40 year old cabin in northern WI. It has a remote boat house about 200' away. I want to ... A: I would recommend that you use the same cable that utilities use, which consists of 2 insulated ...
Adding subpanel to an old main panel rated at 70 amp	7/8/2009
Q: I have a main panel with 6 poles, each breaker says 20amp, the box on the outside says what I think ... A: I recommend that you upgrade your home's service to 200amp, and if the box is in good shape, ...
service line	7/8/2009
Q: The power co. wants $16k to run 600 ft above ground to a meter base 100 ft from my site. ... A: I can't advise on where to purchase, so you will just need to look for the best price. Visit ...
home load center	7/7/2009
Q: I bought a 200 amp square d qo load center to replace the existing fuse box that was originally in ... A: The box bonding screw will attach between the grounding buss and the enclosure. If you look at the ...
Price?	7/7/2009
Q: I'm not sure if you know anything about the price of powering a condo, but here goes. My dad owns a ... A: I'm sorry, but this is a question that has too many varibles to answer. Hoever, if yuou could list ...
Fan and light switch	7/6/2009
Q: My sister has a switch that has two switches on it, one for the ceiling fan and one for the light. ... A: I would think that you have it right, the fan/light is not connected to the red wire. I don't think ...
Price?	7/6/2009
Q: I'm not sure if you know anything about the price of powering a condo, but here goes. My dad owns a ... A: Usually a short will cause more troubles than a high bill. I would suggest your dad check with ...
breaker	7/5/2009
Q: will a breaker going bad cause a problem with a electric hot water heater not to heat properly? A: Sure it could, but chances are that you have an element on the water heater that has gone bad. I ...
dimmer switch	7/4/2009
Q: hey there. i'd like to install a dimmer switch to control a light fixture in the dining room. the ... A: I would recommend you remove both switches, marking the wires that are common to both switches as ...
outside outlet	7/4/2009
Q: we are having new siding put on the house and the crew removed the old outlet. my question is what ... A: You can install the outlet either way, but you will need to provide gfci protection to this outlet, ...
3-way switches	7/4/2009
Q: Hay Rick, i had asked ben a question about a 3-way switch that acts as a master switch, when in the ... A: I believe you are like me in that you would rather look at diagram than words. I suggest you visit ...
I need to re-wire a room to 220V from the fuse box	7/3/2009
Q: I need to rewire a 120 V 30Amp fuze circut to a 220 volt 200 Amp circut from a fuze box to a room. ... A: From your question, I am assuming that you have no experience in electricity, so I suggest you hire ...
Length of wire	7/3/2009
Q: I want to run electricity to my garage which is about 130 feet away from the panel. I just need 110 ... A: I would recommend that you run a 60amp circuit (240v) to a subpanel in the garage, where you can ...
bad meter	7/2/2009
Q: My last power bill was a little lower than what I was expecting. I thought they might have read the ... A: I suggest that you do give them a call, but even if you don't they will see the lower consumption ...
urd electric cable	7/2/2009
Q: can you install this cable straight in the ground or does it need to go through a duct. How deep ... A: URD cable is approved for direct burial, but is not allowed to be installed inside of buildings. As ...
Old house with ungrounded outlets	7/2/2009
Q: I live in a house that was built around the 40's and has two prong outlets all over the house. I'm ... A: This is not exactly dangerous, but the fix is fairly involved. Since the home is over 60 years old, ...
open ground outlet	7/1/2009
Q: I have an open nground outlet. Initially it was reading reverse polarity. I removed the outlet and ... A: Have you opened up the other outlets? They may have a wiring addition which will show up as good ...
Open grounds on 3 prong outlets	6/30/2009
Q: I am in the process of selling a 120 year old house. Prior to my purchasing it 2+ years ago the ... A: Ungrounded three wire outlets are a problem, and should be adressed. Most likely the box was never ...
adding a dimmer switch	6/24/2009
Q: Rick, I have 2 switches in one box, 1 controls the porch light, 1 controls the kitchen lights. I ... A: You probably had 1 wire inside the box that attached to two different screws on different switches. ...
double switch wiring	6/24/2009
Q: I have an standard overhead light/fan (the fan is turned on/off by a chain which hangs down. There's ... A: Your double switch combo should have a metal link between two of the screws, on one side or the ...
Grounding Receptacles in Old Homes	6/24/2009
Q: Our old house has mostly 2 prong outlets. An electrician installed 3 wall lights that had 3 prong ... A: The wall lights are incorrectly wired, and are an electrical hazard. You never use the neutral wire ...
RNC	6/23/2009
Q: Does code allow 1/2" or 3/4" sch 40 or sch 80 PVC conduit directly on the underside of joists ( ... A: You can attach pvc conduit on the underside of joists, however your question states "across at ...
electrical	6/23/2009
Q: what is the common wire from the house in a 3 way hook up with a timer thank you A: If you are asking which wire will land on the common terminal on a 3-way switch, it will either be ...
installing gfci	6/22/2009
Q: I am trying to install a gfci with a light switch and receptacle with out much luck. The receptacle ... A: I think I have it now. You are replacing a stacked switch/outlet combo with a stacked sw/outlet ...
electrical outlets	6/22/2009
Q: We just had a house build. They put only ONE electrical outlet in our basement which is being used ... A: The builder, as far as I know, does not have to provide this extra outlet, though why he wouldn't is ...
Grounding of switches	6/22/2009
Q: I had a new house built in NY state. None of the wall switches are grounded. The ground wire is in ... A: According to the 2008 National Electrical Code, Article 404.9(B), all swiches are to be grounded. ...
Placement of switch	6/21/2009
Q: I understand that the Code requires the switch to be placed in the "hot" line. Is there a reason ... A: I believe the main reason is so that there will not be live voltage at the fixture, when the switch ...
NEC requirement household refrigerator	6/21/2009
Q: Does the NEC require a dedicated circuit for a household refrigerator? What article number in NEC ... A: The 2008 NEC does not require a dedicated circuit, unless the rating of the unit is such that the ...
700 ft distance wiring	6/21/2009
Q: i have a 700 ft run of 125amps for a camp with 1 220 ac and 1 220 water well pump and 1 refrigerator ... A: I don't have my codebook handy, but I will give you a link to figure your voltage drop, and then you ...
Washington regulations on testing instaltions	6/20/2009
Q: Looking at your experience in electrical engineering I would like you to share it with a little. I ... A: Sorry, Piotr, I don't know about the other experts here, and I don't know about any companies in ...
Generator wire size	6/20/2009
Q: What size wire do I need to run from the generator to the main panel. I'm using a 20KW generator ... A: I don't have my codebook handy, however, 153 amps should be ok on around a 1/0 copper, but you will ...
Power Supply Design.	6/19/2009
Q: Rick. I have a deep empty lot on the river. I am being told that I can run secondary wiring from the ... A: This is a pretty long distance to run, however it can be done. I notice you are in Canada, so I ...
Washington regulations on testing instaltions	6/19/2009
Q: Looking at your experience in electrical engineering I would like you to share it with a little. I ... A: As you said, there is regulations driven by the NEC, however local authorities have to adopt it ...
Extending a circuit	6/18/2009
Q: A co-worker has had remodeling done in his bathroom involving new granite vanity tops and "we" need ... A: You cannot splice a cable anywhere but in a box, so you can't do as you suggest. I recommend you ...
adding a 240 outlet	6/18/2009
Q: I would like to get a clothes dryer but I don't know if the electric service to the house has the ... A: From your description, it sounds like you have only a 60 amp service, which would not be large ...
Low Voltage Touch Plate problem	6/17/2009
Q: I have the old touch plate low voltage system in my home. My bathroom light suddenly will not go ... A: I think you are probably correct in thinking your relay is bad, however I don't think you can here ...
Grounding	6/17/2009
Q: Rick, Thanks in advance for your time. I have three questions about grounding my electrical ... A: You can drive it until it just is covered, or deeper if you want. If the existing wire is long ...
pigtail connection in a box	6/17/2009
Q: Ok, it's been a long time since I've done residential wiring, and I've never done a pigtail before. ... A: Depending on the size of the box, you may or may not have the room to do this. I like the idea of ...
wiring generator to water well pump	6/16/2009
Q: I am off the grid and use a generator to run the water well pump. Is there a way to wire it so it ... A: In order to have it run you have to install either a pressure switch, which will turn on the pump ...
power meter replacement	6/16/2009
Q: Our utility company recently replaced the power meter while my wife was online - even though both ... A: I know of no such data. I do know that most utilities will turn off the main breaker on a service ...
strange wiring	6/16/2009
Q: I have a problem with an old light switch which does not turn off the light. The switch sits in a ... A: This sounds like low voltage switching, tho I havn't seen the type of switch you mention. You ...
Voltage Drop question	6/15/2009
Q: My parents had some electrical work done and I talked with the electrician doing the work. He ran ... A: The NEC does not have a rule for voltage drop. They recommend between 3 and 5 percent as the amount ...
3-way switches	6/15/2009
Q: I replaced both switches for a hall light removing the old one and replacing with the new ones. ... A: I suspect that you still have the wiring incorrect. Go to ...
hooking up new service line from hub to meter	3/17/2009
Q: how do i hook up a new service line from the top of the house to the meter working hot A: My stock answer for a question like this is: "If you have to ask, then you are not qualified to do ...
New Light fixture does turn off	3/17/2009
Q: Trying to install a replacement ceiling light fixture. Wiring is original in our 1955 house. Coming ... A: David, you can try this before covering everything up. If it works correctly, go ahead and cap off ...
Aluminum wiring	3/16/2009
Q: I know there is a lot of concern with aluminum branch wiring which was installed from 1965 to around ... A: All metal conductors go thru the heating cycle. Aluminum wire that is not connected to approved ...
Whole House Surge Suppressor	3/15/2009
Q: I have looked for, have but been unable to find, comparisons on whole house surge suppressors. Home ... A: One solution for not having the required breaker space is to install a larger panel, with more ...
New GFCI not working, lights on same breaker work	3/15/2009
Q: I was using a hairdryer, when I assumed I tripped the GFCI. It wouldn't reset. I replaced the GFCI ... A: It sounds like either you have another GFCI in this line, ahead of this outlet, or you have a loose ...
New Light fixture does turn off	3/14/2009
Q: Trying to install a replacement ceiling light fixture. Wiring is original in our 1955 house. Coming ... A: Since you wired the new fixture just like the old one, the switch should work like it did before. ...
Installing Tankless water heater	3/14/2009
Q: I want to install a tankless water heater to replace our 50 year old boiler. The models I am ... A: If you don't already have an electric dryer and range, then adding the water heater should not ...
why is my electric so high	3/14/2009
Q: I have only been in my place a month and a hslf. My electric bill was $412.00from Jan. 30 - March ... A: The main reason for a high bill is because you are using alot of electrical energy. In order to see ...
Completely Replacing Aluminum Wire	3/13/2009
Q: I have a few questions and tend to be verbose, so please bear with me. 1. I am looking at ... A: Jeff, the newer devices have terminals that are rated for either aluminum or copper. Creep does ...
Service panel	3/13/2009
Q: I am upgrading my electrical service from 125 amps to 200 amps.I have an 200 amp square d main ... A: For the top of the box, you have to use a special hub arrangement in order to enter the box. The Sq. ...
Heat pump & air handler installation.	3/13/2009
Q: I am doing all the electrical wiring on a house I am remodling and adding on to. I have done a lot ... A: Appliances need to be installed according to their nameplate data. In your case: heat pump: Line ...
sudden high electric bill	3/12/2009
Q: We live in the house for more than 3 years, and since the past 3 months, the electric bill had gone ... A: Loose connections can be a cause of increased consumtion. This will need to be repaired. You might ...
1920s	3/12/2009
Q: i am doing a project that involves the wiring methods of the 1920s but have no idea what the codes ... A: I'm not sure what I can do to help. I have a copy of the Los Angeles Wiremans Handbook, 1923 ...
Completely Replacing Aluminum Wire	3/12/2009
Q: I have a few questions and tend to be verbose, so please bear with me. 1. I am looking at ... A: Wow, you have done your homework. I agree exactly with your feelings on this safety issue. You are ...
Service panel	3/11/2009
Q: I am upgrading my electrical service from 125 amps to 200 amps.I have an 200 amp square d main ... A: You can punch a hole in the side of most enclosures. You will want to keep it (the new hole) lower ...
heater	3/10/2009
Q: I live in an apartment, and I have an electric heater. When I don't need it, I shut its power off. ... A: Are you sure it reads FP and not PF. Since you are turning off it's power, this could indicate ...
Dayton G73 heater	3/10/2009
Q: I installed a Dayton G73 heater today and have a few concerns. First off I installed a double pole ... A: A couple of thoughts. Are you sure you installed the breaker in a way that you get 240volts across ...
Tanning Bed	3/9/2009
Q: My wife found a tanning bed for sale at a great price... The specs are: Royal Sun 44/6 Turbo VHR ... A: You cannot get 3-phase power from a single phase panel. Sorry about that. You might want to search ...
fan/light bathromm	3/9/2009
Q: inslalling a fan/light in bathroom, i have a whit and black wire to switch on wall and white and ... A: Your black from fuse box is the hot wire, while the white wire is your neutral. The hot wire will ...
ELECTRICAL WIRING	3/8/2009
Q: IS ALUMINUM COATED COPPER (ALUMINUM CLAD COPPER) WIRE ACCEPTABLE IN STATE OF ILLINOIS? WE JUST A ... A: I'm not familiar with Illinois's rules, but aluminum wiring is an approved method of wiring in the ...
2-prong outlet - replace or rewire for computer?	3/8/2009
Q: Rick, First let me thank you and your site for the free service! I recently got married and moved ... A: It sounds like you have the basics down on this. I would suggest you get some local estimates on ...
wiring a 220 volt 30 amp sauna heater	3/7/2009
Q: Rick, thanks for your time. I'm familiar with 110 v wiring, but new to 220 v wiring. I'm ... A: I would suggest you run your circuit to a GFCI disconnect ( which is identified for 240v) located ...
Electric Baseboard Heaters	3/7/2009
Q: I am continuing to have a problem with one circuit of electric baseboard heaters. There are 4ea 220 ... A: You might be seeing low voltage due to the number of heaters on one circuit. You can try to disable ...
Residential Voltage Fluctuations	3/7/2009
Q: I have a "Monster Power HTS 3600" electrical power management system for my home AV equipment. On ... A: 127 volts is not something that you should be worried about. It usually means the power company is ...
Electrical pole	3/6/2009
Q: Due to my parents bad health we have had to move onto their property in our fifth wheel. What I ... A: There are many examples of services both on the web and in books, so I suggust you look for these. ...
Electric Heat Pump Furnace Disconnect	3/5/2009
Q: Does NEC require a disconnect switch within site of an electric heat pump furnace? The house I am ... A: Article 422.31(B) would be the section you are wanting. A disconnect is required to be within sight ...
Outdoor patio light	3/5/2009
Q: I replaced the outdoor patio light with a new bulb. It didn't light up. I replaced again. Could it ... A: Both of the items you list could cause the problem. I suggest you check for voltage at the fixture, ...
Electrical sag problems in our home.	3/3/2009
Q: We've experienced sags in our electricity for two years. Lately the lights flicker off/on and then ... A: Voltages like you are seeing are usually caused by a loose or bad connections, either on the neutral ...
Main Breaker Box as Subpanel	3/2/2009
Q: May a main breaker box (as opposed to a main lug) be used for a subpanel? I'd like the break, in ... A: You may use the main breaker panel, without any concerns to your grounding. You may want to us a ...
Light Fixture	11/24/2008
Q: I bought a light fixture for my dining room, there are 3 wires coming from the light it self. There ... A: The bare wire from the fixture will attach to the ground, if there is one, in the box. If no ...
240 volt 30 amp circuit in attached garage	11/24/2008
Q: I just bought a welder. The spec says that is draws 20.5 amps at 240 volt max. It has a NEMA 6-50P ... A: Anytime you modify a unit's wiring, you also void any warrenty you may have. If the welder's ...
USE type wire prohibited uses	11/23/2008
Q: "Hi: I have a 400 amp u/g service (dual sweetbriers 4/0-4/0-2/0 al) being brought into a shop in ... A: "1. Can the 400 amp breaker box be fed with the same USE Al sweetbrier used in the U/G feed" If any ...
outlet placement	11/23/2008
Q: I AM HELPING MY MOM WITH HER WE ARE PUTTING ALL NEW WIRES IN AND WANT TO PUT ANOTHER OUTLET ON A ... A: On the inside of the house, you can put an outlet right next to the door without any problem. You ...
haw many watt has a digital clock	11/22/2008
Q: I've just bought a digital clock like the one posted to the link below. I just wonder how many watts ... A: It looks like this is a foreign clock, not for use in the USA. I have no experience with other ...
100 amp double pole breaker	11/22/2008
Q: For the last 3 weeks my main breaker in my panel has been tripping under normal circumstances (no ... A: If you can shut down all your loads, then you can either look at your meter or use a clap-on amp ...
just bught an older mobile home an it still had the orignal screw in fuses	11/22/2008
Q: I'm switching out the boxes for a breaker needing to know what amp breakers are best to use for ... A: You will need to base the breaker size on the wire size. You can only use a 15amp breaker on wire ...
Wiring a light and a switch from a plug socket	11/20/2008
Q: Im wondering can you help me.Im trying to put in a new light and switch in my hall.Ive taken the ... A: Usually one would run the cable from the plug box to a switch box, then to the light. In this case, ...
Wiring a detached garage.	11/20/2008
Q: I have garage 10ft away from house. I sort of have a good handle on this but want to make sure. I ... A: You should check with your local inspector, who may have local rules about this. You should be able ...
unused "live" switch	11/19/2008
Q: Just moved into a new home. The ceiling fan was originally wired with two switches, one for the ... A: There is no code which says you can not have aswitch that has power to it but with no load ...
GFCI Receptacles in bathroom	11/19/2008
Q: I have a 12/3 wire running from regular breakers to our bathroom with two separate receptacles on it ... A: You say you pigtailed the gfci outlets together. If these two outlets are in the same box, then you ...
Installing commercial 400 amp panel	11/19/2008
Q: need 400 amps in shop space. there are (2) 200 amp sockets available at the main service entrance. I ... A: From your question, it sounds like you may have limited experience with electricity. This is not ...
FUSE PANEL ARCING	11/18/2008
Q: I awoke this morning to no heat. After a quick analysis I realized there was no power to the unit. ... A: First off, NEVER bypass a fuse, with a penny or anything else. This is dangerous. I have seen a ...
Fuse panel	11/18/2008
Q: I have had a new fuse panel installed. The existing ground was routed into the meter box and ran ... A: Normally this is allowed, however if the nipple between the two enclosures is metal, you will need ...
Wiring a Lincoln 225-s electrical welder	11/18/2008
Q: I have an older Lincoln 225-s, 240 volt electrical welder I wish to wire up. I understand it ... A: From the description of the plug, you do not need a neutral. I would try to find the instruction ...
lights	11/17/2008
Q: an interior and exterior porch light do not come on right away. I will flip the switch and then a ... A: I would lean more towards the fixture having a loose or bent connection, usually the center tab of ...
Outdoor wiring	11/17/2008
Q: I am rerouting some wiring in an outdoor location (pump house of a swimming pool) and need to join 2 ... A: There are approved rigid compression couplings made, so make sure that you use one of these. You ...
3-Way Switch dilemma	11/16/2008
Q: We would ideally like to remove the connection to the kitchen light and use the power to install a ... A: It looks like the lost box does not contain the required neutral for an outlet, so that part of the ...
Ceiling Fixture	11/16/2008
Q: I am putting in a ceiling light and have 1 black, 1 red and 1 white wire in the ceiling. The ... A: Was the old fixture wired and working before you changed the fixture? You should be able to just ...
Wiring tankless water heater	11/15/2008
Q: We live in an older home in the Northeast with an excruciatingly inefficient, ancient, oil boiler ... A: To answer your questions in order: Q. #1: Adding 60 amps to this service will not cause any ...
new circuit	11/14/2008
Q: I'm moving my washer to a different location I'll have a couple of lights and three wall plugs in ... A: A circuit for the laundry equipment is required to be sized at 20 amps, so you will need to use a ...
Wiring GFI outlet	11/14/2008
Q: Hey Rick,,I am a dog groomer in Canada and recently relocated to a new building. In our bathing ... A: I'm not familiar with Canada's rules on this. There may be other reasons for the electrician to say ...
grounding garage sub panel	11/14/2008
Q: When putting in a new sub panel in a detached garage I understand that new grounding rods are ... A: Matt, if you don't have a return path (ground) then a fault will not trip any breaker. The reason ...
wiring 2 baseboard heaters	11/13/2008
Q: While doing my electrical work, I had not planned for a thermostat controlling 2 baseboard heaters. ... A: It sounds like you have your power run to each heater, right? Some heaters can have a thermostat ...
Noise from service panel and pole transformer	11/12/2008
Q: I sometimes hear a low pulsating hum in my bedroom. There is no audio equipment or TV in the ... A: I would recommend you find out first if the noise is from the house or the transformer. Turn off ...
Combine 3 way and single way circuits into 4 way	11/12/2008
Q: I have a traditional set-up - two switches that control a light on my stairs. one switch downstairs, ... A: I'm certain this could be done if all the conditions are right. You will need to find out where the ...
Arc fault and child-proof outlets	11/11/2008
Q: Is there an exception for senior citizens from the requirement for child-proof outlets where the ... A: There is no such exception in the 2008 NEC. You might try the appeal process with your local ...
overhead power	11/11/2008
Q: i am wiring a 220v 60 amp subpanel overhead in a new garage 50 feet from the house and was told to ... A: You will need to run an overhead cable that has three insulated conductors (2 hots & 1 neutral), ...
Adding ground to 2-wire house?	11/11/2008
Q: Okay, silly question... I have a 1950's house in Wyoming with insulated but ungrounded wiring. What ... A: Let's think about this for a while. You can run the seperate wire, which you say may be easier to ...
Hurricane submerged light fixtures	11/10/2008
Q: Hurricane Ike went through Galveston and the storm surge flooded some light fixtures under my house ... A: It sounds like your switch may be failing. Try replacing it to see. Submersed wiring can wick ...
Trouble with the red wire in a Gfi kitchen counter socket	11/10/2008
Q: I am up grading a kitchen ripped right down to studs and who ever wired them up before did a really ... A: It sounds like the black wire and the red wire may have been to feed the outlet. Check the old ...
Electrical Wires near ductwork	11/9/2008
Q: I am installing three mini pendant lights over a breakfast bar and when I cut out the holes to put ... A: The space you mentioned is adequate. Don't worry about doing anything to the wire. The duct will ...
Changing out a 3 pnt prong to a 4 pnt	11/9/2008
Q: My Maytag dryer has a 3 pronged cord that I am changing to a 4 pronged cord. I have a black wire ... A: I am hesitant to suggest which connect to which, without actually looking at a wiring diagram. You ...
wiring built-in oven	11/8/2008
Q: I am remodeling my kitchen and replacing my free stand range with a cook top and built-in oven. The ... A: Code does allow you to connect both the cooktop and the range to the feeder that used to feed the ...
lost neutral	11/8/2008
Q: small town library had lost neutral for short time. electrician is claiming all ballasts and tubes ... A: If the electrician were to pull a couple of the ballasts to prove to you that they are damaged, ...
electrical light switch	11/7/2008
Q: My electrical light switch was on and the lights were on. I went to turn off the ligths by hitting ... A: If the switch is not working correctly, I would replace the switch. Turn power off, and remove the ...
esb avalon16 residential tanning bed electrical help	11/7/2008
Q: We have a esb avalon16 bed that has always worked great but now shuts off automatically every couple ... A: Your problems may have been caused by the bed's plug, which sounds like it may have a loose ...
Sub-panel Location	11/6/2008
Q: Can a sub-panel be located behind an open interior door? A: Unless this is a trick question, you can install a panel in the wall where the door swings to, when ...
two wire outlet extension	11/6/2008
Q: Older house (1954) outlets wired with only two wires (no separate ground). However, Neutral wire ... A: connecting the neutral wire to the box, or to any other grounded surface beyond the main service ...
lightning strike	11/5/2008
Q: My RV was was hit directly by lightning while driving in a rain storm in April of 2007. It shut the ... A: Keith, I suggest you ask around locally for electrical experts. You might check this web site ...
Electrical Box	11/4/2008
Q: I've recently bought a house with a basement apartment. I believe it was renovated without permits. ... A: Article 240.24(E) of the National Electrical Code forbids overcurrent devices (such as fuses or ...
circuit breaker box and codes	11/3/2008
Q: Our church has a breaker box on a focal wall. I would like to build some cabinets which would cover ... A: The code does have rules in place that forbid any type of structure being in front of the panel, up ...
lightning strike	11/3/2008
Q: My RV was was hit directly by lightning while driving in a rain storm in April of 2007. It shut the ... A: You could run an insulation resistance test, using a machine called a megger, which injects a high ...
surge protectors	11/2/2008
Q: I just bought a new tv and realized that there are only two prong outlets in my living room; I ... A: It sounds like the landloard may not know the whole story of electricity. It is a code violation to ...
Electric wiring under new code	11/2/2008
Q: Sept 1st new code: If I close up a patio door in my master bedroom, do I now need to put every ... A: Different areas of the country have different rules on this type of work. I would suggest you ...
Breaker Box/wiring	11/1/2008
Q: I have to upgrade my furnace which is 25 years old, the company will do the wiring to bring it to ... A: Upgrading one does not necessarily mean upgrading the other. As long as the furnace has it's own ...
Wire Messenger Cable - Grounded or Not?	11/1/2008
Q: I want to run a 20-amp electrical wire overhead form my barn to my hen house, which is about a ... A: If the cable with the messenger has only two insulated wires, along with the bare messenger wire, ...
connecting new wiring to old wiring	11/1/2008
Q: I am adding a new room and am now ready to connect the wiring to the old wiring of the house. I have ... A: It sounds like the red is your hot wire, so you will use it to feed your new wiring. You could also ...
Service to shop	10/31/2008
Q: I'm building a shop 200' from my house and am planning to put in a 200 amp service there. I have a ... A: If the wires that will feed your shop do not have overcurrent protection, do not run through your ...
Direct Burial Cable Limitations and Code	10/31/2008
Q: I have a lake house, with about 900' between the house and the dock. I am going to request a permit ... A: You did not say what the wattage was of the lamps, or what the load of the lift was. I will assume ...
Is it safe to connect wires	10/30/2008
Q: I am remolding my bathroom and want to relocate the light fixture, however the existing electrical ... A: You can splice this way, but the splice will need to be in a box, with a cover, one that will be ...
bundling ground wires in receptacle box.	10/30/2008
Q: I'm building my own house and wiring it myself. In many instances I have several #14 ground wires ... A: You are correct in that the code require the 6" of wire, so don't cut back on the grounds. You can ...
2 pole 20amp 220v gfci	10/30/2008
Q: I have a 12/3 romex going from the panel to whirlpool bath it requires a gfci 2pole 20amp 220v. Now ... A: It sounds like you have a tub that requires the following: 220volts, 20amps, with GFCI protection. ...
240 #6 wire 60 amp breaker	10/29/2008
Q: This may sound stupid but I just want to be safe. I am in the process of installing a new electric ... A: You will need to read the instructions and wiring diagram to find out where to terminate the neutral ...
Unsafe electric?	10/28/2008
Q: If our lights flicker and the same circuit breaker is tripped on a daily basis, then does this mean ... A: I would think the actual wiring is ok, but you may have either some faulty devices (outlets) or that ...
meter base	10/28/2008
Q: I am installing a 200 amp meter base with a built in 200 amp disconnect breaker back to back to a ... A: If you are talking about the grounds and neutrals in the inside panel, then yes they do have to be ...
three way wiring	10/27/2008
Q: I wired my basement stairs the following way and have power but cannot get the three way switch, at ... A: From your discription I am not sure you used the correct type of switches. In order to switch a ...
elect to garage	10/26/2008
Q: Plan to change main panel from 100amp to 200amp in the future. I need power in my garage now for ... A: #6 copper wire is only good for 50 amps. #4 can be used for 100 amps. #2 aluminum is also good for ...
wall switch	10/24/2008
Q: I seem to have bypassed a wall switch when replacing it. Now all the wall plugs have power when the ... A: Dave, what action do you expect when the red touches the blacks? All that will happen is that the ...
wall switches	10/24/2008
Q: I am replacing all outlets and switches in a home I just purchased. For the most part,it has been ... A: To make 2 switches work one light, both of the switches need to be 3-way switches. If you have more ...
wire a exhaust fan to light switch	10/24/2008
Q: I have a bathroom light that I want to replace with a light and exhaust combo, the existing wiring ... A: It sounds like you may have unhooked all your wires and did not make a diagram of your existing ...
Light - Receptacle - Switch	10/23/2008
Q: I'm finishing part of the basement and am running new service along one wall. The power enters a ... A: This is one way of doing it. I would have run power to the light, then ran 2 cables from it, one ot ...
240V/ 3 wire	10/23/2008
Q: My house is 14 years old and I am installing a new range(gas with electric oven) in my kitchen ... A: Question 1. Can I use this existing circuit with my new range or do I need to run a new 10/3 wire ...
Generator wiring with no connection to main house panel	10/22/2008
Q: I just bought a generator for my house, 5500 W with 6275 W surge, and I want to install a permanent ... A: I would recommend you use a SO cord with #10 wire in it, feeding into a small breaker panel. From ...
burnt out bulbs	10/22/2008
Q: Even florescent lighting. The electric company checked for voltage surges and found none. Could an ... A: An improper ground would only come into play if you have problems with you incoming neutral, which ...
Outlet Installation/Bathroom Fan	10/22/2008
Q: Please bear with my layman's terms....I'm trying to install a new bathroom outlet which has a ... A: Take a good look at the device. On the right side, you should see a metal link between the two ...
Arc fault Circuit	10/21/2008
Q: Rick, I have done all the wiring on my new home. I have a cutler hammer panel box. Wiring is 12 ... A: I would remove the wiring from the outlet, that continues on to the other outlets. That will leave ...
electrical hum	10/20/2008
Q: I have a constant pulsating hum going through my house. At night it is so loud I haven't slept for ... A: Since you state that when you turn the power off the sound is still there, I would think the sound ...
underground service wire	10/19/2008
Q: I had posed this question to another expert and got the reply below, which does not answer my ... A: I'm afraid you won't be able to use this cable as you want to. NM-B cable is not approved for wet ...
Transformer for Home Security System	10/19/2008
Q: I have a Napco home security system. Recently I happened to look at it and the plug in transformer ... A: A GFCI will not trip due to heat. If one wire or the other shorts out, the GFCI will open up. You ...
grounding aluminum home siding	10/19/2008
Q: I discovered that the grounding wire from the aluminum siding is gone. The ground post is in the ... A: Are you sure that this wire was for grounding of the siding? I have never seen one. It could be ...
Ceiling light	10/17/2008
Q: I want to replace my ceiling light in the room I just finished. I have replaced many ceiling lights ... A: Normally, when power is brought to the fixture first, the black hot wire will connect to the white ...
help	10/17/2008
Q: I remolding my kitchen and bathroom in a small cape style house. I would like to know if I am ... A: The reason for skipping the outlets in the kitchen are to keep you from putting all your appliances ...
Adding a new circuit to existing boxes	10/16/2008
Q: I am installing recessed lighting in my living room. Due to the additional wattage, I am installing ... A: Box fill is an important issue, so you will need to figure fill, then get a box large enough to ...
wall switch	10/16/2008
Q: I seem to have bypassed a wall switch when replacing it. Now all the wall plugs have power when the ... A: Did you also replace any outlets? Normally, only 1/2 of each outlet is switch controlled, with the ...
GFCI outlets	10/16/2008
Q: Are GFCI outlets required in a house that was built in the 50's ANSWER: Hi Jeff. The National ... A: The only way to get this answer would be to get some estimates locally, as different parts of the ...
electrical problem	10/15/2008
Q: We had our house inspected and the inspector said our outlets in one room were coming up ground ... A: Somewhere you have the ground wire connected where the neutral wire should be, most likely at one of ...
GFCI outlets	10/15/2008
Q: Are GFCI outlets required in a house that was built in the 50's A: The National Electrical Code is not retro-active, that is, the code can not make rules now for ...
lights over s jacuzzi tub	10/14/2008
Q: I am remodeling a home and installing a jacuzzi tub. The contractor wants to put 2 lights over the ... A: Code does allow luminaires marked for damp or wet locations to be installed here, as long as they or ...
Repair of chafed electrical wire	10/14/2008
Q: I damaged a wire with my drill chuck while performing some work. It is a 2 conductor, 12 gauge, ... A: to properly repair this, you will need to bring the insulation back up to orginal standards. Since ...
outdoor box	10/13/2008
Q: I want to install a dimmer switch on the outside of a garage. I have a single gang outdoor box with ... A: It sounds like alot of work to just install a switch box. You can buy old-works boxes that will fit ...
split recepticle to two single	10/13/2008
Q: I have to relocate some aplayances to other sid of my kitchen, so my question is: Can I remove ... A: This should be ok to do. I question the use of 15amp breakers, as both of these appliances require ...
wiring	10/13/2008
Q: I have been trying to replace my switches and receptacles to make the colors match. My bathroom has ... A: You will need to find out which set of wires is the feed to this outlet, and where the 2nd set goes. ...
Meter clip replacement	10/12/2008
Q: I had an electrical problem at an apt I own. The tenants said the lights were dimming and a breaker ... A: I don't know what the meter clip is, but since you did call the electrician in after hours, you ...
LG Electric Dryer.	10/12/2008
Q: Sir, I am currently on assignment in the United State and have puchased the following Items: ... A: You are wise to check on the differences in voltages before using the equipment. The main ...
GFCI Outlets	10/11/2008
Q: I am planning a new kitchen. The walls are open and the work will all be visible and reachable. ... A: As long as you meet the requirements for circuits in the kitchen, which is at least two 20amp small ...
electrical behind ceiling tile	10/11/2008
Q: If I use ceiling tiles to finish me basement (to have access to electrical wire and low voltage ... A: Unless there are local codes that forbid using cable (NM-B), then you can use it above the ceiling ...
NEMA 6-30P to NEMA 14-50R	10/11/2008
Q: I need to plug a NEMA 6-30P (4800 W, 240 VAC garage heater) into a NEMA 14-50R (outlet receptacle ... A: In order to protect this heater, you would need to change both the outlet to match the cord, and ...
Wiring a receptacle thats hooked to dimmer	10/9/2008
Q: I have a dimmer that controls the top outlet of 2 separate receptacles. One receptacle was broke so ... A: First off, it is a code violation to install a dimmer on a receptacle. You will damage electrical ...
defective electric meter	10/9/2008
Q: our electric provider is charging us for a billing adjustment that covers 6 months. based on the ... A: The only way to safely say that the meter accuracy was as you state in #5, is to have had it checked ...
Pump running backwards	10/8/2008
Q: What will make a 480 3 phase pump in a sump, that all it does is pump out water from the rain, that ... A: Any 3-phase motor will run in one direction with a certain hookup, and then run the other direction ...
meter to point of entry distance	10/8/2008
Q: working on a new overhead and meter socket,the distance between meter socket and point of entry to ... A: This will have to be answered by your local inspector. I would think that if the leads were run ...
defective electric meter	10/8/2008
Q: our electric provider is charging us for a billing adjustment that covers 6 months. based on the ... A: I'm not sure what your question is, but I would be willing to bet that, if the meter was reading ...
Fluorescent light	10/7/2008
Q: I installed 2 brand new 8' fluroscent light fixtures in my garage. The 1 quit working already. ... A: First off, verify that the ballast is correct for the supplied voltage, which should be 120v in your ...
Spa wiring	10/2/2008
Q: I have installed a SPA with a 50 amp GFCI outside box to a standard 50 amp 240 breaker in the house. ... A: Do you read 240v when testing the back to red leads? If not, make sure that the breaker is ...
INSTALLING TWO PARALLEL SWITCHES FOR CONTROL OF TWO SEPARATE LIGHTS	10/2/2008
Q: Ok I have a single simple switch which controle a ligth inside the house and close to it a timer ... A: What you have is a hot wire (w1) and 2 switch legs (w2 & w3) with w1 being common to both switches. ...
Power meter connection	10/1/2008
Q: I own half of a duplex. The power meter is fed by 3 lines that go to a double meter box that has a ... A: There is a possibility that the lugs are replaceable, but I recommend you get an electrician to look ...
double luugging	10/1/2008
Q: Why is this not safe? What are the hazards? If its found as an existing panel MUST it be removed, ... A: Double lugging, or installing more than one wire under a terminal screw or lug, is a code violation ...
gang box	9/30/2008
Q: I ran a new line which has 3 lines branching from it (living room outside wall, kitchen outside wall ... A: A better idea would be to install a 4-sq box and a single device mud ring, which will give you the ...
dryer connection	9/29/2008
Q: My dryer has a three prong connection. The receptacle at my new house is 4 prong, and has four ... A: You will need to replace the cord with a 4-wire type. At the connection for the cord, there will ...
Pre-wired ceiling light box, where's the switch?	9/29/2008
Q: In our living room we have a box which is pre-wired for a dome light. In this same room there is a ... A: Josh, there are tracing devices out there, but they are fairly expensive. You know that you have a ...
vandels strippped the copper wiring from the house I'm considering buying.	9/28/2008
Q: vandals stripped the copper wiring from the house I'm considering buying. It's a small cottage ... A: If this is an existing home, not just being built, then I would bet the cost would be substantial. ...
Pre-wired ceiling light box, where's the switch?	9/28/2008
Q: In our living room we have a box which is pre-wired for a dome light. In this same room there is a ... A: Chances are that the ceiling box was provided for a paddle fan and light, and may not include a ...
Recepticle Replacement NOT So Simple - Spagetti Wires	9/28/2008
Q: I am a DIY and have learned by reading (put in a 2 chandeliers, pendant, spot and track lighting ... A: The pigtailed wires (the short pieces of wires connected to the black wire) are providing the hot ...
When replacing a light bulb doesn't solve the problem	9/27/2008
Q: I have four light sockets in my kitchen. Recently 2 lights burnt out. Thinking the bulbs burnt out ... A: You did not say what type of fixture this was. If it is a recessed can, then the over-temp sensor ...
dryer wiring error	9/27/2008
Q: I just remodeled an old cabin and put 10-2 wire in for the dryer instead of 10-3. The walls have ... A: since this is a new install, code says to use the 4-wire cable. In the olden days, you could use a ...
Hot tub outlet question	9/27/2008
Q: I recently had some warranty work done on my 120 volt hot tub. The repair guy said the way it was ... A: There is no problem with wiring this tub the way you state. All outside outlets are required to ...
upgrading to electric baseboard heat in 100 Amp Panel	9/26/2008
Q: I have recently wanted to install 3 new 20 amp double pole breakers to my existing 100 Amp panel. ... A: I would not think you would have any problems adding these loads to your service. You can basically ...
not sure.	9/25/2008
Q: just wanted to know if its something i can fix or if i should call a professional i have a light ... A: It sounds like you are talking about the light flickering and not coming on, is this correct. does ...
Transformers	9/25/2008
Q: I am inquiring about the proper way, code wise, to install a 24 V transformer. I would like to ... A: Most 24v transformers are meant to be mounted so the 120v side is in a jbox. There are some that ...
Fluorescent lighting connectons	9/24/2008
Q: I have a 4ft.-2 bulb fluorescent light on ceiling where power comes in, and switch on wall to turn ... A: You will need to identify your wires, then post back. What color of wires at fixture, what color of ...
Running 3 Phase motor on single phase 220	9/24/2008
Q: I have a Compumotor system made by Parker. I thing it is dated around 1993. It has a (115) ... A: If the unit requires 240volts, 3-phase, then that is what you are required to use for it to run. ...
Electric panel boxes	9/23/2008
Q: My electric panel box is full and I want to add another circuit. Will I violate the electric code ... A: Ted, the rating (capacity) for the panel is 200amps. If either leg on the main breaker draws more ...
lighting	9/23/2008
Q: My question is a simple one, but wording it seems to have caused some confusion as I've gotten ... A: There is no way to do both A & B. The attached drawing shows how to wire it for B. This will allow ...
230 volt airconditioner plug	9/22/2008
Q: Why is the unit not coming on when I ran from the panel two hot wires and a ground? When I remove ... A: You did not state what the nameplate of the unit calls for as far as voltage is concerned. If it ...
Service Entrance Disconnect	9/22/2008
Q: Is the 6 foot requiremen for distance between meter and load ceter,the physical location of the ... A: I'm not sure what 6' rule this is, most likely a local rule, so you should check with your local ...
Amperage on Ground wire	9/21/2008
Q: Is it normal to see several Amps (with a clamp meter) on your ground wire (bonded to water pipes) ... A: It does sound like you may have a loose or bad neutral feeding your home. I would contact the power ...
Outside light	9/21/2008
Q: I am replacing a customer's outside spotlight. She told me it stopped working all of a sudden and ... A: If there is no way to look at the j-box, then you may have to rewire, providing you can find a hot ...
Air line in electrical conduit	9/21/2008
Q: I have a workshop with a 1" PVC conduit in the concrete floor running to the center of the shop. ... A: Tempting as it may be, it is a code violation to install anything other than wires in this conduit. ...
service entrance	9/20/2008
Q: I have a dual meter base that was installed when house built in 1959. It is there because the power ... A: The National Electrical Code is silent on this issue. I recommend that you contact your local ...
GFCI Problem	9/19/2008
Q: I have a GFCI outlet with two additional outlets on the load side...1 for the garbage disposal (with ... A: The only thing you did not mention that you did was to check the switch for the disposal. Make sure ...
Adding a neutral wire	9/18/2008
Q: I have been told it is against code to add a single wire into an existing circuit, but ok to replace ... A: Replacing the 2-wire cable with a 3-wire cable will add a grounding conductor, which is ok. If you ...
conductor size	9/17/2008
Q: what does 1/0, 2/0, 3/0 etc. mean please? Thanks very much A: The numbers listed are the AWG (American Wire Guage) size designator for a certain size of wire. ...
home 2 seperate gradge power install	9/17/2008
Q: i need to know how deep under ground i have to bury the line . also should i put stone under it . im ... A: I will answer with the National Electrical Code answers, but you should check with your local ...
Garage Wiring/ Basement Wiring	9/16/2008
Q: Our home was built in 1995. There is one outlet on the wall in the garage, and two overhead in a ... A: To answer your questions, in order: All 125v outlets installed in a garage are required to be GFCI ...
outdoor lighting wiring	9/15/2008
Q: I am attempting to wire 2 dual light fixtures on my deck. The wiring was already installed. There is ... A: You will need to indentify each wire as to it's function. Use a voltage tester, and find out if one ...
power bill too high	9/15/2008
Q: I recently had my air unit (inside and outside) replaced ever since then my electric bill has went ... A: I doubt that the new units will be the cause of this increase. Check the consumption this year ...
wiring a hvac unit	9/14/2008
Q: My unit has a min. 55 amp - max. 60 amp rating. Can I use NM-B 6/2 copper with ground. Thank You ... A: I recommend that you take a look at the electrical nameplate for the unit. It will give you the ...
120v outlets read 50-70v	9/14/2008
Q: The outlets along one wall in living room read anywhere from 50-70 volts. The all breakers are ... A: I would check that you have not lost a neutral connection on one of your outlets. Take the last ...
Wiring multiple use 220 cicuit	9/14/2008
Q: I am wiring a 30 Amp 220 circuit. I have wired it using 10/3 wire. This means I have two hots (red ... A: I will only address the code parts of this question. It is a code violation to install a lower ...
2 prong outlets	9/13/2008
Q: We are purchasing a home that has a lot of 2 prong outlets throughout the house. When we had the ... A: A plug in tester will not show if there is a ground on a 2-wire outlet, in fact, it will not fit ...
tv turning off	9/13/2008
Q: I have a flatscreen TV that shits off momentarily when a lightswitch in the room is turned on or ... A: Hopefully you mean it shuts off. The only thing I can recommend is to make sure that the unit is ...
230volt to the outside condensing unit	9/12/2008
Q: I have a 208-230 volt condensing unit that is getting 248 volts to it. It keeps on frying fan ... A: I suggest you contact the manufacturer to get this info. Normally an amount of 5%(+-) is allowed. ...
Puck lights and suspended ceilings	9/11/2008
Q: Why are low voltage puck lights not recommended for use as ceiling lights? I find it hard to see the ... A: I would think the restriction would have to do with the actual light output of the puck. On a ...
two switches and two outlets in my living room are not working	9/11/2008
Q: two outlets and two switches in my living room are not working but there are two more outlets that ... A: If these devices are on the same breaker/fuse, then you should start at the last working outlet, and ...
dryer wiring	9/10/2008
Q: We would like to move our dryer to the basement. In order to do so I will need to add some wiring. ... A: You can splice these cables, using the correct sized j-box and approved wirenuts. Also, since this ...
Electrical Panel Upgrade	9/10/2008
Q: The main incoming electrical service for my house runs from the outside meter to a service breaker ... A: Normally the main breaker rating is the rating for the service, but you would also check on the ...
400amp meter socket replacement	9/10/2008
Q: any idea where i can get one? A: Milbank is a anufacturer of meter sockets, so you might want to google for it. A 400 amp socket is ...
Reroute outside outlet through attic back outside	9/9/2008
Q: I have a mystery 240V outlet powered from a dedicated dual pole breaker in the electrical panel (no ... A: You can do this, with no restriction on height of the disconnect, tho there is a rule that the ...
GFI Outlet Installation Issues	9/9/2008
Q: I ran a single circuit of 14-2 from the electrical panel to the bathroom in the basement. I ... A: Newer GFCI outlets will not test correctly if they are wired wrong. This may be your case, tho a ...
sub panel	9/7/2008
Q: have a 100amp square d QO i need to know where to put the green grounding screw i have put in a ... A: For a Sq D panel, you have to install a seperate grounding buss (or grounding kit, see label on ...
Underground wiring	9/7/2008
Q: My son just purchased a small farm in VA with a horse barn about 200 feet from the house. We want to ... A: To answer your questions in order: #1: This will depend on what you load at the bard will be. ...
Two outlets that don't work.	9/5/2008
Q: I have 8 outlets on one breaker.Two do not work. Black wire is on the short hole and white wire is ... A: It sounds like you have a bad connection somewhere, most likely on the last good (working) outlet. ...
Wall Mount Oven	9/5/2008
Q: I am installing a new electric wall mount oven. This oven came with wiring but no plug. It has a ... A: In the past, the electrical code allowed the neutral (white) wire to be connected to the ground ...
Subpanel fill	9/4/2008
Q: I have a 125A subpanel with 20 one inch spaces. What is the sum total of the amperage rating of the ... A: There is no real answer for this question. The basis for overloading the panel would be the actual ...
Breaker keeps tripping	8/29/2008
Q: After a thunderstorm and a brief power outage the circuit to my bathrooms was tripped. There is also ... A: Since the outdoor circuit is not having problems, I doubt if it is causing your current problem. ...
Code Requirement	8/28/2008
Q: Does currrent NEC require URD cable, that is being installed underground, to be put into conduit? A: The NEC does not include URD as one of the wiring types approved for use. I looked at a wire ...
generator	8/28/2008
Q: I installed my first automatic transfer switch in a home. I fed it off of main panel and then fed a ... A: It sounds like the controller is not sensing when the normal power is lost. Make sure you have ...
Circuits using 12-3 w/ground	8/27/2008
Q: Instead of pulling 4 cables of 12-2 w/ground to an attic for 4 separate 20 amp circuits (lights and ... A: This is an acceptable method of home wiring. Make sure that the two hot wires are connected to ...
Wiring in Abandoned Gas Line	8/27/2008
Q: I am installing a wood burning insert in my existing masonry fireplace. I disconnected and removed ... A: If you are just using s short piece of pipe as a sleeve through the brick, then you can do it. If ...
THHN Stranded wire in PVC Conduit	8/26/2008
Q: I'm rewiring my garage and plan on using 3/4 PVC conduit with THHN stranded 12 Guage wire. I have ... A: Stranded wire is easier to work with than solid, and standard wirenuts will work to terminate them. ...
electrical wires inside of cider block walls	8/26/2008
Q: My plan is to run wires for outlets vertically inside cinder block walls as they are being ... A: To answer your list, in order: Romex: NO flexible conduit: NO rigid conduit: yes PVC: yes EMT: no ...
meter base to service panel	8/25/2008
Q: I am installing a new construction base and service panel. I plan to use individual wires because ... A: #4 wire is not approved for 200amps. You will need to use at least 4/0 aluminum, or 2/0 copper. ...
Removal of outdoor outlet	8/25/2008
Q: We had a small second-floor deck removed which had an outlet next to it. I now want to remove that ... A: I take it you don't want the outlet anymore, is that right? If so, then you can't just bury the ...
Hard wiring a freezer.	8/23/2008
Q: I want to install an outlet for my freezers in my garage directly from my breaker box. The distance ... A: You will need to fish a wire from inside of the panel(dangerous area to be around !!!) to a hole ...
ground bus connections	8/23/2008
Q: I know newer panel boxes have one ground lug screw for each load. But old panel boxes had small bus ... A: The answer to your question lays in the manufacturer's instructions. That is where the number of ...
sub panel installation	8/22/2008
Q: Rick. It's great to be able to ask this of a real inspector. The perfect spot in my unfinished ... A: If you can meet the 6 foot rule, this location would pass inspection. However, drians do leak over ...
Aerials & Lightning	8/22/2008
Q: i know this may not be your usual aera of expertise but i am in need regarding some information on ... A: Just for your infomation, there is no way to protect from a direct lightning strike. You can try to ...
circuit breakers	8/22/2008
Q: I noted a peculiar odor emanating from the panel box. Upon inspection I found a double pole 30 amp ... A: There could be a number of reasons for the breaker not opening. This overheating may have been so ...
junction boxes & dropped ceilings	8/21/2008
Q: Would adding a dropped ceiling that would obscure a junction box create a code violation? Thanks in ... A: If by dropped ceiling you mean the type of ceiling grid with removable panels, then no it is not a ...
phase question	8/20/2008
Q: I Have a question. i have a coffee maker where its voltage specifications is to be 220/1 phase. i ... A: You can use any 2 hots out of the panel, just like you would for a 220v load. Install the outlet to ...
Tap splices	8/14/2008
Q: Rick. I'm wondering about tap splices. I've used them before to wire rooms for power, and it's ... A: Vince, I can see the ease of use for conduit systems, but for cable systems it would a non-issue, as ...
Replace breaker box.	8/14/2008
Q: We have an older home that my son is living in. The electrical service is not good and the A/C was ... A: Depending on the area of the country you live in, you may not be able to do this type of work. ...
2-120 volt cords to 220 volts	8/14/2008
Q: i live on a 41 ft. motoryacht,the problem is it is too big to heat with 120 volt heaters,i would ... A: For this size of load, the only thing available would be a transformer. The minimum size of the ...
Tap splices	8/13/2008
Q: Rick. I'm wondering about tap splices. I've used them before to wire rooms for power, and it's ... A: If you are talking about the type of splice shown in this picture, I can say I have not had much ...
Dimming Lights	8/13/2008
Q: I live in a house built in 1980. Whenever a big motor item like the air conditioning (new unit was ... A: There are a number of things which could cause this. First off, I would check to make sure that ...
Emt Size	8/12/2008
Q: Can I put 3 number 6 wire in a half inch water tight pipe? A: From your title to this post, and without knowing what type of wire you will use, I will answer your ...
house fire	8/11/2008
Q: I had a small fire at my home and I'm trying to find out the source. I turned on my outside lights ... A: Every light fixture is required to be mounted on a box, whether in the ceiling or an a wall. I ...
switch	8/10/2008
Q: I have 2 switches in bathroom, one for light one for fan exhaust . i bought a fan timer has 1 red 1 ... A: It looks like you may not have the correct number of wires in your switch box to do this. From your ...
ceiling lights in old house	8/10/2008
Q: Recently purchased a house and got the electric upgraded from 100 to 200 amp but a couple of lights ... A: It soulds like you may have a tripped circuit. Check out all your breakers to make sure none is ...
Outside AC wiring	8/9/2008
Q: Stringing AC wiring under a deck does the wire need to be encased in conduit according to code? A: I assume that you are talking about type NM-B cable, normal home wiring cable usually called Romex. ...
Three-way swithches on row of can lights.	8/9/2008
Q: With power going to Switch- Fixtures(cans)- Switch, can I use a single 3 conductor(w/ground) romex ... A: You will not be able to do this with a 3-wire cable. You could do it by using a 4-wire cable ...
CHANGING LIGHT SWITCHES	6/3/2008
Q: CHANGING A DOUBLE LIGHT SWITCH TO A SINGLE LIGHT SWITCH AND A RECEPTACLE. I ALSO WANT TO RUN THE ... A: You will need to find out which wire is your incoming hot (identify it black), then identify the ...
CHANGING LIGHT SWITCHES	6/2/2008
Q: CHANGING A DOUBLE LIGHT SWITCH TO A SINGLE LIGHT SWITCH AND A RECEPTACLE. I ALSO WANT TO RUN THE ... A: There are a number of obstacles to this. If there is no nutral at the switch boxes (which is most ...
Underground Electrical and Mechanical Services	6/2/2008
Q: Is there a distance restriction/requirement that must be kept between a new buried 600V service (in ... A: Kevin, in the NEC there is no such restriction, but in real life you do want to have some ...
Irrigation pump wiring	6/2/2008
Q: Hey Rick, thanks for looking at my question..... I'm looking to wire an irrigation pump near my ... A: If your load does not exceed 30 amps, then you can use the 10/2 uf. If it was me, I would go ahead ...
Service Main Disconnect	4/2/2008
Q: My manufactured home will be delivered in a couple of days. We are trying to determine our costs for ... A: Normally this disconnect is just that, a disconnect. However, if you want to add feeders to ...
re wire	4/2/2008
Q: I desparately want a hanging light fixture from Ireland for my home here. They have 220 volt AC, ... A: I would think that you could adapt it to the USA, using 120v bulbs, and possibly with a little ...
Wire type in lamp	4/2/2008
Q: I recently installed a new ceiling light. I noticed that the wires from the light were silver in ... A: You are probably seeing a wire that has been tinned, and will be copper underneath. The tinning ...
Connected bed, but bulbs are not coming on	4/1/2008
Q: we have connected a bed inside of our home. We have the 220 going to the bed and the light on the ... A: I am thinking that this is a tanning bed, with fluorescent tubes. Is this correct? I recommend you ...
Extending outlet connections in kitchen	4/1/2008
Q: 1978 house, kitchen 20amp outlets were wired by pulling cable through sofit. now I've removed the ... A: Splice boxes are ok in attics, as long as you can get to them after all the remodeling is complete. ...
treadmill causes lights to pulsate	3/19/2008
Q: I have a new build that I have been in for about three months. Yesterday my wife was jogging on the ... A: It probably is no problem with the wiring. You might try plugging the treadmill into a different ...
bathroom wiring	3/19/2008
Q: I am remodeling my laundry room and adjacent bathroom. I plan to install a jacuzzi style bathtub ... A: #1: The code requires a 20 amp circuit for bathroom outlets. You can run this circuit to one bath, ...
Adding sub panel in home addition	3/18/2008
Q: I live in a 3 bedroom ranch home (~1300sq.ft.) in VA. I am preparing to build 2 additions. A 4th ... A: I would recommend you run at least a 60 amp circuit for this additioanl panel. for a 60 amp, ...
wire for a 230 amp compressor	3/18/2008
Q: I am hoocking up a 230 watt compressor 15 amp. I will have to run the wire 70 foot. will a 8 gauge ... A: At 70', there will be minimal voltage drop, so you could use, at a minimum, #12 wire. #10 could ...
installing light and switch.	3/17/2008
Q: Old house- walls of plaster. electrical has been updated. But in some rooms, looks like there was a ... A: Hey neighbor! There is a product called Wiremold that can be run from the exisiting light down to a ...
Combination vent-fan/heat-lamp	3/17/2008
Q: I'm renovating a basement into a new bedroom and bath. I wanted a combination vent-fan/heat-lamp in ... A: With all the other items on this circuit, the 20 amp circuit will most likely be overloaded. You ...
drill bit hit an internal wrrie	3/16/2008
Q: Installing closet shelving and my drill bit hit a wire causing an orange spark It also turned my bit ... A: Yes, you should be concerned. I recommend you open up the wall and replace that portion of wire ...
hot tub wiring	3/16/2008
Q: if wires in in heater are all black how do i connect to colored ones A: Follow the wiring diagram on the unit. Probably this is only a 240v unit, so the two hot wires can ...
Roughing In a bathroom Broan Model 732 (H/L/F/NL)	3/15/2008
Q: I am in the midst of roughing in the bathroom electrical and wanted to get a more expert opinion ... A: Running a seperate line for the GFCI is really about the only thing you can do at this time. You ...
I want to change a dual light switch outlet	3/15/2008
Q: I have a dual light switch outlet that I want to replace. Inside the box there are two red wires, ... A: You will need to identify the wires, that is, using a volt meter, find out which is hot, which is ...
Sub Panel - to small holes?	3/14/2008
Q: We are sorry, but Alex Napier wasn't able to answer yourAlex, I have a 200 Amp Square D Main Power ... A: Square D sells a lug kit for installing onto this type of buss. You will need remove one screw to ...
coil cooktop	3/14/2008
Q: I'm living in Germany and I'm thinking about buying an electric coil cook-top (like the GE 36" ... A: You are correct in your assumption that it will not work at 50 hz. Check your local electrical ...
Using Breakers for Switching	3/14/2008
Q: I have a tenant using the breaker panel to control their lighting. There are switches on the walls ... A: Constant flipping of breakers could cause problems down the road, but if this a breaker rated swd, ...
Roughing In a bathroom Broan Model 732 (Heater/Light/Fan/Nightlight)	3/13/2008
Q: I am in the midst of roughing in the bathroom electrical and wanted to get a more expert opinion ... A: First off, because you used #12 wire, this circuit will be limited to 20 amps maximum. If the unit ...
installing a second doorbell in the patio	3/13/2008
Q: I am installing a second doorbell in the patio area because in the summer when we have the air on we ... A: I can't think of a reason for it not to work. Try hooking up the new chime unit using just a couple ...
diming lights	3/12/2008
Q: When I turn on a iron, small portable heater or my air compressor my lights dim and stay dim until ... A: Since you are familiar with electricity, I will try to answer you with concrete ideas. With the ...
Location of sub panel	3/11/2008
Q: Is there anything in the NEC that precludes the installation of a subpanel in a wall at the top of a ... A: You are correct that the nec does not have any rule on this....but the new code (2008) does include ...
adding another 220 wire in kitchen	3/11/2008
Q: i live in a condo..i am remodeling kitchen and adding a cooktop and built in oven...i have an ... A: I recommend you get your electrician to say if adding the extra load will cause problems. They will ...
running two 220 appliances off one line.	3/10/2008
Q: Hey Rick, I'm remodeling my kitchen and want to remove my existing stovetop and range and put in an ... A: Normally the manufactuer requires seperate circuits for these types of equipment. I would check the ...
add ons	3/9/2008
Q: My objective is to supply a 125amp breaker panel with a 40amp service to my shed. This will be used ... A: Most of the twin breakers will provide, when installed, 2 circuits from the same phase, not 2 ...
Finishing a basement	3/9/2008
Q: We built a home and it has an unfinished basement. I plan on doing most of the wiring myself. I ... A: It sounds ok, as far as it goes. However, you might want to talk to the local inspector before ...
Sealing around wire penetrations, etc.	3/7/2008
Q: I would like to seal up the penetration where my service entrance cable runs from my meter to my ... A: There are materials on the market made for this, and are usually labeled as fire stops. If you just ...
Power surges on a 2 yr old home	3/6/2008
Q: I have a homeowner stating that the wiring in his home is bad, because he had a surge in his home 6 ... A: If there was indeed a lightning strike close enough to damage something like the water heater, it ...
service entrance	3/6/2008
Q: I am building a garage with living space above. I want to use a 100 amp panel. Can I connect this to ... A: I recommend that you do not connect to the input side of the main, which is a code violtation. ...
Two rooms, one light circuit	3/5/2008
Q: I want to run one circuit to light two rooms. I want it to enter the first room from the breaker ... A: You should be able to do this, using a 3-wire cable instead of the normal 2-wire cable. Check ...
ceiling fans	3/5/2008
Q: There are 4 wires coming from the ceiling blue, white, red and black, my question is where the does ... A: You will need to find out which wires are controlled by which switches. I am guessing, but I think ...
Max load and related	3/4/2008
Q: I am currently doing a 2 car garage conversion into living space. I am trying to do things to code, ... A: If the existing feed wire (8-3 AL) has 3 insulated wires and an uninsulated wire, this can be used ...
wiring near direct vent fireplace	3/4/2008
Q: We are installing a Direct vent fireplace with a TV above. 12 gauge wiring to TV, and other 12 ... A: Follow manufacturer's instruction on this clearance. I would think 2 to 3" would be ok. Keep the ...
GFI circuit	3/3/2008
Q: I recently completed a kitchen remodel in a 30 year old condo. One series of counter plugs protected ... A: If you feel like it, open up the panel and find the breaker that is feeding this circuit. You ...
Changing kitchen switch	3/2/2008
Q: I have a switch in the kitchen with a pilot light. The switch controls the garbage disposal. The ... A: I would not advise adding a receptacle to this circuit. You may overload it by running some other ...
Doorbell rewire, extra wires	3/2/2008
Q: After reading answers to other non-working doorbell problems, I attempted step one: remove button ... A: If the unit was working before, then the wires had to have been good. If you remove any wires, mark ...
diming lights	3/2/2008
Q: When I turn on a iron, small portable heater or my air compressor my lights dim and stay dim until ... A: Kevin, It could be any number of things. I would recommend you hire an electrician to come in to ...
junction box	3/1/2008
Q: I have a new construction home and in the kitchen I have florescent lighting when I tried to replace ... A: This is normal, and fairly easily repaired. Install a plastic fixture box which will require you to ...
pull chain lighting	3/1/2008
Q: Hi Rick - We are redoing my daughters room upstairs - right now she has 3 Pull chainsn light fixturs ... A: Most track lights come with a junction box cover that should easily convert to a pull switch. I'm ...
Wiring/Circuit issue....	2/29/2008
Q: We have a new home (5yrs old) with 3 outdoor recessed porch lights, two outside garage lights, and ... A: You did not say if the recessed lamps were burned out or not. Were they? If so, what happend after ...
Motion light and flood light	2/29/2008
Q: I just purchased a motion detector light and I have a flood light on the other end of the house. ... A: You probably will not be able to do this, unless there is a seperate line from the motion sensor box ...
Wiring a finished basement	2/28/2008
Q: Rick, Thanks in advance for your help. I'm finishing my basement, including a bathroom. I have a ... A: You are required to run a 20amp circuit to the bathroom. You can supply all the items you list from ...
Installing a chandelier	2/27/2008
Q: I'm in the process of installing a new chandelier in my 1946 home. I recently removed a ceiling ... A: I could not answer if there is a ground wire, but I suspect that either there is no ground or the ...
Open Ground Situation	2/27/2008
Q: I am trying to track an open ground situation as found with a plug in tester ( one red light , two ... A: A visual inspection would be required to see if the service is grounded. Can you see any bare ...
Wiring in home	2/26/2008
Q: I live in a rental house. This property is thirty or more years old. One of the bedrooms has had ... A: It does sound like you have some major electrical problems. Using plug-in heaters is just adding to ...
Dryer installation	2/25/2008
Q: I recently purchased a 220 dryer, but my outlet is designed for 110. I am a renter, so modifying my ... A: The dryer will not work on 110volts, if it was designed for 220v. Have a talk to your landloard, ...
Wire size , Jacuzzi	2/24/2008
Q: Mr. Miell, I am having a house remodeled and one of the electricians for part of the work has ... A: You can never run a smaller wire from a larger one. If the wire is #12, then the breaker will be a ...
Jetted Tub GFI Wiring	2/23/2008
Q: Rick- I have a tile enclosed jetted tub that tripped the GFI outlet it was plugged into. This ... A: I have seen the power run to a gfci switch located outside of the tube area, then run back to the ...
Moving Dryer recepticle	2/22/2008
Q: I am moving a dryer 100 ft further away from my main box. It presently has #10/3 with ground. My ... A: I went to guru in the electrical field, Mike Holt at www.mikeholt.com. On his main site is a link ...
220v 120v wiring problem	2/22/2008
Q: I have a 2 pole 20a BREAKER. 12/3awg. Red & Black are connected to the breaker, White(neutral ) is ... A: When you connected a load to the top outlet, without having the neutral connected in the panel, the ...
single pole to 3 way	2/21/2008
Q: I currently have a single pole switch that controls 1 light in a hallway. We're finishing our ... A: I would recommend you visit www.danswiringpage.com for some great diagrams on 3-way switch wiring. ...
Can Euro (Germany)220V be used with US 220 V?	2/21/2008
Q: Miell, I am moving back to the States in a few months from Germany. I have a steam cleaner ... A: I would suggest you find out from the manufacturer of the cleaner to see if they recommend powering ...
Amperage required	2/21/2008
Q: I have a 1960 house that I am trying to sell. I is a three bedroom, two bath house. It has 100 amp ... A: Unless you have an electric dryer, an electric range, and a electric water heater, then 100 amp ...
Outlet controlled by a switch	2/20/2008
Q: My tester showed open neutral wire in the outlet. When I opened it up I saw two pair of wires and a ... A: Raajah, you cannot connect to the ground. That would be a code violation. Are you sure that you ...
upgrade	2/20/2008
Q: my lights flicker when big appliances come on and i only have a 125 amp service can i change out ... A: The 2 things you write about have nothing to do with each other. If your lights are blinking, try ...
120V AC wiring used in Central Vacuum systems	2/19/2008
Q: I live in Vancouver Canada in a 3 yr old home and our Central Vac (Beam, I believe) was ... A: Tsk, Tsk, Mikey. I hope you have learned your lesson!!! (I sound just like my Mom, LOL) I don't ...
220v 120v wiring problem	2/19/2008
Q: I have a 2 pole 20a BREAKER. 12/3awg. Red & Black are connected to the breaker, White(neutral ) is ... A: I don't have a clue why you would be getting the reading you are, unless the white wire is laying ...
Add a length in middle of 10/3 30A	2/19/2008
Q: I am in the middle of a kitchen remodel and need to reroute the 10/3 (3 wires PLUS bare ground) wire ... A: Yes, this will be ok. Use the correct sized wirenuts, and make sure the jboxes are covered with ...
70 volts to overhead light with wall switch off	2/18/2008
Q: Older home (60's) with 2 wire system.In one room there is an overhead light being replaced. Testing ... A: You are probably just reading some voltage on the neutral casued by a downstream load, such as a ...
Outlet controlled by a switch	2/18/2008
Q: My tester showed open neutral wire in the outlet. When I opened it up I saw two pair of wires and a ... A: Using a volt meter, identify what wire is hot, and what wire is the neutral. Next identify which ...
GFCI protection of jacuzzi	2/17/2008
Q: I am currently selling my house and the question came up from the inspector if the jacuzzi tub was ... A: You could trip the gfci by pressing the test button, and if the tub does not work, then it is ...
connecting generator to transfer switch	2/17/2008
Q: I have a generator (5000 running watts, 6250 surge) with a 120/240 twist lock 20amp outlet that I ... A: You will need to be concerned about your loads, and it is fairly hard to idenitfy which breaker ...
3 way swithch	2/17/2008
Q: My two three way switches for 1 light work only in the down position. What have I done wrong? Thanks A: Wayne, did you replace the switches? If so, you may have installed the wires incorrectly. Check ...
gfci	2/16/2008
Q: I have a House with a 2 pole 20 amp gfci connected to a whirlpool tub w/heater ( trippng ). they ... A: It could meet code, if it is installed according to manufacturer's instructions. Without looking at ...
On Demand Water Heater	2/15/2008
Q: I am going to install a PowerStar AE125 Electric Tankless Water Heater. I currently have a standard ... A: You will need to look at the installation instructions for this info. After getting the ratings ...
new 200a - old 100a service panel	2/14/2008
Q: I'd like to get a Master's advice as it relates to Code. I am a retired (USCG) electronics ... A: Chuck. First off we need to get some wording straight. A main lug panel is a panel without a main ...
Sparks coming from a wall outlet	2/14/2008
Q: I just noticed that there are sparks coming from one of the electrical wall outlets in my office. I ... A: It sounds like you may have some loose wires in the box. Turn the breaker off that feeds this ...
gfi receptacle quit working	2/14/2008
Q: i replaced a 'razor only' receptacle in my bathroom with a gfi... it worked great for about 3 months ... A: From your descreiption, it sounds like your outlet is only powered when the switch is on. Is this ...
new 200a - old 100a service panel	2/13/2008
Q: I'd like to get a Master's advice as it relates to Code. I am a retired (USCG) electronics ... A: You could run from a 100amp breaker in your 200 amp breaker box and then feed into a main-lug panel, ...
Drop In Stove & Wall Oven	2/13/2008
Q: I am remodeling an older home and I am having an island built with a drop-in stove and a "wall" oven ... A: Melody You will need to look at the manufacturer's instuction to see if they require a seperate ...
4 wire plug	2/13/2008
Q: I have a generator with a 4 wire, twist lock 220 volt recepticle and I want to wire a plug for it. ... A: Alan, on the face of the receptacle you will find certain numbers which will be needed in order to ...
help	2/12/2008
Q: I was running a space heater in my room, and the power went out only in my room. I went and checked ... A: It sounds like you may have lost a neutral connection somewhere, either in a device box or a light ...
Telephone Wiring	2/12/2008
Q: I have 104 year old house and the two large wires for phone have no ground wire and comes straight ... A: I would recommend you contact the local phone company for this answer. Normally the outside wires ...
Using strandedcwire to connect to a duplex receptacle	2/12/2008
Q: Can I use stranded wire instead of solid to either the screws or inserted in the back of the ... A: The pun in connectors are for solid wire only. You can use crimp on connectors, or you canstrip ...
electrical	2/11/2008
Q: i have two 14-2 wires going into a box with a 14-3 wire joining them. They go to a 3-way light ... A: I would suggest you visit www.danswiringpage.com for some great diagrams on this type of wiring. He ...
Height to fish wire through in a basement	2/10/2008
Q: Rick, I am finishing a basement and am wondering as to how high the wire should be to fish through ... A: When I was wiring, I would place my drill at hip level, which would allow me to apply pressure to ...
dishwasher interupter switch	2/10/2008
Q: Brown county Ohio. Do you need a wall interrupter switch for a dish washer or can you hard wire it ... A: You will need to check local codes to find this answer. The NEC requires that if a unit is ...
60 Cycle Hum	2/9/2008
Q: At least that's what I think it is! My 50 " plasma has slow scrolling lines when receiving media ... A: My daughter and son-in-law have this same problem. I suspect that it has to do with the grounding ...
Running wires on a ferring wall	2/9/2008
Q: I'm in the process of turning an existing double brick-walled addition into a workshop/laundry ... A: John, I meant that you would have just one cable running into the size of box mentioned. If you ...
1 outlet / 2 switches	2/9/2008
Q: I need to wire 1 outlet and 2 switches (stacked switch) in a double box. So, I have 4 sets of wires ... A: I can't go back and look at my previous answers easily, so I will try here. You will need to tie ...
low voltage	2/8/2008
Q: older house with some cloth insulated wires. light fixture stopped working. 3 wires entering ... A: This is an abnormal reading, so there may be a loose wire ahead of this light, the breaker may have ...
How to wire a gfci switch outlet combo	2/8/2008
Q: I am tring to replace a sandard switch with a gfci combo. I have black white and ground comming in ... A: Normally the gfci outlet is wired to provide protection to downstream outlets, and a switched gfci ...
Running wires on a ferring wall	2/8/2008
Q: I'm in the process of turning an existing double brick-walled addition into a workshop/laundry ... A: The code allows the use of this type of building material, with the provision that the cable be ...
New subpanel in outbuilding	2/7/2008
Q: I've read many questions here relating to my situation, but still have questions. Since this ... A: For the most part, it sounds like a good plan. You can stable cable on the underside of the floor ...
high power bills	2/5/2008
Q: Our power bills are higher than anyone around us. I've been told it be caused by a dead short ... A: A dead short should cause the breaker to trip, so I don't think that is your problem. There are ...
electric wiring in a mobile home	2/5/2008
Q: How long is electric wiring good for in a 1995 mobile home. When I plugged in an electic heater, ... A: You need to have a professional in to check out your electrical system, starting with the outlet ...
Switches	2/4/2008
Q: I was replacing several single pole and several 3 way switches in my dining room and entry way. The ... A: Kelly, If the feed comes to say the first box, then is spliced there using wire nuts amd continues ...
Switches	2/2/2008
Q: I was replacing several single pole and several 3 way switches in my dining room and entry way. The ... A: I would think that you somehow created a loose wire in one of the switch boxes. With power off, ...
ceiling lights	2/2/2008
Q: My basement ceiling is open; when I renovated the kitchen upstairs, the electrician ran new wire in ... A: I would have to guess that perhaps a GFCI outlet was installed somewhere ahead of the non-working ...
amps average	2/2/2008
Q: How many amps would a typical 1970's 3bdrm, 1 bath, kitchen and family room home have? K A: This would depend on what version of the NEC, if any, was enforced at the time this home was built. ...
Attic Wiring	2/1/2008
Q: Plan on installing new 12/2 circuit to control multiple powered attic fans. Considering installing ... A: Anytime the cable could be damaged, you need to protect it. You can protect by not running it in ...
Wiring questions	2/1/2008
Q: How many lights/fixtures/outlets can I put on a 15 or 20 amp breaker safely? A: The normal thought is around 10 openings on a 15 amp circuit, and 13 on a 20 amp circuit. This is ...
outlet	1/31/2008
Q: power is out on two outlets and the ceiling light in one of my rooms but serval outlets in the work ... A: This could be caused by a tripped GFCI outlet or breaker, or a tripped AFCI breaker. Look for an ...
'Leak' in wiring?	1/30/2008
Q: I am replacing a ceiling light. I am using a simple Sears digital multimeter to check the ... A: All you are reading is the continuity between the wires. There might be something plugged into this ...
Routing romex above ceiling rafters-New construction	1/30/2008
Q: I have a new 36 x 24' Shop that i am performing the wiring on myself. Our County in Oregon allows us ... A: Michael, I would not think that it would be too bad of a deal to install them on the upper portions ...
Changing a light fixture	1/29/2008
Q: I am trying to change an old light fixture in my house (Probably from the early 40's). The problem ... A: the only true way to find the hot wire would be to use a voltmeter. You can buy a cheap voltage ...
Routing romex above ceiling rafters-New construction	1/29/2008
Q: I have a new 36 x 24' Shop that i am performing the wiring on myself. Our County in Oregon allows us ... A: If the rafters are less than 4 1/2' apart (normally 16" on center), you can lay the cable on the ...
main panel	1/29/2008
Q: I'm replacing my Main panel & would like to leave the wiring from the meter to the main panel, it ... A: Mike, thanks for the picture. If the insulation is bad enough to need taping or other protection, I ...
bonding electic panel	1/28/2008
Q: Inspector said that my electric panel needed to be bonded. How do I do that. My Skills are great ... A: Normally, for a panel to bonded it would have the bonding strap or link or screw installed where ...
Motion Switches	1/28/2008
Q: I want to have a bathroom vent fan come on when someone enter the bathroom and then switch off if it ... A: I would have thought that the sensor would work on the fan as well as the light. Are you sure that ...
Convert 220v to 110volt outlet.	1/27/2008
Q: I have a 220v outlet that was connected to a baseboard heater. I have removed the heater and now ... A: I would refer you to another site, where the electrician there will show you exactly how to do this. ...
dimming lights	1/27/2008
Q: i plug my vacuum in my master bedroom and notice that my lights dim. i think it has something to do ... A: I recommend you hire an electrician to come in to check out your electrical system. You may just ...
main panel	1/27/2008
Q: I'm replacing my Main panel & would like to leave the wiring from the meter to the main panel, it ... A: Why do you need to run these wires thru conduit? I'm not sure if you want to protect the wires by ...
Sub panel ground vs neutral	1/26/2008
Q: I read an answer that "Master Bob" wrote regarding installation of a sub panel in a pole barn ... A: The answer is in both the electrical code and electrical theory. The code does not allow this, ...
recessed lighting	1/26/2008
Q: I have installed IC recessed lighting in my living room.I am having trouble with installing the trim ... A: If the trim is not flush, then perhaps the can needs to be raised some. Look at the installation ...
electrical	1/26/2008
Q: I am just about done with a total kitchen and bathroom remodel. Electician put in ceiling fan and a ... A: Are you sure he did not prewire for the light? Sometimes they will run a cable from a switch and ...
blown outlets and switches	1/25/2008
Q: I have an older home and we blew a breaker and after resting outlet and wall switches do not work.We ... A: I would think you would need to look at all the wiring, including that visible in the attic and in ...
Recessed can ?	1/25/2008
Q: I have a light switch that controls a fan and on the same circuit I have installed two recessed cans ... A: Chris, Unless you pull an additional wire from the switch box to the fan or lights, you won't be ...
Lighting Issues	1/24/2008
Q: I bought a set of lights for the living room and began the installation when I realized that the ... A: Unless it was manufactured for use with an outlet, then you won't be able to use this fixture. You ...
grounding	1/24/2008
Q: I have a main disconnect at my house located in the meter can. From this disconnect I want to ... A: I'm a little concerned about your plans. You say you have a main disconnect, but from reading ...
low voltage lights	1/23/2008
Q: MY SONS BATHROOM LIGHTS WERE WORKING BUT NOW, WHEN HE SWITCHES THEM ON ONE OF THEM ONLY STAY ON FOR ... A: I would like to point out something to you. When you type with all capitals, it looks like you are ...
creating subpanel for accessory building	1/23/2008
Q: I have a shed that previously had a an air conditioning unit on the roof with power coming from a ... A: The 30 amp breaker will provide just that, 30 amps. You might be able to use this for the supply to ...
Circuit tripping in cold weather	1/22/2008
Q: I've recently added electrical service to the unattached garage on my property. A certified ... A: The lubrication of the machine must be causing the problem, due to the cold. With the lube cold, ...
finding documentation	1/22/2008
Q: I'm taking my local electrical supplier to small claims court and need the name of an "electricity ... A: I don't know of any book, but you should be able to find info at the various electrical forums on ...
Update service after new roof	1/21/2008
Q: We had our roof/attic raised and the contractor removed the electrical service and supported it with ... A: You should check with the local inspector to find out for sure. If the pipe did not go through the ...
wiring a triple gang box	1/21/2008
Q: I'm converting a porch to an interior room. I have snaked 12/2 romex wire from the breaker panel to ... A: First off, since you downsized some of the cable in this circuit, you will need to protect it with a ...
Outdoor Sub Panel for SPA	1/20/2008
Q: I am planning the installation of an outdoor sub panel for a SPA. I will use 1" PVC for the 30' run ... A: It sounds like you need a strucure to mount the panel on, is this correct? If so, you can sink a 4 ...
Routing around LAM	1/20/2008
Q: I am finishing my basement and need to route my electrical wiring around a laminate beam. If I go ... A: If you will be installing sheetrock around the beam and duct work or plumbing, you can run the ...
service entrance wires	1/20/2008
Q: I am considering upgrading my electrical service from 100Amp to 125Amp. The service entrance lines ... A: Myron. I understand your concerns about the cost of underground wiring. Voltage drop is of no ...
Additional Receptacal (outlet)	1/19/2008
Q: I need to install an additional receptacle behind plasma TV. There is an existing outlet on the ... A: There are a couple of ways to do this. You can install surface mounted raceway (called wiremold) ...
ceiling fan install.	1/19/2008
Q: i have a ceiling fan i want to take from one room to another, the room with the ceiling fan has 2 ... A: It sounds like your new location is wired for just switching the light on/off. In order for the ...
touch control lamp	1/19/2008
Q: I have a touch control lamp. It fell about 1 foot to the ground, and now the touch control does not ... A: K, you might check to see if the control unit dislodged from the side of the base when it fell. ...
electrical	1/18/2008
Q: finishing my basement, how many outlets can be hooked up to 20 amp breaker? how many can lights on ... A: If you go strickly by code, you can have an unlimited number of outlets (which includes receptacles ...
service entrance wires	1/18/2008
Q: I am considering upgrading my electrical service from 100Amp to 125Amp. The service entrance lines ... A: Unless you install new service conductors, you will not be able to upgrade to 125amps. I recommend ...
Sub Panel For Garage	1/17/2008
Q: I just had a standalone garage built and I am going to install a 60 amp sub panel to feed outlets ... A: If your area is under the new, 2008 NEC, then you will be required to use the 4 wire cable, which ...
Bathroom GFI receptacles missing	1/17/2008
Q: We have a nice house built in 2002, so I'm assuming that it had to pass code, but our master bath ... A: You state that you have switches labeled GFCI in the breaker box. Are these switches a regular ...
A problem with no answers yet	1/15/2008
Q: I have a grounded 20 Amp circuit that I branched off out of a junction box with wiring to two ... A: Rick, If you are using the ground wire in the cable to connect to the outlet, then no matter if the ...
fuse panel distance	1/15/2008
Q: I am in the process of building my own home. This is not my profession but I want to do as much as ... A: There are areas of the US that restrict the length of the conductor, and that length can vary. I ...
new construction stackable dryer outlet location	1/15/2008
Q: I am wiring my home that is under construction. Plans call for a stackable washer/dryer closet, but ... A: I have seen stackables wired using only a 4-wire 240v cord, but it could be that you need to supply ...
gutter size	1/14/2008
Q: What size gutter do I need for 4ea 500 mcm THHW and 4ea 250 mcm THHW thank's. A: Richard, for this problem, you have to look at the codebook, Article 366. It says that the ...
pool/hot tub subpanel	1/14/2008
Q: We are adding a pool and hot tub approx 120' from our main 400amp panel. An electrician suggested we ... A: You asked: "Is the electrician correct about the wire size?" 2/0 aluminum will sufice for this ...
subpanel and conduit question	1/13/2008
Q: I am planning to install a subpanel in a detached garage. 200a main panel to a 100a sub panel. I am ... A: I'm not sure what you mean by above ground. If you mean laying on the surface of the ground, then ...
3 way motion sensor switch	1/13/2008
Q: I have a light outside my girls room that is a 3way and controls the hall lighting. I want to ... A: I suggest you wire the sensor according to the diagram included with the sensor. I would not want ...
Aluminum vs copper	1/13/2008
Q: The electrician has used all aluminum wiring in the completion of an addition at our cottage. We ... A: Aluminum wiring is still allowed by the electrical code. You can verify that the devices installed ...
A problem with no answers yet	1/12/2008
Q: I have a grounded 20 Amp circuit that I branched off out of a junction box with wiring to two ... A: All indications lead back to the junction box connections. You indicate 2 different problems, one: ...
neg and positive wires??	1/11/2008
Q: I took a pigtail off of an Insinkerator garbage disposal unit and didn't mark the white or black ... A: If you are looking at the plug, the wire attached to the larger prong will be the neutral. ...
conduits	1/11/2008
Q: I have some experience with doing electrical installation in Europe, but am just starting out with ... A: The National Electric Code is what you need to get to find rules for electrical installations. As ...
Cooktop Wiring via Cord and Plug	1/10/2008
Q: I have a question almost identical to one asked by another reader. However, the answer given really ... A: Skip, your points are well taken. However, if the manufacturer of the cooktop does not allow, in ...
poping sound in wiring	1/8/2008
Q: my mother moved into an apt complex built in 1980. her wiring system occassionally makes a loud ... A: It could not hurt to have an electrician come in to check the wiring system. I have never heard an ...
Backfed home generators	1/8/2008
Q: Advertisement You are here: Experts > Home/Garden > Home Improvement/Repair > ... A: Kirk, see http://www.powerlineman.com/lforum/archive/index.php/t-711.html and ...
outbuilding gronding	1/8/2008
Q: Greetings Rick, My neighbor has a garage that is separate, by about 100 feet, from his house. This ... A: A grounding electrode is required to be installed in the outbuilding. If the wiring between the two ...
GFCI in Kitchen	1/7/2008
Q: Is there such a thing as a GFCI for a kitchen where you have the top outlet wired to the Black ... A: There is no such 220v rule. What you may be thinking of is that the kitchen is required to have 2 ...
distance of light switch from tub or shower	1/6/2008
Q: Rick, Have installed a new jetted tub and need to do some rewiring. Need to install a double ... A: Switches can not be installed in the wet locations of tubs, unless approved for such. I would keep ...
Electric baseboard heat	1/6/2008
Q: My Dad uses 40 yr. old electric baseboards with individual room controls for the winter only in his ... A: If I understand your problem, the heaters work for a few minutes, then quit working. If this is the ...
Arc shields	1/6/2008
Q: What is meant by adding arc shields to the back of outlets that are in wood base boards in a newly ... A: Arc shields are either metal or plastic sid pieces that are installed flush with the front of the ...
new home panel code	1/5/2008
Q: I am buying a home in Texas and I am wondering if there is code here stating that a certain number ... A: The NEC does contain a statement that the installation must allow for future expansion, but what ...
generator blew out ballasts	1/4/2008
Q: I hooked up my welder generator 3000 watt 220 volt to a plug that I had in the garage for an ... A: What you did was supplied power without a neutral. You may have supplied power thru the neutral of ...
Spotlights	1/4/2008
Q: I have a lightfitting in bathroon and kitchen with 3 spotlights. In kitchen only one of bulbs work ... A: If these are recessed light fixtures, they normally have a thermal device built into them that will ...
three-way sockets	1/3/2008
Q: Is there any reason I should not use a one-way bulb in a three-way socket? I want to install a ... A: I am assumming that this is on a table or floor lamp. You can use the "one-way" lamp, but when you ...
What is trip circuit?	1/3/2008
Q: I need a comphrehensive details explanation on the subject matter. A: Benard, I don't think I can give you the answer you request. I'm not familiar with the phrase "trip ...
portable gfci outlets	1/2/2008
Q: We recently moved into a house that was built in 1965. The recepticles are not gfci. We want to ... A: Replacing the outlets with GFCI type is not a hard job, and all instructions are included with the ...
Ceiling fan light problem	7/19/2007
Q: I have a ceiling fan (in a house I just moved into)with light kit on a single switch. The light ... A: I suspect that you may have a loose neutral wire. Using a voltmeter, check for voltage between the ...
hi	7/19/2007
Q: lately i ahve heard of someone that out of deseperation is hiring an electrician to install ... A: Yom, I again want to stress the importance of getting electrical work done legally. Sure someone ...
hi	7/18/2007
Q: lately i ahve heard of someone that out of deseperation is hiring an electrician to install ... A: There are laws that forbid anyone doing illegal electrical work. The person doing the work is not ...
Installing a main in a sub panel?	7/18/2007
Q: I have recently installed a 6 space sub panel in my garage. i ran the power from a double pole 30 ... A: The main in the subpanel will be another 30amp, 2pole breaker, installed just like your branch ...
heat resistance ratings for wiring	7/17/2007
Q: I just bought a new light fixture for my home and when I went to install it I noticed a warning that ... A: Chances are that your wire is rated for only 60 degrees. What you need to do is rip out all of your ...
Wiring a dedicated 6-20R receptacle.	7/16/2007
Q: Greetings Rick - I am installing a single 6-20R receptacle for a single-phase 220V machine in my ... A: It sounds like you did everything correct, with the exception of allowing one of the phases (hots) ...
Gas Stove install	7/16/2007
Q: In Ottawa, Ontario, Canada it is code to put 20 amp outlets in the kitchen. I was wondering if it ... A: I'm sorry, but I can't supply an answer based on the CEC. Under the NEC, you are required to supply ...
7-8 volts in ground conductor	7/15/2007
Q: I ran some ceiling lights (one is controlled by a two-way switch (the kind you use in the stairway), ... A: It could be either of those, or it could be just induction. That small of voltage reading should ...
Spa Conduit question	7/15/2007
Q: I think I know the answer but I want to double check with you. I am running new 6-3+10 bare ground ... A: The size of wire listed is not allowed in a 3/4" conduit. For the number of #6 you list, you are ...
size of neutral wire	7/14/2007
Q: I am using two seperate #12 hot legs and a common neutral to make two 110 volt circuits for an ... A: As long as the 2 circuits are on opposite phases, then you can do this. Also, if the loads will be ...
wiring for a room in a garage	7/14/2007
Q: a couple friends and myself have gotten a house that was built in 1943. I discovered there is no ... A: I think that you should have a talk with your local inspector, to see if he can suggest some ...
does the use of junction boxes enable clean layouts and do inspectors like or dislike their use?	7/14/2007
Q: we have built a 1000 sq.ft. addition and are ready to wire it. We built and wired the original ... A: I know most inspectors don't have a preferrence on jboxes, but electricians don't like them. Having ...
2 lights, 1 power source, big problem	7/13/2007
Q: I'm trying to finish my basement, and I have one issue that I can't seem to get around. I have 2 ... A: There are a couple of ways of doing this. The easiest way, which will limit the amount of wiring, ...
AC question	7/13/2007
Q: Hope you can help me. I have a portable 8000 btu AC in my office in my basement. It is supposed to ... A: I would think it is safe, but the use for the vent is two-fold. Besides getting rid of the excess ...
adding temporary sub-panel	7/13/2007
Q: Sir, I am adding a 100 amp sub-panel for temporary power. I am using aluminum wire #2/0. I know I ... A: If the subpanel is in (or on) the same building as the main panel, then you will need 4 wires, and ...
Hot tub wiring	7/12/2007
Q: I have had two electricians take a look at what I need. I have the main breaker box in the garage ... A: You can replace your normal breakers with thin breakers, allowing you to have 2 breakers in the ...
sub-panel	7/12/2007
Q: i have a 20 space panel that is filled. i now need 2 more spaces for an air conditioner unit. ... A: You can replace a few of your existing breakers with thin breakers, allowing you to have 2 breakers ...
Wiring for Single Wall oven	7/12/2007
Q: I would like to install a single wall oven but there is not currently a 220v power source in my ... A: This is not a viable solution. You need to have a seperate 30 amp circuit just for the range. You ...
Recessed lighting lamps failing	7/11/2007
Q: In my daylight basement I have 9 recessed Juno cans that are all wired on the same 3-way switches. ... A: I doubt that the 3-ways are the cause of the problems. Are you sure the lamps are failing, or do ...
Subpanel/voltage drop calcs	7/11/2007
Q: My question is, should voltage drop calculations be done before wire is installed???? I am having ... A: You are correct to question this. The electrician needs to stand by his bid. A statement that he ...
Inside ouside wiring for above ground pool	7/11/2007
Q: I am embarking on installation of electric to my 24' above ground pool. There are a couple of things ... A: It sounds like you have a pretty good plan. Normally you need to seperate different utilities by at ...
Electric panel location on outside of home?	7/10/2007
Q: I am moving to a new area in Washington State and have started looking for a new home. I found one ... A: For most exterior mounted panels, the enclosure is made to keep moisure from entering the box from ...
wiring	7/9/2007
Q: How do I convert a hardwire wall sconce to a plug in unit? I'd like to do it myself so need in depth ... A: If you are asking how to add a plug to the fixture which will allow you to plug it into an outlet, I ...
wiring a 220 light fixture	7/9/2007
Q: I am trying to rewire a 220 light bulb fixture in a well house that only has 220. The current ... A: You will need to use a voltmeter to verify that you have 240v coming out of the 2 breakers, when ...
Spa Install	7/8/2007
Q: i am wiring my spa panel from midwest for my spa. The breaker in the panel trips when i enable it. ... A: If there is no load hooked up, then the breaker should not trip. However, it is a gfci unit, so it ...
white wire in the breaker panel "hot"?	7/8/2007
Q: I was adding a breaker into the panel in my house. While doing this, I (stupidly) put the black ... A: You probably had some load connected to the circuit that you energized, which would "energize" the ...
Hardwire to an outlet	7/7/2007
Q: I am adding a built in microwave in the kitchen. The kitchen had a hood that was hardwired. Is it ... A: This is a fairly easy job, however I don't have a link that shows how to do it. Ask for some ...
Electric Ceiling Fan Hookup	7/7/2007
Q: Hooking up an electric ceiling fan to a 3 way switch. The fan will only work with the remote ... A: The red wire is probably your switched wire. If you want the wall switch to control the fan only, ...
wiring question	7/6/2007
Q: I am trying to replace a a wired smoke alarm. This is 1975 construction. There are 2 white ... A: You will have to measure the wires to see which is your power, etc. If you look closely at the ...
iebc question	7/6/2007
Q: My home is in N.O. I did the rewiring with a friend from Dallas licensed electrician. We took ... A: I can only answer for the National Electrical Code (NEC). For the gfci, if the light circuit is a ...
adding a sauna structure	7/6/2007
Q: "I am planning to build a small structure containing a sauna and changing room.It will be located ... A: I recommend that you run a 60amp circuit (#6 wire) to a small breaker panel at the structure. From ...
bathroom electric box	7/4/2007
Q: I moved into an old apartment and found that there were no outlets in the bathroom - just a covered ... A: I too am concerned. You may have a feed that is feeding 240volts instead of 120volts. I suggest ...
Cooper piping corroding externally with green colored stuff	7/4/2007
Q: Recently I have noticed a green colored stuff in my pets water bowls and was thinking it was coming ... A: The green corrosion is something that happens to copper. I suggest you call in a licensed plumber ...
Planning for the future	7/3/2007
Q: I have read it is wise to plan for the future when installing wiring. I am finishing my basement and ... A: A normal sized hot tub will require a 50 or 60 amp, 240volt circuit. You can run a #6/3 with ground ...
Wall switch activated recepticles. How can I remove the switching?	7/3/2007
Q: Is it possible to have switch activated recpticles permanently "turned on".? I had a fellow put in a ... A: If you can, after turning power off, remove the switch from the box, and note how many wires are in ...
low voltage	7/3/2007
Q: i can no longer use power tools in my detached. garage (25 ft from house). i determined there is ... A: It sounds like you may have a wire that is bad, so a replacement is needed. You will need to use ...
electrical wires in a closed wall	7/2/2007
Q: We had a sunroom built and there was not permit pulled. We are now seeking a permit. We had an ... A: Meg stands for megaohm, which is a measurement of resistance. When you meg a wire, it will show a ...
outlet	7/2/2007
Q: i have an outlet with 3 lack and three white wires. i connected the black wired to the brass screws ... A: This could be caused by any number of things. Find out where each cable goes. Was the old outlet a ...
short circuit	7/2/2007
Q: I'm tripping the same breaker in a vacant house, we're trying to rent. I had re-installed a couple ... A: Installing the outlets, or the switches upside down will not cause a short. Miswiring them will. ...
Switch Loop Connections	7/1/2007
Q: Putting in Flood Lights on my garage, switch will be the end of the circuit in the house. There is a ... A: If you have one box for the fixture, and one box for the switch, and you have power coming into the ...
Ceiling fan/remote	7/1/2007
Q: We purchased an Avion ceiling fan with remote. Everything worked well except for a little scraping ... A: You should be able to see a similiar unit with switches inside of the light fixture canopy. Set the ...
ceiling fan installation	6/29/2007
Q: Rick, I am connecting a ceiling fan. Once I remove the plate on the ceiling, it exposes three ... A: Verify that the yellow wire is a switch leg, that is, it will be hot when the switch is turned on. ...
color codes, wiring apartments, homes, etc	6/28/2007
Q: I want to know what the proper color codes are for wiring up electrical in homes, apts, etc, Ie ... A: The National Electrical Code does not contain a color code, but does say that the neutral of a ...
Replaced 2-wire outlets	6/28/2007
Q: I'm currently looking at buying a 1950's house that contains a fair amount of 2-wire outlets. It ... A: To answer your questions: #1: It is a code violation to change out a 2-wire outlet and replace it ...
ceiling fan/fuse blown	6/27/2007
Q: We installed a new ceiling fan last night and all was well. It was working for several hours, but ... A: How was the fan turned off? If the pull chain was used, it could have shorted out something in the ...
wiring in wall	6/27/2007
Q: My friend just purchased a new home in Bolivia, NC. The contractor did not install the exterior ... A: The switch could be disconnected, which would keep the light fixture ends of the wire from becoming ...
15/20 amp recepts	6/26/2007
Q: Someone told me you could put 15 amp recepts on a 20 amp circuit but not the other way around. Is ... A: When you are talking about duplex receptacles, then you can put either 15 or 20 amp rated ...
Bonding Generator	6/26/2007
Q: I just installed a 10,000 watt generator and had 3 questions about bonding it. The first is how do I ... A: Alot of the answers to your questions depend on the type of generator it is, portable or stationary, ...
electrical (household/subpanel)	6/25/2007
Q: I recently purchased my home with detached garage. Garage already had a subpanel. I ran a new ... A: the limiting factor will be the size of the existing feeder from the main panel to the garage. If ...
90 degree vs 60 degree wiring	6/25/2007
Q: How can I tell if my supply wires are 60 degree or 90 degree? A: The outer cable sheath will have this info printed on it. Chances are if the wiring is more than ...
gfci breaker amps	6/24/2007
Q: i recently purchased a house with a hot tub. when installed the put in a 50 amp gfci spa breaker box ... A: If the load exceeds 40amps, the inside breaker will trip. If any part of the system beyond the GFCI ...
Three way switches on ceiling fans	6/23/2007
Q: Everything I have found on three way switches shows how to wire the light to two three way switches ... A: If you want to control both the light and the fan using 3-ways, then just wire 2 sets of the 3-way ...
Pool gfci	6/22/2007
Q: I have a Gfci hooked up to my pool filter and it wont stay on.. But it will stay on with a regular ... A: Cody, if the pool filter plugs into a gfci outlet, then you can just replace the gfci outlet. ...
sub panel grounding	6/21/2007
Q: I have a question that is similar to one you have answered. I have a 100 amp subpanel in my detached ... A: Lightning theory aside, the code is specific on this. If you run 4 wires, you separate the grounds ...
pool pump wiring	6/21/2007
Q: A friend asked me to put in the electrical for a pool. Power needs to be run from a shed with a ... A: Adding a subpanel is fairly easy. Making sure the wiring for a pool installation is safe is not. ...
Oven wiring	6/21/2007
Q: I'm about to remodel the kitchen in my 1988 Austin TX home, replacing an electric range with gas and ... A: the existing wiring sounds like normal wiring, with some additional wiring added at a later date. I ...
Pool gfci	6/20/2007
Q: I have a Gfci hooked up to my pool filter and it wont stay on.. But it will stay on with a regular ... A: If the gfci tripps when the pool filter is on, then you have a problems with the filter unit. You ...
Electrical Wiring for backyard storage	6/20/2007
Q: I want to run electrical from my breaker box in the garage to a storage in my backyard about 230ft ... A: Johathan, you asked: Why do I have to run it in a conduit? You have to run single conductors in a ...
Replaced a light fixture with ceiling fan /light	6/20/2007
Q: I replaced a light fixture with a ceiling fan/light. It's controlled by a single switch. On the same ... A: It sounds like you may have a loose wire somewhere. From your description, it sounds like the 2 ...
Grounding a remote building panel	6/19/2007
Q: I've read conflicting thins about ground a sub panel in a remote building. Is carrying the 4th ... A: First off, a panel in a seperate building is not a subpanel, while a 2nd panel in the same building ...
A/C Unit wiring and breaker.	6/18/2007
Q: We are in the process of buying a house, the inspector came up with the following problem with the ... A: The master is correct if he based his findings on the nameplate for the compressor. The info given ...
new wires	6/18/2007
Q: My house is 34 years old it was built with alluminum wiring, but has had some remodeling done with ... A: It could be. I recommend you hire an electrical company that has experience in al/cu wiring to come ...
grounding a 240v circuit	6/16/2007
Q: I've read some conflicting views on where in the panel to affix the ground wire in a 240v circuit. ... A: If this panel you are attaching the cable to is your main panel, the 2 busses are the same. If this ...
Intermittent power to outlets	6/15/2007
Q: First of all thank you for any assistance. I have 3 outlets in my home that are dead. I have put a ... A: Before doing anything to taxing, try pressing the reset button, then the reset button on the GFCIs. ...
Install a halogen ceiling light	6/15/2007
Q: I would like to install a halogen ceiling light however it has 4 wires that are not color coded but ... A: If the wires do not have any marking, such as a ribbing on the insulation, I would be afraid to ...
Electrical Wiring for backyard storage	6/13/2007
Q: I want to run electrical from my breaker box in the garage to a storage in my backyard about 230ft ... A: sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Your plan looks good. To answer your questions: Wire ...
Inadequate Wiring	6/13/2007
Q: Recently the duplex that I have been renting now for three years has been having power surges, but ... A: I recommend you contact your local inspection department for you area. Most areas of the US forbid ...
low voltage house wiring	6/12/2007
Q: could you tell me where I can get info on low voltage wall switches, low voltage panel box,s, and ... A: Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I know leviton has low voltage lighting equipment, but ...
Dimmer Switch/Flouresant lights	6/11/2007
Q: Our light bill has been really high, so we made a choice to switch to florescent lights, our kitchen ... A: I'm not sure if the new screw-in type of lamps are dimmable, but the costs are getting so low these ...
Outlets not working	6/11/2007
Q: I had just asked another expert this question...his answer is below...wanted to follow up with him ... A: I agree with Robert, it sounds like a loose connection. The question is really, where? This could ...
250v	6/10/2007
Q: i purchased a window unit, not knowing they came in different volts , it has a 250v thing written on ... A: I would recommend you keep this unit, and have an electrician come in to run a seperate circuit for ...
electricity wire	6/9/2007
Q: electrical cord, do i attach the ribbed side or the smooth side to the black wire. am putting ... A: Usually the ribbed side is the neutral. You should verify this with a continuity meter. The small ...
GFI Tripping	6/9/2007
Q: I have just installed a 600ft run using #8 wire to my new dock. I am refurbishing an older trawler ... A: If the gfci holds when nothing is plugged in, then it is wired correctly. If it trips when a load ...
sump pump	6/8/2007
Q: Although I am very familier with electrical work, I got my house wireing updated last year by a ... A: You have a couple of issues to address. The outlet installed outside of the home is required to ...
GFI Switches	6/7/2007
Q: We are buying a home in WVa and are wondering, if when buying a home do places that don't currently ... A: Most of the rules in the National Electrical Code are not retroactive, and more than likely when the ...
Electical capacity of a 200 Amp Sevice panel	6/7/2007
Q: I was looking at my service panel with the thought of installing two new 15 amp circuits for some ... A: First, the bad news. What you have is really a 100amp service, You do not add up the main breakers ...
Feeder cable for Sub-Panel in basement	6/7/2007
Q: I have 200A service panel outside of my house with only 2 slots available and would like to add a ... A: If you are using a 100 amp breaker to feed the subpanel, you can use either #4 copper or #2 ...
tophats	6/6/2007
Q: I'm putting tophats in, in the basement. The directions on the tophat say leave 3" of space above. ... A: I would ask the manufacturer of the recessed can. Usually, if they spec 3", it is because of the ...
Wire circuits	6/6/2007
Q: Rick I am building in Mexico. The hardware store only sells single strand cables ie., 12G white, or ... A: For any circuit, you need to use the wire that is sized large enough for the load. A #12 wire is ...
spltting a gfi to being part switched and the other part unswitched	6/5/2007
Q: I have a GFI located about 12 feet on my outside wall. I have an awning pluged into one receptacle ... A: The GFCI outlet cannot be split, however you could feed from the GFCI outlet to a switch (using the ...
Danger warning on new light fixture	6/4/2007
Q: When I went to replace two ceiling light fixtures in my home (built 1971 - copper wire) the new ... A: The warning has to do with the insulation of the wiring feeding the light fixture, not with the ...
no power	6/3/2007
Q: the outlet has no power and the circuit is on....... checked all outlets and everything works except ... A: It sounds like you may have tripped a GFCI somewhere. Look for this type of outlet outside, in ...
Bathroom lighting	6/3/2007
Q: I have an old house with aluminum wiring. I am in the process of changing out a light fixture in the ... A: You can just wire nut the two wires together, which will tie the incoming ground to the fixture via ...
New light fixture	6/3/2007
Q: we bought a used light fixture at a garage sale, and the only wires are brown (and a grounding ... A: If you have a volt/ohm meter you can trace each wire to the lamp socket. The neutral wire will be ...
GFI outlet	6/2/2007
Q: I have an outdoor outlet that has a GFI receptacle. It tripped the other night during a ... A: These do go bad, but perhaps you are not resetting it correctly. Try pressing the test button 1st, ...
junction box / light / in a closet	6/2/2007
Q: 1) Is it ok to install an enclosed incandescent light on the wall of a closed ? If yes what should ... A: Regis, this is a product that should be readily avaidable. Look for an extension ring, mud ring, ...
220v problem	6/1/2007
Q: I have a condo in Tenn. Last winter I got a large elec bill { i hadn't been there) Found out that ... A: Wow, thats a tough one. Try unwiring heater, then turn the breaker on. If it trips, then there is ...
Installing Range Outlet	6/1/2007
Q: I am doing some work on my kitchen and have questions related to adding an outlet for a new electric ... A: You asked: "1. In all the books I have looked at the grounding wire is the same gauge as the other ...
Garage wiring	5/31/2007
Q: I resently bought a 1975 home in NC and have dicovered that there is 220V in the detached Garage. ... A: You had to be reading voltage between the 2 hot wires in order to get 220volts. Maybe your neutral ...
junction box / light / in a closet	5/31/2007
Q: 1) Is it ok to install an enclosed incandescent light on the wall of a closed ? If yes what should ... A: #1: If you have at least 12" clearance from the luminaire to the storage space, you can use this ...
open vs. short circuit	5/30/2007
Q: Could you explain to me, in layman's terms, the difference between an open and a short circuit? If ... A: A short circuit will blow your overcurrent protector, be it a fuse or a breaker. An open will not ...
220 to 110	5/30/2007
Q: We have an above-ground backyard spa. The wiring is 220. We are wondering if there is a way to tap ... A: I would recommend against tapping into this circuit. A seperate GFCI protected circuit would be ...
electrical service panels	5/29/2007
Q: I live in a home built in 1978 in the state of Utah. I currently have my main service panel located ... A: This is doable, depending on alot of things. I recommend you get a few estimates from local ...
Ceiling fan with light	5/28/2007
Q: I remodeled the kitchen. I have a ceiling fan with a light. Wiring on the fan is: white, black, ... A: Jerry, that makes my answer correct! wow, how many times has that happened?? I noticed in a trade ...
Doorbell Transformer Placement...	5/28/2007
Q: I'm installing a doorbell in my house. There are two buttons, one for each door, and the doors are ... A: Normally the transformer is attached to a surface mount box, since the 120v side of it requires a ...
Bus Bar Routing	5/27/2007
Q: I'm working on a high rise project where the vertical busbars dont go straight up, i.e. they bend ... A: I have no experience with this type of installation. I would think keeping the arrangement of the ...
Residential Wiring	5/25/2007
Q: I have installed nine recessed fixtures under the eave of my home around a patio. I have a ... A: If you are just running lights, then you should be able to do away with the GFCI. It may be sensing ...
Rewiring dryer outlet	5/25/2007
Q: I've moved into a new home and my dryer was wired with a 3-wire cord, and the outlet was one of the ... A: You never connect the neutral with the ground, anywhere within a house, except at the service ...
romex re-use	5/24/2007
Q: I'm roughing in wire as part of a basement remodeling project, some new and some old (10-20 years, ... A: Andy, you can install this cable right next to, touching, or within the insulation, without any ...
Power Surge	5/24/2007
Q: Good day, Is it possible for a Power surge to occur in a sub station and affect only one unit in a ... A: I'm afraid I would need a little more info before answering this question. What do you mean by ...
loss of pwr	5/23/2007
Q: We lost power in the upstairs lights. All the receptacles are working but the Msr bath, msr walk in ... A: First off, make sure there are no loads connected, which may require you to remove all the lamps and ...
neutral bar to ground buss bar	5/23/2007
Q: Everything I've read, indicates that if you have a separate neutral bar and ground buss bar, the two ... A: First off, if this is on the main disconnect or main panel, they are to be tied toegher. If it is ...
installing a ceiling fan without the wiring fixture in place	5/22/2007
Q: i am working on a home that doesn't have a fixture in place for me to install a ceiling fan. so ... A: You will probably find that it is a difficult job running to the existing switch. I recommend this: ...
doorbell problem	5/21/2007
Q: The doorbell quit working in my new home. I have a multi-tester and found that there was 110 to the ... A: Ok Del. If you have the pushbutton either tied together or taken out of the circuit, you will power ...
doorbell problem	5/21/2007
Q: The doorbell quit working in my new home. I have a multi-tester and found that there was 110 to the ... A: Not to complicate things, the way you have it hooked up when you verified that you had 20volts ...
lighting	5/20/2007
Q: What’s the minimum amount of lighting circuits for a 1900 square foot dwelling? This was a question ... A: This is a calculation that is one of the more basic questions, one that everyone involved with the ...
eletrical wiring	5/20/2007
Q: There is a light as well as a outlet on the rear of the house that dont work. We took a tester and ... A: It sounds like you may have a losse neutral connection, probably in the basement light fixture. ...
light/fan	5/19/2007
Q: I have a bathroom outlet that is for a light and a fan and I came home and neither of them worked. ... A: Make sure that you don't have a tripped GFCI outlet somewhere. This is the type of outlet that has ...
Romex in Conduit	5/19/2007
Q: I am finishing my utility room and had a question about running romex in conduit. All wiring in ... A: The reason for the conduit was for protection, when the cable was exposed. Since you will be ...
Wiring A Wall Switch	5/19/2007
Q: I'm going to install a wall switch for an 2 separate lights out side my home using a UF cable, the ... A: First off you will need to identify the wires in the wall box. If you can identify a hot wire and a ...
lighting fixture trouble	5/18/2007
Q: Having difficulty installing a new dining room overhead light. 1973 era home with copper wire ... A: The way your friend said to wire it is the usual way to do it. You will need to open up the switch ...
GFI Switches	5/17/2007
Q: We have a GFI recept. in our garage, which we have a freezer connected. On occasion when we go out ... A: OB, there is not a automatic reset gfci, but what you can do is remove the gfci outlet, and replace ...
adding power to a outbuilding	5/16/2007
Q: I want to run power to an outbuilding. I was going to use a double 30 amp breaker in my main box so ... A: If you are using a 30amp breaker, the smallest wire size would be #10 copper. Larger is better, but ...
No power in detached garage	5/16/2007
Q: I have a sub-panel in our detached garage. But I've lost power on all the lights and fans and ... A: Using a voltmeter, check to see if you do have voltage leaving your main panel breaker. If you do, ...
Wire/piping	5/15/2007
Q: I recently gutted my entire house down to the exterior walls. I wanted to run a 3" pipe down from ... A: The problem with multiple runs of cable in one pipe is that the wire cannot get rid of heat buildup, ...
dry rot electrical wire coating	5/14/2007
Q: I purchased a 1978 built home. At least one plain-jane light receptacle has two sockets for a 60 ... A: I recommend that you replace any damaged light fixtures, and never over-size the lamps. The damage ...
Breaker Box in finished basement	5/14/2007
Q: We are finishing our basement, and our home has two breaker boxes at opposite ends of the basement. ... A: Unles there is a local written rule, you can install a breaker box in a bedroom. What may be ...
New subpanel for pool and pool heat pump	5/14/2007
Q: I am installing a new heat pump for my existing in-ground pool. Since I am not happy with the ... A: It looks like you have a good plan. To answer your questions: #1: This looks correct. #2: 100amp ...
100 amp service to garage	5/12/2007
Q: I am planning on running 100 amp service to a garage that would require about 30 feet of wire. In ... A: If you will be using a 100amp breaker in the main panel, you will need to use 100amp wire, which for ...
Electrical underground	5/11/2007
Q: I have to change my electrical box and the way my wire is ran from my house to detached garage, the ... A: I find that single wires run a pvc is an easier installation than using cable, plus it gives you the ...
neutral bar	5/10/2007
Q: We have a 100 amp disconnect by our meter and then the wire runs about 50' to our box. The wire is ... A: copper turning green is usually caused by moisture. If the two panel (or disconnect and subponel) ...
Constant / Variable Outlet	5/10/2007
Q: "I have recently upgraded all my switches and outlets to decora... I have only one single ... A: On outlets, the white or silver screw is for the neutral, while the brass or dark screw if for the ...
Aerial wiring to a detatched pavilion	5/10/2007
Q: I have a pavilion in the back yard near our new garage. It had a single 20amp GFCI circuit that ... A: You can do this, but make sure you have enough height so that you won't be able to touch the cable ...
Want to ask yousome Questions	5/9/2007
Q: I need information about a Room underground Wiring Diagram...If you tell me about Wiring that how i ... A: Irfan, other than the few suggestions I gave in the orginal reply, I don't think I can help using ...
Lateral Service Entrance Cable.	5/8/2007
Q: I would like to install a large window well around a basement window. The underground Service ... A: This cable might be able to be spliced, but for all the work that would be involved, I recommend a ...
Main Panel to Sub-Panel	5/8/2007
Q: I currently have a CH MBE4040B200BTS Meter main panel on my pump house drawing only power to run ... A: If the new panel is in a seperate building from the main panel, then you should use 4 wires, ...
ceiling fan wiring	5/8/2007
Q: I am installing a ceiling fan with a light in a previously used breakfast room light location. ... A: You will need to verify that the red wire is being energized by the 2 wall switches you think are ...
Sub-Panel	5/7/2007
Q: I am in the process of installing a 125 amp sub-panel for a new pool/spa/lighting installation. I ... A: In order to install 3 #1/0 copper wire, you would need a 2" PVC conduit. For 3 #2/0, you would also ...
Renovation	5/6/2007
Q: Do to an awkward ceiling light location I would like to convert from swtich to ceiling light, to ... A: This is possible to do, but due to many different wiring methods, almost impossible to explain how ...
Want to ask yousome Questions	5/6/2007
Q: I need information about a Room underground Wiring Diagram...If you tell me about Wiring that how i ... A: What you are asking for is hard to answer, due to a number of things. If your walls are concrete, ...
installing a dimmer light switch	5/5/2007
Q: I am replacing an exisiting kitchen light switch in a very old home (built in 1900) with a dimmer ... A: First off, make sure you have the power off when installing a dimmer. If there is no grounding ...
240V vs 120V	5/4/2007
Q: If one has a choice (a multi-tap transformer for instance), why would one use 240volts instead of ... A: Gary, the code uses the hard numbers (120 & 240) for calculations, and the softer numbers for ...
GFI trips...nothing plugged in	5/3/2007
Q: I have a GFI that keeps tripping when nothing is plugged into it. It's always when I run the ... A: You could have a bad GFCI, or the GFCI is seeing the heating (drying) cycle of the DW as a short, ...
220 vrs 110	5/3/2007
Q: BUT I don't know why. can you help or direct me somewhere Thanks loads A: This is a common misconception. The orginal installation will cost less, due to using smaller ...
low voltage in multiple switch circuit	5/2/2007
Q: I have at least two different lights on different breakers that work properly with the switch in the ... A: This could be caused by induction, but it is more likely that the switches are actually letting a ...
240V vs 120V	5/1/2007
Q: If one has a choice (a multi-tap transformer for instance), why would one use 240volts instead of ... A: For a 240v load, you can use a smaller wire and smaller conduit. The draw on a motor load at 240v ...
electrical	5/1/2007
Q: how many plugs and/or switches can be on a 15 amp and a 20 amp breaker and why A: Normally, a duplex receptacle is rated 180va. A 15 amp circuit can handle up to 1440 watts (or va) ...
outside plug	4/30/2007
Q: hey i have a plug that is for my washer which is a higher voltage then the normal 120v can i take ... A: According to the code, the laundry outlet cannot be used for other room outlets, nor for outdoor ...
PLUGIN CONTROLLED BY SWITCH	4/30/2007
Q: im trying to run power to a plugin that will be controlled by a switch. I want to plug my garbage ... A: You will connect the incoming black (hot) wire to the white wire going to the switch. Then the ...
hot neutral	4/29/2007
Q: i have a wiring problem in my sons room. light is not working along with some of the outlets. i ... A: It looks like you may have some loose wiring connections somewhere in this circuit. A loose neutral ...
Connecting Panel to 150 AMP Subpanel in addition	4/29/2007
Q: We are attempting to wire our new addition and are stuck. We live in Virginia. We currently have ... A: I would doubt that your electrical service is 300amps. Most utilites require CT metering for ...
sizing amperage for sub panels	4/28/2007
Q: The main house service = 200 amp. An additional level is being added to the home. The subpanel will ... A: You will base the load on 3 watts per sq.ft. plus specific appliance load, which in your case is the ...
wiring dimmer switch PAST 3 recessed fixtures	4/28/2007
Q: I want to install a dimmer switch past three recessed fixtures. This will be a new circuit and new ... A: You could do it with 3 wire cable, but I recommend you run a 2-wire cable to the switch first, then ...
light fixtures	4/27/2007
Q: i have A old ligth fixture and i bougth a newer one. and there is 3 wires but only two for the old ... A: The bare copper wire will be your ground wire, which will connect to the hanger bar that supports ...
Pool pomp switch	4/26/2007
Q: I want to add a power switch close to a pool pomp.It's a 12A pomp secured with a 15A breaker. I have ... A: You should use equipment that is UL approved for pool equipment. You will need to keep the switch ...
can I use a dryer outlet for a welder?	4/26/2007
Q: Rick, I have read myself into a circle. I want to add a welder to my arsenal of tools, but the ... A: You can plug it in to the dryer outlet, but there may be times (heavy weldeing, or to low of ...
extending a microwave cord by 18"??	4/25/2007
Q: Mr. Miell- My wife and I have rented a lovely 1910-1920 home in San Diego. Wiring seems to meet ... A: Doing this work will void any warranty that you have on the microwave, and could effect your ...
several outlets out, no breakers off	4/25/2007
Q: Last evening, we suddenly lost power in outlets in several different rooms in our house but no ... A: You will need to check your electrical system using a voltage meter. You may have lost one leg of ...
In Wall Splice	4/25/2007
Q: Greetings: I am doing a remodel / update of the wiring in my garage with an upstairs bunk house. I ... A: There is no product for doing this. The only way is to splice in a box, and cover that box. It has ...
pool grounding	4/24/2007
Q: Rick, I just had an inground pool installed in my yard. it has a low voltage in it. My question is ... A: I believe the grid need to connect your control panel feeding the pool equipment. If that is your ...
Electrical Wiring for the Swimming Pool	4/24/2007
Q: I recently bought a mid sixties house with a mid sixties pool that has mid sixties wiring. I've got ... A: Most likely, with the new equipment you purchase, you will receive a wiring diagram. Follow these ...
running new circuit	4/23/2007
Q: I want to run a new circuit from an existing switch to a new location. I am unable to pull the old ... A: You can just push it out of the box, into the wall space, as long as both ends are not connected to ...
smoke detectors	4/23/2007
Q: The past year I've been wiring low voltage and now that I'm rewiring my house I've forgotten some ... A: Brian, your first cable will only feed power to the 1st smokie. From there, if you will be using ...
low voltage wire	4/23/2007
Q: looking for a flexible low voltage wire for in-wall wiring coming from secondary of 12VOLT ... A: Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I'm not sure what the rating is for speaker wire. I'm ...
Braker Box Garage	4/22/2007
Q: I put a 125 amp breaker box in my Garage it has no ground to the box do i have to Add a Grounding ... A: Usually the panel will have a sperate screw that you will have to install to tie the grounds to the ...
smoke detectors	4/22/2007
Q: The past year I've been wiring low voltage and now that I'm rewiring my house I've forgotten some ... A: You will just need one wire for the hot, and one for the neutral (along with the ground wire) to ...
Exterior Waterfall	4/22/2007
Q: I purchased a 900w transformer to hard wire a water fall pump in to the same low voltage wire as the ... A: If the pump is low voltage, then this should work. If it supposed to be powered by household ...
Electrical wall plug wiring	4/21/2007
Q: I have an electrical plug that has 2 sets of wires to it. Both sets are only one black and one white ... A: If the cables include a ground wire, or if the box is grounded, you can, but if there is no ground ...
converting 3 prong outlet for dryer to 4 prong	4/21/2007
Q: I bought a new dryer and didn't realize it came with a 4 prong wire. The existing outlet is a 3 wire ... A: The code change has to do with a new circuit, not an existing circuit. You can change the cord to a ...
wiring up	4/20/2007
Q: on a 2 ton condencing unit is it alright to use #6 awg from the panel to the disconnect A: I don't have a formula for figuring load from the tonnage rating. You can use the information ...
Covering a residential Electric Panel with a cupboard	4/20/2007
Q: My home electric / circut breaker panel is taking up wall space that would be an ideal place to ... A: You would not be able to do this. The panel must have access from directly in front of the panel, ...
Fuse box	4/19/2007
Q: I turned all the switches to off in the fuse box before installing a sensor light to front garage. ... A: Try resetting the breakers again. If it still won't work, turn off everything, remove the fixture ...
upgrading an old home	4/19/2007
Q: The home that my husband and I just bought was built in '53. The electrical and all the "repairs" ... A: I recommend you call a couple of local electrical contractors to give you an estimate. If the home ...
grounding	4/18/2007
Q: I wanted to know if I properly grounded my jacuzzi tub.In my service panel I used a ground lug and ... A: The equipment grounding conductor should be landed in the grounding buss in the main panel, which ...
diference between comercial and residential	4/17/2007
Q: what is the diference between electrical work in residential and comercial? what is the diference ... A: Commercial work is usually all done in conduit, while residences are wired in cable (Romex, or NMB ...
new lighting fixture	4/17/2007
Q: I am installing a new ceiling fixture. The one I took down had 4 wires, green, blue, black & white. ... A: You will connect the green to the green or ground in your box. You will connect the white to the ...
quick connect junction box	4/17/2007
Q: I have to replace the old wire for three room lights. I don't want to use caps and tape. is there ... A: For dwellings there is no such item to connect wires. You will have to use a splice box and splice ...
Fixing Halogen Under Cabinet Lights	4/16/2007
Q: I have halogen under cabinet lights. 3 of them wired to one switch. They haven't worked for a long ... A: You will need to find the transformer, to make sure you have supply power, as well as the low ...
a/c wiring	4/16/2007
Q: what size wire goes out to a 2 ton condensing unit. i know from the disconnect to the unit is ... A: I don't know the formula for figuring this, but all the required information should be on the ...
Putting in a new Ceiling light	4/15/2007
Q: I am replacing an older ceiling fixture with a new model. My house was built in 1965 and has three ... A: How was the old fixture hooked up? Usually the red is a switched leg, and the white is the neutral, ...
Replacing bathroom light fixture	4/15/2007
Q: I'm replacing two 4-light fixtures with two 3-light fixtures in the bath. When I removed the old ... A: If these incoming wires are switched, just tie all the blacks together, and tie all the whites ...
new main breakers in multi-dwelling home	4/14/2007
Q: I've got a huge building with 6 small appartments upstairs, and 3 storefront downstairs. Each ... A: I would think your local inspector would require you to have mains at each meter, to keep unfused ...
Service Entrance	4/14/2007
Q: Do you know if SE or SER cable is not rated to be installed in conduit. I can't find any USE with ... A: I'm pretty sure that it can be installed in conduit, however if it will be in underground conduit, ...
New wiring recess lights 3 switches	4/13/2007
Q: Asked Ben from the site about this, but very anxous on getting started so I'm going to ask you too. ... A: Yes you can, but it will take better diagrams than I can put on this site. Visit ...
Lightning protection	4/13/2007
Q: I am just curious and justifying my colleagues claim that a lightning protection installed in a ... A: No amount of protection will give you 100% protection. Depending on the type of lightning ...
3 prong outlet /four prong plug?	4/13/2007
Q: When I went to plug in my new oven it has a 4 prong plug but my outlet from my old oven is a 3 prong ... A: If the instructions that came with the new range give directions on using a 3-wire cord, then you ...
Turn 220 into a fuse box for workshop.	4/12/2007
Q: I have an un-used 220 outlet (dryer) adjacent to where I have a workshop. I would like to create a ... A: Doing so depends on a few things. If you need 240volts and 120volts supply in the shop, the feeder ...
wiring	4/12/2007
Q: How many lights can I run off a 15 amp breaker using 14/2 wire? Also, in hanging a recessed light, ... A: A 15 amp breaker can handle up to 80% of that (80% X15 =12amps) continuously (more than 3 hours). ...
baseboard heaters	4/12/2007
Q: I am wiring 5 new baseboard heaters in a renovated apt. I have run the cable from the panel to the ... A: If the ratings of the heaters don't exceed the ratings for the wire, then you can do it. I believe ...
Garage Sub-Panel wiring	4/11/2007
Q: I have a garage that is split into two sections. It will have a 50 amp sub-panel in each section ... A: First off, you should check to see that you can do this type of work, with your local inspector. ...
federal pacific electric co. meter socket	4/11/2007
Q: I need to replace my meter socket, and I don't know where to get a replace part. The current socket ... A: You should be able to only get your socket replaced, while not rebuilding your whole service. This ...
Spa GFCI and SE Cable (two parts)	4/11/2007
Q: 1. A factory built spa has GFCI protection installed on all circuits. Is it still required under ... A: I would think Sq D makes one, but I don't have any numbers for you. The exception for single family ...
Sparking in Panel	4/10/2007
Q: I have a 100A panel installed in my home, when I got home from work my TV wouldn't turn on or would ... A: Usually sparks indicate a loose connection. Turn each breaker off, then tighten the screw holding ...
Outlet does not work all others just fine	4/9/2007
Q: I have an outlet that just stopped working. Everything else electric is just fine, I replaced it, ... A: It sounds like you may have a loose or broken connection upstream from this outlet. You should also ...
Surge Protectors	4/9/2007
Q: Why are there different types of surge protectors for Computers, TV's and Audio equipment? If you ... A: There are alot of different levels of protection, and different options for protection. You can ...
Have 200 AMP Temp Breaker box - need more breakers	4/9/2007
Q: For about 6 years I've had electric service to a camper, by a Temp Svc, or Disconnect, 200 AMP ... A: You can buy a main lug only panel, but I don't think this is what you will need for your electical ...
GFIC panel	4/9/2007
Q: Hey Rick, 2 Qs here. How high/low can my GFIC panel be from the ground (lower the better for me)? ... A: The code is silent on minimum heights of panels, unless it is in a moble home. You should try to ...
three phase electric	4/8/2007
Q: i have 3 phase delta 60 amp going into my shop. how do i get install a sub panel for 240 when there ... A: You will not be able to use single phase power out of this supply. You might be able to install a ...
panel	4/8/2007
Q: I just bought a small piece of property on the water there is a meter and panel on the pole. I ... A: To tell what you have now, look at the pole panel. It should have either fuses or a breaker. ...
220	4/8/2007
Q: This may sound dumb or very simple but here it goes. Everyone knows electricity needs a hot and ... A: A circuit needs to be complete, not just a neutral and hot. 2 hots, because they are on opposite ...
10-3	4/7/2007
Q: I'm wiring for a dryer (220) and when I was drilling holes for plumbing, my drill rubbed against the ... A: The code allows for repair (tapeing the wire), but the repair has to bring the insulation back up to ...
Flood light power	4/7/2007
Q: I recently had a siding repair and an outside light was working prior to the repair. the light ... A: Most likely problem is that the siding installer ran a nail into the wiring feeding the light. You ...
220v to 110v	4/7/2007
Q: I AM TRYING TO CONVERT A 30AMP 220 BREAKER TO A 110AMP BREAKER I NOW HAVE 234v AT THE END OF THE ... A: Usually a 240 volt line to a pump does not include the neutral, which is required for a 120volt ...
110v suppressor on 220v circuit for 110v-240v device	4/7/2007
Q: I have 110 volts suppressors. They are to be used before DC transformers that can take 110~240 ... A: If these units are voltage suppressors, then they do just that, supress voltage at a certain limit, ...
electric wiring	4/6/2007
Q: i do line work for a local utility so i usually work on the other side of the meter, but i am ... A: Continue to use your ufer ground, unless you know that it has been damaged by lighting or some other ...
wiring duplex outlet	4/5/2007
Q: I am adding outlets over my work bench. Coming off end of existing circuit. I want to put a 4 gang ... A: Coming off your existing circuit, run a cable with 1 black, 1 white, and 1 ground to a 2-gang box. ...
adding a subpanel to existing circuit panel	4/5/2007
Q: I am remodeling a room for a home theater system and would like to run a dedicated 20amp service to ... A: Most panels allow the use of twin or half size breakers, allowing you to have another circuit ...
stranded to solid	4/5/2007
Q: when hooking up a light fixture and twisting stranded to solid it doesn't seem like a good ... A: If you have the wires stripped the same amount, and keep the ends the same, using a wirenut should ...
electrical panel	4/4/2007
Q: i bought a condominium and when i did the inspection they told me the bonding straps is missing. i ... A: The bonding strap is a physical connection tieing the neutral of the electrical service to the ...
Wiring and conduits in garage	4/4/2007
Q: I am planning on wiring either 3 or 4 circuit in the garage. I was thinking of a 30A 220V, a 50A ... A: I would think you could use individual wires, and not use any cables in the conduit. For this size, ...
Sub-panel (breaker box) to garage using 10/3	4/3/2007
Q: When my house was built the genius electrician ran 14 gauge wire to One outlet. Besides being too ... A: A #10 wire can only have a 30amp (or less) breaker on it. The branch breakers in the garage should ...
Convert switched receptacle	4/3/2007
Q: I've installed a ceiling light in an older home with a switched receptacle. I've run the wire and ... A: I can't get a good picture of what the wiring is, from your description. You might want to visit ...
220 wiring and mig welder	4/3/2007
Q: Can I use a 10 ga. stranded wire with a 40amp mig welder applicaton? The mig welder only has three ... A: It sounds like the unit does not require the neutral, so your hookup would work. The size of wire ...
Electrical backfeed through TV Cable	4/2/2007
Q: Cable company was out today to check some picture problems. He said that he was getting a backfeed ... A: I seen this before, usually after a recent siding job. A nail is hammered into an electrical line, ...
Ceiling fan problem: lights off and fan on	4/2/2007
Q: I bought this old house last year. There is hampton bay ceiling fan in family room. After we moved ... A: Assumming that your bulbs are good, you can try the switch that turns the lights on/off. If this ...
grounding breaker panels	4/2/2007
Q: We have a 200A main panel that was installed in 1993. The panel has its ground bus which connects ... A: Donald, like I said previously, if the subpanel is in the same building as your main, you are ...
Rewiring a 1930's home	4/2/2007
Q: I am looking into rewiring my 1930's era home. I have a 200 amp service at a power-pole, there is a ... A: Most areas require an outside disconnect, before running the wire inside the home. With a 54' ...
240 line, two heaters	4/1/2007
Q: I recently took out a wall and found that one 240 volt line was feeding 2 heaters in completely ... A: You can splice cables, but you did not give me enough info to answer your question. If the circuit ...
3 way and a receptacle	4/1/2007
Q: I would like to add a GFCI to the garage but I don't think I have the power to keep the outlet on. ... A: You are correct, you don't have the correct wiring to do this. Your switch box in the garage does ...
hot tub wiring	4/1/2007
Q: i bought a hot tub and had an electrician pre wire for it . the wiring is 220v three wire ....red, ... A: If you can, look at the instruction manual for this unit. See what the electrical rating is, and ...
GFI and down stream protected receptacles	3/31/2007
Q: I installed a GFI in a garage, I came off the load terminals of the GFI to protect 2 other ... A: I think your orginal problem was a neutral wire touching a ground wire in one of the light fixtures. ...
wiring	3/31/2007
Q: I have a new breaker box in my shed. I do not see a separate ground bar for the bare copper wire. I ... A: If the feed to the shed consists of only 3 wires, then you can. If the feed is 4-wire, or if there ...
switch distances from tubs & showers	3/30/2007
Q: I'm helping install a new bathroom in a master bedroom. We put a light switch and a fan timer in for ... A: I could not find any place in the code that restricts switches outside of the tub/shower space. You ...
3 phase 60 amp	3/30/2007
Q: we have a problem... Our Spa shows Red Blk Green white. Our GFI is only 50 Amps? Do we need another ... A: You will need to look at the electrical requirements on the spa. Then you will use the required ...
grounding breaker panels	3/29/2007
Q: We have a 200A main panel that was installed in 1993. The panel has its ground bus which connects ... A: All good questions. You really should talk to your local inspector to get the run-down on these ...
changing breakers	3/29/2007
Q: I have changed from a electric range to a gas range. I would like to swap the 220 spot on my ... A: I recommend running new circuits for these items, and not using the existing range wiring. You may ...
Blown Fuse	3/28/2007
Q: My son accidentally got a balloon caught in the ceiling fan. We immediately turned it off and ... A: First off, make sure you turn the breaker all the way off before resetting it. If this does no ...
Recptacles	3/28/2007
Q: How far apart are receptacles to be placed in new construction? Is there a difference in the ... A: I recommend that you get a copy of the National Electrical Code, as there are a few rules for ...
steam generator	3/28/2007
Q: I have installed all the plumbing to this steam generator and now im looking at the electrical part. ... A: Usually having 3 lines designated as your input (L1, L2 & L3) means the unit is a 3-phase unit, not ...
service entrance cable size	3/28/2007
Q: I am running service entrance cable 360ft from the meter to the house. No one seems to want to tell ... A: First off, you are required by code to use a minimum 2/0 copper service entrance conductor for a 200 ...
Smoke Detector	3/27/2007
Q: I ran across your site searching for information on if/when I should replace smoke detectors. I ... A: Most detectors use optical sensors, which smoke, as well as dust, blocks. If the dust block the ...
Lights on a 30 amp circuit	3/26/2007
Q: I've got an ouside line of #8 running for about 120 feet with 2 outlets on a 20 amp breaker. I'd ... A: I recommend you change the wire to #10, and remove all other wiring except for the trailer plug. ...
Electrical Service Panel	3/26/2007
Q: I bought my first house and the house has a 30 amp electrical panel. I need to upgrade it to 100 ... A: Unfortunately, installing an electrical service is not a DIY project. You might want to visit with ...
Bonding screw	3/26/2007
Q: I have a GE 100 amp disconnect box and it failed the inspection because it did not have a bonding ... A: If the screw fits the hole, then you should be able to run it all the way in, till it is tight. ...
Service upgrade	3/25/2007
Q: I am looking to upgrade my electrical service from a 100 amp to 200 amp. I talked to the utility ... A: You are correct, it is the meter socket. Some power companies provide this socket to homeowners, ...
feeding additional lights	3/25/2007
Q: I do have one question. I have a double gang box that feeds the bathroom fan and 5 lights in the ... A: I'm not sure of your existing wiring, or of your plans. Write back with a little more detail, and ...
bathroom wiring question	3/25/2007
Q: My wife has had health problems do to a lack of exhaust fan in the bathroom and the humidity that ... A: Kelly, it sounds like you don't have the necessary wiring to do this. In order to use 3 switches, ...
wiring ceiling fan	3/25/2007
Q: I'm installing a ceiling fan. The instructions address black (hot), white (neutral) and green/bare ... A: Usually the additional wire is for a switch leg to work the fan kit, which is usually an add-on. ...
Replacing outlet with a wall switch	3/24/2007
Q: I want to replace a receptacle in the kitchen with a switch for a new garbage disposal. I found the ... A: The circuit to the disposal will have it's white wire tied to the 2 whites at the outlet box. The ...
Wires in light fitting	3/24/2007
Q: I am trying to fit a new light and there are two live, two neutral and what looks like two earth. ... A: The fixture needs to have both a neutral connection and a hot connection. It may or may not have a ...
220 volt for appliances	3/23/2007
Q: can 220 be run through a house as in Europe for appliances and such...like refrigerators, various ... A: If the appliances are rated for 220vac, 60 hz, then you can install and use it in you home. I ...
Electrical splicing and grounding	3/23/2007
Q: Installing solar inverter for critical loads. It is fed by a 60 AMP 4AWG 220V circuit from an ... A: If I am reading your post correctly, you have a code violtation. You cannot bond any neutral to any ...
General electrical question	3/22/2007
Q: Hey Rick, I am doing a course in electrical and was asked a question on an assignment and I cannot ... A: I think you have it almost correct. I would think that if the grounding at house B is faulty, the ...
220 volt electric outlet	3/22/2007
Q: I have a Craftsmen compressor that runs on 220- Can I hook into an existing 220 line I have in my ... A: If the pump is in use, then you can not use this circuit, and you will need to run a new circuit. ...
Will gfi and arc fault breakers work correctly with wrong wire to sub panel	3/22/2007
Q: My carpenter ran some 2/2 aluminum wire to a new 100 amp sub panel. Now I am getting profesional ... A: Aluminum wiring is approved for use in homes. I'm not sure whay the existing wires is not up to ...
Switch	3/21/2007
Q: I have twin wire 24volt dc going to motor on adjustable bed. One wire is + for raising and - for ... A: I'm not sure if you have the wiring correct. The motor will run one direction when the dc wires are ...
Repalcing a residential main panel	3/21/2007
Q: I have taken 2 semesters of residential wiring and I'm confident I can do the work but I have never ... A: There is alot involved with this type of work, and it takes years of experience to get it done ...
2 or more circuits in the kitchen for counter outlets	3/20/2007
Q: I have been reading a lot about the code requiring two separate circuits for kitchen counter ... A: That is one way to do it, with another way being that circuit #1 is in the 1st box, jumps over the ...
wiring 2 fanlights to operate from 1 switch	3/20/2007
Q: There are 2 fan lights I am trying to wire, they ran the red black and wire from the one fan to the ... A: Check out www.danswiringpage.com for diagrams on this type of wiring. I can't answer your ...
Move an electrical outlet	3/20/2007
Q: My basement has electrical outlets at all different heights in my basement, which I find visually ... A: Usually, different heights of outlets means that the wall has obstructions, which prevent the ...
bathroom wiring question	3/19/2007
Q: My wife has had health problems do to a lack of exhaust fan in the bathroom and the humidity that ... A: Bathroom outlets need to be 20 amp. If you share outlet feed with another bathroom, all you can put ...
Adding a 220 volt subpanel	3/19/2007
Q: I have a 200 amps main service panel that has only one buss bar for both the common ground (copper ... A: You are required to keep them seperate if you ran 4 wires. That is not your problem. Have you ...
cable size and type ?	3/19/2007
Q: I am wireing a flat on the second floor, The flat has the following one 9.5kw shower one electric ... A: Since you are using terms that are not common in the US, I believe you are overseas somewhere other ...
Basement Sub-Panel	3/19/2007
Q: I live in Pueblo West, Co and I would like to install a 125 amp sub-panel in my basement to operate ... A: You should be able to install a 125amp breaker. Check Seimen's website, and look at info for your ...
wire damage	3/13/2007
Q: Our home wiring appears to have had damage to some of the wiring when the town used a contractor to ... A: Electrical contractors should be able to give you a pretty good idea what the damage is. total ...
Bath exhaust fan question?	3/13/2007
Q: So, if I understand correctly there is no problem to do this if both fan switches come from the same ... A: Stephen, if they are fed from the same circuit, you would treat the new fan just like a light that ...
No electricity to three lights	3/13/2007
Q: here's a question for you guys. I have lost electricity to 3 of my ceiling lights in my kitchen, ... A: My guess would be that the wiring to the fixture in the kitchen is bad. Remove the fixture and ...
Do I need conduit?	3/12/2007
Q: Rick - I am adding a sub panel in a detached garage fed by a 100A breaker in my home's main service ... A: Conduit is required. You should not have more than 4 90 degree in any one run. If you need more, ...
Wall Oven - Will not heat out	3/12/2007
Q: I just installed a GE Wall oven and the clock, fan and lights work but it will not heat up. This ... A: You will need to verify if you have full voltage. Check at the outlet, using a voltage meter. ...
no power to smoke detectors	3/11/2007
Q: We recently had to replace an interconnected smoke detector in our 10 year old Colorado house. The ... A: I would look at all the locations where you replaced a detector. Somewhere in those boxes you may ...
Sub-Panel Wiring	3/11/2007
Q: I am installing a 100amp sub-panel in a detached garage(in Florida). The garage is 100 feet away ... A: The way you have wired this panel is correct, and does not need to be changed, other than the ...
Bathroom GFCI	3/6/2007
Q: Rick: Thanks for taking the time to answer my question. I am adding a bathroom in my basement ... A: You don't say so, but I take it you want to add the "downstream" outlets in other rooms than the ...
Low Voltage Outdoor Lighting Design	3/6/2007
Q: Recently had our front yard professionally landscaped. There were a few "unexpecteds" and so took ... A: You might try the website of the manufacturer of the equipment you have. I recently saw an episode ...
new house buy....aluminum vs copper wiring	3/6/2007
Q: My friend in No. Calif. (lost husband 3 years ago who was electrical engineer)is selling her home ... A: By 1983, most of the issues involving aluminum wires had been resolved. However, the existing ...
General Electrical code questions	3/6/2007
Q: Rick, I'm in the process of finishing my basement and have a few general code questions to try to ... A: Most inspectors will not gig you on up to 2 cables under 1 staple. You can run a few cables thru ...
tripping breaker	3/4/2007
Q: when i make breakfast in the morning, i plug in coffee pot and toaster into the same outlet. then i ... A: If you can, relocate one or more of these appliances to a different circuit. You can also try ...
Outlets go out	3/4/2007
Q: I just moved into a new apartment but the building is kind of old. In the past month, our power has ... A: It sounds like you may be using some heater that is tripping the breakers. Try to find a circuit ...
short in shop heater	3/3/2007
Q: I just installed a 240 volt shop heater using 10 gauge wire on a 30 amp circuit. When I turn up the ... A: There has to be a short somewhere. double check all the wiring, including the wires to the tstat, ...
need to fix wiring	3/2/2007
Q: I have a 200 amp service in the house with 100 amp subpanels in 2 detached outbuildings.The problem ... A: The best way would be to install the breakers in your main panel, and feed the 2 outbuildings from ...
bathroom circit	3/2/2007
Q: in my bathroom my outlet with a breaker on it trips out and wont go back on I've changed it twice ... A: In the past, you were able to have a GFCI outlet in your bathroom that could feed other outlets in ...
Light Fixture heating up	3/1/2007
Q: I have a high hat light fixture that was working fine for years but now sometimes a perfectly good ... A: This type of fixture has a thermal cut-out built into it, so when there is restricted air flow thru ...
14/2 cable/ 20 amp breaker	3/1/2007
Q: While attempting to wire a Hunter bath fan/light combo on 2 switches I discovered that the bath ... A: By code, you are required to have a 20amp circuit feeding bathroom outlets. This would require a ...
subpanel	2/27/2007
Q: I have 200 amp main panel and want to add 100 amp subpanel about 75' feet away. The wire will be in ... A: Q1: I suggest you use individual wires instead of the cable. Some cables are not allowed in ...
Aluminum Wire	2/27/2007
Q: Can I use aluminum wire for and electric range? A: Yes you can, if the wire guage is the correct size for the range unit. Install the wire according ...
two switches one light	2/26/2007
Q: much help. Another question? At the same house (1952) there is an exposed elec wire in the ... A: Josh, it could be showing low voltage for a couple of reasons. You may have lost your neutral, or ...
Alluminum wire	2/26/2007
Q: We all ready have three runs of 2 inch ridged under the concrete. We had planned on using 4 ought ... A: Bruce, there is a code exception that allows #4/0 AL to be used for a single family dwelling, at ...
Main Braker Problem	2/24/2007
Q: I run a (70 year old) church campground, we have a 200 amp main breaker box.. Last year we changed ... A: Since this is a public campground, I suggest you contact a local electrician to see if there is ...
tapping off a 20 amp receptacle	2/24/2007
Q: I have a 20 amp receptacle that allows wires to be pushed in then tightened down with a screw. Each ... A: There are some outlets that have a termination setup like you explain, but to be sure you need to ...
two switches one light	2/23/2007
Q: Currently i have a light in my kitchen controlled by one switch. I live in an old house (1952) and ... A: The easiest way would be to run a 3-wire cable from the existing switch to the new switch location. ...
Alluminum wire	2/22/2007
Q: We are building an addition to a small rural school in Arkansas. The architect messed up on the ... A: The NEC does not forbid the use of aluminum wiring inside of a building, as long as the insulation ...
track lights	2/22/2007
Q: Is it OK to mount track lights outside under the eaves where it would be protected from the ... A: The code says that you cannot install track lighting in damp or wet locations. By code, a damp ...
Mounting a Light Fixture to ceiling	2/21/2007
Q: I did purchase a canopy but what is a mounting strap? I now understand that I can connect the black ... A: Sheryl, the mounting strap is a flat metallic piece that directly attaches to the ceiling box, and ...
changing fuse boxin house	2/21/2007
Q: are box get rain in it so i am puting a new box in need codes A: If you don't know the codes, then you should hire this done, as there are numerous situations that ...
220v to 110 v	2/21/2007
Q: Would it be okay to run a line from one of the two 220v leads to the hot on the 110, and then ground ... A: Luke, there are many ways to hook up electricity to work, but the difference is when you want it to ...
240 question	2/19/2007
Q: I want to utilize an unused 240 volt welder outlet in my garage to wire a hot tub(50 amp 240 volt ... A: No the existing wiring is ok for a true 240v load, which means it does not need the neutral. That ...
wiring	2/19/2007
Q: i ran power feed wire and a 3 way wire into a light box in ceiling. I RAN THE 3 WAY from ceiling ... A: 2-wire Power feed = C1 3-wire cable = C2 2nd light 2-wire cable = C3 2nd outlet cable = C4 switch ...
Mounting a Light Fixture to ceiling	2/19/2007
Q: I would like to know if I can convert a light fixture I purchased that was meant to be mounted to ... A: In order to mount this fixture to a ceiling box, you have to have the correct approved hardware, ...
grounding	2/18/2007
Q: We put an addition on the house. The electrical did not pass inspection because there was no ground ... A: If your interior piping is copper, then this piping does need to be connected via a grounding ...
help	2/18/2007
Q: I have an old 2 way switch that needs replaced. How do i connect the new swith to the old wiring. ... A: I am assumming that you mean the light can be controlled by 2 different switch. This setup is ...
Romex Wiring Routing in Attic	2/18/2007
Q: I'll be wiring my workshop under the guidance of the electrical sub that's doing our new house. I've ... A: If this attic is not used for storage, then you can run it along the top of the joists, but either ...
Pool heaters	2/16/2007
Q: Does the circuit to a pool heater in a single family home needs to be in conduit, (2005 NEC Code ). A: I don't have my code book with me this long weekend, so I suggest you look for this rule in Article ...
mis-wiring of receptacle	2/15/2007
Q: I found a receptacle that was so worn that the blades on a plug-in would not consistently ... A: It is a code violation to tie a neutral (or grounded) conductor to the equipment grounding conductor ...
Touch Control Lamps	2/13/2007
Q: I have a touch control lamp, but I want to have it controlled by a wall switch. Is there anyway to ... A: If you open up the base of the lamp, there should be a small box which is connected to the metal ...
Converting a 3-wire prong plug to a 2-wire prong plug	2/12/2007
Q: What are the dangers in doing this? My florescent shop light for the basement has a grounded 3 ... A: If a device has a 3-prong cord on it, it needs to be connected to a 3-wire outlet. Do not cut the ...
short in a wire	2/11/2007
Q: I had new paneling and cabinets put up and i have no contac toa a vent a hood or the outlet. We ... A: If you have damaged a wire, then you can either replace that wire, which would require removing the ...
Sub amperage	2/10/2007
Q: If a Sub is feed off of a 100 amp main panel, Is there a max amperage I can use for the sub panel? ... A: The panel rating can be any size, up to 100 amp, with a correct sized breaker. If you go with a ...
Panel over a duplex outlet	2/10/2007
Q: I discovered that someone had added 'judges panels' over drywall -- and left the duplex boxes ... A: The product is called a spark shield, and is made by a bunch of different companies. Arlington ...
Outlet Wiring	2/9/2007
Q: which I will have inspected. The only thing I need to install is outlets for the family room and I ... A: The NEC does not have requirements for height of outlets. Normally it is set to a common height to ...
220 outdoor	2/9/2007
Q: My neighbor and I would like to put a hookup for our RVs outdoors. His is 220v 50A and mine is 110v ... A: The 50amp RV need to have a 3-pole, 4-wire grounding type outlet rated 50 amps, 125/250vac. For ...
Connecting a garage heater to electrical panel for new install.	2/9/2007
Q: I have a Marley Engeneered Products MUH-35C heater. I am looking to add a new circuit to my ... A: I would think by using #10 wire, and a 30amp breaker, you would be good to go. Wire the two hots ...
two rooms that wont work	2/7/2007
Q: I live in a very old house. A couple of nights ago I was sitting in the living room on my laptop ... A: Depending on the age fo your wiring, you may have just tripped a gfci outlet, or, if it has been ...
Loading on a 20amp 120V circuit	2/6/2007
Q: How many load devices are allowed on a 20A 120v circuit. The application is for 4 convenience ... A: For residences, there is no limit placed on this type of circuit. For commercial you are limited to ...
flat plug for horizontal outlet	2/4/2007
Q: I need a flat plug for horizontal outlet how do I get this? A: I'm not sure what you are asking. If you need an cord that has a flat face on the male plug, you ...
Remote Switches	2/4/2007
Q: My dad would never use anything that was not UL approved. I recently purchase three, two-component ... A: Many old-timers have the same thoughts about this as your dad. UL used to be the only testing ...
wall socket wiring	2/1/2007
Q: Rick, I have 8 outlets, 5 in garage and 3 outside wall that are on one breaker. They also are ... A: Since these outlets are protected by a gfci, and it is not tripping, then you don't have a situation ...
wiring a switch for ceiling fan/light kit	1/31/2007
Q: we have a ceiling fan that we added a light kit to. The original ceiling fan has a circular control ... A: The orginial switch can be replaced with a single pole switch, your regular type of light switch. ...
220/240 wiring at the panel - ground ?	1/30/2007
Q: as part of a kitchen remodeling I had 2 disconnect 2 220 appliances and add 2 for a total of 4. My ... A: While a 4-wire cable is preferred over a 3-wire cable and a seperate groudning conductor, it is ...
Sudden High Electric Bill	1/29/2007
Q: I just received and electric bill that shows my comsumption has gone up from about 50 kw to 120 kw ... A: If you suspect that the electrician may have done something to cause this, you can try tp see if you ...
Stray Voltage	1/29/2007
Q: I rewired one of the lighting circuits in my house to eliminate some old aluminum wiring. The new ... A: I think you have hit upon the answer, when you say something about the current available. This is ...
NEC code ref.	1/29/2007
Q: What part of the code addresses lack of switches near entrances, and the use of a circuit breaker as ... A: The code (National Electrical Code, 2005) does not address location of switches, it just says you ...
AMP load on 6-2 w/g wire	1/29/2007
Q: ...I have an air compressor running off of a 220v line I added in my garage.....I had used a small ... A: First off, if this garge is attached to your home, then you did not use the correct wire if you want ...
electrical surges and lights dimming and brightining	1/28/2007
Q: when i turn on the microwave, it starts normal then goes very low and the fridge loses power and the ... A: More likely the problems has to do with a loose or broken neutral wire on your incoming electrical ...
Three phase wiring revisited	1/27/2007
Q: I have asked Robert Wilbur and J. Cook questions about a 3 phase wiring situation. Each time I have ... A: Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I needed my codebook to help answer this question, and, ...
wire size	1/27/2007
Q: Is it possible to install or use to large a gauge wire for a load? I know too small is not good. Is ... A: When using a larger wire, you have to be carefull that the wire is not too large to fit the ...
oven & cooktop wiring	1/27/2007
Q: This is the info "OVEN" 3 wire-120-240 60hz ac only kilowatts 208 volts 3.4 kilowatts 240 volts ... A: Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I did not have my codebook with me over the weekend, ...
Replaced switch/outlet now doesnt work	1/26/2007
Q: I have been successful in relacing other outlets and switches in the house but two rooms upstairs ... A: Sometimes the metal link on the hot side of the outlet was removed to allow the outlet to be used ...
adding outlets	1/26/2007
Q: I am adding receptacles in the attic area over the garage with access to backside of existing ... A: You should make your splices in a box, either the existing one, or by installing a new one, then ...
Ground wire	1/25/2007
Q: I recently had an inspection of my house and the inspector said the the ground wire from the base of ... A: Yes, attach the wire to the wall surface using staples (the type used for cable) or using the nylon ...
electric furnace hook up	1/25/2007
Q: I am planning on installing an electric furnace 220v. I am a little confused on what size wire to ... A: usually the nameplate of an electric load such as this will give you all the necessary information. ...
pot lighting	1/24/2007
Q: i am finishing my basement and I am putting 8 pot lights in the ceiling. These are the small halogen ... A: The switch will need to be installed ahead of your loads, in order to kill the power to the lights. ...
Basement/GFCI question	1/24/2007
Q: I have a house built in 95, and I am finishing the basement. It is only about 600 sq ft, so there ... A: By code, the bathroom circuit can't feed other rooms, so that is out. If there is no way to add ...
I run out of time, so I couldn't read your answer	1/24/2007
Q: Yes you already did answere this question for me before, but I was out of town and went I came back ... A: Lee, I wondered why you resubmitted the question. You have hit on the major difference between the ...
Rats and Wiring	1/23/2007
Q: This is probably the first question you've been asked like this, but hear-goes. I live in an old ... A: This is a real problem. When the rodents chew thru the insulation, they will sometimes come into ...
Trouble with a GFI rewire	1/22/2007
Q: I was updating my kitchen and switched out a GFI outlet. The outlet is in the middle of a circuit ... A: I suggest you double check the wiring of the gfci, and match it to your instructions. Make sure ...
Voltage increase with load	1/21/2007
Q: When I turn on a motor, like the garbage disposal, all the lights in the house brighten. I checked ... A: It sounds like you may have a loose or broken neutral wire feeding your electrical service. Call ...
Main panel upgrade	1/21/2007
Q: Main Panel Upgrade: Hello, I am interested in your method of upgrading a main panel i.e. ... A: You have hit upon the biggest problem with upgrading a residential service. You should visit with ...
Subpanel + Air Compressor Wiring	1/20/2007
Q: I have 150A main service panel in the garage. I plan on running 6-3 w/ ground to a 60A subpanel a ... A: Each individual wire has an amp rating. A #10 wire is for use with a 30 amp breaker. A 240v load ...
Bonding Residential Services	1/19/2007
Q: Here in Corinth, TX many contractors are using a PVC nipple between the meter can and panel. We have ... A: As long as the grounding electrode conductor connects to the supply neutral, that neutral is ...
wiring diagram for a fuse box	1/18/2007
Q: in a fuse box in an older house with a two wire cable {no ground} where does the 2 wires connect i ... A: I don't follow what you want to do. Are you adding another circuit to this fusebox? You will ...
What is the different of these two	1/18/2007
Q: I am a new journeyman electrician and I just finish a job installing a 400W MH ballast in a carwash ... A: I would say that you have covered the 2 main differences between the different types of fixtures. ...
grounding subpanel	1/18/2007
Q: I added a large attached garage to my house. The house has a 200 amp meter panel 60' away. I fed ... A: If this garage is attached to your home, then the inspector is correct. You need 4 wires, and you ...
electrical	1/18/2007
Q: Rick, I have a room with two rocker-type light switches side-by-side at the entranceway controlling ... A: It sounds like you may have some loose wiring, possibly in the fixtures. double check all those, as ...
under cabinet lighting	1/16/2007
Q: I have three 12V, undercabinet, halogen puck lights that are connected to the same transformer and ... A: In order to run cables thru the wall, you will need to use an approved cable, such as NM-B (Romex), ...
Adding service panel	1/16/2007
Q: I've been browsing the site looking for an answer to this and just haven't come across "the" answer, ... A: You could replace the disconnect with a 200amp breaker panel, and install one 100amp breaker to feed ...
Running main service feed too short and need a splice	1/15/2007
Q: Rick, Although this is not quite wiring inside the home, I have a question regarding my situation. ... A: I don't have any to recommend, but visit this forum ...
Replacement light bulbs	1/12/2007
Q: If I have a lamp that has a maximum rating for a 60 watt incandescent light bulb, can I replace it ... A: You won't have a 75 or 100watt rated fluorescent lamp. You will have a 20watt or larger rated lamp. ...
110v/220v	1/11/2007
Q: I have 2 outlets together, each(110v), how would I go to change them to 220v? Do I need to rewire ... A: To wire a 220v outlet (without a neutral), you will need to have 2 insulated wires along with either ...
Cable TV wiring	1/11/2007
Q: one follow up. I'm running a 70A sub-panel to my basement and some questions. The sub-panel ... A: This panel is a true subpanel, and you will be required to keep the neutrals and grounds seperated ...
Cable TV wiring	1/10/2007
Q: I am wiring my basement and I want to put some cable tv outlets in, but am unsure how to do so. ... A: There are 2 schools of thought on this. One is to run seperate lines from each outlet to a common ...
Light Fixtures	1/10/2007
Q: I'm finishing my basement and have been going back and forth with what I want to do for lighting. ... A: Most track light systems have a surface mount connection box, where you just connect the cable that ...
theory	1/10/2007
Q: what is the difference between voltage and current? A: I suggest you take a electrical theory course if you really want to know what the difference is. ...
500' Service Split From The Meter Pedestal	1/9/2007
Q: I just bought an Amish built home. The house is almost 500' from the road. I am installing 200amp ... A: I recommend using a breaker panel instead of the disconnect, under the meter. This way you can ...
110 outletsfor room addition	1/2/2007
Q: how many 110 outlets can i use with 20 amp breaker A: In dwelling units, the number is unlimited. The rule of thumb is around 10 for a 20 amp circuit, ...
Open Neutral condition	1/1/2007
Q: I had a fluorescent lamp above my washer and dryer that simply stopped working about 2 weeks ago. I ... A: This is a hazardous situation, so I suggest you contact your power supplier right away, and have ...
Are busses dedicated in the Main panel	1/1/2007
Q: 1. Can you place neutral wires on the grounding buss and vice versa in the Main panel? I have read ... A: I'm snowed in at my house (30+ in 2 days) so I can't give you code referrences, but if the panel is ...
wiring multiple outlets	1/1/2007
Q: What do you mean by pigtails?Is it standard practice to wire outlets by jumping off another outlet, ... A: A pigtail is trade slang for a short piece (6") of insulated wire, connected at one end to the ...
heating element	12/31/2006
Q: i have a heating element that claimed to run on 220V by the store owner since the product has no ... A: A true 220v load does not require a neutral connection. Using electrical equipment without the ...
wiring an on off light switch and power outlet	12/30/2006
Q: I have power to an overhead light in a closet with a pull chain switch on the fixture. How can I ... A: Take a look at www.danswiringpage.com for great diagrams on this type of wiring. If you can, run a ...
Wiring a three way dimmer sw	12/30/2006
Q: Rick, My question is, what is the color code to replace a three way sw. with a 3 way dimmer sw. The ... A: Hopefully you have not removed the wiring from the old switch yet. If you have not, then find out ...
duplex wiring question	12/30/2006
Q: I hope you can help me. I have 3 duplexes on one wall that are wired very strangely. As you look ... A: It sounds like these outlets have been replaced, removing an ungrounded outlet and installing a ...
wall oven	12/29/2006
Q: I am replacing an old oven with a new double wall oven. I have 30 Amp svc on it. At the junction ... A: This used to be the standard way of wiring a range. The new way is to use four wires, which could ...
jacuzzi wiring	12/28/2006
Q: I'm going to install a Jacuzzi. I have a spool of 8/3 wire. Can that be used for this job? If not ... A: To wire your tub, you will need to use wire and breakers requested by the manufacturer. There ...
Outlet melting	12/27/2006
Q: I read your article from 9/26/2005. I had a similar problem with a outlet melt down.The side with ... A: Hopefully your electrician used pigtails to connect the wiring to the outlets, which means that ...
Lights go dim	12/27/2006
Q: So if I understand, one option would be to see if the power company can give me higher amp service ... A: You could ask the power company to check to see if the supply transformer is overloaded, which could ...
Lights go dim	12/26/2006
Q: I bought a large house with three AC units. Everything in the house works fine. But when the AC ... A: Every motor draws around 6 times more amps at startup than when it is running. You will see a ...
water leak	12/23/2006
Q: I have water leaking into the the electrical box that leads from my basement to a detached garage. ... A: If is alot of water, then the underground conduit has some openeing, which allows the water to seep ...
220V Switch Idea	12/22/2006
Q: Instead of running two 220V circuit to operate two vehicle lifts in our reisendtial garage I would ... A: You can do this. Look for a double pole, double throw with center off switch, which should be alot ...
wire size for air handler	12/20/2006
Q: ! i have a question and i am getting multiple opinions on.. I have a 25kw air handler and was told ... A: There should be an electrical nameplate on the unit. Usually about 3" X 5", and viewable from the ...
Breakers	12/20/2006
Q: Under what circumstances would the main service breaker kick and nothing else? I do have a fair ... A: there are only 2 reasons breakers trip, overload and short. If you have alot of load spread out ...
baffling old 3-way switch?	12/19/2006
Q: I have two 3-way switches that connect to a ceiling fan/light in a 1925 house. We moved in 6 months ... A: I think there could be a way to see measurable voltage (not current) on 2 seperate wires in 2 ...
temprature	12/18/2006
Q: I have a 20A circuit with 12 gauge wiring and a 12 gauge extension cord powering many Christmas ... A: the electrical code says you can have a 20amp flow on a #12 wire, for continuious use of 3 hours or ...
subpanel / AC disconnect	12/16/2006
Q: I would like to use the 30amp that is currently going to my AC disconnect for Christmas light during ... A: If you have 4 wires (2 hots, 1 neutral, and 1 ground) in the cable, then you can install a panel as ...
light fixture wiring, ground wire? snapped	12/15/2006
Q: when unscrewing the lightbulb fixture 1 of three wires--the copper wire (ground wire?) snapped ... A: I'm not following your question very well. Are you saying that you had some dead outlets after this ...
Local Electrical Codes	12/13/2006
Q: I have read two books regarding electrical wiring in the home, and both stated it is legal for the ... A: Some areas do allow homeowners to pull their own permit, and do the wiring. usually there is some ...
2 gang outlet wiring	12/12/2006
Q: I am wiring an addition and I am ending a circuit with a 2 gang outlet box. It is violation the NEC ... A: I'm not sure what you mean by series, but if you want to connect your incoming black wire to one of ...
Welder hook up in garage	12/11/2006
Q: I just purchased a used Miller 351 Syncrowave welder for my garage. After checking Miller Electrics ... A: If your panel is large enough to handle the breaker needed to feed this welder, I would suggest you ...
wall socket hot to touch	12/11/2006
Q: Came home to a smell. It was from a wall socket. The socket was hot to the touch. I turned off the ... A: It sounds like you may have a loose connection where the wiring connects to this outlet. With ...
Installing 115V Reverse Cycle AC/Heat	12/8/2006
Q: I recently purchased a Fedders reverse cycle AC/Heat window unit for my detached garage. The specs ... A: #1: No issue here. #2: When heat unit is on, it will pull around 12 amps. On a 15 amp circuit, if ...
Receptacle question	12/7/2006
Q: Dryer runs but element doesn't heat. i am told that this mus be because the receptacle is 110v ... A: You said both legs read 110v. Was this reading to each other, or to a 3rd wire, the ground? If you ...
home standby generator	12/7/2006
Q: i live in colorado also. and i am wondering what kind of code there is on standby generators? like ... A: As far as the pad and distances, you should check with your local building inspector. The ...
fire alarms	12/6/2006
Q: I have a question about fire alarm circuits. I am a Master Electrician in Arkansas, and should know ... A: In looking at the State's website, you are required to be licensed to install fire alarm systems. I ...
home electrics	12/5/2006
Q: Since moving into my new home in August I have noticed that our lights dim intermitently but ... A: First off you can try changing the lamps to a higher grade of lamp. The cheaper ones will show ...
outlet insulation	12/5/2006
Q: I am noticing alot of cold air coming through my outlet holes and by my light switches. I have put ... A: Pluging this hole probably won't help. You need to go to the top of the wall and plug the hole ...
Resetting Breaker	12/4/2006
Q: Rick, we had a space heater and hair dryer both plugged into a bathroom outlet. The heater was ... A: It is possible you damaged the breaker, but don't rush out to buy one yet. Unplug everything from ...
convert a draw	12/4/2006
Q: I'm woundering how to convert a draw on a gas furnice that when running uses 1500 amps. how do a ... A: First off, kwh is what the power company uses to bill you. You will need to know what your rate is ...
Reverse polarity, issue?	12/3/2006
Q: I am in the process of buying a an older house and the inspector said alot of the electrical outlets ... A: The inspector is correct, this could cause alot of problems. Consider this case. Your TV is ...
hooking up a 220v outlet for electric dryer	12/3/2006
Q: I am trying to install a new 220v outlet for my electric dryer. Can you tell me which wires go ... A: Normally, the 2 hot wires are the black and red wires, with the other wire as the ground. Since the ...
night light stuck in outlet	12/2/2006
Q: My nightlight is stuck in the outlet. When we pull on it the whole cover moves. Any suggestions? A: Turn off the power to this outlet, then wiggle it sideways while pulling it out. If it breaks, then ...
multiple circuits feeding a rtu	12/1/2006
Q: I'm an HVAC contractor and I have a job that has roof top units that are fed by two circuits; one ... A: One place to connect one set of wires to, huh? If the rating of the unit is the same as one of the ...
wiring question	12/1/2006
Q: we got new ones in, but we don't know how to wire them up. we know 220 is no joke. can i get a ... A: The old element should have had only 2 wires connecting it, so these should connect to the new one ...
BURY ELECTRICAL WIRING	11/30/2006
Q: I bought a piece of vacant property and would like to bury the power cable from the power companys ... A: You should check with the local inspector and your power supplier to find out these details. Some ...
subpanel	11/30/2006
Q: I bought my house over 8 yrs ago. An electician was the previous owner. He had installed a subpanel ... A: If the panel is rated 30amps or less, then you should run #10 copper wires to it. If over 30amps ...
Ground wire	11/30/2006
Q: My friend's home was damaged by fire recently the fire started at the breaker box, the light company ... A: The groudning electrode conductor has to be terminated inside of either the meter socket housing or ...
Blowing breakers	11/30/2006
Q: I bought a home 5 years ago, first time home buyers restrictions was that all the old junction boxes ... A: It should have been at least mentioned that there were not multiple breakers for these loads. ...
OVERHEAD LIGHTS	11/29/2006
Q: I BOUGHT A LIGHT THAT HANGS FROM THE CEILING. I WANTED TO REPLACE SOME EXISTING LIGHTS THAT ARE ... A: Normally, ceiling swag lights will have a canopy that will cover the ceiling box, and the type of ...
popping/crackling light fixture/ceiling fan	11/29/2006
Q: We bought our house new and have lived in it for 9 months. All the light fixtures/ceiling fans make ... A: You can try shutting off the breaker that feeds these noisy fixtures. If the sounds stop, then it ...
Generator hook up	11/28/2006
Q: Got a great deal on a 6250 watt, 240 volt generator, and then realized to wire it in legally to the ... A: Great links. I did not know that these were available. I don't have any links to share, but which ...
burnt ground in electric meter socket	11/28/2006
Q: what causes the ground to be burnt in the electric meter socket. We called the electric company ... A: If this was indeed the ground that was burnt, then you have some major problem within your ...
dryer pigtail--30 amp, 4 vs 3 prong	11/22/2006
Q: I have a dryer with a traditional 3-prong pigtail. My outlet has a 4-prong outlet. I thought it ... A: You will have to keep the outlet 4-wire, and install a 4-wire cord. If the breaker is a 30amp ...
Installing an electric cooktop	11/22/2006
Q: ok, I am assuming that the white/red connection would be that hots?Hello, I am replacing my electric ... A: Gary, In your circuit from the breaker, you should have 2 hots, on the black wire and on the white ...
Service from home to barn	11/21/2006
Q: I need to run service from the main service panel in my home to a 100 amp main service panel in the ... A: 100amp breaker at main, 100amp rated wires (#2 copper ok), 100amp rated panel in barn. Run 3 ...
Main Home Electrical Panel	11/21/2006
Q: Since upgrading our main from 60 amp service to 200 amp service we have added a second floor ... A: One source was the inspector. You could have asked him, and possibly he could have given you some ...
Outlets	11/21/2006
Q: There are three outlets on a wall .the one in the middle shows that it has power but light fixtures ... A: It looks, from your description, like you may have a loose wire in one of the outlets. turn the ...
grounding a wirlpool motor when house has all plastic plumbing pipe	11/20/2006
Q: A house that our company wired was roughed before the plumbing and when we got to the finish we ... A: You are correct in saying that you will have to fish the wire in. Run it all the way back to your ...
Sub Panel	11/20/2006
Q: I have a brand new/1 year old house with a Homeline 200A service that has only 2 available spaces ... A: You cannot double lug wires, so that option is out. You should be able to find a 100amp, 2-pole ...
ele	11/20/2006
Q: lights dimming 3sec than 1or 2mims ok A: If the lights dim till they are almost out, then you should call in someone to look at your ...
spotlight wiring	11/19/2006
Q: I moved into my home a year ago and I'm a single lady so don't know too much about wiring. I have a ... A: It sounds to me like you may have tripped a breaker. Some homes have special breakers, called AFCI ...
circuit breaker making a huming noises	11/19/2006
Q: the breaker for our master b/room tripped. I reset the breaker but when u turn the light switch on ... A: You should have this checked out by a qualified electrician. The breaker feeding this circuit ...
cable stacker ok for horizontal runs	11/18/2006
Q: I'm working on refinishing my basement. I will be putting sheetrock on an unfinished wall and ... A: I would think you could use these supports as you want to. You will need to look at the ...
RECESS LIGHTING	11/17/2006
Q: I AM WORKING IN MY LIVING ROOM. I WANT TO PUT RECESS LIGHT ON THE CEALING BUT THERE IS NOT POWER ON ... A: Harold, there is alot of different methods for running cables in unaccessible areas, but most of ...
meter quick disconnect	11/17/2006
Q: I have an outside breaker by my meter labeled quick disconnect. Can you tell me if this breaker ... A: I would not be able to answer this without looking at it. If you need to, you could trip it and ...
OUTLET SPACING	11/16/2006
Q: The book I have says you must have an outlet every 12 along perimeter, OR a 6' cord has to be able ... A: Randy, You say: " The book I have says you must have an outlet every 12 along perimeter, OR a 6' ...
Light Stwitch Removal	11/16/2006
Q: I just removed a decorative wall in my kitchen that had one of two switches that controled our light ... A: When you put the unwanted cable in the box (you have to leave it accessible), tie the wire that was ...
OUTLET SPACING	11/15/2006
Q: No one has explained this to me clearly. Is an outlet required every 12'? If there is a doorway, you ... A: In most rooms (not the kitchen, tho), you have to have one outlet within 6' of any door, on both ...
generator hook up	11/15/2006
Q: i have recently been looking at some houses to buy and the electric meters have been pulled. i have ... A: You could make a cord with a male plug which would match your generator outlet, and with alligator ...
european to U.S.	11/15/2006
Q: I have a "light sculpture" that I am installing in a store window. It was sent from France and is ... A: I don't have any experience in converting these two systems, but the instructions should be able to ...
Breaker trips when light in turned off	11/15/2006
Q: I have bought an older home and am remodeling. I've changed light fixtures for years, but have run ... A: I'm afraid I don't have any answers as to why the breaker trips when the switch is moved to the off ...
Covering knob & tube wiring	11/14/2006
Q: I have an old house with an attic that has knob and tube wiring still going to the ceiling fixtures ... A: The one thing you want to watch out for is loose splices, which can cause heat. If this splice is ...
House wiring	11/14/2006
Q: We are having a house built that is almost complete i.e they are painting the inside. The ... A: Man, what bad luck. Using a splice box, installed correctly, and terminated correctly, will meet ...
Changing a 220 from 3 to 4 prong	11/13/2006
Q: I recently bought a stackable washer and dryer. The Plug was a 4 prong so I purchased the new outlet ... A: What you have is an older 3-wire circuit, where the ground is being used as a neutral, and both the ...
wiring in the home	11/13/2006
Q: I am installing new wire to a new junction box where old wiring from the upstairs will connect to ... A: You will need to find the 1st box upstairs, where this 3-wire cable is connected to. You need to ...
Loading 200amp service panels	11/12/2006
Q: How many circut breakes can you use in 200 amp panel? House hold wiring 12/2 wire 2 220. How many ... A: Yes you can any number of breakers, regardless of breaker amp total. The code has a limit of 42 ...
Recessed Lighting	11/12/2006
Q: By placing a recessed can on a vertical wall (on its side)does that void any warranty? Also is that ... A: You will need to check with the manufacturer to see about warranty issues. Can you physically do ...
Electrical jack out	11/12/2006
Q: In putting up holiday decorations, we plugged in a prelit Xmas tree in the same jack wih the TV last ... A: Let me get this straight. One half of an outlet is working ok, but the other half is not. Is this ...
Sub-Panel Install	11/11/2006
Q: I currently have a detached garage without power. I wish to install a subpanel in this garage with 2 ... A: If you are running 240v out to the garage, then I suggest you use the 6-3, and seperate the neutrals ...
3 way switch	11/10/2006
Q: I was trying to connect a ceiling fan, I opened the electrical box to find out that the ceiling ... A: You don't want to use a 3-way switch, this is for lights that can be turned on/off at 2 different ...
Need help wiring a new outlet for a 220V Dryer	11/10/2006
Q: I need help wiring a new outlet for a 220V Dryer machine. First of all, do I use dual breaker or ... A: In order to run power to a 220v load, you need two hot wires, a neutral wire, and a grounding wire, ...
bedroom lights not working	11/9/2006
Q: I live in a three bedroom ranch and currently my 3 bedrooms have no power but the rest of the house ... A: Could you possibly have a GFCI outlet ahead of these rooms? Look for a tripped gfci outlet in ...
faulty light switch?	11/9/2006
Q: I have a few wall switches in my newly built home (4 years) that buzz when flipping the switch - if ... A: It sounds like a cheap brand of wall switch. You might want to install a higher grade of switch, ...
Wiring a Switch	11/9/2006
Q: I wired a switch that controls one of 3 receptacles in a bedroom. The switch is at the end of a ... A: You could be reading bleed thru voltage from the switch, which probably is not a bad thing. You can ...
locating a receptacle under a window	11/8/2006
Q: I have to move a receptacle. I'd like to move it under a window. Is this against code anywhere ... A: According to the NEC, you can have an outlet under a window. If you, by moving the outlet, create a ...
What makes more sense here?	11/8/2006
Q: We need to upgrade our electrical panel to accomodate a new HVAC system we're buying. Our 2500 sq ... A: I can't give you an answer as to why he wantes to move the service, unless by upgrading it at it's ...
Outside Branch Circuits	11/8/2006
Q: I have a grounding question. I need to provide separate 120 volt circuits to a Gazebo and a Water ... A: No special grounding will be required, other than the metal box at the outlet will need to be tied ...
How many	11/7/2006
Q: Well how does the code figure the loading on a particular circuit? Obviously lights you can find by ... A: For the bathroom, you have a couple of options, but in your case, I suggest you run a seperate 20 ...
How many "things" per circuit	11/6/2006
Q: How should I determine the number of circuits that I need? I am working on a plan for my basement ... A: The code says you can put an unlimited number of lights and outlets on a circuit, unless the circuit ...
Generator amps	11/6/2006
Q: Rick: I have an 8000 watt 30 amp generator(13,500 starting capacity) and plan to use no more that ... A: To figure amps, you just divide watts by voltage. With this info, I would say that you are "good to ...
price cost	11/5/2006
Q: how much more expensive is it to wire up 3 phase into a commercial establishment than to wire up 2 ... A: This is a question for your electrical contractor, and your electric supplier. Cost differ across ...
Upgrading service	11/4/2006
Q: Last year I replaced my 100 service panel with a 200 amp service panel. I didn't increase the load ... A: #4/0 aluminum, or #2/0 copper will work for this (the 4th wire, the equipment grounding conductor, ...
Running wire down exsisting wall	11/4/2006
Q: I got that to the new box, how do I gain access to the old box to tap into. It has a box that is ... A: Don, If there is anyway to get power from the attic, I would suggest you tie in up there. If not, ...
arc fault & alum wire	11/3/2006
Q: would arc fault breakers be a safe alternative to rewiring a house with alum wire? A: AFCI usage would help, but it would not be the complete answer to a home that was wired in aluminum. ...
2-pole circuit breakers	11/3/2006
Q: Are there any restrictions to the number of 2-pole circuit breakers that can be used in a box? Is ... A: Most manufacturers specify how many half-sized breakers you can install, and some eevn make it ...
Running wire down exsisting wall	11/3/2006
Q: I am adding an outlet behind a wall mounted TV. I need to tap off an outlet,then up the attic and ... A: Normally, you would drill a hole in the plate above the desired location. Verify that this will be ...
dryer connection	11/3/2006
Q: I have a 4 prong dryer connection. There is one green wire and one white wire hanging from the back ... A: Usually the green wire in the cord connects to the green of the dryer, and attaches to the chassis. ...
How to wire receptacles	11/2/2006
Q: I want to wire two duplex receptacles in a double sized box. Would you be able to send me a diagram ... A: The normal way of doing this is to wire each terminal on each device with a short (6") pigtail. ...
Ground Rod in Ledge Rock	11/2/2006
Q: OK, here's one. I have a deteched barn sitting on a short (30") concrete footing/wall on top of ... A: Code does allow you to drive the rod in at a 45 degree angle, if you hit rock and can't drive it in ...
New load center?	11/2/2006
Q: i just installed a new load center and every thing is recieveing power but any thing that draws more ... A: It sounds like you may not have wired the power to this load center correctly, or your breakers are ...
wire, conduit size	11/1/2006
Q: What size wire to run a 100 amp sub panel 100 feet away? What size rigid plastic conduit is needed? ... A: For a subpanel, rated 100 amps, you will need #3 copper, or #1 aluminum. For 3 (three) #3 wires ...
Wiring a tankless hot water heater	11/1/2006
Q: I'm wiring a tankless hwh that draws a max of 49 amps @ 220 v. What gauge wire should I use? Is ... A: The code book contains a table that lists what size wire is to be used with a certain size breaker. ...
Adding lights	11/1/2006
Q: I have a ceiling fan and it has two seperate switches on the wall. One for the fan and one for the ... A: You should be able to run a 2-wire cable from the junction box to the new location for the can ...
Lights are out	10/6/2006
Q: Rick, I have a problem that has me stumped. I have lights in an upstairs hall (3 recessed cans) on ... A: It sounds like you may have some loose wiring, either in the panel, or in one of the 1st jbox in ...
wiring an electrical furnace	10/6/2006
Q: I have an electrical furnace that has 4 breakers INSIDE it. 2-60 amp & 2-40 amp. I have a #8/3 ... A: You will need to follow manufacturer's instructions on this. You probably need either 2 240volt ...
New Secondary Service	10/5/2006
Q: Can you direct me to a sizing table for underground cable. This would be for a new underground ... A: The code has ampacity table, Table 310-16. There is also a note for residences, which you can use ...
GFI grounding wire	10/5/2006
Q: The National Electrical Code, section 406.D(3) indicates that a "non-grounding-type receptical(s) ... A: Why do GFI switches have a grounding wire at all? These have the grounding terminal for the same ...
light bulbs buring out rapidly	10/5/2006
Q: Last week 2 other lights burned out. It hasnt been very long for any of these lights and I am ... A: I would suggest you try some higher quality lamps, for a starter. Then look at the areas of the ...
sub feed	10/5/2006
Q: I have a 200amp main breaker box that is completely used, how may i add an additional panel box? I ... A: I would suggest you look into replacing some of your existing breakers with the mini-type, which ...
Junction/Switch boxes	10/5/2006
Q: I will be installing new sconce lighting in basement. Are shallow metal octagen boxes acceptable, or ... A: You can use the octagon boxes, if it supplies you with the required amount of space for the wires in ...
black and white wiring need a blue one	10/5/2006
Q: i have a wall mount sensor light switch to install it shows a black wire to lead blue to load green ... A: Do not connect the blue wire to white, which would cause a short. The black wire will wire to your ...
Do I need another ground rod for new box?	10/5/2006
Q: Let me ask you a question regarding ground rod, I have a extension made on my garage 4 years ago to ... A: without know for sure where this wire comes from, it is impossible to answer your question. As far ...
Disconnect on Service Conductors	10/5/2006
Q: I am planning on replacing my 100A service (meter currently inside house) with a 200A service. In ... A: As far as the code goes, you could put the meter directly outside of the panel, without having ...
220 Dryer Plug	10/5/2006
Q: Hey Rick, I recently moved into a new home. I have a new(er) dryer with a 3 prong plug, however my ... A: You will need to change the cord on your dryer to match the outlet. There should be instructions to ...
Electrical- wire size	10/4/2006
Q: Rick, I have a cabin on the gulf coast. I want to run an electric line to the end of my 500' pier ... A: A 1000watt light will draw around 8 amps. If you add that to the maximum load that can be on an ...
Flourescent fixture "life"?	10/4/2006
Q: I own a commercial building leased to the USPS in a very small Colorado town. The light fixtures ... A: Fluorescent type of lamps should have a pretty long lifespan, so if you are loosing them ...
220 Volt 3-way switch wiring	10/4/2006
Q: I would like to connect two switches to control a 220 volt outlet (dust collector in a home work ... A: You could do this by running a hot wire from phase A to one side of the outlet, and running the hot ...
Wiring a GFCI	10/4/2006
Q: I recently added 3 outlets in a 3 season porch. I ran 12-2 new wire all the way back to the box. I ... A: Try unhooking the 1st outlet in the circuit, then turn the breaker back on, If it still tripps, ...
Wire staples allowed by code?	10/4/2006
Q: I like to use those plastic cable holders with the two nails when possible, but I've run into ... A: There are inspectors who will call you on the number of wires under 1 staple. There are some nylon ...
Recessed Electrical Panel	10/4/2006
Q: I need to upgrade to a 200 amp panel with a 200 amp service drop. I would like to recess the panel ... A: If this is not a commercial garage, then you can install the panel recessed in the wall. You can ...
dc and ac in the same conduit	10/3/2006
Q: I am setting up a solar/wind alternative energy source for my home. I need to know if the NFPA ... A: If this dc circuit is the actual photovoltaic source circuit and/or the photovoltaic output circuit, ...
Code violation for light fixture?	10/3/2006
Q: We are replacing light fixtures in our home and when taking out the existing "Hollywood" vanity ... A: Some inspectors would say it is a violation, but I think that if the cable is attached to the back ...
Electrical wiring	10/3/2006
Q: How many outlets can you run on a 15 amp circut? The number varies in what referance material I ... A: It depends on what your load will be, and where these outlets are, and if there are local rules for ...
frank.cioffi@bicworld.com	10/3/2006
Q: I am installing a screened in porch on a new deck in my back yard. It is attached to my home and ... A: #1: 6 + 3 = 9 X 50 = 450watts. You should be able to run this all together. #2: If by buried in ...
Hot tub wiring	10/3/2006
Q: I had my hot tub wired by an electrician about a year ago. I am now planning to move the tub and ... A: You can add a junction box, but doing so next to the tub involves a bunch of rules that may make it ...
3 way switches	10/3/2006
Q: What tool do I need to buy to check the power going to wires so that my 3 way switches work ... A: A voltmeter to find out where the power is, and a continuity meter to test for continuity from one ...
Mixup of hot and neutral sides	10/3/2006
Q: I used a professional voltmeter. There's no mistake: when the lights are OFF, both sides of the ... A: With switches in the off position, you read 120v between the white wire and the ground. You also ...
Electrical wiring	10/3/2006
Q: My new house is 500' back on my property from the street. The Power company is running overhead ... A: Since you are required to use copper, that is what I will base my answer on. Without addressing the ...
How many receptacle is too many	10/2/2006
Q: I am finishing an old basement and need to put new receptacles. Since old wires are not grounded I ... A: Unless the outlets will have a specific load on it, such as a refrigerator, sump pump and so on, you ...
New service panel location	10/2/2006
Q: ft. apt. with existing 60 amp fused service. The existing panel will need to be used as a junction ... A: There is no restriction, but there are restrictions to the working space in front of the panel. You ...
open ground	10/2/2006
Q: what is an open ground and how can i fix it A: An open ground, when you are talking about an outlet, means that the grounding conductor that is ...
Neutral wiring	10/2/2006
Q: I have just moved from a home that had a hot tub that I brought with me. The house moved from was ... A: Your service will have a neutral. If your dryer outlet only has 3 wires, then you will have to ...
PVC electrical conduit in the home	10/2/2006
Q: I am mounting a 240V AC disconnect switch on the outside of my house near the main utility panel. I ... A: Unless there are local rules that forbid the use of PVC, you can use it anywhere you would use ...
service wire, copper vs aluminum	10/2/2006
Q: and have to run service wire from the pole to our house (about 250 ft) underground. we have been ... A: If treated correctly, both types will work ok for this application. Al is cheaper, but you have to ...
DOUBLE LUGGING	10/2/2006
Q: Can you explain the term "double lugging" and in what type of situation would it be allowable ? ... A: Double lugging usually means landing two wires under one lug, and, for the most part, is not allowed ...
Mixup of hot and neutral sides	10/2/2006
Q: I live in a very old house whose living room has four wall sconces. I was about to install new ones ... A: How are you testing for the hot wire? If you are using a cheap neon bulb type of tester, you will ...
200 Amp Panel Capacity	10/2/2006
Q: I have a 200 amp electrical entrance panel on my new home. I notice that the amp ratings on the ... A: This will be true of any panel. Most breakers will not have full load on it, or it would trip. ...
Faulty Electric outlet or wiring	9/6/2006
Q: We have two electric outlets that aren't working. One inside and one outside. The last time this ... A: I would still suspect the GFCI for faulty operation. Try pressing the reset button, then the test ...
bathroom fan stops mysteriously	9/6/2006
Q: We have a bathroom fan/light unit that for years worked well but occasionally its circuit breaker ... A: You will need to verify if you are loosing power at the fan, or if the fan motor is locking up. ...
Putting in new service	9/6/2006
Q: Putting in new 200 amp service in house with a main disconnect between box and service for generator ... A: Your breaker size will depend on the rating of the conductor. You need to find out what size it is ...
Home load center to out-building sub panel	9/6/2006
Q: Rick, I have installed a sub-panel in my detached garage. I have used the appropriate breakers ... A: You will need to have a neutral run with your hot wires. If you don't need both hots (240volts), ...
Circuits	9/5/2006
Q: I figured there might be some difference between here and there! I'm writing from Ireland. Radial ... A: Peter. Sorry, it does sound like we have 2 different electrical systems. Ours, in the USA, uses AC ...
ceiling fan wiring	9/5/2006
Q: I ran into a different situation on the third and last ceiling fan with light kit that I am ... A: This could be setup for a switch (red wire) to control the fan light. Connect the red to the blue ...
connecting multiple neutural wires in one box	9/5/2006
Q: Is the a code compliant way to connect 7 neutral wires together in one box? If not, what is the ... A: There are large wirenuts that should be large enough for this number of wires. A blue wire nut ...
Service Entrance	9/5/2006
Q: Installing 600A residential service. Have the proper CT cabinet and meter socket. Utility will run ... A: I would install a multi-tap lug in the ct can, one with enough holes for the 2 incoming neutrals, as ...
Electric to new garage	9/5/2006
Q: I ran #6-3 w/gnd UF, but the supplier told me that it was only rated to 55A. I decided not to run in ... A: Since 55amps is not a standard breaker size, you can go up to a 60, per code. You don't have to ...
Home power Circut brown out.	9/5/2006
Q: I noticed last night that one of my lamps was "browning Out". I turned it off and started checking. ... A: You could try checking all terminations in your panel, both the hots and the grounds. It sounds ...
Euro Chandelier	9/4/2006
Q: I'm in the AF and just returned from Germany. My wife bought a chandelier, but it's wired for 220? ... A: Most likely, the fixture will not work in the US. You might be able to convert it to standard type ...
hooking a rv to a temporary service panel	9/4/2006
Q: .I am putting up a temporary service where we are building a house. The temporary service panel has ... A: You can either install a 30amp, 110 volt outlet and breaker, or use the adapter that most rvs come ...
New Service Panel	9/4/2006
Q: I want to upgrade an old service panel to a modern breaker box. The house was built about 1978 and ... A: Yes it can be changed, however the power company needs to be contacted to remove the power for you. ...
Spa wiring	9/4/2006
Q: I have wired a spa for a customer and ran a #6 3 wire plus ground from 50 amp breaker from main box ... A: Try eleminating the source of the sound. Unhook the load (the spa) and turn the circuit on. If the ...
Code requirements for Bathroom Fixture	9/4/2006
Q: I'm in a new construction home (8 months old) in Georgia. When I removed my old bathroom wall ... A: I believe this is a common way to connect a vanity bar light. If you will be replacing the bar ...
electrical 220 volt	9/4/2006
Q: I have existing 220, 50 amp three wire service and need 200 v 50 amp 4 wire service. what do i need ... A: The 3-wire indicates that there is no neutral in the circuit, while the 4-wire does include the ...
Circuits	9/4/2006
Q: I'm wiring a shed. I'm using an existing RADIAL circuit with nothing else on it to supply a ... A: Using the types of circuits you list (radial, ring) make me think that you are doing phone wore, not ...
Electricity from a switch to a light fixture	9/4/2006
Q: I just moved into a new construction home. I am in the process of installing cieling fans with light ... A: Usually a pre-wired fan/light setup will include a switch leg for the light, and a hot for the fan, ...
Noise With Light Turned On	9/3/2006
Q: After about 5-10 minutes of having my kitchen light switch turned on, I start to get a intermittent ... A: You didn't mention what type of fixture you have. If fluorescent, then this noise may be signs of a ...
Pulsing interior lights	9/3/2006
Q: We noticed ceiling lights pulsing that were on a bi-dimmer for some time. It seems to occur ... A: I would have an electrician come in to look at the service equipment, which may have a loose neutral ...
wiring switches	9/3/2006
Q: I want to put a 3-way switch on my basement lights. I've successfully run the 12-3 wire to the 2 ... A: I would think that you have a wiring problem. I like the use of diagrams when wiring 3-ways, so I ...
Home wiring	9/3/2006
Q: How do you know if your home wiring is faulty? Our hoe was built in 1940. Lately we have had ... A: Usually, if you are seeing fuses blow, breakers trip, or outlets/switches die for no apparent ...
240V Wiring in a subpanel	9/3/2006
Q: This may be a simple question, but just want to make sure I get this correct. I recently installed a ... A: If you will be using 120v loads from this new panel, then you will need to have a feeder cable that ...
service entry cable	9/2/2006
Q: Do Mobile homes need ground rods? Matt from new yorkWhen running a service for a trailer home do I ... A: Matt, The mobile home should not have a rod. The grounding is done by the equipment grounding ...
sub pamel	9/1/2006
Q: i have a outlet in my garage not being used (220v) with #6/3 romex going into it (going to replace ... A: You asked: "1. can i hook up a sub panel to it" Yes You asked: "2. what size breaker will i need ...
100 amp service	9/1/2006
Q: I have a power pole with 200 amp main service (meter and circuit breakers) I want to run wires in ... A: The answer depends on if you will be running anything else from the pole to the house, such as ...
Electrical Wiring	8/31/2006
Q: The NEC specifies the minimum volume for an outlet box for wire gauges down to AWG 6. I am ... A: According to Article 314.28. You have to transpose your cable size to conduit size, by using the ...
Wiring 20 amp cabinet to 15 amp circuit	8/31/2006
Q: I am a homeowner with a contractor remodeling a bathroom in a 1980's era house. The existing ... A: Since the code requires a 20amp circuit in the bathroom, the cabinet manufacturer is simply ...
Electric to new garage	8/31/2006
Q: Want to install 220VAC electric in new garage, the reason for 220 is for possible future welder. ... A: You asked: "What size/type/gauge of wire is required, wanted to use direct burial type." You said ...
subpanel	8/31/2006
Q: I have a 3/4" conduit running from my house to an existing barn. I want to put a 60amp service in ... A: You can run a 3-wire feed to the barn, and establish a ground at the barn. All neutrals and grounds ...
Question about shower recess light	8/31/2006
Q: I asked you questions about IC type recess light before. I am planning to install two IC type ... A: If the trim is made for the housing, I would think that it would be ok. Are you sure you are not ...
Mystery fire/burn marks in carpet?	8/31/2006
Q: I am trying to find out the cause of two small burns that have occurred in our carpet floor. The ... A: Sony has had a recall of certain laptops due to batteries that may catch fire. I would not think ...
Sub Panel Ground	8/30/2006
Q: I have a 60 amp subpanel in basement about 35 feet away from Main Panel. The sub panel only has ... A: This panel, if in the same building as the main panel, does require seperate neutral and ground ...
grounding problem?	8/30/2006
Q: I have a small problem that's been driving me nuts. I have an Entertainment system (TV, Tivo, DVD, ... A: Are you sure it's not static? You could try removing the "other" utilities, one at a time to see if ...
Tapping into 220 line	8/30/2006
Q: I need to tap into existing wires in my attick to power a couple of fans and lights. The only wires ... A: Don't use the 240v line. If you are sure the 15 amp circuit is maxed (how did you decide this?), ...
service entry cable	8/30/2006
Q: When running a service for a trailer home do I need a disconnect out side the trailer? I have the ... A: You had better check local rules for your area. Some areas require a disconnect, some don't. Some ...
Running nm cable in ABS sleeve	8/30/2006
Q: Rick: Thanks for the quick reply. I have, in fact, talked with two professional electricians (and a ... A: You say: "I believe the NEC allows a sleeve "for protection" of any length and is not required to be ...
Quick Question	8/30/2006
Q: A friend of mine has lost power to her mobile home in Las Vegas, NV. The park had an ele. tech check ... A: Reset all the breakers, and look for a gfci type of outlet that may have tripped. These outlets ...
upgrading to a 20 amp circuit	8/29/2006
Q: I currently have a 15 amp circuit which has my outside post lamp (which is on a photocell), my ... A: You don't need the redundant protection, however, useing the breaker will provide protection to all ...
Running nm cable in ABS sleeve	8/29/2006
Q: I want to run new branch wire from a basement through a center chase in a residence to an unfinished ... A: You will not be able to run the pipe for your cableing needs. Anything over 9 current carrying ...
ceiling outlet concealer	8/29/2006
Q: i had an electrician move a light in my hallway...now there is a hole with the box showing where the ... A: I am not familiar with the designation he gives for the box. Normally, a B box is for use in ...
upgrading to a 20 amp circuit	8/29/2006
Q: I currently have a 15 amp circuit which has my outside post lamp (which is on a photocell), my ... A: A #14 wire can ONLY be protected with a 15 amp breaker. You will need to find out what is causing ...
dryer cords	8/29/2006
Q: A new dryer with a 4-prong plug needs to be changed to a 3-prong plug to fit an existing outlet that ... A: On the back of the dryer, and in it's instruction book, you will find the directions to do this. ...
replacing pool time clock	8/29/2006
Q: I am trying to install a load center in place of a regular 220vac intermatic time clock. The ... A: If you install a 2-pole, 20 amp breaker as a main breaker in this new panel, you should be allright ...
Questions about recess lighting & GFCI	8/28/2006
Q: I have a few more to learn from you. 1. About recess lighting, I notice that there are IC and ... A: #1A: YES #1B: non-ic rated cans are cheaper, and can be used in locations where you won't have ...
How far does a sub panel need to be from a gas water heater?	8/27/2006
Q: I am installing a 100a sub panel in the garage. There is a gas water heater there. How far does the ... A: The code only requires that you have a 30" wide by 36" workspace in front of the panel. This ...
Making an adapter	8/27/2006
Q: I need to make an adapter from my single phase 10kw generator that has a NEMA 14-50 outlet to run ... A: You will need a matching plug to plug into the genset. You will also need an outlet that will match ...
GFC outlets	8/27/2006
Q: Rick, I am going to be moving into a house built in 1951. I am not sure if the wiring has been ... A: Replacing an outlet with a GFCI type outlet is fairly easy. Follow the wiring directions on the box ...
repair nick in underground wire	8/26/2006
Q: when digging to locate a wire leading to my well I nicked the insulation with my shovel down to the ... A: If you did not damage the wire, then you can repair it. Strip back the outer covering, which will ...
wiring	8/26/2006
Q: I am wiring a new home using steel boxes and emt conduit. If I Have 3 outlets on one wall how would ... A: You can notch studs, but it is very time consuming, and you then have to install nail plates(check ...
bedroom GFCI	8/25/2006
Q: I currently have a 100 Amp service panel for my home. I plan to upgrade to a 200 Amp. I was at a ... A: What you saw in the panel were not GFCI breakers, but AFCI breakers. These arc-fault breakers are ...
subpanel ground	8/25/2006
Q: "I have a early sixties home with a 100amp panel. I am adding a 100 amp subpanel and have run (+/- ... A: First off, you say you are installing a subpanel. Will it be in the same building as your ...
220 line	8/25/2006
Q: I recently installed 2 airconditioners each on its own 220 line each leg on a 15 amp breaker ... A: John, it is probably because of the two sets are adjacent, and there may not be enough air around it ...
electrical	8/25/2006
Q: I built a new house and had it wired by a pro. There are many problems, one being that the overhead ... A: It could be something as simple as the wiring at the fixture is incorrect (the fixture wired to a ...
residential electrical wiring methods	8/24/2006
Q: A local electrician wired from the top of a service panel(located in a basement) up through a wall ... A: If the cables are seperated any, such as 1/4" to 1/2" between the cables, and no place along the run ...
220 line	8/24/2006
Q: I recently installed 2 airconditioners each on its own 220 line each leg on a 15 amp breaker ... A: When you use a 2-pole breaker, you do not add up the breaker ratings to get it's full rating. A 15 ...
Question about routing wires thru joist/stud holes	8/23/2006
Q: I am going to route electric cables in my basement thru joist and stud holes. A few questions. 1. ... A: Usually, electricians will use a 7/8" bit to drill holes. If the bit is sharp, it should cut a ...
Question on replacing dimmer lights	8/22/2006
Q: I currently have 3-pole dimmers (levitron?) installed in my home, and would like to replace them the ... A: it helped alot in giving you an answer. On the dimmer, you have 2 red wires and 1 black. The reds ...
Replacing light fixture, no ground wire	8/21/2006
Q: We are replacing an outdoor light fixture on our house, built in the 1960s. There is no ground wire ... A: First off, you are required by code to have a box in place. If you don't have a grounding means in ...
installing a sub panel for a shed	8/21/2006
Q: Miell, Thanks for your quick response!! I plan on having a licensed electrician do the hookups for ... A: Code requires that you have a grounding electode system at each building, regardless wether or not ...
fan light switch	8/21/2006
Q: i have a fan light switch with toggle for light and slider for fan. switch has red black green and ... A: I'm afraid that I won't be able to help, at least not without more info. If the switch only has the ...
installing a sub panel for a shed	8/20/2006
Q: Miell, I want to install a sub panel in a 16 x 20 shed i built. I already buried 222-4 al wire in 1 ... A: Given that your electrical load in the house is small, due to the presence of mostly gas appliances, ...
DC wiring	8/17/2006
Q: I need to run about 50 feet of DC wire to a small 12 volt water pump(the type used in RV's). The ... A: In order to figure your voltage drop, you need to know what the load will be, in addition to the ...
distance for Secondary	8/16/2006
Q: I am moving my existing house back on my property 350' from the road. The cost of a primary ... A: You will need to figure what your voltage drop will be, due to the distance. Google for a volt drop ...
Installing a switch to control a light (power comes into the light)	8/16/2006
Q: How do I add a single pole switch to a light? The power comes into this light and I turn it on and ... A: To do this, you use a 2-wire cable, run from the light box to a switch location. The two wires in ...
lowering an outside light fixture	8/15/2006
Q: I have cedar siding on my back deck. I recently had an awning put up. The light fixture is above ... A: If you can fish the wall, you could run a new cable from the old box to a new one, located directly ...
2 Circuits Feed 1 Split Receptacle - Separate Neutrals	8/15/2006
Q: I have a duplex electrical receptacle. It is currently getting power from 1 circuit. I want it so ... A: Yes you can do this, but you will have to tie the two circuits together at a double-pole breaker, or ...
wiring a 220 volts freezer to old fuse box	8/14/2006
Q: I guess I could replace the range (40 amp and 50 amp) fusses with 20 amp bar fuses. Then it just a ... A: It's sometimes true, that electricians do shoddy work. However, most will do the job right, knowing ...
circuit breaker for ac unit	8/14/2006
Q: I am trying to change a circuit breaker so that i can plug our ac unit into our livingroom without ... A: There are many things to consider when changing a breaker. #1 would be: Do you have the experience ...
Junction box for oven	8/14/2006
Q: I am wiring my new house and getting ready to run the built-in oven circuit. I was picking up a 4x4 ... A: You are correct, the box needs to be flush with the finished surface. Look for a different box, or ...
service Panel upgrade	8/13/2006
Q: Hey Rick, I recently did a service panel upgrade at my home. After bumping up from 100 amp to a ... A: It sounds like you may have lost one of your hot phases. If there is a disconnect ahead of this ...
Running a line to a outside lamp post for my patio	8/13/2006
Q: Do I have to have any special wiring to run line under ground ? This line will be going fron my box ... A: If you use PVC conduit, then the wires in it need to be type THWN, or UF. If you directly bury a ...
wiring a 220 volts freezer to old fuse box	8/12/2006
Q: I am installing a commercial freezer in a building i do not own. I do not want to make any upgrade ... A: I suggest you hire this done, since you state you do not want to make any upgrade on buildings you ...
subpanel	8/12/2006
Q: i have an existing 70amp panel with 1inch conduit. i would like to reuse the 1inch conduit to ... A: For a 125amp load, the code requires that you use #1 copper wires. You can only get 1 #1 thhn wire ...
Circut Box Amps	8/11/2006
Q: For a 1200 sq ft. home what would be the base Amps you need for a new electrical panel. (Currently ... A: For the most basic items, 100amps should work. If you are planning to add alot of electrical items, ...
outlets	8/11/2006
Q: So one AFCI breaker to feed all three outlets? ThanksIf I wire a new room (bedroom) and it has 3-4 ... A: Yes, and if you are installing a smoke detector in the bedroom, it also would have to have AFCI ...
conduit depth in a flood zone	8/11/2006
Q: On 08-06-06 I submitted three (3) questions to you, regarding installing a subpanel in a detatch- ed ... A: I have never heard that being in a flood zone effects cover requirements for conduit. You might ...
Wire/breaker size for GFCI receptacles	8/11/2006
Q: I want to put in two GFCI receptacles on a separate breaker with possible 2 to 4 additional regular ... A: Either way is ok, but you will not need to put in 2 gfci outlets. The gfci outlets come with ...
Ceiling fan with No light Fixture	8/10/2006
Q: I just bought a new house and installing a ceiling fan on the back patio. the wiring from the ... A: You are not in La Junta, CO. are you? Anyway, normally the electrician will wire from a wall switch ...
wiring	8/10/2006
Q: I am wiring a home and on the print it says don't notch a joist in the middle third. Then at the ... A: In laymans terms, you don't want to notch any truss/joist in the middle of the truss/joist. Doing ...
Changing Fuse box and old wiring	8/10/2006
Q: I lost power to half of my house because of a short due to improper wiring done by the original ... A: I agree with what you say, but, knowing how little most home inspectors know about electrical ...
Dryer cord--changing	8/9/2006
Q: I have a dryer w/ 4-prong cord. I recently moved to an apartment with a 4-prong outlet, but the ... A: I'm a little confused. Is the existing outlet 3 or 4 prong? If 4, then you will need to keep your ...
new outlet	8/9/2006
Q: I am trying to put a new outlet in with old wiring that does not have a ground wire, just the black ... A: The code allows certain types of replacements for non grounded outlet replacement. If you don't ...
Electric Meter Socket	8/9/2006
Q: I have a damaged Meter Socket cover due to a tenant stealing electricity. The meter socket is a 8" X ... A: If you can find a manufacturer name on the box, then, along with the measurements, you should be ...
Multiple GFCI's	8/8/2006
Q: I'm wiring a brand new garage(28'x38'). Will have over 20 duplex outlets that must be GFCI ... A: Yes, you can daisy chain the outlets. There is no real limit on the amount of outlets per circuit, ...
Outdoor Recepticle	8/8/2006
Q: I am trying to put another recepticle off my patio for a pond pump and lighting, I have a recepticle ... A: You can run from any circuit in your house, with a few exceptions like the kitchen circuits, laundry ...
Above Ground Pool Lighting	8/8/2006
Q: Rick: I have a 12 by 12 deck beside an above ground pool. I also have completed the underground ... A: The 2005 NEC has rules in Article 680, for pools. New luminaires have to be installed a minimum of ...
hanging a light	8/8/2006
Q: I am hanging a light in my hallway. The light came with two wires and a ground. The white wire on ... A: If there are no indicators, such as a ribbing on the insulation, then you should trace it using a ...
electric cooktop to gas: 220V outlet to 110V	8/7/2006
Q: I have just replaced a 220V electric cooktop with gas. The outlet for the electric top has three ... A: You can do either, but there is a better way to do this. Run a new 120v circuit from a single ...
In Ground Pool Grounding	8/7/2006
Q: We are currently getting an InGround Pool installed. The installer/electrician have grounded the ... A: By code you are required to have this bonding installed. If the power company has a problem, then ...
Wiring Dayton G73 Elec. Heater	8/6/2006
Q: I have a detached garage with a circuit box that gets it power from the main panel in the house. I ... A: I would think that your existing load would not be much, so you could add this additional load ...
voltage drop concern	8/6/2006
Q: I am going to install a subpanel in a free stand- ing workshop, recently built behind my house. I am ... A: Code for a 60 amp circuit would be a #6 copper, but you probably should increase it one size, to a ...
Ceiling Light Fixture	8/5/2006
Q: I'm attempting to install a light fixture in new construction (2006). I removed the ceiling cap ... A: I haven't seen wiring with this combination of wires (pink, purple...) so I suggest you trace out ...
wiring	8/5/2006
Q: I am going to wire a new home. My question is what is the ruling on cutting into studs, joists, ... A: This question should be asked of your local electrical and building inspectors. Many areas have ...
wiring	8/5/2006
Q: I live in a single-wide mobile home, I replaced my gfci recepticle, but it still doesn't work. I ... A: Have you reset the outlet? On the front of it there are 2 buttons, one marked test and one marked ...
220 wiring in conduit	8/4/2006
Q: Rick. I live in N.C. and I realize your answer might not apply. I am wiring an a/c unit in a ... A: The NEC has certain rules for commercial garages, and one of the biggest is the rule limiting ...
Line voltage when circuit break off	8/3/2006
Q: We have had a new home built. When replacing two white recepticles with black ones for appearence ... A: When using a small voltmeter, you may see some residual or induced voltages. A better test to see ...
Wiring ceiling 2 fans to a 4 way switch	8/2/2006
Q: I have a new family room. I put in 2 ceiling fans with lights. I want to power both fans with a ... A: My first thought was that you may have wired something incorrectly. My next thought was that you ...
How to feed sub-panel to detached workshop?	8/2/2006
Q: I have a 70's vintage home with a top-feed service to meter enclosure, feeding through the exterior ... A: Your solution would be handy, but not code approved, unless you have lugs in the meter can that are ...
Meter and Breaker Box install	8/1/2006
Q: I'm bringing temporary RV power to my lot and I'm personally responsible for doing all the work ... A: I would suggest you install a 200amp panel, and use this to feed the seperate 15 amp circuits you ...
electric clocks	8/1/2006
Q: How can an electric clock begin gaining time? I have 2 clocks in same room (on same circuit) that ... A: If your home is connected to the electric grid, your frequency will be steady, and will not change ...
wall switches	8/1/2006
Q: what is the difference between a heavy duty and light duty 15A/120V wall switch A: The most likely difference would be in the current carrying metal parts of the switch, and in the ...
300 amp service	8/1/2006
Q: I've been an electrician for five years, I have wired serveral 100 amp and 200 amp services. My ... A: To be able to build a 300 amp service, you will need equipment that is rated for at least 300 amps. ...
detached garage wiring	7/31/2006
Q: I have a 100 double pole breaker (200) amp load center on the side of my house. I had this ... A: A double pole breaker, rated 100amps, is just that, a 100 amp breaker, not 200amp. If you need to ...
power panel	7/30/2006
Q: I'm an expert in the Physics category with a house wiring problem. I'm retired after a career as an ... A: My 1st thought was about GFCI, so I'm glad you found it on your own. I have seen manufactured home ...
wiring	7/30/2006
Q: The light switches in my house are are oozing a green liquid, inside the switches are sticky with ... A: Who ya gonna call? GhostBusters??? Green liquid could be water damage to copper wires, which turns ...
Burned out lights	7/30/2006
Q: I recently installed some low voltage (12v) garden lighting. I run two transformers, one 400 VA and ... A: This type of wiring can be finicky. Make sure you have run your wires correctly, and the wires are ...
Fried fuse box!	7/28/2006
Q: My landlord is very angry with me. My fiance replaced light fixtures in three rooms in our new ... A: You state that you did not have full power when you moved in, so I would think that there was a ...
Correct Grounding	7/25/2006
Q: I recently ran 240 VAC service to an external garage for some ham radio equipment. This service is ... A: Article 810.21 of the 2005 NEC has the grounding requirements for antenna and equipment. 810.21(J) ...
100A subpanel	7/25/2006
Q: 'd like to install an on demand water heater in place of our gas water heater. The power ... A: If the subpanel is a main lug type, then your hots will land in lugs, which will be directly ...
pool pump motor and fuse box grounding	7/25/2006
Q: How deep should this copper clad grounding stake be pounded into the ground, for the pool pump motor ... A: A ground rod is not used for the pool motor grounding. The bonding is done through the bonding ...
grounding	7/24/2006
Q: My electrician has grounded a 240v 40amp circuit to a natural gas line, feeding a water heater in my ... A: According to Article 250.104(B) of the 2005 NEC, you are required to do this. This is called ...
pool pump motor and fuse box grounding	7/24/2006
Q: We rent a home in Sacramento, CA and recently learned that the pool pump and fuse box are not ... A: You should be worried. This type of installation should be completed by a licensed electrician, ...
Removed Ceiling fan, need single switch	7/22/2006
Q: I removed my ceiling fan, which had a dimmer and a power switch. I have installed a chandeiler in ... A: You will need to be a little more specific. How did you hook up the new light? What wires went to ...
Does my house have unusual electrial surges?	7/22/2006
Q: We have lived in our house (built 1911) for 5 years... the previous owner was some sort of ... A: You should start by contacting your power company. They may a power quality person who could ...
3-way dimmer problem	7/21/2006
Q: I've been replacing some 3-way dimmers in my house with higher-quality ones in order to use some ... A: The could be a couple of causes for this. #1: Faulty dimmer switch. When installing a dimmer, ...
Service Upgrade	7/20/2006
Q: Rick, I am planning on pulling a permit in Minnesota to upgrade my service to 200 amp and have the ... A: You can splice conductors in either panel, as long as you don't fill up the cross-section of the ...
hard wire a vanity mirror with a plug	7/18/2006
Q: I purchased a lighted, magnifying mirror (wall mount)for the bathroom; it has an electric plug. ... A: If the unit came with a factory installed plug, then, no , you can't hardwire it. Doing so would ...
smaller breaker feeding larger breaker	7/17/2006
Q: i just installed a 200 amp sq d all in one outside panel. power ran an undergroung service and tied ... A: You could install the 125amp breaker, and use it to feed the inside panel. If your load inside is ...
Dead basement outlet - GFIC no - tripped breaker no	7/17/2006
Q: My sump pump was connected to an outlet on it's own. All of a sudden after 8 years it went dead. ... A: Are you sure the outlet is dead? Unplug the pump, and try a table lamp or radio. If outlet is ...
What is the max load on a 20 amp branch circuit?	7/17/2006
Q: I have a 20 amp breaker that's been shutting off and it could be I'm overloading the circuit. ... A: To figure watts, you multiply voltage by amps. 120 X 20 = 2400 watts. Normally, a breaker can ...
100AMP vs 60AMP	7/17/2006
Q: I live in Central Falls, RI. I have to upgrade my electrical service from a 60AMP to a 100AMP. ... A: No, there is no "universal wire", only wires that are rated in amps. If you were to build a 60 amp ...
Wiring a light fixture/pendant light	7/17/2006
Q: I purchased a pendant light from Pier 1. It has a long cord with a two prong outlet plug. I want ... A: You should be able to cut the wires, and tie them to the existing wiring. There should be a raised ...
3 phase 100 amp wire requirements	7/16/2006
Q: I need to hook up an industrial conveyor oven (t-shirt dryer) which is 3 phase, 100 amp. The run ... A: The NEC has a table that gives this info. For 100amps, the wire size is #2 copper. You could use ...
Amp rating for bandsaw plug	7/15/2006
Q: My bandsaw is a 230V motor requiring 10gauge wire and a 30A breaker. I Bought a 50A plug and 50A ... A: Yes, you can use the larger device, but what is going to happen if you leave this location, and the ...
service panel	7/13/2006
Q: I am installing a new service panel and load center. I am required to use a locking nut with a ... A: This grounding bushing can be installed on either end of the nipple, and is not required to be on ...
charged downspouts	7/13/2006
Q: Something I forgot to add, I have a utility right of way that runs next to my house. These overhead ... A: Induced electrical voltage from overhead powerlines is possible, tho rare. You might want to get ...
charged downspouts	7/12/2006
Q: I have just noticed after 5yrs. of living in my home, that 3 of the 5 downspouts from my gutters are ... A: You may have lost your ground, or your incoming neutral. Have the power company check their ...
12-2 wiring	7/11/2006
Q: How do you wire a light switch and 3 recepticals with 12-2 wire? A: Boy, is this an open-ended question, or what? You have not provided enough info for me to answer. ...
grounds and neutral	7/11/2006
Q: Does current flow through the ground or neutral lines? Can more than one circuit share a neutral and ... A: Current can flow through any conductor. As far as the code goes, you can not have current flowing ...
sub panel warm to the touch	7/11/2006
Q: I was in a location that had a (3) PH sub panel (highest leg 116.7 amps) being feed by a 3ph 100amp ... A: If you are pulling 116 amps on one leg, then yes there is a problem. It sounds like the wire may ...
Water Pump	7/11/2006
Q: I have a new (6 months old)1hp elec. water pump(Teal)(the second pump with the same problem as the ... A: If you are sure that it is wired correctly, then you should call a plumber in to check the impeller ...
on/off switch for a 240volt air compressor	7/11/2006
Q: What kind of switch do you use for a 240 volt line to turn on/off the power to air compressor? A: It depends on the rating of the circuit feeding the compressor. If less than 20 amps, you can use a ...
Tapping into a 30 amp outlet	7/10/2006
Q: I am fairly new to electical stuff. I play in a band that taps into power supplies at hotels. ... A: Instead of just using a "quad box", use a small breaker panel, feeding it from a supply that you ...
Assumption of Responsibility charge by licensed electrician	7/10/2006
Q: I am a homeowner currently in a contract to have my basement remodeled. The contract includes ... A: Boy, what a pickle! It sounds like it is time to hire a lawyer. My personal opinion is that your ...
amps and breaker	7/10/2006
Q: Rick i want to get a generator to run my entire home, the breaker outside is 200 amp service, so to ... A: I get a little higher amount of amps, but still not what you will need to run your entire house, ...
240V switch wiring and weatherproofing	7/10/2006
Q: I have a few questions about completing the wiring for a water pump. Equipment: Gould Irri-gator ... A: You asked: 1. From the main box to the 6-30R, there is 10/3 run within the walls. The 6-30R ...
220 V coming into a GFCI outlet	7/10/2006
Q: I'm having a voltage problem. My neighbor(who is much more into electical troubleshooting than I) ... A: It sounds to me like you may have a gfci outlet that is either faulty, or needs to be reset. Try ...
spa 50 amp GFI wiring	7/9/2006
Q: I have a Federal Pioneer 50amp GFI braker,for my new hot tub, the gfi has 4 position for wires,from ... A: You will need to follow the instruction that come with the breaker. Guessing whch wire goes where ...
adding gfci outlet to double bathroom switch	7/7/2006
Q: I want to add a gfci outlet to a bathroom. Currently I have a double switch controlling a fan and a ... A: You will need to identify which wires go where. If you don't have a neutral wire, then you will not ...
ceiling fixture not controlled by switch	7/6/2006
Q: now the bulbs stay lit and the wall switch doesn't control the fixture. where did we go wrong with ... A: It sounds like you may have wired the fixture to the existing wiring, incorrectly. Using a volt ...
Pool	7/6/2006
Q: I am putting in a pool and need 220V GFI protected electrical service for a heater, pump, and 110V ... A: I would not think the GFCI breaker, being back fed, will work correctly. I would also suggest you ...
double pole switch wiring	7/5/2006
Q: I need to replace a single pole switch that controls a fan and light with a double pole switch that ... A: I agree, you should not be abandoning any wire. It sounds like you have 2 wires in the box, feeding ...
light stays on	7/3/2006
Q: Ok I am moving a 3-way switch at the bottom of the basement stairs to the outside of the wall I just ... A: Most likely the common wire you found in the lower switch was not the switch leg to the existing ...
Why ground is needed	7/3/2006
Q: I understand the satety benefit of a ground cable. But would you explain for me why we need a ... A: If you were to tie the neutral to the metal frame, then when the circuit was powered, the frame ...
UF Cable Connections	7/1/2006
Q: Rick: I am installing some UF cable for a pool filter along with some GFI outlets. I am using 12/3 ... A: UF cable is hard to strip. whatever tool you use. I use a utility knife, and carefully cut off the ...
gfci installation	7/1/2006
Q: SO, I'm remodeling my bathroom. As I am close to finishing up I decide to change out a standard ... A: You need to make sure you are terminating the wires in their correct location. There will be a ...
Moving Electric range/ bringing up to code	7/1/2006
Q: I just recently upgraded to a 200 amp service in our home, and have not reconnected the stove, due ... A: If you look at the nameplate of the range, you will find the info you need to size the wire and ...
2 circuits on 12/3 cable	6/29/2006
Q: I am remodeling a bathroom and the previous electrician ran a 12/3 cable from the service panel to ... A: You can share a neutral, as long as the hots are installed on different phases in the breaker panel. ...
Home electrical	6/27/2006
Q: A few times the power has gone out in our apartment. When it came back on, things that were off ... A: In order for something to be on, you have to take some kind of manual action, such as flipping a ...
wiring for ceiling fan	6/25/2006
Q: Good afternoon Rick, Could use some "unbiased" advise. Just finished a remodel and I had the ... A: You have a violation, if the contractor is using the bare copper wire for a neutral. This is not ...
copper vs aluminum	6/24/2006
Q: What is the difference or reasons between using copper vs aluminum wire? I am wanting to run an 220 ... A: Cost is the main reason for using one over the other. Both are allowed by code, and work well, if ...
apparent dead 220 wall socket	6/23/2006
Q: I have a problem sith a 3 prong 220 wall socket that seems to not send power out to either of 2 ... A: You will need to verify that there is no power at the outlet, first off. Use a voltmeter and check ...
amperage for a new home	6/22/2006
Q: We're building a new 4,000 square foot home with two home-offices built into it. There is a large ... A: There is a caluclation method to determine what size service is required for residences. The ...
Breaker Amperage Change	6/20/2006
Q: I have a 50amp 220v breaker supplying power to an stove outlet currently located behing my stove in ... A: If the unit lists a 20amp circuit as a maximum, then that is what you need to supply. You could ...
electrical inspection	6/20/2006
Q: heres what he said. "orient electrical rough in, power in ,equipment ground bonding jumpers, power ... A: I would contact the inspector to find out what he means by these things. If there has been a ...
New home main service grounding	6/19/2006
Q: I'm building a new home in Minnesota and was told by a electrician that you cannot use just a 8 ... A: The 2005 NEC does contain provisions for a concrete-encased electrode, and most areas have been ...
Wiring fault	6/17/2006
Q: During fire related repairs on our condo building, a team of engineers discovered wiring (no info on ... A: Tearing out finished floors/ceilings will be the only sure way to do this. If it was done in one ...
light bulb type	6/15/2006
Q: I have recessed lighting with a 75 watt rating. In the past, I have been using flood lights. I ... A: Yes, this is a safe setup. The electrical usage is only 26 watts, which is alot less than the ...
pool electrical sub panel	6/13/2006
Q: Hey Rick I am istalling a sub panel at my pool pad for a 18x36 vinyl inground polymer pool. Panel ... A: A 60 amp panel & circuit will handle everything you have listed. If you are hooking up the 1.5hp ...
Service drop/meter panel	6/13/2006
Q: I currently have a 100 amp service drop and meter with no riser. I need to install a new meter with ... A: Yes, doing it this way would be a code violation. Come from the inside panel, or add a main panel ...
Generator Connection	6/12/2006
Q: I have a 5550 generator with a 30 amp 4 wire cord that will connect to my house prewire. My house ... A: You will not be able to do this. If the generator is wired for a 4-wire connection, then you have ...
Breaker box	6/11/2006
Q: I live in a trl. I have a 100amp breaker on the pole outside below meter. In the trl. i have a ... A: If you are feeding 100amps into a panel rated for 50amps, then you have a code violtation. Changing ...
110 to 220	6/10/2006
Q: I have any air compressor that is running to 230v sf1 14 amps. Can I just plug in a converter into ... A: There is no "conveter" that you could use in this case. You need to provide a 240v circuit, along ...
Adding an outlet in the bedroom on a series from a GFI Breaker	6/9/2006
Q: Good Evening, I attempted to add an outlet in my bedroom by taking power from an outlet(receptacle) ... A: It sounds like you may have miswired the new outlet. When you push it back into the box, make sure ...
sub sub panel	6/7/2006
Q: Question - Hi, Let me start from the begining... I want to hook up power in my shed. I have 150 amp ... A: Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. You can run a couple of circuits from one panel to ...
2 A/C (220V) on one 2-pole breaker?	6/7/2006
Q: Rick: Can 2 Air Conditioners (both are 220V, 15A in heat mode, 4A in cool mode) be on one 2-pole ... A: Perhaps the reason the older models did not trip the breaker was due to the units not coming on at ...
main load center location	6/7/2006
Q: I wish to replace and old Zinsco main breaker panel in my cabin. Panel heighth is a problem, as the ... A: There is no minimum height requirement in the NEC. Having the panel 6" off the floor seems to be a ...
New Sub-panel	6/5/2006
Q: I have a pole barn that I would like to run electric to. It is around 260 feet from my house. I ... A: #1 copper would work good for you. You could probably even go 1 size smaller, if you wanted to. ...
20 amp circuit	6/4/2006
Q: I have a 20 amp circuit that feeds 4 outlets in my kichen.The circuit tripped out the other day when ... A: If you can identify the cable between the last 2 outlets, then clear them from everything else. ...
Subpanel Install	6/4/2006
Q: When my house was first built, the electrician added a disconnect switch at the rear of the home ... A: #1: If this is a house, there is no restriction for height, except a maximum, which is around 6 ...
using 12/3 for 2 GFCI runs	6/3/2006
Q: I ran a 100' length of 12/3 through a conduit to a patio in my backyard. My goal is to have a ... A: The gfci breaker(s) are doing just what they are made to do, that is, detect an unbalance between ...
Odd voltage reading	6/3/2006
Q: Rick, Nothing worked when plugged into a receptacle in our bedroom. I disconnected the receptacle ... A: Yeah, it sounds like you have a bad connection somewhere ahead of this outlet. Finding it could be ...
Double Bonding	6/1/2006
Q: What is "double bonding" I have heard the term in connection tying grounds and nuetrals on the same ... A: I haven't heard the term double bonding. The code requires this marriage of neutrals and grounds in ...
Mr Miell, Thanks for reviewing...	6/1/2006
Q: Mr Miell, Thanks for reviewing my question. Your help is appreciated. I live in a two stotry new ... A: I don't think I will be able to help. You should call in a licensed electrician to check this out. ...
Converting switched outlet to on full-time; using switch for overhead lights	5/31/2006
Q: I previously had a switched outlet in one of my bedrooms and there was no overhead light. My goal is ... A: The only thing I can think of is that this cable feeding the outlet might come from some other ...
Wolf 36" Elec. Cooktop connection	5/29/2006
Q: I am installing a 36" Wolf Electric cooktop (9.4kw)in a new home. I have oversized 3 wire 8 ga. ... A: It sounds like you have the right connections. It is not unusual for the neutral wire of the feeder ...
smoke detectors going off	5/26/2006
Q: Rick, I saw the past question about smoke detectors going off for no reason and your response. If ... A: The only thing I can think of is that there might be dust in one (or more) of the units, which, ...
new wall oven	5/25/2006
Q: I'm remodeling my kitchen and just received my new wall oven. looking at the wiring I saw that