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

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About Master Bob
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
Master Electrician / Owner RKO Electric (USA Only) - can answer most of the typical residential, commercial and industrial electrical questions regarding new installations, wiring additions, lighting, switches and receptacle outlets and electrical upgrades of any nature.I will make every effort to respond to your questions as soon as possible at the end of the work day...very busy electrical company - your patience is appreciated. Stop by and see us at: www.rkoelectric.com

Experience
Licensed Master Electrician with over 32 years licensed experience - updated with the latest NEC Codes every 3 years. Over see the daily electrical operations of two electrical companies. Also serve as a judge (for Electrical Contracting Products Magazine) to help select which new products are fit and safe for electricians and the electrical market.

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Questions Answered By Expert Master Bob
In Category Electrical Wiring in the Home

Subject	Date Asked

AFIC breakers trip once a week	11/1/2009
Q: I recently purchased a home with aluminum wiring and am replacing it with copper. For the second ... A: I joined a very LARGE group of fellow Master's who were not impressed with the Code adopting AFCI's ...
30amp vs. 50 amp	9/1/2009
Q: We are replacing our built in electric oven and when we went to plug the new one in, we noticed the ... A: Just getting in....working some long hours...multiple large electrical jobs going on right now.. ...
installing power to a mini split air conditioner	7/12/2009
Q: Im glad people like you are around for the do it yourselfers. I am installing a ductless mini split ... A: Happy to be able to help out the D-I-Y's....just have such limited time to do so....own/operate a ...
replace outlet	7/1/2009
Q: I'm replacing outlet and the white wire keeps breaking when I "curl" it around new receptacle - it ... A: Just getting back in - been one busy summer electrical season (so far)...sure hope it continues. ...
transformer box	6/30/2009
Q: I recently had a digital cable tv receiver box hooked up; the receiver itself isn't hot but the ... A: Just getting in - been one busy summer electrical season so far...just hope it lasts. ...
Installing a new electrical outlet off an existing one	6/23/2009
Q: I am installing a new electrical outlet in an adjacent room off the kitchen. The new outlet is ... A: Whether you can tie into the nearby existing circuit or not depends on a couple factors 1). is the ...
Change a double outlet to accomodate new appliance.	6/2/2009
Q: I had an over the stove microwave/non vented fan that simply mounted under the cabinet and then ... A: Just getting back in...been one busy electrical season for an economic recession. There are two ...
Is my cable in-wall rated?	6/1/2009
Q: I noticed you answered a similar question a few years ago at ... A: Just getting back in...been one busy electrical season for an economic recession. Based on the ...
tripping a GCFI outlet	5/18/2009
Q: I have a GCFI outlet in my garage which has a freezer plugged into it. Noticed the food was thawed ... A: Good Morning Kris, Your question touches on a subject that has been highly debated in the ...
Pigtailing wires at outlet	5/2/2009
Q: If you have a situation where you are replacing an outlet and you have, lets say three neutral wires ... A: From reviewing your sketch and written analysis....yes - you should be all set with the way you ...
no power after any device plugged in	3/3/2009
Q: I have a problem that has me stumped. I have a Square D panel where I have a 120v wall plug that ... A: Your readings you are getting at that one wall box can indicate a possible bad neutral connection, ...
Garage wiring questions	2/16/2009
Q: I have 2 existing flourescent light fixtures that have been tied into this light fixture in the ... A: Based on the picture...and your description...it sounds like you should be able delete this single ...
space heater on a 15 amp circuit	1/4/2009
Q: Bob, We have a room downstairs we need to use a space heater for (not worth it to switch to a dual ... A: Based on your description....with a 1500 watt heater...you are simply too close to 80% maximum load ...
Wiring a ceiling light	1/3/2009
Q: I am replacing a single bulb ceiling light in my hallway with a double bulb light. I read the ... A: Sorry for any delay - just getting back in from visiting family over the Holidays...because the trip ...
Electical Stove	1/2/2009
Q: The wall outlet is a 3 wire electrical outlet. The new stove is a 4 wire. Is there some kind of an ... A: Sorry for any delay - just getting back in from visiting family over the Holidays...because the trip ...
Electrician Certification	1/1/2009
Q: I have a Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering. Does my engineering degree allow me to act as ... A: Sorry for any delay....been away visiting family for the Holidays. Where our trip was last minute - ...
Lost Power to Half of House	12/14/2008
Q: I just bought a 12Amp vaccum and plugged it into a GFCI outlet in my bathroom. After 15 minutes of ... A: Based on your description...there could be several possible causes...a loose main service ...
sconce wiring	12/3/2008
Q: I am converting a hard wired smoke detector to a pair of sconces, either side of a door way. Power ... A: Good morning Allan, Not being to see what you have in front of you makes this a tricky question ...
service upgrade	12/2/2008
Q: I have the circuit breaker box and all the breakers what else do I need ? do I need to change the ... A: Good Morning Jeremy, Sorry for any delay - we've been straight out on a project in a remote area ...
GFI	12/1/2008
Q: I have a GFI in my garage that is tied to just about all of my outside plugs. The least amount of ... A: Good Morning Peter, Sorry for any delay - I've been away working on a large job outside the area ...
does this light fixture installation pose a fire hazard?	11/24/2008
Q: my condo association just installed new light fixtures outside my home. take a look at this hack ... A: Good Morning Nalefyes, Looking at the image - yep - clearly a hack job. When a fixture (or any ...
fuses blowing	11/23/2008
Q: I have been living in an old house for the past 5 years. It is a very small house, so the washer ... A: Good Morning Erin, Just getting back into my office - saw your email. Based on your ...
3way 4way	11/11/2008
Q: I have one light fixture controlled by 3 switches. The middle switch also controls a small wall fan. ... A: First change I've had to log-in...in reviewing your description - it is certainly clear you did not ...
Remote Control Dimmer Modifcation for CFLs	11/10/2008
Q: Do you have any idea how I can modify the light dimming feature on a Hampton Bay Wireless Ceiling ... A: Good Morning Bennet, First chance I've had to log-in to answer your question - we've been ...
GFI	11/3/2008
Q: Hey Bob, I am installing a GFI outlet and a double switch light and fan switch in my bathroom. ... A: Good Morning Scottie, Based on your description...you've run into a situation that demonstrates ...
double switch with timer	10/26/2008
Q: Is there such a thing as a double switch with one of the switches as a mechanical timer switch. I ... A: Good Morning Mark, To the best of my knowledge...I have never seen a double switch combo with ...
wiring a welder	9/28/2008
Q: trying to install plug on welder (220). welder has a black a green and a white wire. 3 prong plug ... A: Good morning Jason, Based on your description...it sounds like you are describing a NEMA 6-20P ( ...
3 way switch??	9/15/2008
Q: Bob, Mistake with wiring. I need to install a 3 way switch for a ceiling fan in a log cabin. ... A: Just getting back in....saw your question in my in-box. Based on your description....the wiring ...
sub panel	8/2/2008
Q: I have a dedicated line running from my main 100 amp fuse box to power a electrical stove. The stove ... A: Good Morning Tim, Sorry for any delay - have been out of the area working 6-12's...just getting ...
GFI	7/1/2008
Q: Master Bob, I installed a GFCI outlet in my bathroom (which is off the master bedroom) - tapped off ... A: Good Morning Joe, Based on your description...and using only the written word - it appears ...
splicing nmwu multistrand cable	6/1/2008
Q: I'm trying to reattach a run of 3 conducter, 7 strand nmwu cable (in the basement on the way out to ... A: Good Morning Jason, Based on your description...this is cable suitable for underground and ...
Two power sources in one box	5/25/2008
Q: I want to install a three gang box in a new bathroom. One switch for the lights, one switch for the ... A: Per your description...yes, you can bring the 2 circuits into the one 3 gang box. Especially where ...
wiring electronic balast	5/18/2008
Q: How do you change out two ballast that control four tubes, replacing it with one ballast to control ... A: Most ballasts have a connection diagram right on the front label...and if you replaced the 2 former ...
adding wiring in a basement	5/1/2008
Q: Bob, I am adding a bathroom in my basement. The basement was finished professionally by the previous ... A: Good Morning Matt, Just getting back in to the office.... Based on your description...yes - it ...
wiring	3/2/2008
Q: how do i use the preexisting wire to run outlets and switches in my attic?My house is very old and i ... A: Good Morning William, It's never an easy task to fish wire several stories in an older ...
Wiring a chandelier off an existing switch	12/6/2007
Q: I presently have a switch controlled outlet in my room. The switch is a single pole with only one ... A: Just getting in... Based on your description...you have what we call a "switched leg" going to ...
Fan light won't work after replacing bulbs	12/3/2007
Q: My fan light does not work. The ceiling fan has 4 light bulbs controlled by the wall switch. The ... A: Good Morning Glenn, We called it a day here early - getting hit by the season's first ...
240V wiring	10/14/2007
Q: I have a boathouse about 350 feet from my main panel. To reduce line loss and minimize the size of ... A: Good Morning Scott, Based on your description...if I'm following it correctly - it sounds as if ...
Halloween party graveyard decor	10/5/2007
Q: I have only put out Christmas or Halloween lights in the past- with no electrical problems. This ... A: Good Morning Barbara, Always willing to help teach those that are "so willing to learn"....it is ...
electrical question	10/4/2007
Q: i have power to all outlets when i flip the breakers but when i plug anything in nothing comes on ... A: Just getting back in...and saw your email. Based on your description....it sounds like you have ...
Tabel Saw Wiring	10/3/2007
Q: Bob, I just got a new table saw that requires a dedicated 240V circuit. The plug recommended for ... A: Good Morning Graham, Based on your description...if you are quoting the NEMA spec ...
ceiling fan	10/2/2007
Q: My brother in law asked me to look at his ceiling fan as the motor was turning very slow. He ... A: Good Morning Jeff, Sorry for an delay - must be the week for motor problems...the cooling fan in ...
GFI Breaker	10/1/2007
Q: I'm installing a hot tub at my home, and it is recommended that I use a 60 amp GFI. I would like to ... A: Good Morning Tom, Decades ago...even up to a few years ago - we used to be able to interchange ...
ceiling fan trips the gfci braker	9/29/2007
Q: Just moved into a new condo and when installing a ceiling fan with light in the master bedroom the ... A: Based on your description...I doubt there was ever anything wrong with either of the 2 fans you ...
bathroom wiring	9/28/2007
Q: I am in a 1900 victorian home. trying to add a bathroom fan controled witht the light switch. when i ... A: Good Morning Buddy, Based on your description...it sounds like you may have connected the fan in ...
Circuit Breaker	9/27/2007
Q: I have a circuit breaker that carries Treadmill, Computer, TV, and A/C - We don't use all of the ... A: Good morning Rob, Based on your description...there are several possibilites for this ...
Bonding jetted tub	9/27/2007
Q: I am installing a jetted tub and I am confused about the bonding requirement. There is a plastic ... A: Based on your description...I agree - the instructions that came with your tub are not that clear. ...
Adding new outlets	9/27/2007
Q: Okay, need to add an outlet to second floor bathroom. It will be 20amp GFCI on 12/2, I have space in ... A: Good Morning Cyberwork, Based on your description of the layout of this home...it does sound like ...
Exhaust fan in bathroom	9/26/2007
Q: I'm in the middle of replacing an old exhaust fan that the fan was not working anymore. I pulled ... A: Never did get an email notification for your question (happens from time to time with this ...
electrical wiring to shed	9/25/2007
Q: I have a 12x16 shed i just constructed and want to run electrical service to it. the shed is 80 feet ... A: Good Morning Clint, Based on your description....you may first have to start by installing a ...
understanding the main panel and phase	9/24/2007
Q: I have a new house. 200 amp service. The usual 2 hots and 1 neutral come from the elec co. Are the ... A: Good Morning Cliff, Understanding how electricity is generated and distributed...and the ...
Totally Puzzled	9/23/2007
Q: Pulled a 12/3 w/ground NM into 200 amp panel box to connect to a 20 amp 2 pole. Main breaker and ... A: Good Morning Fred, Good question...based on your description - I'm also puzzled how that would ...
ID Open in a circuit	9/22/2007
Q: I recently purchased a house for my daughter to live in while in college. I have a bunch of lights ... A: Good Morning Laurie, Based on your description...yes - it does sound like you may have an open in ...
exterior motion sensor light	9/21/2007
Q: I have a exterior motion sensor light on one corner of my house that stays on almost constantly ... A: Based on your description...it's possible the electronics in the sensing circuit for that light may ...
Subpanel questions	9/20/2007
Q: I am installing a subpanel in my garage and several questions have arisen. I have pulled 4 #6 AWG ... A: Good Morning Van, Wow...that was one long set of questions...but well laid out. Based on your ...
Undergound service	9/19/2007
Q: I need to run 330 ft for a 100 amp service. Due to the distance what size wire would be adequate? A: Good Morning Larry, Based on your description....only your local electrical provider can directly ...
2, 3 way switches in 1 box	9/17/2007
Q: I am having some trouble rewiring a box after I did some minor renovating. I had to rebuild the RO ... A: Good Morning Tyler, Based on your description...and based on the dozens of possible combinations ...
oven wiring change	9/16/2007
Q: I'm replacing a microwave/wall oven combo unit with a separate wall oven and separate microwave, ... A: Good Morning Tim, Based on your description...clearly the new equipment and the old supply wiring ...
Wiring a Welder to fit a dryer outlet	9/16/2007
Q: I bought a 230v welder and wanted to change the plug on the end of the cord to fit my 3 prong dryer ... A: Good Morning John, Although using a 30 amp dryer outlet (or a higher rated 50 amp stove/oven ...
240V in North America	9/15/2007
Q: I have a number of electronic devices (plasma TV, powered sub-woofer, LASER printer) that I ... A: You are correct in stating that the power in Hong Kong is 240 volt...with the difference being it is ...
Outlet Trouble	9/15/2007
Q: I have an outlet in my dining room that all of sudden doesn't want to stay working right and when ... A: Good Morning Kristy, Based on your description...you clearly have a problem with the connections ...
staples for pressure treated lumber	9/14/2007
Q: I'm wiring an RV cover / camping shelter. My plan was to use UF cable from the panel to the outlets ... A: Typically - when we are mounting UF cable on wood outside - we use the 1/2" plastic 2 nail straps ...
installing new fan	9/14/2007
Q: okay, my husband is installing a new fan for us - we have a double switch plate, one switch turns on ... A: Based on your description...you've run into a common color code scenario we see fairly often with ...
Replacing an intermediate	9/13/2007
Q: I want to light a bulb from 3 different places without an intermediate switch. A: Good Morning Adrian, If I'm reading your question correctly - you wish to have a light fixture ...
main to spa subpanel	9/13/2007
Q: I have a double 60amp breakerin the main feeding spa subpanel with #6 underground at 60 ft.. In the ... A: Based on your description of the loads you plan to add to this sub-panel...and the fact that these ...
Outdoor outlets...	9/12/2007
Q: I have a 2 1/2 yr old modular house in Central New York. It is on a full concrete basement. The ... A: Sorry for any delay...we got back from our vacation a few days later then planned...still trying to ...
gas range/dishwasher	9/11/2007
Q: We're putting a dishwasher in an old 1920's Bungalow and was wondering if we could run both the gas ... A: Sorry for any delay...we got back from our vacation a couple days later then planned...still trying ...
electircal	9/10/2007
Q: I just convert from 100 amp to 200 Amp. Changed the wires up the mast to the panel. Installed new ... A: Good Morning John, Sorry for any delay...we are just settling back in from our vacation..we took ...
Residential Electrical Questions	9/9/2007
Q: Intel: I have 200A panel in detached garage feeding 100A sub-panel in basement of small home. ... A: Good Morning Mark, Just settling back in from vacation today...(we ended up staying 2 days longer ...
Pool heater	8/14/2007
Q: I am installing a pool heater that requires a 220 line. My heater has a black,red, and green ... A: Good Morning John, Based on your description...this is a straight 240 volt heater (most pool ...
20 amp split pole breaker	8/11/2007
Q: I am remodeling a basement. In the panel there is a split pole 20 amp breaker with half servicing ... A: Good Morning Fritz, Sorry for any delay....I had answered this question yesterday...but the web ...
wiring ceiling fan with new power line from box	8/11/2007
Q: I am adding a ceiling fan with lights in 3 bedrooms and an exhaust fan with a light in the bathroom. ... A: Good Morning Lynn, Sorry for any delay..I had answered your question yesterday - but the site ...
wiring a shed	8/10/2007
Q: Bob, I am wiring a shed at my cottage and would like some advice. My plan is to have a switch ... A: Sorry for any delay...been incredibly busy here with electrical work. We have several projects we ...
Ceiling Fan Installation	8/10/2007
Q: I'd like to add a ceiling fan to my master bathroom. It has a vaulted ceiling and a large bubble ... A: Good Morning David, As I'm sure you know - because of the inherent dangers of the electrical ...
Vanity Light fixture	8/9/2007
Q: OK - sounds simple, as any household project starts out to be. I just wanted to replace the lights ... A: Good Morning Brian, Based on your description....you might consider something like a plastic ...
Cooktop Replacement	8/8/2007
Q: I just bought a new Kenmore electric cooktop to replace a 20 year old Kenmore electric cooktop. The ... A: Good Morning Mike, Based on your description....your old cooktop had the standard 2 wire feed ...
old glass fuse 30 amp	8/7/2007
Q: My husband and I are looking at buying our first home. Built in 1950, this house has not had it's ... A: Good Morning Rebecca, Based on your description...you've encountered a typical scenario...an ...
Condensation on wires in light fixture	8/6/2007
Q: Both bulbs had burnt out in a hallway light. After about a week, I went to change them. When I took ... A: Rod, Based on your description...further examination to determine the root cause / source of the ...
new outlets in basement	8/5/2007
Q: I'm finishing my basement and will be adding electrical outlets. I've heard different things from ... A: Good Morning Jim, If you are asking these questions to experienced licensed electricians that are ...
Electrical panel box	8/4/2007
Q: Is it not legal according to code to place an electrical panel box 1 to 2 feet behind a door. I have ... A: Good Morning Alfred, Based on your description of this installation...I'd go with "electrician" ...
No ground wire to connect...	8/3/2007
Q: The living room has no wiring except for the outlets, no lighting what so ever. I installed a ... A: Good Morning Manuel, Based on your description...connecting the ground wire to the metal box will ...
Wiring my ceiling fan	8/1/2007
Q: I am trying to hang a ceiling fan that is hanging from a 14 ft ceiling. We battled through the ... A: Good Morning Jeremy, Sorry for any delay - we've been straight out against the wall here with ...
;Installing new ceiling fan w/o existing ceiling light	7/31/2007
Q: We have a new ceiling fan for our bedroom & there is no existing light fixture at the desired ... A: Sorry for any delay - we are straight out here against the wall with the summer rush for electrical ...
home wiring problem	7/29/2007
Q: While putting a screw into drywall to hang a speaker, the screw hit an electrical wire causing ... A: Good Morning Larry, Just getting back into the office....saw your question in my inbox. Based ...
partially open neutral	7/28/2007
Q: The wires i am having issues with are for the dryer.It is on its own breaker. My circuit tester ... A: Good Morning Don, Based on your description...it sounds like you have a 120 volt dryer (possible ...
Backup generator for hot tub	7/27/2007
Q: I've got a 5KW gas generator and have installed a 10 circuit transfer switch next to my electrical ... A: Sorry for any delay...I did not get an email informing me of your question (happens from time to ...
underground wire to a shop	7/26/2007
Q: I have shop that is about 300 feet from my house that I want to run electricity to. I will have a ... A: Good Morning Jon, Based on your description....you'll need at least a 100 amp sub-panel (200 may ...
Wiring Subpanel in Pole Barn	7/25/2007
Q: Bob- I'm in the planning phase of upgrading the underpowered electrical system in my pole barn which ... A: Based on your description....you are already far ahead of the curve by being in the "planning phase" ...
10 receptical power strip	7/24/2007
Q: I am installing a power strip on the wall of my shop to replace the receptical already in place. I ... A: Good Morning Chadwick, Based on your description, you have a feed-thru 10 receptacle power ...
Temporary power 240-120	7/11/2007
Q: I use temporary power for concert sound reinforcement. Some contracts are very large venues and an ... A: Good Morning Dean, I see there is some kind of bug in the allexperts.com program ...I'm supposed ...
Sub-Panel Questions	7/10/2007
Q: Master Bob: 1. Because the sub-panel had to be relocated, several of the branch circuits had to be ... A: Good Morning Bob, I see there is some kind of bug in the allexperts.com program ...I'm supposed ...
outlets and light stopped working	7/1/2007
Q: 6 outlets in our kitchen, the vent hood, and a light in the hallway stopped working since we moved ... A: Good Morning Emilie, Based on your description....this circuit has more then likely developed a ...
Dishwasher/Dryer/Washer Circuits	6/24/2007
Q: Trying to place a GFCI on the washer/dryer outlet. Needed to switch off 2 circuits breakers to kill ... A: Sorry for any delay - had last minute work come in down on the coast (and still more to do there) - ...
outlet wiring for garbage disposal	6/23/2007
Q: My question is how is the outlet that the garbage disposal is plugged into supposed to be wired. I ... A: Sorry for any delay - we made a last minute trip downstate for the weekend - didn't have time to ...
gyproc screw in wire	6/22/2007
Q: just renovated a starecase,wires were running in wall,some wires were old enough to have the hot and ... A: Good Morning Benoit, Based on your description....this is an older home ....it appears you found ...
Running a Basement Subpanel	6/21/2007
Q: I have an unused 3-wire #6 cable (2 black and 1 ground) that I want to use for a new sub panel ... A: Good Morning Christopher, Based on your description...the #6 wire you have will NOT be suitable ...
30 amp service to my shed	6/20/2007
Q: Master Bob; I have a park model trailer that used to have 30 amp service. Recently the service was ... A: Good Morning John, Based on your description - you pretty much answered your own ...
BONDING OF A ABOVE GROUND POOL	6/11/2007
Q: OUR OLD POOL HAD A GROUND WIRE ATTACHED AT THE BASE AND THAT WIRE RAN UNDER GROUND.. TO WHERE?????? ... A: Article 680 of the NEC covers the rules for all pool systems and nearby equipment, devices, etc. The ...
electrical outlets work light switches don't.	6/10/2007
Q: So my brother was working on my moms old little house. (You have to forgive me for my lack of ... A: Good Morning Pat, Based on your description...it sounds like your brother may have accidentally ...
Amps in receptable	5/28/2007
Q: I want to buy a window a/c unit, but don't know how to find the amps in a wall receptable. Thanks. A: The amperage available at any wall receptacle depends on the size of the circuit wiring and ...
Connecting two ceiling fans & four switches	5/27/2007
Q: We have a patio with two existing ceiling fans. Both fans can be turned on or off by four wall ... A: Lauderdale, Based on your description (ie. 4 switches controlling 2 fans)...it does sound like ...
floodlight wiring	5/26/2007
Q: Am going to install floodlights outside, running cable from box to outside, via a barn to also have ... A: It appears - where you are talking in terms of "meters"...that this question is coming from outside ...
Field generator	5/25/2007
Q: Presently I am working on a single phase generator and found that its neutral is not grounded. On ... A: Based on your description...it appears this question may be more commercial/industrial based - which ...
ceiling fan	5/24/2007
Q: Fan works, but lights do not work. I checked all wiring which appears to be okay. Checked pull chain ... A: I went back thru my questions to try to find the original question and answer...it appears it was ...
Electrical Outlets	5/23/2007
Q: I have a room with four electrical outlets that are connected. Three of the outlets give me a ... A: Based on your description...can I take it you are using one of the "plug-in" style testers that has ...
Electrical Short/Breaker Problem	5/22/2007
Q: Having a problem in the bathroom, the bathroom went dark this morning, you turn on the switch and ... A: Good Morning Scott, Sorry for any delay - just recovering from a 4 week battle with pneumonia ...
Wiring a outdoor load center	5/21/2007
Q: I want to put in an outdoor load center, a 100 amp or less. From that load center, I will run a 1 ... A: Good Morning Bill, Based on your load descriptions...I'd recommend going with a 50 or 60 amp for ...
ceiling fan does not work	4/30/2007
Q: My breaker tripped recently. After turning the breaker back on, I noticed the ceiling fan did not ... A: Just getting back online from vacation mode (actually we returned from Florida a few weeks ...
outlet box covers	4/17/2007
Q: We are installing a screen porch which has no walls, just boxed in studs. I have roughed in the ... A: Sorry for any delay....we just got back from our two week Orlando vacation a few days ago...and I've ...
wiring receptacle	4/16/2007
Q: I changed a receptacle in my bed room and now the switch for the fan light does not work. The ... A: Sorry for any delay....we just got back from our two week Orlando vacation a few days ago...and I've ...
CHANGING 3 PRONG PLUG TO 4 PRONG	3/22/2007
Q: I HAVE A 3 PRONG PLUG ON MY DRYER, BUT MY NEW HOME HAS A GROUNDED 4 PRONG PLUG. I HAVE BOUGHT A 4 ... A: Good Morning Chris, Based on your description...your new home is in compliance with Code...which ...
Delta Table Saw Motor Rewiring	3/21/2007
Q: Greetings from Tigard, Oregon. My question is this. I have a Delta model #36-678 Table Saw and I ... A: And greeting back from Bangor, Maine. In order to get more detail for this motor...I went to the ...
wall switch timer	3/20/2007
Q: I recently bought a wall switch timer for my outside lights and front patio lights. Now there are ... A: Good Morning Prashil, Based on your description...installing this timer switch in a double switch ...
popping sound after turning on light switch	3/19/2007
Q: Master Bob. I was wondering why I hear a popping sound after I turn on 2 of the light switches in my ... A: Just getting my first chance to log in for today...been pretty straight out here with electrical ...
Service ampacity & 4-pole breaker?	3/18/2007
Q: My question is really in two parts (if I'm wrong about the first, I'm DEFINITELY wrong about the ... A: Based on your description...I'll need to make some clarifications. A double pole breaker is ...
Breaker Box	3/18/2007
Q: I have a 60amp main breaker in my box. Which is located in the middle of the box! All the double ... A: Running a bit behind....we had a major flood (in our basement) from a bad late winter storm here ...
220v air compressor	3/17/2007
Q: I recently purchased a 220v ingersoll rand air compressor and and am trying to connect it to my ... A: Good Morning Tom, Sorry for any delay....we got hammered by a bad late winter storm yesterday ...
discontinued breaker	3/16/2007
Q: Bob, I have to add a subpanel but the problem is I have an 25 y/o Main from ITE Imperial and can't ... A: Good Morning Matt, Thanks for the kinds words....sorry I was not able to get back to you as fast ...
discontinued breaker	3/16/2007
Q: Bob, I have to add a subpanel but the problem is I have an 25 y/o Main from ITE Imperial and can't ... A: After over 3 decades in this field...I know the problem of finding compatible breakers for older ...
Using house ground for portable generator	3/15/2007
Q: Sir, During a power outage I would like to connect a generator to my house using a manual transfer ... A: Based on your description...No - you should not share the ground system that grounds your normal ...
light swith becomes hot	3/13/2007
Q: I have a dimmer switch on a 12-bulb chandelier. The switch box cover becomes hot to touch when the ... A: Good Morning Mike, Based on your description...you may be stressing the wattage limitations of ...
home electrical issue	3/12/2007
Q: A lightbulb in a ceiling fixture will rapidly flash on and off when the switch is flipped on. When ... A: Just getting in for the day.... Based on your description...there could be several possible ...
2 switches to one light	3/11/2007
Q: my wife wanted to add a light switch at the bottom of stairs,there was one at the top so ran a new ... A: Good Morning Timothy, Based on your description...you are trying to add two new 3-way switches ...
Saw won't run	3/10/2007
Q: I feed my workshop off a subpanel fed off a 6o amp breaker in the house panel. Wiring is ... A: Good Morning Darrell, It's hard to be certain without more detailed testing....but based on your ...
wiring electric fan heater	3/9/2007
Q: Putting in 3 separate 2000W/240V wall heaters in basement rec room. (New construction floor level). ... A: Good Morning Lance, Based on your description of the spec's...these are 8.3 amp wall heaters ...
replacing power cord on dryer	3/8/2007
Q: I have a Maytag Neptune with a 3 wire power cord and need to change to a 4 wire. How do I identify ... A: Good Morning Ken, Based on your description...you are upgrading this Maytag dryer to the now ...
Question about 240 volt outlet	3/7/2007
Q: I just moved into a house, and my 240 volt electric dryer runs but does not heat. I've read around ... A: Good Morning Jerrad, Based on your description and readings...you have clearly lost one leg out ...
400A SERVICE	3/6/2007
Q: CAN THE CONTRACTOR DIVIDE THE AMPS AND INSTALL SMALLER WIRES TO A 400 AMP SINGLE PHASE 120 /240 ... A: Good Morning Saul, Based on your description...for a 400 amp service you would need either 400 ...
weird connection after replacing a switch	3/5/2007
Q: I replaced a switch that was controlling one light and one fan. After replacement, now the other ... A: Just getting in for the day... Based on your description...and without being able to see the ...
Dimmer	3/4/2007
Q: I want to replace a switch with a dimmer. Problem, the switch appears to be a 3-way but instead of ... A: Good Morning John, Based on your description...yes - your question makes perfect sense - I'm not ...
Treadmill Power Requirements	3/3/2007
Q: I would like to keep a commercial treadmill in my home, and am concerned about the power ... A: Good Morning Shawn, Although your 20 amp circuit should be able to handle the two loads - if the ...
Wiring outlets	3/2/2007
Q: There is a 20 amp breaker in my box that is wired to just one outlet using 12 gauge wire. I just ... A: Good Morning Dan, Based on your description....you have two choices: Either leave the 20 amp ...
Dimming lights	3/1/2007
Q: Each time my 5-ton Trane AC/heater combo unit kicks on in the summer I get short term dimming on ... A: Good Morning Dan, Where a picture can help tell a thousand stories...I went to your photo ...
combo ceiling fan and light	2/28/2007
Q: Fan works, light stopped working. As far as I can tell, all connections are tight. What should I do? ... A: Just getting in....another long day here. Based on the short description...you didn't give me ...
HOME TANNING BED	2/27/2007
Q: THE ROOM I WANT TO PUT MY TANNING BED IN IS WIRED WITH 14 GAGE WIRE AND A 15 AMP BREAKER. THE BED ... A: Good Morning Johnny, Based on your description....Yes - you will need to run some #12 wire from a ...
Combination Switch	2/26/2007
Q: I currently have an outlet down inside a cabinet, I'm wanting to remove that and replace it with a ... A: Good Morning Phil, Based on your description...it sounds like you may have one of the wires on ...
how to bid work	2/25/2007
Q: how about some guidelines to bid effectively. house is a new build. approx 3000 sq ft. 75 outlets 35 ... A: Good Morning James, I wish there really was an easy way to bid residential work effectively and ...
30 amp dryer plug	2/24/2007
Q: i just bought a electric dryer.. it has a 30amp plug with the L shape.. when i brought it home i ... A: If this is a new dryer...by 2005 Code it must have a 4 wire 4 prong NEMA 14-30P plug on the cord. In ...
Power Adapter for Scanner - Specs OK?	2/23/2007
Q: I bought a scanner but need a power adapter for it. The back of the scanner says DC 24V 1.1A. On ... A: Good Morning Usuff, Based on those adapter output descriptions....and the power draw specs for ...
House Wiring Issue?	2/22/2007
Q: I have a situation that is puzzling. In my basement, I noticed that the laundry room light is dim ... A: Just getting in....been ultra busy this week - first chance I've had to log-on. Based on your ...
commercial elect.	2/21/2007
Q: Haven't been able to locate the answer in the code book. I know you can run low and high voltage ... A: Good Morning Giles, Based on your description...you may have passed by Article 300 too quickly - ...
3 way dimmer	2/20/2007
Q: I am putting in recessed lights in a family room of a home we are building and the builder will not ... A: Good Morning Mike, Based on your description....there are clearly two possible reasons why the ...
by passing a push button switch fluoresent	2/19/2007
Q: My fluorescent light has push button hold switch and a wall switch, I wanted to eliminate the ... A: Good Morning Todd, Based on your description...it may be possible..unless this fixture uses a ...
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: Based on your description....I'm a little confused....why isn't the electrical sub that's doing the ...
Diff. circuits in same box?	2/16/2007
Q: I am helping someone wire a finished basement in NJ. By code, are you allowed to put two different ... A: Good Morning Jim, Yes...it is Code permissable to have more then one circuit in a box - as long ...
upgrading for sub-panel	2/15/2007
Q: !! I think that running a #4/3 with ground copper can be done as you suggest. I believe I can run ... A: ...glad I could help out. When you run a secondary panel (referred to as a sub) from the ...
circuit breaker load	2/14/2007
Q: I'm installing electric baseboard heat and need to know the max load a double pole 20amp breaker can ... A: Good Morning Dennis, Breaker size versus amperage load is usually recommended no more then 80% - ...
installing a subpanel	2/13/2007
Q: Is it possible to use a #6/3 AL wire that formerly provided power to my electric range to now supply ... A: Good Morning Joe, Based on your description of what you have for materials...No - you can not use ...
AA-8000 aluminum wire	2/12/2007
Q: My house was built in '74. I'm weighing the issue of replacing my upstairs aluminum wire, which is ... A: Before I even begin to answer....I must tell you that I am very anti-aluminum - especially when it ...
"different" wall outlet	2/11/2007
Q: I live in an older home (built in 1979) - there are a handful of wall outlets that are different ... A: Good Morning Daryl, Based on your physical description....it sounds like you may be describing ...
GFI	2/10/2007
Q: The GFI in our garage keeps tripping On that circuit there are 2 outlets(refrigerator/freezer) in ... A: Good Morning Vicky, Based on your description...you've touched on a subject we see a lot of ...
240 vOLT air comp wiring	2/9/2007
Q: Can I connect strait to the fuse box if so i know that the blk wire connects to the hot and the ... A: Based on your description....if this question is from the USA...you have me confused. 240 volt ...
recessed lighting ic housings	2/6/2007
Q: what is the PHYSICAL difference between ic and non ic housings? I know when and where to use ... A: Good Morning Ian, Good question...I also had the same question decades ago when I first compared ...
water leaked into lighting	2/5/2007
Q: I had a small flood in my bathroom on the second floor of my home. The water leaked into the first ... A: Based on your description....it is possible that this chandelier may have suffered some minor water ...
120v Remote/Receptacle Switch	2/4/2007
Q: My dad would never use anything that was not UL approved. I recently purchase three, two-component ... A: Good Morning Joel, Based on your description...your Dad and mine have that in common...my Father ...
CAUTION!!!	2/2/2007
Q: MY UNCLE IS ELECTIRCAL INGENEER FOR SOMEWERE AT SOUTH AMERICA,I 'M APPRENTECE ELECTRICIAL HERE IN ... A: I fully understand your concern for your Uncle's safety....clearly there is a serious potential of ...
re wiring a home	2/1/2007
Q: .. A: Good Morning Tina, The costs for re-wiring a home vary more then the price of gas lately...will ...
Existing non-grounded circuits in older home	1/31/2007
Q: I am selling my house and the buyers are insisting that I need to pay to upgrade all non-gounded ... A: Sorry for any delay....been working some LONG hours down-state....computer time has been very ...
motion lighting	1/30/2007
Q: I have 4 lights in front of my house, all 4 are controlled by two different switches, 1 in the ... A: Good Morning Terry, Sorry for any delay....been working down-state...just getting back in. ...
GFI installation	1/29/2007
Q: Master Bob, Recently the GFI that powered the outlet to my refrigerator tripped. I reset it only ... A: Based on your description...you've touched on the reason why Code permits fixed appliances ...
Recessed Lighting	1/27/2007
Q: Can you advise tips on distance from outside walls of rooms to install recessed can ceiling lights. ... A: Good Morning Sandy, There is no exact formula that applies to every situation....the count and ...
two single pole switches	1/25/2007
Q: I want to add a receptacle after two single pole switches. This receptacle will be the end of run. ... A: Good Morning Patrick, Based on your description....how (and if) you'll be able to accomplish ...
100 amp to 200	1/24/2007
Q: i just bought a modular home and it has a 100 amp breaker box inside i need to install a combo meter ... A: Good Morning John, Based on your description....if you are trying to find a 100 Amp meter/panel ...
Replacing old thermostat; can't figure out wiring	1/23/2007
Q: I want to replace the existing manual thermostat in our apartment with a programmable unit. We have ... A: Based on your description.....your original thermostat (the Honeywell model # T6575D1009) and the ...
wiring a replacement thermostat	1/21/2007
Q: I wish to replace my current non programable thermostat with a slitely used Honeywell programmable ... A: Based on your description...and without exact model numbers of both thermostats (as well as what the ...
Dryer Wiring	1/20/2007
Q: I am slowly remodeling an old farmhouse. As i tackle each room I make sure everything is up to code. ... A: Good Morning John, Congrats on your efforts to bring this old farmhouse up to Code...it will not ...
Is our house normal?	1/19/2007
Q: Master Bob, I am confused. The outlets in my office (1 wall) and in closet next to the office went ... A: Based on your description...I wouldn't go calling ghostbusters just yet. There are several ways a ...
4way wiring in family room	1/18/2007
Q: Sir: I am 4 way wiring the switches in a new family room ( so you can operate lights from all entry ... A: Good Morning Mark, Based on your description of symptoms...it sounds like you have a traveller ...
Single pole and grounded outlet wiring	1/15/2007
Q: Master Bob, I have installed a single pole grounded outlet combo and I want to control the outlet in ... A: Sorry for any delay...Tammy's father got rushed to the hospital Sunday night for emergency heart ...
Wiring through attic in mobile home.	1/14/2007
Q: I have a mobile home with about a 6" attic space. I need to run a wire about 10' to a hole in the ... A: Good Morning Joe, Based on your description....fishing wire in this space may be a little ...
Ceiling lighting	1/13/2007
Q: You've been of great help in the past so I thought I would hit you up once more. I'm in the ... A: Good Morning Bob, Glad I was able to be of help in the past...but out of the almost 2,000 ...
short to ground	1/12/2007
Q: With a multimeter, how do I check for short to ground? A: Good Morning Jennifer, Most of today's multimeters have a digital display - but the procedure is ...
replacing d.r. hanging light fixture.	1/11/2007
Q: Master Bob, I am replacing the hanging light fixture in the dining room of our late 1920's home. ... A: Good Morning David, Based on your description...this 80+ yr. old home still has the original ...
recessed lighting	1/10/2007
Q: Bob Thanks for all the help with the recessed lighting, I contacted a local supplier and they re ... A: ...glad I was able to be of some help....and I'm sure your local salesman will be able to assist you ...
recessed lighting	1/9/2007
Q: Bob I am refinishing my basement and installing recessed lighting. I am installing 4" Halo new ... A: Good Morning Brandon, Based on your description...you may need to do some lumen and candlepower ...
Replacing switch with switch/outlet combo	1/8/2007
Q: I have an existing switch controling an overhead light. The power comes in through the light ... A: Good Morning "Somebody", Based on the wiring description...you will not be able to use the ...
Replacing a Ceiling Fan with a Regular Light Fixture	1/7/2007
Q: Sir, I have nearly the same problem as in a previous blog. I wanted to replace a ceiling fan with ... A: Good Morning Mike, Not sure which previous answer you refer to ....I get a lot of similar ...
Baseboard Heating problem	1/5/2007
Q: I went to a single family home recently to check out a heating problem with the baseboards. The ... A: Good Morning Todd, Based on your description...this homeowners system doesn't sound too ...
Thermostat	1/4/2007
Q: I am hoping to install an in-wall electric heater,120v. The unit has a black(hot), a white ... A: Based on your description of the single pole thermostat and 120 volt heater..(where this sounds like ...
Short switch wires	1/3/2007
Q: In Bathroom I am putting new exhaust fan, light, heater.This is an addition put on 30 years ago, no ... A: Good Morning Bob, Based on your description...there may be a couple possible ...
Spurious voltages and confusing wiring	1/1/2007
Q: I'm replacing the ceiling fixture in my dining room and want to make sure I understand the existing ... A: Good Morning Ralph, You've clearly made some in depth observations before changing out this ...
why does my recessed light turn out?	12/31/2006
Q: we have a pair of recessed lights in our kitchen (they take mid-wattage flood lights), and one of ... A: Good Morning Gabriel, Thanks for the kind words...always glad to try to help and be able to give ...
lighting fixture	12/30/2006
Q: I am trying to install a vanity light in my bathroom. The electrical box has 3 sets of wires in the ... A: Good Morning Raul, Based on your description....it sounds like you may possibly have a 12/2 ...
Hot/ground reversed and 3-way switch	12/29/2006
Q: While I was troubleshooting a hot ground reversed problem, I noticed that the three way switch when ... A: Good Morning Mike, Taking a break from year-end paperwork ....saw your e-mail. Based on your ...
Outside electrical outlets not working	12/27/2006
Q: I read a prior post on this question, and your diagnosis was to hit the reset button on the GFCI ... A: Good Mornin Steve, Based on your description..it appears you are referring to my recent answer ...
dimmer and three lights	12/23/2006
Q: I connected the dimmer and for some reason the lights only light up a small amount. any ideas. I ... A: Good Morning Tony, Sorry for any delay....I had marked myself as "away" on Holiday ...
wiring 2 lights with switch at end of run	12/22/2006
Q: I'm wiring 2 ceiling lights in a hall - looking at it from left to right, the power comes down the ... A: Good Morning Russell, Sorry for any delay....I had marked myself as "away" on Holiday ...
outlets not working	12/20/2006
Q: Several weeks ago I plugged the hair dryer in the bathroom and it didn't work. None of the outlets ... A: Good Morning Stephanie, Based on your description....this started out sounding like a tripped ...
arc faullt circuit breaker	12/18/2006
Q: i have recently installed an addition to my house making it a apartmant. I have one arc fault ... A: Good Morning Shane, Based on your description...there may be several reasons for this arc fault ...
Circuit Breaker Replacement	12/14/2006
Q: I need to replace a 60A THQL 1-inch module in my GE PowerMark Gold load center with a 1/2-inch ... A: Based on your description...you wish to replace a true 2 pole GE 240 volt 60 amp breaker with a half ...
Dryer Wiring	12/12/2006
Q: I have a dryer with a 3 prong cord and recently moved into a house with the newer 4 prong outlet. ... A: Good Morning Gregg, Based on your description...the home you moved into is up to current Code on ...
outdoor 120 lights and gfi issue	12/11/2006
Q: sorry for the long description about to come - i want to give as much detail as possible so you may ... A: No problem with the long descriptions...when using the written word - the more detail provided - the ...
3-way switch upgrade	12/11/2006
Q: I have a newer home (2004). I have a circuit with a 3-way switch and 2-way dimmer controlling a ... A: Good Morning Eric, Based on your description...not quite sure what type of "2 way dimmer" you ...
air compressor	12/10/2006
Q: I would like to install a 240v 16.5 amp air compressor using a 240v 30amp disconnect switch (w/ 2 ... A: Good Morning Maria, Based on your description...several issues need to be addressed here... ...
Ceiling Fan Replacement	12/9/2006
Q: I am replacing/upgrading an existing ceiling fan. Currently I have 2 wall switches that control the ... A: Good Morning Ed, Based on your description....here's what you'll typically need to do with this ...
generator voltage question, probably stupid, but.......	12/9/2006
Q: My new house is wired to use a generator in times of power outages. It has the double throw ... A: Good Morning BJ, I don't consider ANY of the questions I receive here as "stupid"...I realize the ...
rewiring 220v plug for 110v	12/8/2006
Q: I am removing my current electrical cooktop and replacing it with a gas counter top range. The old ... A: Based on your description...you may be further ahead just pulling a new run of 12/2 w/gr. wire to ...
light switch	12/7/2006
Q: I live in a house that is rather old. My husband's great Aunt gave it to his mother as a wedding ... A: Sorry for any delay...just finishing up an electrical job downstate.. Based on your ...
Amount of Service at Box	12/6/2006
Q: It's nice to get something other than a yes or no answer. I looked at my service box and noticed ... A: ..and I've never been able to answer any question with a simple yes or no...(sometimes that's a ...
overheating cans - this may stump you, it has me	12/5/2006
Q: appreciate your years of expert advice on this site. I check it regularly and appreciate the detail ... A: Good Morning Davis, Thanks for the kind words...even with over 3 decades in the electrical ...
Wiring help needed	12/2/2006
Q: Ok, here it goes. I am in the process of switching our fixtures in the house from tan to white ... A: Sorry for any delay...just getting back from a last minute trip downstate...(family ...
Insulation damage at weatherhead	12/1/2006
Q: My 45 year old house has aerial power service . The insulation on the cable leading into the ... A: Good Morning Dale, Based on your description...the service entrance cable from the point of ...
motion detector switch	11/30/2006
Q: Master Bob, I'm replacing a single toggle switch with a motion detectorswitch in my garage which ... A: Good Morning Rich, Have no idea when your question first came in ( never got an e-mail ...
240V Wiring for Oven	11/29/2006
Q: A contractor's electrician re-wired the in-laws home circuit breaker panel. The oven did not work ... A: Have no idea when your question first came in...I never received an e-mail notification (happens ...
Hot/Ground Reverse	11/28/2006
Q: I believe I may have overloaded a circuit with Christmas lights. Two exterior outlets in the front ... A: Based on your description...it does appear you may have overloaded the circuit or introduced a short ...
kenmore convection double oven	11/27/2006
Q: I need to wire up a kenmore convection double oven. The oven has three wires and a ground for hook ... A: Good Morning James, Based on your description...your new oven is in compliance with the Code ...
Lights dim but never used to . . .	11/26/2006
Q: Recently the home lighting will momentarily dim at any given time. The only change has been the ... A: Based on your description..there are several possible causes for dimming lights ( a service call we ...
GFCI on 3 wire kitchen outlets	11/21/2006
Q: 25 years ago before GFCI's were popular I wired all of the counter kitchen outlets with #12 three ... A: Just for a little trivia - When I first got in the field in the late 70's....GFCI's were still ...
Combination Wiring Device	11/20/2006
Q: I want to remove a 2 switch receptacle and put in a combo switch/receptacle and have the switch ... A: Based on your description...it appears either you have a typo in your model number....or you are ...
Wiring 3 lights on same circuit	11/18/2006
Q: I am wiring a bathroom with a GFCI outlet, vanity light, ceiling light, and exhaust fan. The lights ... A: Based on your description...it sounds like you a couple issues that may be at play here...and I'll ...
workshop wiring	11/17/2006
Q: I recently bought a table saw that draws 9A on 220V, and a dust collector (12 A at 110V, but ... A: ..sorry for any delay - we've been straight out here with electrical calls this week. Based on ...
GFCI	11/16/2006
Q: I live in Michigan and have a question regarding GFCI requirements. Do bedrooms, kitchens and ... A: If your area in Michigan is in full complannce with the 2005 NEC (not all areas have adopted the ...
doorbell not working	11/15/2006
Q: My front doorbell isn't working...back one does. Bought a new chime box and put it up but front ... A: Based on your description....you've replaced most of the common items used for doorbells....and if ...
dedecated circuits	11/14/2006
Q: There are (3) 20 amp dedecated outlets available at our wedding reception site. We will have about ... A: Based on your description....we use the term "dedicated" circuit to mean that this is a circuit ran ...
workshop wiring	11/13/2006
Q: I recently bought a table saw that draws 9A on 220V, and a dust collector (12 A at 110V, but ... A: Based on your description....you'd need to change quite a bit more then just the receptacle to ...
part of the electricity in house out	11/11/2006
Q: I think I have finally convinced him we need an electrician. He just hasn't been able to find the ... A: Sounds like having an electrician completely test over the circuit and do what needs to be done to ...
part of the electricity in house out	11/10/2006
Q: Well, still have not found the problem...We did find out we have one light on the circuit that is ... A: Where your friend was investigating this problem and tracing it out back some 14 days ago...and with ...
Electrical problem	11/9/2006
Q: Called the power company and you were right on...one of the underground power legs had split. Was ... A: That's Great !! Glad to hear your power company has you all fixed up electrically. Thanks for ...
Electrical problem	11/8/2006
Q: Came home from work today and found the stove clock flashing and thought there was a power outage. ... A: Good Morning Rick, Based on your description...your symptoms indicate you still have either a ...
Voltage stepdown 220 to 110	11/7/2006
Q: I want to go from an electric stove/oven to gas. There is a 220 outlet in place and the gas ... A: Good Morning Michael, Based on your description...there is generally no need to use any type of ...
Installing cooktop - unable to reconnect	11/6/2006
Q: We are remodeling our kitchen and pulled the cooktop. We are now reinstalling it. It is a Kitchenaid ... A: Good Morning Chris, Based on your description...and an online review of the KECC508 model at ...
Recessed Lights	11/5/2006
Q: Two of the 6 Recessed Lights in my kitchen go off from time to time for about 10 minutes and then ... A: Based on your description...it sounds like you more then likely may be experiencing a "cool down" ...
Relay or connector?	11/4/2006
Q: I have a pool and spa and have a dedicated pump for each. the pool pump is a 3/4 hp (15 amp) and ... A: Based on your description...you'd probably want something along the lines of a double pole / double ...
dryer, short out	11/2/2006
Q: I got a used dryer, after plugging it in, i turned it on then it sounded like something shorted out. ... A: Based on your description...one of the 120 volt power legs had come loose from it's post connection ...
outdoor socket	11/1/2006
Q: I recently used a power washer on my home and I had plugged it into an outdoor outlet. I avoided ... A: Unless this is a fairly old home that hasn't had any new wiring or been brought up to Code for ...
wiring	10/31/2006
Q: Yes I need to wire the main cable from the breaker box out to the power box, and need help figuring ... A: I'd be glad to try to help you...but you didn't give me much information to go on...and with out ...
electrical	10/30/2006
Q: I am hooking up a generator panel off my house panel.I want to put it underneath it. How far off the ... A: Based on your description...it appears you may not have room to mount this generator panel to the ...
Dropped switch leg	10/29/2006
Q: I have power going to a light now I need to run a switch to it I know you can take a wire from the ... A: Based on your description...you will be running what we call a "hot switch leg" which is hot power ...
part of the electricity in house out	10/28/2006
Q: I sure do appreciate it. I've printed it off and given it to my friend. Right now, he has taken my ... A: ..and the kind words (and any ratings - haven't checked that section of this site yet..) It's ...
part of the electricity in house out	10/27/2006
Q: I came home and flipped on the ceiling light in Bedroom..It flashed like when a bulb burns out...Now ... A: Just getting back into my office....saw your e-mail in my box.. By now...your friend may have found ...
Electric Baseboard Heat Wiring	10/26/2006
Q: I have a living room with 4 separate registers all wired into one location for the thermostat. When ... A: Based on your description...you have a most unusual wiring arrangement at this thermostat....I drew ...
Bathroom ceiling lights faulty?	10/25/2006
Q: We had a faulty reading light short out and trip our circuit breaker. We have thrown out the lamp, ... A: Based on your description...it's very possible that when the reading light shorted...some minor ...
400-500' Driveway light Run	10/24/2006
Q: I am putting in lighting for my new driveway. The distance is about 450'. I am wishing to hook up ... A: Based on your description...clearly you will have a substantial voltage drop issue at that distance ...
Low Voltage	10/23/2006
Q: I Had one lighting Fixture that kept flickering when I turned it on. Then it just stayed very dim. I ... A: Based on your description...you could have several possible causes for the readings and light ...
Main Panel question	10/22/2006
Q: For a new house I have a 200 amp meter/12 slot service entrance(millbank). I have installed my main ... A: Based on your description...it sounds like you may have installed the Milbank U4424-XL-200 ...
Ceiling Fan wiring	10/21/2006
Q: Hey Bob. I just took down a ceiling fan and wired a new fan the same. The fan does nothing. Here are ... A: Just getting a chance to log-in and get caught up on my questions...sorry for any delay - been ...
answer	10/20/2006
Q: what size wire is used for 100amp service A: Wiring for a 100 amp service depends on whether it is in pipe ( called a mast service) or a cable ...
Ground Fault Tripping	10/19/2006
Q: I have recently set up an aquarium with several loads off 2 outlets daisy chained from the same 20 ... A: Just getting back from finishing up an electrical job downstate - saw your e-mail....(got a pile of ...
wiring	10/18/2006
Q: If I am running 4 15a. circuits, do I have to run 4 seperate neutrals? A: Based on that brief description...it sounds as if you may be pulling these 15 amp circuits in pipe ...
Service Panel/Oven Addition	10/17/2006
Q: I am adding a double oven in my kitchen and the installation guide indicates that I need a 240V 40A ... A: Just getting in from the end of a very long day....saw your e-mail ... Based on your ...
carlon floor receptacle	10/16/2006
Q: We have a round Carlon floor receptacle with a brass cover. The cover is a single, flip-up type ... A: When we install floor boxes...they are usually intended to run equipment that sets in the middle of ...
Tapping into recessed lighting to power ceiling fan	10/15/2006
Q: Master Bob, My living room has 4 recessed flood lights with perfect spacing. I want to install a ... A: Based on your description...it is unlikely that you can accomplish your goals - as written - unless ...
Gutter/Trough	10/14/2006
Q: I have three panels from left to right they are 1) Automatic Transfer Switch 2) Essential Sub-Panel ... A: Based on the description...you've got a fair amount of electrical gear and material to cram into a ...
breakers	10/13/2006
Q: I was using a blow dryer to shrink some plastic for my windows, when a circut breaker triped. I ... A: Based on your description...yes - it's possible the breaker has failed internally. Most household ...
grounding sizing	10/12/2006
Q: I am doing work at a school and we are installing 30amp recp. We are increasing the branch circuit ... A: Just getting back into my office (we got rained out from an outdoor job - bad storm passing thru the ...
Thanks	10/11/2006
Q: I was able to reset all my plugs by tracking down the triped plug in an unused guest bathroom!! A: It's very refreshing to log-in to answer a question - only to find a nice compliment....Thanks for ...
Open Neutral	10/10/2006
Q: I tested every plug in my 36 year old home and found that every plug tested to be open neutral. I ... A: Just getting back in...saw your e-mail.. Having never used a Hubbell brand outlet tester ( the ...
only one set of wires into my electrical outlet boxes	10/9/2006
Q: I have a break in my circuit (not all plugs are working on the same circuit) and am checking all the ... A: Just getting back to my office...saw your e-mail in my box... As you noted....it is a typical ...
Light fixture wiring	10/8/2006
Q: I am sooo confused! I have changed dozens of light fixtures and never had an issue until today... ... A: Please excuse any delay...Just now finally able to log-in to address your question...was unable to ...
confusing light switch	10/7/2006
Q: i am trying to put a ceiling fan in where a chandellier was ,,now when i turn the breaker on with ... A: Based on your symptom description...it sounds as if you introduced a direct short when you connected ...
installing electric tankless waterheater.	10/6/2006
Q: I would like to install an electric tankless water heater. I currently have 100 Amp panel. I have ... A: Although we've wired up several tankless units over the years...I have no on-hand data as to which ...
commerical water heater wiring	10/5/2006
Q: water heater for pool showers blowing fusses,it's 240 three phase.I have 119 on two wire's and 198 ... A: Just getting back into the office...straight out here with electrical work...spare time has been ...
Adding new receptacles	10/4/2006
Q: Master Bob, Forgive me if my terminology is not correct. This is my first attempt at doing ... A: Sorry for any delay...we've been straight out with electrical work here...spare time is very ...
replaced 3 ways switch in stairs	10/3/2006
Q: I have a stairway with two switches for an overhead light bulb above the stairs. We decided to ... A: Based on your switch operation results - it appears you either have crossed travellers...or ...
Flickering lights	10/2/2006
Q: I have a trailer home that is 11 years old and this summer we noticed my lamp in the livingroom ... A: Follow-up to your response : Thanks for the kind words and ratings....so GLAD you took my advice ...
Reconfiguring my condo's circuits	9/30/2006
Q: Small dark condo needs more lights. The bedroom and bathroom are on one circuit and the breaker ... A: Sorry for any delay...just getting back from a last minute emergency trip... Based on your ...
Standby Gen. wiring to circuts	9/29/2006
Q: The guardian 13kw standby gen. calls for me to install a 70amp Dual pole in the house breaker box, ... A: Having installed several of the 10kW and 13kW Guardian and Generac systems...we were also somewhat ...
220 water heater	9/28/2006
Q: I bought a 220 water heater with a red and a black wire. My house is an older house (40 yrs) and the ... A: It is a common practice in most homes (old and new) to have standard 10/2 with ground ran for a feed ...
ceiling fan	9/27/2006
Q: i have a hunter fan that has 2 black wires one solid black and one with black with white stripe a ... A: Sorry for any delay....I did not get an email notification of your question...just now find it while ...
100Amp Main Service Panel	9/24/2006
Q: My panel has a 100amp main breaker. The panel has two buses, 120v each. If I total the circuit ... A: The amperage rating of all the branch circuit breakers in your panel are not necessarily ...
ALL lights flickering!!!	9/24/2006
Q: We have recently had flickering lights in our house. We have an older mobile home and have recently ... A: Just getting back in from the coast...saw your e-mail.. Based on your description...yes - it ...
3 phase	9/23/2006
Q: I'm coming off a 480 MDP and into a transformer. Then into a 200 amp disconnect, then to a 200 amp ... A: Just getting back from the coast...saw your e-mail come in.. Based on your description...this is ...
Baseboard heater wiring	9/23/2006
Q: I have been upgrading the baseboard heaters in the house I just purchased, and so far have no ... A: Based on your description...yes - you may have shorted out the thermostat...but it's hard to say for ...
3-speed pull chain ceiling fan switch	9/22/2006
Q: trying to replace fan switch in ceiling fan, I pulled the old one out: 1 gray wire in slot number 1, ... A: Trying hard to follow the wiring descriptions you gave of the two pull chain switches....and the ...
Wire fans to a thermostat	9/21/2006
Q: I need to install an intake and exhaust fan in my greenhouse. What is the best way to wire them so I ... A: Just getting my first chance to log-in....we've been right straight out here with electrical work ...
Newly installed lights	9/20/2006
Q: I recently removed an early 80s recessed flood light with 3 smaller, lower voltage recessed lights ... A: Based on your description of the lighting effect - it sounds like you are describing the effects of ...
wiring of basement lighting...	9/19/2006
Q: I have a 1 1/2 yr old modular on a full basement. The construction was full of bad luck with almost ... A: I agree with you...seems like there were some problems with this fairly new home....hopefully they ...
Ceiling Light Replacement	9/18/2006
Q: Master Bob, I have four wires coming out of my ceiling fixture where the prior owner took out the ... A: Based on your description.....it's more then likely that either this former ceiling fixture was a ...
Wiring in a GE countertop stove	9/17/2006
Q: Replacing a Jennair countertop with a GE countertop. Housing wiring has black, white and bare ... A: Based on your description of the wiring and countertop units...you have both - a voltage and wiring ...
Replace recessed light with regular fixture	9/16/2006
Q: I have a 1980's home with several recessed lights. I want to replace them with regular light ... A: Just getting back in...saw your question in my e-mail... Based on your description....you are ...
wiring a second Electric Dryer	9/15/2006
Q: I currently have a double pole 30 amp breaker running a electric dryer off of my 200 amp service ... A: Based on your description of your serivce and loads...Yes - your 200 amp should be able to easily ...
hot tub hook up	9/14/2006
Q: I just purchased a hot tub and now need to run the 240 wire from the tub to the electrical box in ... A: I'll certainly try to help you... Based on your description...I'm not sure what someone meant ...
Choosing breaker sizes	9/13/2006
Q: What is a general guide line in picking breaker sizes when upgrading the service in my home. We have ... A: Based on your description....you'll definitely want to consider some wiring upgrades/circuit changes ...
50 Amp House to RV connection	9/12/2006
Q: I am planning to add a 50 amp RV connector to my house. The house is new. It has 40 amp stove and ... A: Based on your description...you have unusual appliance circuit ratings in this new home (typically ...
3 way switches	9/11/2006
Q: I have 6 recessed lights that have 14/3 run to each light. I would like to switch them from two ... A: Based on your description...you've picked the least desireable wiring method....and will need to ...
110V 30A RV outlet and code regarding GFCI	9/10/2006
Q: I am going to be wiring in an exterior 110V 30A outlet to the exterior of my Garage for my trailer. ... A: Words of wisdom..? Well - I'll try.. Based on your description...not sure which code book you ...
pool grounding	9/9/2006
Q: I've come across a problem i can't solve.It seem i've got a potential difference between my ground ... A: Based on your description...it appears you may be reading the stray voltage that can be induced on ...
100 AMP to 200 AMP upgrade?	9/8/2006
Q: My fiancee, father, and myself have bought a new home in Toronto, Canada. An upgrade option offered ... A: Your not bothering me...I volunteered as an electrical expert years ago at this site because I ...
Water well 220 to 110	9/7/2006
Q: Master Bob, Here's my situation. I have a detached garage(DG), about 150-200' from my house. I need ... A: Based on your description...I'm not sure you'd really want to use this former well feeder to feed ...
conduit size	9/6/2006
Q: Bob We are running underground power to a garage. 240 volt, 60 amp, #8 wire size, 150' What size ... A: Based on your deescription...it appears you are feeding a 60 amp 120/240 volt sub-panel in a garage ...
Rehooking outside light switch	9/5/2006
Q: My problem is that when My daughters boyfriend was helping me redo the siding on my house he took ... A: As I'm sure you now know....your daughter's boyfriend made the single biggest mistake most D.I.Y ...
Adding a fuse box	9/4/2006
Q: Bob, I just purchased a house wiht a barn on it. Currently the barn doesn't have electric ... A: Yes....you can install a sub-panel in this barn...but there is a LOT that needs to be known before ...
Ceiling fan/electrical box	9/3/2006
Q: I just discovered the ceiling fans in my parent's house do not have electrical boxes. NM cable is ... A: To install ANY electrical device (whether it be a switch, light, fan, etc...) with out an approved ...
ceiling fan wiring	9/2/2006
Q: Own a new constructed home. I installed a 42" fan in daughter's room, using remote wall mount ... A: Based on your description..it appears this new home may have been roughed in by an electrician (or ...
Dryer electrical outlet	9/1/2006
Q: I just bought a new house, went to plug in the dryer and saw that it has a range type outlet with ... A: Based on your description...it sounds like the former owner may have used a NEMA 10-50R for a ...
Residential wiring	8/31/2006
Q: I'm replacing outlets and switches in my home and I'm trying to be very careful about ... A: Yes...not only does the Code allow 15 amp rated receptacles to be put on #12 wire and 20 amp ...
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: Just getting back to my office from the jobsite...saw your e-mail and responded ASAP... Granted ...
gfi plug	8/29/2006
Q: i have a gfi plug that does not seem to be doing all that it was setup for it is now in a wall ... A: Based on your description....your GFCI receptacle outlet has long since passed it's useful service ...
gfci	8/27/2006
Q: i am adding a hot tub and need to also add a 50 amp gfci,i have 8/3 wiring and am confused at how to ... A: Sorry for any delay....we made a last minute trip down-state (family emergency)...didn't get the ...
GFCI connect to switch for outlet	8/26/2006
Q: I've replaced switches and outlets many times, but this configuration is baffling me. I have an ... A: Sorry for any delay....we made a last minute trip down-state (family emergency)...didn't get the ...
Arc Fault Breaker Trouble	8/25/2006
Q: I'm wiring a new bedroom in my walkout basement. I'm havng trouble with the GE 15 Amp SP Arc Fault ... A: Sorry for any delay....we made a last minute trip down-state (family emergency)...didn't get the ...
L6-30 Generator to L14-30 Transfer Switch	8/24/2006
Q: O.K.. Lets get this right. The generator is a model ES8000 made by Pramac with a 13 HP GX390 Honda ... A: Oh - wait a minute - let's get THIS right....I see you THINK you know it all ...I guess you must be ...
Under Cabinet Kitchen Lighting	8/23/2006
Q: I want to add lights under my kitchen cabinets. I also want a single switch for all the lights. I ... A: Yes - they do...it's commonly known as a switch/receptacle outlet combo...made to fit a single box. ...
L6-30 Generator to L14-30 Transfer Switch	8/22/2006
Q: I have a fairly new 8000 Watt Honda Generator made by Pramac. I also have a transfer switch kit ... A: Based on your plug and receptacle outlet configurations...clearly you have a mismatch there....as ...
Question about 220V wiring	8/21/2006
Q: I have a few questions about 220V wiring. 1. A 220V single-phase wire has two hot wires and a ... A: Here are my responses in order: 1). A 240 volt single phase supply CAN have a white neutral IF the ...
Dishwasher ground wire	8/20/2006
Q: I am replacing my dishwasher and am following some instructions I found on line. I have the white ... A: Due to the hazardous nature of the combination of water and electricity....dishwashers must be ...
Cooktop Wiring	8/19/2006
Q: I'm replacing an old Jennair electric cooktop with a Viking cooktop and I have a question concerning ... A: Based on your description...it appears the Viking unit may NOT comply with UL and the NEC....but ...
Main Circuit tripping	8/18/2006
Q: my main circuit breaker has tripped 3 times in the last 2 days. It usually happens when the a/c and ... A: Based on your description...it's possible that your main breaker may be worn internally...but more ...
installing a new breaker box from an existing breaker box	8/17/2006
Q: i have purchased a 125 amp square d to put into a play house for my daughter. i am running 2-2-4 ... A: Bsased on your description...this panel in the playhouse will be a SUB-panel...or secondary panel. ...
Sub Panel Grounding	8/16/2006
Q: Mother' maiden name I am installing a subpanel on a dock to be used for a boat lift and some ... A: Sorry for any delay - we've been straight out here with back to back electrical projects...just now ...
dead outlet	8/15/2006
Q: to star i was changing both an outlet and switch,both had seperate feeds in a double gang box and ... A: Based on your description...and where your house was built after 1970...odds are you've possibly ...
Dryer Help	8/14/2006
Q: I just moved into a new house that has a four prong outlet for my dryer but I have a dryer with a ... A: Based on your description...it sounds like you've moved into a home that is Code complaint (the 4 ...
Ceiling Fan installation - no ground	8/13/2006
Q: I recently purchased a ceiling fan. The assembly included the blue lead, the black lead, and the ... A: Hey Trey, Based on your description....you are either in an older home that had only 2 wire ...
Bedroom outlets	8/12/2006
Q: Bob thanks for your quick reply. I checked for all loose wires, but all seemed fine. I do have some ... A: ....the additional voltage readings you supplied helps me to get a better grip on the problem. ...
Electrical box sizes and no. of wires in conduit	8/11/2006
Q: I have two questions here....I'm wiring my new shop and I have a bunch of brand new 2x4 metal ... A: Based on your description...can I assume your new shop is of block/brick construction...? ...
Bedroom outlets	8/10/2006
Q: 5 years house. I have four outlets in the bedroom, three of them stopped working suddenly while the ... A: Just getting back into my office...saw your e-mail come in... Based on your description....and ...
sparking light switch	8/9/2006
Q: How dangerous is it when a light switch sparks (only seen when it is dark). A: Based on your description...you may (or may not) be seeing an expected "arc" at the switch contacts ...
Electrical	8/8/2006
Q: I am installing a subpanel in a basement, what gage wire and what kind of subpanel box should I get? A: Just getting back in from electrical jobs down-state....saw your e-mail.... Sizing of any ...
ceiling fan on 3-way switch	8/7/2006
Q: I'm replacing a normal light with a ceiling fan w/light fixture. I want the 3-way to operate just ... A: Based on your desired outcome...I'd eliminate the fan lead completely from the 3 way set-up....use ...
Trough is shocking horses - in summer	8/6/2006
Q: just recently an outlet in the barn arched (with a ext cord plugged in - but unit was off) - outlet ... A: Just getting back into my office...saw your e-mail and responded immediately... Based on your ...
gfi recepticle	8/5/2006
Q: I live in a singlewide mobile home, I replaced the gfi recepticle, but it still doesn't work. I have ... A: Based on your description...and the fact that this is a mobile home....you may find that there is ...
Convertinga 110V to 220V	8/4/2006
Q: I have recently purchased an older model home. In doing some work around the house, I noticed that ... A: Sorry for the delay....just returning from an emergency electrical job down-state... Based on ...
breakers	8/3/2006
Q: how do you determine what size breaker to use when adding one to your pannel....thanks ray A: Breaker sizing is directly related to load and wire size...with load determining minimum wire size ...
Generator Home Wiring	8/2/2006
Q: First off, you must understand that so far I have run into many snags with hooking up a few circuits ... A: Just getting back in from electrical jobs down-state... saw your e-mail. I note you refer to the ...
Above Ground Pool Grounding	8/1/2006
Q: Master Bob: I recently helped my sone install some wiring for his above ground pool. All is working ... A: Just getting back in from electrical jobs down-state...saw your e-mail... Article 680 of the Code ...
Using existing 220 wiring for 110 outlet	7/31/2006
Q: I've replaced my electric cook top and double ovens with a new range with built in double ovens. I ... A: Based on your description....yes - you should be able to re-use the 10/3 for your ...
adding a receptacle to switch	7/30/2006
Q: I have a 4*6 bathroom that has one wall switch and no receptacles. The switch is within reach from ... A: Based on your description....Yes - you should be able to add a GFCI receptacle outlet to this switch ...
wiring	7/29/2006
Q: the wiring in my house is gone green and sticky and is oozing green liqiud through the light ... A: ! Sorry I'm listed as maxed out - but I get a TON of electrical questions everyday (here and at my ...
changing a meter main box	7/28/2006
Q: We are putting an addition on our home. My husband wired the new breaker box inside and was getting ... A: Sorry for any delay...I had marked myself away on vacation (we've been at camp the past few days) ...
Kenmore Elite HE4	7/25/2006
Q: I just move into a new house and it has gas connections, my dryer is electric with a NEMA 10-30R ... A: Based on your description....you'll need to do some electrical work (or have it done for you)....a ...
European Wiring in a US Home	7/24/2006
Q: I am currently living in Italy for 2 years. I would like to buy some wood shop equipment for use ... A: Having grown up on a military installtion....and having people coming here that had been stationed ...
Ceiling Fan Wiring	7/23/2006
Q: I am replacing a ceiling fan that is about 18 years old. It has a separate wall switch for the fan & ... A: Based on your wiring description...NO - The Code does not allow that arrangement. It sounds like the ...
Electrical Wiring Problem - Light Fixture	7/20/2006
Q: To begin, I don't know too much more than the basics of electrical contracting. The situation: we ... A: Sorry for just responding....between our power outages from intense thunder storms here in the ...
Adding second 100amp feed from Meter	7/19/2006
Q: I built a new barn about 100' from my house. I want to put at least 100amps of service in the barn. ... A: Per NEC (Code) - based on your description, neither of your suggested approaches are Code compliant ...
Ceiling fan wiring	7/18/2006
Q: My wife and I just purchased an older lake cottage. I have a ceiling fan with lights that came out ... A: Sorry for any delay...the site was down - could not log-in on my earlier attempts.. Based on ...
Ceiling Fans	7/17/2006
Q: I made the most common mistake..forgot to look at color scheme when I took out the fan switch. Any ... A: Yep...you're right...it is one of the most common mistake people make when changing out any ...
stove wiring	7/16/2006
Q: During kitchen remodel I moved my stove and rehooked back up to power supply. Now only clock ... A: Based on your description....your stove is now only getting 120 volts to the unit (instead of the ...
light fixture	7/15/2006
Q: Master Bob, I have a set of recessed lights where one of them goes off after about 20 minutes. I ... A: Most (if not all) recessed lighting fixtures are UL and Code required to have a thermal cut-out that ...
Light Fixture	7/13/2006
Q: I just recently bought a new light fixture, which was a flush mount ceiling with 2 60 max bulbs. I ... A: Based on your light output description...it sounds as if the circuit is now in series instead of ...
GFCI	7/12/2006
Q: I have a GFCI and every time I plug in my ice maker it trips the outlet. But I can plug in my ... A: As it is with all things in life...sometimes the answer which appears to be the obvious answer is ...
electrical wire	7/10/2006
Q: My name is Scott Allen. I live in MS, and was hit by Hurrican Katrina. i was building a new home ... A: Sorry just responding...between the problems Allexperts.com is having with uploads/downloads as they ...
Heating won't stop even when my thermostat is at the lowest setting.	7/9/2006
Q: Heating won't stop even when my thermostat is at the lowest setting. Hi, Yesterday I noticed that ... A: Sorry for any delay....Between the thunderstorms/power outages we've had and the problems Allexperts ...
wiring	7/8/2006
Q: I renovated the batroom,disconnected light and now cant remeber how to re-install.I have two ... A: Sorry for any delay - Allexperts/about.com have been having problems with thier web site the past ...
Trying to understand electrical code as it applies to exterior boxes	7/7/2006
Q: I would like to add a wall-mounted exterior light fixture to my garage. The siding is cedar lap ... A: Sorry for any delay - Allexperts/about.com have been having problems with thier web site the past ...
220 line	6/24/2006
Q: we are purchasing a tanning bed for our home. we need a 220 line to plug it into. is there such ... A: No...you can not run an extension cord from the stove receptacle outlet to the tanning bed...the ...
electric towel rail installation in bathroom	6/23/2006
Q: How do I wire in an electric towel rail(265w)in a bathroom in UK. A Switched fused socket on outside ... A: Sorry for the delay....we've been beyond busy with back to back electrical work...(our phones are ...
Shock from Electric stove	6/22/2006
Q: I have an electric stove,removable Burners elements on top, and when I cook,and lean up against the ... A: Based on your description...it sounds like your body is providing a portion of the ground path for ...
220 outlet in a townhome	6/16/2006
Q: I made a mistake and optioned for an additional 220 outlet in the garage of my townhome. However, ... A: Sorry for the delay....AllExperts/about.com just informed me by e-mail that this question was back ...
installed recessed IC in 1959 home	6/15/2006
Q: Master Bob: I read an answer to a question you answered titled “Replace old cloth-covered wiring in ... A: The 90 degree celsius became a standard that UL required stamped on ALL lighting fixtures years ...
sub panel for inground pool	6/14/2006
Q: couple of quick questions about the breakers to install. 1.h HP pump instructions say 15 amp ... A: ..I do the best I can to help out with what little spare time I have....some days I don't have any. ...
installing new light kit	6/13/2006
Q: I recently bought a house that does not have a central light. It does not even have a top outlight ... A: Sorry for any delay - our phone has been ringing off the wall for electrical services calls...and ...
sub panel for inground pool	6/12/2006
Q: Hey Master Bob Am Insalling an 18x 36 inground pool. Need to put a sub panel at my pump pad. This ... A: We've been beyond straight out here....phone ringing off the wall with electrical service calls (not ...
Lighting:Changing 120 to 240	6/12/2006
Q: Master Bob, I currently live in South Korea and have purchased an HPS (HID) outdoor 400W ... A: Based on your ballast description...and the limited info available at the KP Electric web site ...
Wiring a switch to run a garbage disposal	6/4/2006
Q: I'm trying to wire a switch to work a new garbage disposal from the wiring that comes out of my wall ... A: Based on your description....it does sound as if you may have mis-wired the switch/disposal addition ...
outlets not working	6/3/2006
Q: We live in an older home, 1950's I believe, just mived in about 2 months ago. In the Master ... A: This is a DUPLICATE question...either the send button was accidentally pushed twice or the website ...
outlets not working	6/3/2006
Q: We live in an older home, 1950's I believe, just mived in about 2 months ago. In the Master ... A: Based on your description...and your guess that the home is over 55 years old...it's clearly had ...
Main Pole Wires	6/2/2006
Q: I'm putting a breaker into the main power on the outside pole. Which wires do I put where? The black ... A: The connections are determined by whether the panel is a primary or secondary (sub) panel...and ...
Gray Plastic Wire Tubing	6/1/2006
Q: I have a new Mini Split Systen air conditioner. I am trying to connect inside units to outside unit. ... A: Not sure which type of gray tubing you refer to....( the Home Depot here has a variety of electrical ...
recess lights	6/1/2006
Q: by code, how many recess lights can i put on a 15 amp circuit. The recess are ic 65 watt br30 max ... A: Sorry for any delay....we've been right straight out here electrically....phone has been ringing ...
Main distribution Panel	5/29/2006
Q: My wife and I have a purchase agreement in on a renovated 70 year old house in Mississippi. The home ... A: Based on your description...the Inspector should have just said this was an illegal installation in ...
Ceiling Rose	5/28/2006
Q: I hope you can understand the question I am about to ask. I have, in my master bedroom, a ceiling ... A: Based on your description...I'm trying to visualize your scenario...it appears that mutliple taps ...
Ligthing damage to transformer	5/27/2006
Q: Subject Electrical damage to invisible fence installation Question What are the electricians using ... A: Based on your decription.....can I assume you are referring to an invisible fence designed to help ...
Pool Pump Wiring	5/26/2006
Q: I'm installing a DIY pool kit. The pool pump that I will be using 1.5HP running on 110V. Can you ... A: It is a requirement for the voltage and current draw characteristics of the motor to be spec'd ...
Wire size	5/25/2006
Q: I am replacing the wiring from my house to the detached garage. The wiring is overhead, it is on a ... A: Sorry for any delay...Due to a bug in the new set-up of this web site....the program is not ...
New Stove problems	5/24/2006
Q: we just built a house and noticed while cooking the stove was starting to smoke. We called Sears ... A: Sorry for any delay...this website is having a recent problem e-mailing Experts to let them know ...
Commercial light switch boxes	5/23/2006
Q: I am installing new 12/2 MC wiring, lights and switches in a commercial property. What is the size ... A: For some reason this site is not currently notifying us Experts that we have new questions (must be ...
gfci receptical with a swich	5/22/2006
Q: i am trying to install a gfci reciptical and swich made by cooper . the swich will control a ... A: Sorry for the delay.....recent changes to this site has created a problem with emailing experts to ...
Electric cooktop	5/21/2006
Q: My new 240 volt cooktop has all four wires red, black, white, and green in it s harness. It appears ... A: I don't recommend you use the old feeder for this new cooktop....Code now requires that these units ...
Exposed wire	5/20/2006
Q: We recently had a pool put in and the old sprinkler system was taken out to make room. The ... A: If this wire is indeed live....then the best solution would be to find it's source at the opposite ...
wiring	5/20/2006
Q: Yes, I'm building a new home in Chicago (first one) and I was wondering when I should have Edison ... A: In most States, this type of work (main underground service) requires a permit and inspection by the ...
direct burial wire	5/11/2006
Q: I am a licensed journeyman electrician and I have not yet learned an easy way of stripping direct ... A: My Mother just passed aways a few hours ago after a long struggle.......she's in God's hands now.... ...
110v outlet orientation	5/10/2006
Q: Which is the normal way to orient an outlet... with the round ground hole below the two slot ... A: My Mother just passed aways a few hours ago after a long struggle.......she's in God's hands now.... ...
New Basement wiring	5/8/2006
Q: I am building a two story house with an unfinished basement. The builder is recommending I run an ... A: It is unusual that the main electrical service panel was not installed in the basement..( frees up ...
Wiring a Czech chandelier	5/7/2006
Q: Master Bob, I have a chandelier I purchased in the Czech Republic. It has a black wire, a brown ... A: According to my world wide voltage guides....the Czech's use a 230 volt 50 Hz supply system....if ...
Electrical 120/240 Questions	5/6/2006
Q: There are actually 2 parts to my question. First, a book I was reading was saying that you have to ... A: We install 120/240 volt receptacle outlets for appliances that require both voltages....such as ...
3-way wiring	4/17/2006
Q: http://danswiringpage.com/diagrams/3way_pfl.jpg Hi Bob, Referencing this diagram where power comes ... A: Finishing up a lot of electrical work (and paperwork) as we prepare to leave for a 2 week vacation ...
adding ceiling light to a room w/ a switched outlet (no existing ceiling light)	4/16/2006
Q: This is sort of two questions in one. I was doing some searching on this issue, and saw that ... A: Sorry just responding....wrapping up a lot of electrical work as we prepare to leave for a LONG ...
getting more light out a 60 watt ceiling fixture	4/12/2006
Q: I have a new 3 light semi-flush mount kitchen ceiling fixture. The ad at the home store said the ... A: Based on your description...you have CFL's (compact flourescent lamps - highly energy efficient and ...
Hardwiring alternatives (?)	4/11/2006
Q: I was hoping you could tell me whether there is some type of converter (adapter, transformer, etc.) ... A: Sorry for the delay....we've been straight out here electrically - mostly out of the local ...
fixture replacement	4/10/2006
Q: I live in an old (1919) NYC apartment buildng. Wiring is original. I have replaced many of the old ... A: The 60 ' C is a required warning on fixtures mandated by the UL and the NEC...when people lamp these ...
Junction boxes	4/9/2006
Q: What are the rules pertaining to the number and size of wires permitted to be joined in a junction ... A: Total amount/size of wires allowed in any box is determined by cubic inch fill...as per NEC table ...
Installing a GFCI outlet	4/8/2006
Q: I am attempting to replace an existing outlet (which also has a light switch wired beside it) with a ... A: Based on your description...you have a receptacle outlet that has 3 runs to it...more then likely a ...
Circuit breaker sizing	4/6/2006
Q: I am building a shop in my basement. I am going to have 240 V equipment (single phase). The ... A: Based on your load descriptions...it does sound like your cabinet saw will require a 30 amp double ...
Cemented Ground Wire/Ground Bus	4/5/2006
Q: A) I own a 1953 raised foundation home with 2 wire copper wiring, no ground. I'm presently adding a ... A: Sorry for the delay....we've been working back to back doubles this week.....straight out here ...
Electrical	4/4/2006
Q: Please could you explain how to wire a light switch. I would like to be able to turn a light on at ... A: Based on your description...you would need two 3-way switches (not 2 way switches - no such ...
switch wiring problem	4/3/2006
Q: I installed a fluorescent shop light in my garage to work inline with the existing fluor. light. I ... A: Sorry just responding...we worked a double yesterday....very busy electrical season here. Based ...
GFCI receptical on Arc Fault circuit	4/1/2006
Q: I am finishing a bedroom in a basement area. The basement area is serviced by a GFCI breaker. Not ... A: Based on your description....if you are still in the rough-in phase of finishing this basement ...
intermittent power outages	3/31/2006
Q: A certain portion of my house (not the entire house) goes dark from time to time without warning, ... A: Based on your description....you may have an intermittent "open" effecting that circuit (and ...
light flickering	3/29/2006
Q: I have installed a Fluorescent light in my house. The light is turned on by a series of 2 three way ... A: This site was down last night and this morning...could not log-in...they finally got their server ...
Electrical problem caused by roof attic fans	3/28/2006
Q: I have discovered that my attic fans. Are the cause of a microwave power issue in my house. First ... A: Based on your description...it is hard to see any direct electrical link between the attic fans and ...
Multiple built-in ovens	3/27/2006
Q: Bob, I am puting in a new kitchen.(addition) In current kitchen I have a range with 50 amp breaker ... A: Based on your electrical nameplate data...yes - you should put both ovens on a seperate 10/3 with ...
MAIN CIRCUIT BREAKER IN SERVICE PANEL	3/26/2006
Q: We have been experiencing problems with the main circuit breaker in our home service panel. Every ... A: Site unseen....and without being able to remove and inspect your breakers, your buss bars and all ...
Aluminum/Copper wire butt splices	3/25/2006
Q: I am installing a replacement 200A main service panel in my residence which has #12 AWG aluminum ... A: Sorry for any delay.....we've been straight out here electrically - very little spare time on my ...
Reinforced electrical box for a heavy chandelier	3/23/2006
Q: I purchased a heavy chandelier (58lb) that states that it "requires a reinforced electrical box" for ... A: We run into this quite often....with chandeliers and ceiling (paddle) fans....and where the Code now ...
Faulty Socket	3/22/2006
Q: I replaced the socket even though reconnecting the wire would probably have solved the problem (the ... A: .. Depending on how the socket (receptacle outlet here in the US ) is wired...current may pass ...
Faulty Socket	3/20/2006
Q: I live in the UK but the wiring pricipals I think are the same... One of the sockets on a ring main ... A: Althouh the terminology, voltages and frequency may differ between the USA and the UK....the ...
Grounding a GFCI outlet without a separate grounded line	3/19/2006
Q: I noticed you answered a few questions on gfci/grounding concerns so my question is I noticed there ... A: Based on your description....you have an older home with all 2 wire non grounded runs (perhaps the ...
Lights don't work in Master Ensuite	3/18/2006
Q: My wife put in a 100w bulb(60w max was indicated)in the washroom and about two days later all the ... A: REPEAT QUESTION - (hit the "send" button twice..?) I've copied my previous answer below in case it ...
Lights don't work in Master Ensuite	3/18/2006
Q: My wife put in a 100w bulb(60w max was indicated)in the washroom and about two days later all the ... A: Based on your description....it's highly possible that the washroom fixture wiring was heat damaged ...
Ceiling fan trouble	3/17/2006
Q: I have a ceiling fan (which includes light) that stopped working during a storm. There was a loud ... A: Just getting back into my office....been a LONG week... Based on your description...it's highly ...
outlet/switch	3/16/2006
Q: I have a switch in the bathroom and no outlet. Can i replace the switch with a switch /outlet ... A: Based on your description...it may be possible....but only if the switch has it's own run of power ...
Wiring a 30amp Switch	3/14/2006
Q: I am installing a 5,000 watt heater for my garage. I would like to install a shut off switch. I ... A: Based on your description.....your heater will draw ~ 21 amps at 240 volts....a 30 amp rated switch ...
Flourescent fixtures	3/13/2006
Q: Bob, I installed two flour. fixtures off one switch in my kitchen. They don't always come on , ... A: Just getting back into my office... Based on your description....IF these 2 flourescent lights ...
Voltage on Neutral Wire	3/7/2006
Q: Here's my situation - I rewired a whole bunch of outlets and switchs in my living room. When I ... A: Just getting back from down state....saw your follow-up - sounds like the circuit is now ...
Voltage on Neutral Wire	3/6/2006
Q: Here's my situation - I rewired a whole bunch of outlets and switchs in my living room. When I ... A: Just getting back into the office....been straight out here electrically. Based on your ...
Chandelier wiring	3/5/2006
Q: Bob, I'm refurbishing a European chandelier to use American candelabra base 25W bulbs and need to ... A: Just getting back to my office... Based on your description...your European chandelier bulbs ...
fishing wire	3/4/2006
Q: I am wiring my bathroom re-model... I have a six gang switch box... six switches divided among two ... A: ...glad I could help out some. Yes...your layout sounds fine...and you can always run the ...
breaker tripping	3/3/2006
Q: We have a 60 amp breaker tripping. The breaker feeds a small sub panel fed from another sub panel. ... A: Just getting back into my office....been a very BUSY week here electrically....we've been straight ...
fishing wire	3/3/2006
Q: I am wiring my bathroom re-model... I have a six gang switch box... six switches divided among two ... A: Just getting back into my office...been one very LONG week here electrically....straight out. ...
house heavy-up and detached garage power	2/28/2006
Q: Just had a couple of questions about my wiring project. I am not an electrician but a homeowner with ... A: Just getting back into my office...been straight out here electrically....going to be a Great year.. ...
Hooking up a dryer and washer	2/27/2006
Q: I live in New York and want to up grade my stackable washer and dryer, but ran into a problem. The ... A: Based on your description....you will need to run a new 12/2 with ground line from a 20 amp single ...
Outlets not working all the time	2/25/2006
Q: Bob, I have two outlets in a bedroom that don't work all the time. I've and addition added to my ... A: Sorry just responding....we were away for most of the weekend...last minute trip (family emergency). ...
Gargae Electrics	2/23/2006
Q: In my garage I currently have radial circuit supplying a total of 3 x wall sockets running on 2.5mm ... A: Based on your description....and the foreign terms used...this question appears to be coming from ...
Grounding connection on old dryer	2/22/2006
Q: Bob, Thanks for the info., but maybe I should restate the question slightly: Ok, I can do the 4 ... A: First chance I've had to get back with you... Yes.....if you protect the green wire from damage ...
sizing circuit breakers	2/21/2006
Q: I want to add electric to my pole barn. I will be running heavy duty eqipment. (welder, lathe, etc.) ... A: Just getting back to my office....we've been straight out here electrically... Based on your ...
15 vs 20 breaker	2/20/2006
Q: I recently remodeled my kitchen adding a built in under the counter beverage center(aka-small ... A: Based on your description...this mini-fridge is on #14 wire protected by a 15 amp single pole ...
upgrade service entrance	2/19/2006
Q: I have just purchased a house with a 100amp,service panel,I would like to change it to a ... A: Well William....for a service upgrade - here's how the normal flow goes: The First thing you'd ...
Grounding connection on old dryer	2/18/2006
Q: Bob, I have purchased an older house with no washer / dryer, and also have seperately (did not come ... A: Just getting back to my office....been straight out here... Based on your description...and while ...
Replace old cloth-covered wiring in our house?	2/13/2006
Q: Our house is 100 years old. We've been here for 7 years and have had no problems with the ... A: Based on your description....the electricians have found the old style cloth romex....which means ...
ground, neutral, and bonding	2/12/2006
Q: I hope! Anyway, when looking at the breaker panel, all of the ground wires coming in (from romex) ... A: Just getting back into my office....straight out here. Based on your latest follow-up....you've ...
Short??	2/11/2006
Q: Recently i flipped the light switch for the yard lights. In doing so it seemed to knock out allot of ... A: This appears to be a duplicate question...perhaps an accidental double send..? In any event, I've ...
Short??	2/11/2006
Q: Recently i flipped the light switch for the yard lights. In doing so it seemed to knock out allot of ... A: Based on your description and your voltage readings...you've clearly had some form of electrical ...
Sub Panel	2/10/2006
Q: Bob, I live on a farm and I just had a 30x40 building built about 40 feet from my house. I want to ... A: Just getting back into my office...been a very busy week electrically here... Based on your ...
3 prong dryer cord	2/9/2006
Q: Do I need a ground strap / jumper band to connect from the neutral (middle connector) to the ... A: Sandi, Based on your description....if this is a 3 prong/3 wire dryer....then it should have ...
outlets not working	2/8/2006
Q: noticed that 2 outlets in the attached garage is not working because the freezer is not working. I ... A: Based on your description....ALL the areas you state that are without power are Code required to be ...
Wiring In A Second Breaker Box	2/7/2006
Q: I am wiring in a 2nd breaker box on the other end of my home, 40 feet away, to run circuits for ... A: Based on your description...you are wanting to install a secondary panel (typically referred to as a ...
Running wire behind walls for shelf speakers	2/6/2006
Q: I have a set of shelf speakers (Harmon Kardon Soundsticks II) that I want to place on a floating ... A: Where this wire is manufactured over-seas(Taiwan)...it is hard to get specific detail on it's ...
Circuit Breaker	2/5/2006
Q: Our home is about 8 y/o and we are having a problem in the bathrooms. My wife keeps tripping the ... A: Based on your information...where your home is only ~ 8 years old....it should have had GFCI ...
changing switched outlet to include overhead lighting	1/27/2006
Q: Bob, I have a bedroom with 3 outlets. 1 works only when I turn on the light switch. It's a single ... A: You can either wire it as I suggested above....or - IF you choose to do away with the switched ...
isolation of a circuit and rewiring	1/26/2006
Q: I am a printmaking technician at a small college. I am having a problem with the air pump in a ... A: Based on your description...(and if this is a 120 volt pump)....you'll need a standard 3 prong ...
changing switched outlet to include overhead lighting	1/25/2006
Q: Bob, I have a bedroom with 3 outlets. 1 works only when I turn on the light switch. It's a single ... A: Just now getting the chance to log-on....we've been pretty straight out here electrically this ...
electrical wiring secondary panel	1/24/2006
Q: I've lost power to a new garage, and addition. My garage door will not operate, my outdoor lights ... A: Just now getting a chance to log-in and address your question....we've been straight out here with ...
ground, neutral, and bonding	1/23/2006
Q: I have some questions too. I'm replacing an older electric cooktop (240V) with a new ceramic one. ... A: ....I certainly don't claim to have all the answers...but I try to give back what over 3 decades as ...
New Ceiling Fan on Switch for Half Recepticle	1/21/2006
Q: After reading 20 posts i could not piece together my answer. Thank you in advance for your ... A: Sorry for just responding....never got an e-mail notice of your question.....just now saw it when I ...
Light Switch	1/16/2006
Q: I have a chandolier in my dining room that is controlled by two dimmer switches one on each side of ... A: Based on your description of the symptoms...it does sounds as if the problem may very well be within ...
Adding a SubPanel	1/11/2006
Q: I am adding a breaker subpanel to my detached garage. My house has a 200 amp fuse panel. The run ... A: Just now getting the chance to log-in...we've had a very busy electrical schedule so far this ...
20 amps for tanning bd	1/10/2006
Q: We recently purchased a tanning bed that requires a 20 amp dedicated outlets. The only 20 amp ... A: Yes....if you do not use the microwave or the disposal at the same time you are using the tanning ...
ground rods	1/9/2006
Q: When installing 2 panel boxes in a home each 200 amp main breaker do you need to install 2 ground ... A: Based on your description...it will depend on which version of the Code your local area has adopted ...
dryer line	1/8/2006
Q: what gauge wiring do I need to install for a home dryer? also what type of receptical do I need to ... A: First chance I've had to log-in and answer your question...been right straight out here with ...
115v to 230v conversion	1/6/2006
Q: I am replacing an obsolete thru wall combination air conditioner/heater unit. The existing unit ... A: Sorry just responding....we've been straight out here with electrical work all week...first chance ...
Installing GFCI outlet with a light switch	1/1/2006
Q: I'm trying to upgrade the outlet in both bathrooms of our house with GFCI outlets. The first ... A: First chance I've had to log-in and answer your question....been a very busy New year...already. ...
wiring hot water tank	12/31/2005
Q: Bob I am changing my hot water tank from gas to electric,I am using 10-2 wire and putting a 30 amp ... A: Based on your description....you have a standard electric hot water heater....it will require 10/2 ...
treadmill and GFCI	12/30/2005
Q: Just moved into a new house, built in '86, and we have a GFCI outlet in the basement. It's a 15amp ... A: Based on your description....your 1986 home meets current Codes for GFCI protected circuits in a ...
Upgrade 20 amp to 30 amp switch	12/21/2005
Q: I have put Christmas lights on my home, along with a few yard ornaments. My 20 amp breaker keeps ... A: Based on your description....clearly this 20 amp circuit is either overloaded....or has a problem in ...
GFCI	12/20/2005
Q: The receptacles (non-GFI) in my bathroom are on the same circuit as a GFI receptacle in my garage. ... A: Just getting a chance to reply....been straight out here electrically....along with shopping for the ...
circuit size in addition	12/19/2005
Q: Master Bob, I have a 30-yr old house with 200 amp service. All the circuits throughout are 12 ga. ... A: As I'm sure you are aware....the given circuit size for any situation is determined by the load it ...
Rewiring a mobile home	12/18/2005
Q: My son has a small mobile home that he lives in. We just discovered its wired with aluminum wire. ... A: My feelings about aluminum wire use in the home are inline with yours (we will not use it at all ...
Shared power outlet	12/17/2005
Q: I have a 15 amp circuit that includes a microwave and instant hot unit. I obtained the lowest amp ... A: Just getting back in...we've been right straight out here getting set for the upcoming Holiday ...
Cooktop wiring	12/11/2005
Q: I have a new Jenn-Air cooktop I'm installing. I have only two red wires coming from the wall box ... A: Based on your description...your new unit indeed requires an actual branch neutral (so it will have ...
Dryer Cords & Range Cords	12/10/2005
Q: I have just purchased a Frigidaire Dryer (Same Company as the old dryer I have had for 14 years) ... A: Been straight out here electrically....first chance I've had to log-in.... The key to knowing ...
Curcuit problems	12/4/2005
Q: I have one light on a curcuit breaker that works, everything else on that curcuit breaker does not ... A: Based on your description....some connection troubleshooting will be involved....starting at the 3 ...
Wiring a Shed	11/29/2005
Q: I have the same situation that Kelly from Colorado Springs, Co. has. I have 10x12 shed in my back ... A: Sorry for the slight delay....we've been straight out here electrically...first chance I've had to ...
bathroom light switch	11/28/2005
Q: I just replaced the 2 switches in my bathroom that are together in 1 junction box. One controls ... A: Sorry for the slight delay...we've been straight out here all month electrically...have had very ...
Buzzing Circuit Breaker	11/27/2005
Q: I recently purchased a condo that was built in 1982. I noticed that when the microwave oven is ... A: Where your condo is a mid 1980 design...it should have met at least the Code changes of the 1981 ...
2 switches 2 lights	11/26/2005
Q: i have a porch light and a hallway light that run into what use to be 2 light switches we had wall ... A: First chance I've had to review your question (it is our first day off out of the last 8....been ...
Generator ATF, Sub panel, Main	11/21/2005
Q: I have a 12K genset on the way. I will be using an Automatic Transfer Switch and a sub panel. 1. ... A: Based on your description....Yes - you can feed the 100 amp rated sub-panel with a 60 amp double ...
220 wiring	11/20/2005
Q: i am replacing my old 220 receptacle (3 wire) with a new 4 wire. i have a black, red, white and ... A: Sorry just responding....we were out of the area for the week-end ...lots of catching up to do. ...
Install ceiling light fixture...	11/19/2005
Q: I want too install an extra ceiling light fixture in the corner of my house using the garage ceiling ... A: Based on your information....you may be able to tap into the garage ceiling light to provide power ...
Bathroom Fan	11/15/2005
Q: I have an exhaust fan in my bathroom that I would like to convert to a combination infared ... A: Good to hear from you again...I see you have an indoor project this time... If your existing ...
bathroom wiring	11/14/2005
Q: I have an unfinished bathroom in my basement that I am planning to finish this winter. The ... A: Just getting back in... Based on your description...either method will work - the choice will ...
New House wiring follow up	11/13/2005
Q: Just to fine tune the question. The new house will be detached from the existing garage by about 12 ... A: Thnaks for the follow-up and clarification...first chance I've had to get back to you. It's been ...
GFI	11/11/2005
Q: I have a 15 amp in line extention cord GFCI unit with a overload button, with 12 gauge wiring that ... A: Based on your description...you are facing a rather common problem we see on many job sites with ...
code	11/10/2005
Q: Hey Bob, Quick Question I'm installing a 240 V gate operator, 1 HP, 10 amp o/L, the electrican ... A: Without having the specific electrical nameplate and connection detail for your 240 volt gate ...
new house wiring	11/9/2005
Q: I have a property with an existing garage and 200 amp service in rural area. I am having a house ... A: Sorry just responding....we've been working doubles all week in prep for the 3 day week-end...have ...
Ceiling Fan Connection	11/7/2005
Q: Yesterday I installed a ceiling/light fan that I could not locate the instructions for. Everything ... A: Based on your wiring description...yes - the fan will operate that way...but the connections will ...
Pulling 3/0 copper wire	11/6/2005
Q: Is it ever ok on a relatively short run of PVC conduit to join/cement the pieces as one carefully ... A: Based on your description....you are pulling feeder wire for a fairly good size sub-panel...3/0 ...
Oven wiring	11/5/2005
Q: My oven stopped heating and after replacing the fuses and inspecting the broiler and oven elements ... A: Been straight out here with electrical work....just now getting the chance to answer your question. ...
follow up to previous question: wiring for new clothes dryer	11/4/2005
Q: Bob- This is to follow up to our previous correspondence of Nov 2 regading the Maytag Neptune Drying ... A: ..as you can tell - we are still straight out here...but I guess that's always better then having no ...
How do I wire a controlled...	11/3/2005
Q: How do I wire a controlled switch? I have a exterior outlet already that is always on, that uses ... A: Based on your description...I hope you don't plan to put much of an electrical load on these ...
electrical outlets not working in 2 rooms	11/2/2005
Q: My home is 10 years old, 4 bedroom/2 bath house. All electrical outlets work in the house EXCEPT, ... A: Based on your description....the key to the answer to your problem may be directly in the only area ...
Outdoor wiring	11/1/2005
Q: I have an outdoor outlet flush mounted in my hardi plank siding. I have installed a deck ... A: Thnanks for following up...and for the kind words in the ratings section... Your findings are ...
wiring for a new clothes dryer	10/31/2005
Q: Bob- We just bought a new dryer (Maytag Neptune Drying Center, if that matters). It has a ... A: Sorry for the delay...we have been right straight out here with electrical work - have had zero ...
120/240v or 240v	10/29/2005
Q: I am attempting to install a new cooktop and wall oven. I have already run what I thought were the ... A: Based on your description...and IF I'm following it right...you've ran 2 runs of #6/3 w/gr wire to ...
Outdoor wiring	10/27/2005
Q: I have an outdoor outlet flush mounted in my hardi plank siding. I have installed a deck ... A: Sorry for the delay...electrical duties had me out of the area the past few days...just getting back ...
outlet wiring for lincoln welder ac/dc 225	10/26/2005
Q: From everything I have read the outlet nema 6-50R takes 2 hots and a ground... I thought for ... A: Reviewing the specs for the Lincoln AC/DC 225....the NEMA 6-50R does appear to be the correct ...
Subpanel / Main panel	10/25/2005
Q: See bottom for follow-up question. I have 1960 era 100 amp main panel which is located in an ... A: Just getting the chance to read your follow-up....we've been getting hammered with record rain fall ...
Subpanel / Main panel	10/24/2005
Q: I have 1960 era 100 amp main panel which is located in an bedroom ( Garage conversion ~1962) I want ... A: Based on your description...and if you actually want to upgrade your main service to a 200 ...
Odd Outage	10/23/2005
Q: Good Morning, I live in a 30year old home. On one 15 amp circuit is our bathroom, foyer light and ... A: We've were away for the week-end...just getting settled back in at the office.. Based on your ...
Main breaker sizing	10/22/2005
Q: I am looking to buy a house built in 1950. The service drop looks to be 1/0 alum which I believe us ... A: I note you state that the service drop "looks" to be # 1/0 aluminum (which is actually rated to 125 ...
Installing a sub-panel	10/21/2005
Q: I have a 220 line that terminates in a 220 outlet in my laundry room that is not being used. the ... A: Based on your description....there are a few unknowns that need to be answered. In order to run a ...
Getting plugged in on the Range	10/19/2005
Q: The project is kitchen renovation in a house built in 1992. The project includes remove wall oven ... A: Sorry for the delay...never got an e-mail notification of this question....found it today while ...
220vac	10/18/2005
Q: I have an outbuilding that has 220vac outlets upstairs and down each wired to its own double ... A: Based on your description....Yes - you should be able to test for 120 volts to ground from each side ...
replacing ceiling fan with ceiling light	10/17/2005
Q: I am attempting to replace my ceiling fan with a ceiling light. The light fixture has a black, ... A: Just getting back to my office from the jobsite...saw your question in my inbox... Based on your ...
appliances	10/16/2005
Q: I recently bought a dj mixer from america and had it shipped to japan where I am living. The unit ... A: It may be more then just an under-voltage problem...it could also be a frequency problem. As you ...
floor mounted electrical outlet	10/15/2005
Q: we're remodelng and have a FMEO in the slab. It's rather "lumpy" under the carpet and we'd like to ... A: Based on your description...it appears you have a floor mounted outlet in a concrete slab..? If ...
GFI Sensitivity	10/13/2005
Q: Master Bob: This is an easy one for you. I have an outdoor floodlight, which trips the GFI outlet ... A: In theory....it sounds like it may be an easy question..but in reality....it's much more complex. ...
nob and tube to new	10/12/2005
Q: I am putting two recessed lights in my porch ceiling.How does the two wire nob and tube hook into ... A: Based on your description....you are trying to connect recessed lighting in an older home that has ...
230v circuit	10/12/2005
Q: I have a table top grill I would like to install. The grill is 230v 3000 watts single phase 2+g ... A: Based on your description....this grill will need to have a dedicated NEMA 6-15R receptacle outlet ...
nob and tube to new	10/12/2005
Q: I am putting two recessed lights in my porch ceiling.How does the two wire nob and tube hook into ... A: This is a repeat question...I have copied my earlier answer below in the event there was a site ...
Conduit size.	10/11/2005
Q: I am installing 100 amp service to my garage. My first question is, can I use aluminum #2 wire, or ... A: Although I'm not a fan of aluminum (especially for inside wiring)...I do occassionally use it myself ...
Wiring a detached building (pole barn)	10/3/2005
Q: House has 200amp service. I would like to run 100amp service to a pole barn about 120 feet away. I ... A: The only authority that can make the final decision as to what type of wiring method be used is your ...
3-phase wiring	10/2/2005
Q: Can you please explain what is a single phase wiring and what is 3-phase wiring. I know that if ... A: According to my records, Malaysia has a 240 volt 50 hertz (Hz) single phase supply as the common ...
Repair of flood damage	10/1/2005
Q: The argument given to me for just cutting off the exposed ends wire is as follows. Eventhough the ... A: ..and for the kind words. Yes....the argument that was given to you on the wire makes sense... at ...
220	9/30/2005
Q: I would like to run 220 for my air compressor. The length is about 100 feet. I looked on the air ... A: Clearly that's a fairly substantial run....and voltage drop becomes a problem with longer runs of ...
A humming wall	9/29/2005
Q: My house is about 11 years old and I have lived in it for 2.5 years. Over the past couple of weeks ... A: Sorry for just responding....we've been straight out finishing up some projects the past few ...
Grounding a sub-panel	9/28/2005
Q: I'm currently wiring a new detached garage. I need to know if I need to run a ground wire from the ... A: As a fellow electrician....I'm sure you've had all the latest Code updates (required here every 3 ...
240 Volt Air Conditioner	9/27/2005
Q: ------------------------- Follow up Question, On the service panel (side of AC), it says to use a 20 ... A: There seems to be quite a bit of conflicting information as to exactly what this AC unit ...
Ceiling light wiring	9/27/2005
Q: I am replacing a ceiling fan with a ceiling light. The new ceilng light has two bulbs. The light has ... A: Sorry for the delay...we worked a double shift....first chance I've had to log-in... Based on ...
Repair of flood damage	9/26/2005
Q: Our home was flooded by Hurricane Katrina to the 8"9" level by bay water, brackish/salt. The attic ... A: I am sorry to hear about your damage...and the damages and losses of all those who live along the ...
Partial Power Outage	9/25/2005
Q: Bob--My daughter has a home about 70 years old. The wiring is the one that the insulation looks like ... A: Been away for most of the week-end...first chance I've had to log-in and answer the back-log of ...
House electric circuit	9/24/2005
Q: I have just purchased a 700kV 240V portable generator set which I intend to use as an alternative ... A: Based on your description...it appears you have a few identifying terms that are confusing me with ...
recessed 3-way worked intermittent now not at all	9/23/2005
Q: ! Attempting some troubleshooting on the obvious before calling an electrician... Have 8 recessed ... A: Just getting back to my office....saw your question in my inbox... Based on your ...
4 wire 50amp connection at box and at plug	9/22/2005
Q: I am trying to install an outlet to connect my motorhome extention cord. It requires 50 amp service. ... A: ...and for the kind words (and ratings..?) With the new information you supplied...it is now ...
4 wire 50amp connection at box and at plug	9/21/2005
Q: I am trying to install an outlet to connect my motorhome extention cord. It requires 50 amp service. ... A: Just getting back into my office...saw your question in my inbox... Based on your ...
light fixture	9/20/2005
Q: is the insallation neccasay in a dining room light fixture?A guy put my light fixture and removed my ... A: Just getting back into my office...saw your follow-up come in... With out being able to see ...
bathroom fixture	9/19/2005
Q: My new medicine cabinet extends 4 1/2 inces from the wall, and the light fixture I bought doesn't ... A: Based on your description...it sounds like the same scenario we recently had at a camp we were ...
light fixture	9/19/2005
Q: A guy put my light fixture and removed my chandalier.the way he did it i hope its in good...he was ... A: Based on your description.....this guy ( was he a licensed electrician..?) certainly wouldn't make ...
Wiring a Chandelier	9/17/2005
Q: I purchased a chandelier from Italy to install in my house. I have to assemble the chandelier and ... A: Depending on which source you ask....#18-2 SPT has a worse case amperage rating of 8.1 amps...and is ...
Transformer spaced Outlet	9/16/2005
Q: I recently purchased a surge protector for my computer, and it comes with 2 transformer spaced ... A: Just getting back into the office....bbeen a very busy electrical season here... Most newer surge ...
electric dryer installation	9/15/2005
Q: ..i have an electric dryer that I am installing (it replaces a gas one). There is a 220 socket in ... A: Based on your description....you might be better off getting the correct dryer receptacle....then ...
Some outlets Not Working	9/14/2005
Q: Woke up this morning and found that all outlets in bathrooms and one over the garage counter not ... A: First chance I've had to log-in and answer your question...been a VERY busy electrical season ...
Feeder From Utility Company	9/11/2005
Q: How does one figure the size of feeder cable from your utility company to an apartment with multiple ... A: It's fine to be just curious....that's how I got into the electrical field in the first place over ...
Electrical wiring trouble	9/8/2005
Q: Master Bob: I have been having trouble with my lights for a week or so. I ... A: Your recent Follow-up was identical to the original question/answer....no new information was added. ...
Electrical wiring trouble	9/7/2005
Q: Master Bob: I have been having trouble with my lights for a week or ... A: Sorry just responding....we're in the middle of a very busy electrical season here...first chance ...
240 Volt Air Conditioner	9/6/2005
Q: I recently purchased a large room air conditioner, (approx 28,000 BTU's). In the manual for the AC ... A: Sorry just responding....we've been straight out here with a busy electrical season... Based on ...
240 Volt Air Conditioner	9/6/2005
Q: I recently purchased a large room air conditioner, (approx 28,000 BTU's). In the manual for the AC ... A: *** This is a repeat question...if you did not receive my previous answer...I have copied it below: ...
dimming and brightening lights	9/5/2005
Q: I am in a new house almost out of warranty. The lights in the entire house dim when the AC clicks ... A: Based on your description...you are suffering from a rather common problem...and it appears as you ...
220 to 110 conversion	8/30/2005
Q: I'm replacing an electric cook top with a gas one. I need a 110v receptical for the ... A: Based on your description...yes - you shouild be able to re-use this existing wiring with the red ...
Dryer Plug Problems	8/29/2005
Q: I just checked your website and saw you guys are in Bangor! My wife and I just moved from ... A: Although this is a world wide site...I've meet several dozen people from Maine (or formerly from ...
Conduit required in open wall detached garage	8/28/2005
Q: Howdy. I have a detached garage that has never had the walls drywalled. I'm looking to get it up ... A: We were away for most of the week-end....just now getting a chance to answer your question... ...
20 amp GFCI outlets on 15 amp breaker w/14-2?	8/28/2005
Q: I'm trying to get a 50 year old house up to a reasonable state of codeness. I've discovered several ... A: Yes....it is Code accepted and commonly done - which is why the inspector ok'd it. The key here is ...
CALLING ALL PRIESTS	8/27/2005
Q: I have a problem with a GOLD breaker box 100 amp. The circuit that the kitchen light is on is ... A: Sorry just responding....we were out of the area most of the week-end... Clearly you have some ...
wnd	8/21/2005
Q: is it necessary to run a washer and dryeron its own circuit? Can i place an outlet from an existing ... A: Due to the heavy electrical power requirements of a washer and dryer...yes - they both need to be on ...
Conduit Question	8/20/2005
Q: I have obtained my permit for a subpanel and have most of the conduit installed. However, I am ... A: Just getting a chance to log-in and answer your question....very busy electrical season here... ...
re-wiring a table saw for 220 volts	8/19/2005
Q: Master Bob: I tried the "woodworking" section of allexperts.com first but got a reply that my ... A: Without more detail on the motor...it is unlikely I'll be of much help either.....just too many ...
GE breaker	8/15/2005
Q: We bought a 125 amp GE breaker box and changed out my old FPC. 7 110 breakers are installed and ... A: Based on your description....you have no 240 volt power available from this new panel ...
Loss of Electric in part of mobile home	8/14/2005
Q: The problem is this, I came home from work a couple of days ago and we had no power to 3 outlets in ... A: Just getting back in....been one LONG day... Based on your description...and without detailed ...
wiring	8/13/2005
Q: I'm trying to tap into power at a four-way switch to run an attic fan. I located two power sources ... A: Based on your description...you have me a little confused. A 4-way switch is used when you need to ...
Microwave and GFCI	8/12/2005
Q: My name is Bryan and I am currently selling a house in California.The buyer paid for a home ... A: Based on your description....this inspector appears to have not been an "electrical" inspector - or ...
wiring up a light in the bedroom	8/11/2005
Q: i am trying to wire up a new light in the bedroom but not having much joy... There are 2 cables ... A: Sorry just responding...I did not receive e-mail notification of your question...just now found it ...
lights dimming, buzz in breaker box	8/1/2005
Q: I hope you can help me with this. The house approximately 20 years old with new wiring through out. ... A: Sorry just responding...been away down-state on a remote job... Based on your description....your ...
Convert 60 amp circuit to 4/ 15 amp circuits.	7/31/2005
Q: I have an existing 60 amp dryer circuit that is disconnected and not being used. I would like to ... A: Based on your description....you have the standard 30 amp dryer circuit (the 2 side by side 30 amp ...
knob-and-tube replacement	7/30/2005
Q: I recently purchased an old home built in 1916. The previous owners had updated about half the ... A: Just getting back into the office for the day... I reviewed your pics at the URL you ...
Temporary Panel	7/28/2005
Q: Need to install a temporary electrical service. Moving a mobile home and replacing it with a house ... A: Just getting back into the office.... Where this former mobile home service has a disconnect out ...
Dishwasher wiring	7/27/2005
Q: I just purchased a new dishwasher. And the house did not previously have a dishwasher. The wiring ... A: Just getting in.... Based on your description...your methodology is partially correct...with some ...
Dead receptacle circuit	7/26/2005
Q: I previously contacted you about a dead circuit for receptacles in two bedrooms. The breaker is ... A: Yes...I recall your previous question...did you also call directly to our office Monday afternoon..? ...
Panelboards/Sub-panels	7/24/2005
Q: I've wired a sub-panel next to the main (properly sized and all).On the main lugs in the sub (or ... A: Been away at a remote location...just getting back to home base. Based on your ...
replacing outlets	7/23/2005
Q: Master Bob: I would like to replace various two-prong outlets at my church with 3-prong ones. I ... A: Typically....if a building has only 2 prong receptacle outlets....with no ground prong...then it was ...
Ceiling Fan Wiring - Remote	7/20/2005
Q: (This is a follow up) Master Bob, I followed your directions as listed below. Unfortunately, ... A: ...sorry just responding - have been out of the area on an emergency call.. Generally, putting ...
Dead plug circuit	7/19/2005
Q: I came home froma trip to find two circuit breakers tripped(possibly from a storm). I turned both ... A: Based on your description....you've done some of the preliminary troubleshooting to try to find and ...
Ceiling Fan Wiring - Remote	7/18/2005
Q: Master Bob, I'm installing a ceiling fan in a relatively new home (2003). There are two switches ... A: Based on your decription...this home was wired in the common fashion....with a run of 12/3 from two ...
finding bad wire	7/17/2005
Q: No power is getting to several switches in my home. (Different areas of home) Tested with voltage ... A: Just getting back in...been a long weekend here. Based on your description..you are indicating ...
Changing an air compressor voltage requirement	7/16/2005
Q: I have a 2hp electrical air compressor. It can run on either 240 or 110 volts. My father wired it ... A: Based on your description...and as you mentioned...the compressor cord's plug will need to be ...
proper in-line splice technique using romex	7/15/2005
Q: Master Bob: I'm putting in 2(two),in line, 48" 2 light flourescent light fixtures, commercial grade ... A: Based on your description....and given the possible connection choices - the preferred method is to ...
ground size	7/14/2005
Q: We bought a home a few years that had recently been replumbed. While doing some work in the crawl ... A: This is a DUPLICATE question. In the event you did not get a copy of my earlier answer...I have ...
ground size	7/14/2005
Q: We bought a home a few years that had recently been replumbed. While doing some work in the crawl ... A: Based on your description...your lucky there where no incidents....removing and exchanging around a ...
Sup panel	7/13/2005
Q: We have a sub panel installed in our attic from the previous owners. It is a two space panel and is ... A: Based on your description....and the limited loads served by this attic sub-panel...I'm not exactly ...
gfi switch / refridgerator	7/12/2005
Q: I placed a refridgerater in my gagrge about 6mos. ago. About 1 weeks ago, the gfi switch in my ... A: Without test results...I have no way to help you determine if the refrigerator has gone ...
wire 220v receptacle	7/11/2005
Q: I originally had 220v 20amp circuit that needed to be changed to 220v 30amp. I changed the breaker ... A: Your description is a little confusing...you changed the 20 amp 240 volt double pole breaker to a 30 ...
14/3 wired to 2 120 lines with common neutral.	7/10/2005
Q: I have a circuit supplied by one wire from a 14/3 line. The other wire from the same line was ... A: It is a Code violation to share a common neutral between two lines...IF they are on the same buss or ...
red wire	7/9/2005
Q: I am installing a ceiling fan. There is a red wire a white wire and black wire and green wire ... A: Based on your description, this ceiling box where you intend to install this ceiling fan may have ...
Wiring new bathroom light fixture	7/8/2005
Q: I am trying to replace an old wall mounted, two light bathroom fixture. When I removed it, I noticed ... A: Based on your description....the light fixture you are replacing is rather old...made back before ...
lighting	7/7/2005
Q: whenever my air conditioner unit kicks on my lighting in the house will dim for a second. is this a ... A: Based on your description...you find yourself among a large group. The majority of A/C's (and most ...
Lighted switch dim	7/6/2005
Q: Last night when I went to bed I tried to turn on my bedroom lights and the switches (one for the ... A: Based on your description...it's hard to say for sure what is the root of the problem without ...
Upgrade 15amp circuit to 20amp	7/5/2005
Q: Bob, A prior owner extended a 15amp circuit off my Kitchen outlets into three add-on rooms. I'm in ... A: Based on your description....either the 14/2 to the 2 lights/2 receptacles will need to be excluded ...
4-way switch replacement problem	7/4/2005
Q: I'm replacing an old 4-way switch with a new one from lowe's. There are two other 3-way switches on ... A: Sorry just responding....went away for the Holiday week-end...came back to the office with a pile of ...
OUTDOOR LIGHTING FEATURES	7/3/2005
Q: ..I APPRECIATE THIS VERY MUCH. I WANT TO INSTALL NEW OUTDOOR LIGHTS ON THE OUTSIDE WALL WHERE OLD ... A: I volunteer my spare time here at this site (and several other electrical consulting sites I belong ...
220 outlet in the kitchen	7/1/2005
Q: I recently purchesd a stove that requires 220 to operate.I curently have no 220 outlets in my ... A: Based on your description....and your current wiring arrangement - it would be best to install a new ...
Electrical Circuit	6/30/2005
Q: II have a 15amp circuit that contains 6 outlets and two lights. The power is fed into an outlet, ... A: Based on your description...it sounds like you are using one of the plug-in tester types. Your ...
110 to 220	6/29/2005
Q: We are in the process of remodeling a kitchen and are adding 2 new appliances that require 220. ... A: ..yes - that is the information I requested....it provided the electrical power useage detail I ...
Burnt wire at box	6/28/2005
Q: I opened up my electrical box to discover that one of the wires for my dryer (220v 30amp breaker ... A: Based on your description....you appear to have had good reason to the have the be-jeepers scared ...
110 to 220	6/27/2005
Q: We are in the process of remodeling a kitchen and are adding 2 new appliances that require 220. ... A: Just getting back to the office...with a pile of paperwork to go over...needed to take a break... ...
adding a ceilin fan	6/22/2005
Q: i own a 40 year old house, want to put in a ceilin fan with a light but there is no wires in artic ... A: Unfortunately - you caught me as we are fixing to leaving for a camping trip here shortly...so I'll ...
Installing a new 30 circuit for 230/208 volt AC	6/21/2005
Q: I recently purchased a Air Conditioner that uses 230/208 volts. Having an electrician install an ... A: Your electrical labor estimate may be high because this is a 100+ yr. old building....and more then ...
NEMA 6-15 plug	6/20/2005
Q: I have an old NEMA 6-15 (250v) plug in my appartment. It was apparently for an old air conditioner. ... A: Possibly....as long as your new A/C doesn't draw that much power. Where the old receptacle was a ...
Arc Fault Breaker	6/19/2005
Q: Interesting. A guy at the local hardware store said something similar and he mentioned the first ... A: ...and yes - the early GFCI's were also quite the pain as well. Being meticulous is a good thing ...
Arc Fault Breaker	6/18/2005
Q: I just rewired our house (torn down to the studs). I have an arc fault breaker installed in one of ... A: Just getting back to the office...been a BUSY week-end here electrically... Based on your ...
garage subpanel	6/16/2005
Q: pvc conduit to garage Im planning on using 6 gauge wire 2 hots 1 neutral 1 ground to 125 amp main ... A: Based on your description...it sounds as if you have most of the bases covered for this sub-panel in ...
Outlets not working	6/15/2005
Q: I live in a brand new townhouse (10 months old). I plugged a curling iron into an outlet in my ... A: Just getting back in from a double shift...sorry for the delay. Based on your description...and ...
Adding breakers t box	6/14/2005
Q: I am an ex-Tv repairman, I know the basics of electricity, & I would like to add some circuit ... A: This appears to be a duplicate question...I have pasted my original answer below...in case it was ...
Adding breakers t box	6/14/2005
Q: I am an ex-Tv repairman, I know the basics of electricity, & I would like to add some circuit ... A: I used to repair TV's as well...back in the days (decades ago)when it was more economical to repair ...
Ceiling fan installation question	6/13/2005
Q: I checked the different black wires in the electrical box and found that one had a lot of power ... A: It's hard to say which wire is which with these old houses...(wiring methods and Codes where ...
brakers	6/11/2005
Q: I live in a 3 bedroom apt.with 2 bathrooms.our brakers go out constantly once every hr. we thought ... A: Sorry just responding....we went camping down on the coast over the week-end...it was a last minute ...
Ceiling fan installation question	6/10/2005
Q: I installed a Hunter ceiling fan with light to a wall switch and am having problems with the ... A: Sorry for just responding...we went camping on the coast for the weekend. Sounds like you've ...
electrical inverter	6/9/2005
Q: I have a friend who wants to bring an American appliance from the US to Europe. Besides the ... A: Just getting back in....been a very busy late Spring electrical season here... Yes....your ...
Cooker tripping electric	6/8/2005
Q: I wonder if you can tell me why my electric cooker trips out the electric. This used to be every now ... A: Without being able to be there to test the circuit and cooker....I have no way of determining why ...
Electrical requirements	6/7/2005
Q: I have started to build my new home in Orlando Florida, and I am a bit concerned that I will be a ... A: Just getting back in from a remote work location... Based on your description...it sounds like ...
Hooking up 4-wire cooktop to 3-wire service	6/5/2005
Q: I'm replacing a cooktop in our kitchen. The old Jennair cooktop had 3 wires - black, red and white ... A: The 3 wire/4 wire stove, oven and dryer hook-up related questions must be the top question of the ...
ground	6/2/2005
Q: The appliance repairman said the dryers problem was a floating ground. I am familiar with electrical ... A: Just getting back from our camping trip... Not sure if this is a follow-up to a previous ...
Well pump wiring size	6/1/2005
Q: I want to replace the wiring to my well pump with UF cable. The pump is submersible and water ... A: Given the distances involved (~330')....I'd certain recommend up-sizing your pump feeder to a #10/2 ...
New Cooktop / Double oven kitchen wiring	5/26/2005
Q: I'm looking to install 2 new lines for a kitchen remodel to include a cooktop and a double oven. I ... A: Based on your description - and the amperage these devices draw...NO - you do not have the correct ...
Sub-Panel Installation	5/25/2005
Q: On 1/1/2005, you provided a thorough description of a sub-panel installation adjacent to a Main ... A: Due to the large volume of questions I receive here (and at other electrical expert/consulting sites ...
Rewire 3 prong dryer to 4 prong	5/23/2005
Q: Master Bob I have a 220 volt 3 prong dryer that I now need to plug into a 220 volt 4 prong ... A: Under the new Codes...all dryers (and stoves/ovens) must now be 4 wire....having a seperate neutral ...
Tripping breaker in Kitchen	5/22/2005
Q: My mother-in-law has been having trouble with a breaker tripping in the kitchen. We just got her a ... A: Sorry just responding....we've been working in a remote location this week.....haven't had any spare ...
Options for service to unattached garage	5/20/2005
Q: Wondering if you may be able to help me get one or two ideas on getting elect. service to a garage ... A: Based on your description....yes, you can change out the exisiting meter to a 100 amp or 200 amp ...
240 v wiring	5/19/2005
Q: I just bought a pressure washer that i want to run off an unused dryer hookup. the recepticle is a ... A: Sorry just responding....been away the past few days on a remote electrical job.. Based on your ...
wiring size for hot tub, 120V line to change to 240V	5/18/2005
Q: I have an exisitng hot tub that is running off of 120V line (and at the most pulls 12amps). By ... A: As you noted, the wiring size depends on the load of the device...and if your hot-tub is only ...
Replace 3-Wire Cooktop & Wall Oven with Range	5/17/2005
Q: Our house was built in 1969. We have not had any major electrical issues but recently the double ... A: Actually....your electrician is closer to complying with recently changed Codes (effective in 2002 ...
Outdoor wiring	5/16/2005
Q: Outdoor wiring I have deck that is attached to the house and is about 3ft off the ground. I want to ... A: Out of the 2 options....ONLY option 2 is correct...type NM or UF cables can NOT be run inside long ...
Do you need to clamp a grounding wire to a load center?	5/14/2005
Q: I've just installed a new grounding rod and ran a #4 bare copper wire from the grounding rod to the ... A: Your #4 ground wire can enter the panel either way - thru a romex (NM) connector tightened down all ...
New Service	5/13/2005
Q: I am upgading the service on one of my apartment buildings. There are 5 apartments and one ... A: Sorry just responding...we got called out (emergency call) to work double shifts to finish up the ...
junction box	5/13/2005
Q: I hope you can help me. I just purchased a house and have since discovered that the wiring is messed ... A: Sorry just responding...we got called out (emergency call) to work double shifts to finish up the ...
ARC Fault Breaker Problems	5/12/2005
Q: Sir, You asked what type of AFCI breaker I am using: It is a Cuttler Hammer (CH) type breaker, 20 ... A: Sorry just getting back to you...we got called out (emergency call) to work double shifts to finish ...
3 way switch with pilot light	5/12/2005
Q: I have 2 sets of 3 way switches that I would like to use with 3 way pilot light switches on both ... A: Sorry just responding...we got called out (emergency call) to work double shifts to finish up the ...
Burned Breakers	5/11/2005
Q: We had a small problem the top two breakers in our box burned through. Why would this happen and ... A: Sorry just responding...we got called out to work double shifts to finish up the week...have had NO ...
ARC Fault Breaker Problems	5/10/2005
Q: Sir, The AFCI breaker I am using is a Cutler Hammer (CH) 20amp. I didn't get a chance to test a ... A: Sorry I haven't had a chance to respond sooner....we've been working extra shifts the past couple ...
ARC Fault Breaker Problems	5/9/2005
Q: Sir, Well I am now testing all of the circuits in my new home and am having trouble with an arc ... A: We have had numerous problems with the now required bedroom circuit AFI breakers...especially if ...
Ceiling fan	5/9/2005
Q: I have a ceiling fan that I've has for a few years. I dont really use it that much, but in all the ... A: Sorry for the delay....I did not get an e-mail notice of your question...only recently found it ...
electrical/240v 30amp line	5/7/2005
Q: i ran a 240v 30a line for an electric dryer. i bought the right circut breaker, i ran 10 gauge-3 ... A: Based on your symptoms, the Sear's guys is probably right. Typcial dryers require the 240 volts to ...
110 main tripping	5/6/2005
Q: Bob, On my last resource here so try to be gentle i have been doing hvac since 77 so i have a good ... A: Sounds like you have already taken the preliminary steps to attempt to find and correct your ...
wire size	5/6/2005
Q: I want to run under ground romex to a shed about 200 feet from the house, I want one light and one ... A: Given that distance....voltage drop will certainly come into play....and you'd find the voltage at ...
how to calculate	5/5/2005
Q: I use to be pretty good back in high school electronics and remember ohms law along with the power ... A: Sorry just responding...I never got an e-mail notification of your question...just now found it ...
Sensor/Relay	5/5/2005
Q: ------------------------- Followup To Many thanks for your prompt response......I chose the ... A: Sorry I couldn't be so prompt this time around...we all pulled some double shifts so I could let the ...
I live in a ruaral area that...	5/4/2005
Q: I live in a ruaral area that suffers frequent power outages. This is a serious problem in the ... A: Based on your description...you are seeking an automatic transfer type of system...or even a UPS ...
FLOURESCENT	5/4/2005
Q: I recently replaced an 8'ballast that was going out occasionally.Now the unit next to it is going ... A: Unfortunately, flourescent ballasts have a limited lifetime (the oil inside them starts to evaporate ...
electrical	5/3/2005
Q: How do I get rid of the buzz from my dimmer on my low voltage track lights? I already tried a good ... A: Without knowing more about the wattage of your LV track lights and size/make/model and rating of the ...
Adding 110 volt light to dryer circuit	4/27/2005
Q: I want to put some GE Linkable fluorescent lights in a basement closet. The nearest wiring is 3-wire ... A: Abbe, NO....you do not want to add ANY lighting ( or even a general purpose receptacle outlet) to ...
3 way switches	4/22/2005
Q: Bob, I am installing a ceiling fan and would like to power it from an exsisting 3 way circuit. The ... A: (appears to be a duplicate question...my original answer has been copied below in case it was not ...
3 way switches	4/21/2005
Q: Bob, I am installing a ceiling fan and would like to power it from an exsisting 3 way circuit. The ... A: ..I have a few minutes today before I leave for work...and actually have Sunday off...my first day ...
Lighting	4/20/2005
Q: Master Bob, I have fluorescent lighting in the kitchen. There are 5 receptacles located under the ... A: My apologies for the delay Ajay.....we got called out to an electrical job down-state at the last ...
I recently moved into a house...	4/17/2005
Q: I recently moved into a house that has a large whirlpool in the basement. It uses full sized pool ... A: My apologies for the delay Andrew.....we got called out to an electrical job down-state at the last ...
rewiring/plugs.	4/16/2005
Q: Sir, We have migrated from Australia to Canada the Ausssie system is the same as the U.K, we have ... A: You may be able to use your Aussie lamps in Canada....with a few modifications. Here in the USA (and ...
house wiring	4/15/2005
Q: Can you please tell me how to wire a two way switch for my hall. After removing the ceiling rose I ... A: Sorry just responding.....worked a 14 hour shift yesterday...got in late - but it earned us a ...
Wiring drop in range from free standing range	4/15/2005
Q: We have removed a free standing electric range and are in process of installing a drop in range. The ... A: Sorry just responding.....worked a 14 hour shift yesterday...got in late - but it earned us a ...
GFI	4/11/2005
Q: I have trying to ask a follow up for a few weeks now, but seems you are a popular guy on this ... A: .?). Due to the high volume of questions I receive....and the long hours worked - I had to cut ...
Phone/cable TV wiring	4/10/2005
Q: what's the best way to run phone and cable tv wires inside a wall (along) w/o breaking the ... A: Sorry just responding....we've been working 6 - 12's and yesterday was my only day off - and then I ...
Bathroom Wall Fixture	4/4/2005
Q: I have taken down three wall-mounted strips of low-wattage lighting to antique them. They were ... A: Sorry just responding....we've been working 12's all week...and have now gone to 7 - 12's (with no ...
subpanel	4/3/2005
Q: I have begun remodeling my kitchen. I plan to install a new subpanel to power the kitchen. The range ... A: Sorry just responding....we've been working 12's all week...and have now gone to 7 - 12's (with no ...
GFI: replacing bathroom fan and light combination with just a fan	4/2/2005
Q: Master Bob, What do I need to do that will allow the new exhaust fan and bathroom outlet to work and ... A: Sorry just responding....we've been working double shifts all this week....(today is my ONLY day ...
Surge Protection	4/1/2005
Q: I had 3 VCR's die the other night. Two are on the same circuit and one of them is protected by a ... A: Sorry just responding....we've been working double shifts all this week....(today is my ONLY day ...
Use 220V dryer outlet for audio amplifiers	3/30/2005
Q: good morning, Master Bob! thanks for getting back so quickly. Great to hear that you've actually ... A: ... I'll draw out a hand sketch of a suggested schematic as soon as I get the chance....just got ...
Use 220V dryer outlet for audio amplifiers	3/29/2005
Q: I work locally as a musician and use amplifiers regularly. I have high wattage amps but never ... A: Yes...as a former lighting and sound technician/ band manager for a Northeastern band..(helped put ...
wall outlets	3/28/2005
Q: What causes a black residue on outlets? My house is under l0 yrs. old and I have one bedroom outlet ... A: Sorry just responding....we pulled a double shift today...off to a bad start for the week at ...
240 3 wire to 2 wire air compressor	3/27/2005
Q: I am installing an air compressor (208/230 volts 18 amps) the copressor wireing is whie black and a ... A: Good Morning Jim, Where this is a straight 240 volt compressor.....you will not need the neutral ...
low bay light switches	3/26/2005
Q: ok i got it we are using 12-2 i just wanted to avoid havong a lot of wire in the switch box one ... A: ..if all 12 of these will all fit on a 20 amp #12 circuit, then these would have to be either 200 or ...
low bay light switches	3/25/2005
Q: i'm installing 12 low bay lights on 240v circuts i want to wire the switches so that i can use one ... A: Sorry just responding....worked a double shift yesterday. You didn't state the wattage of your ...
double battery hookup	3/24/2005
Q: I am wanting to hook two 12 volt batteries up to my 4x4. My alternator/generator is enough to keep ... A: To keep your batteries at 12 volts....simply wire them in parallel (if you go series...you'll get 24 ...
switch/circuit problems	3/20/2005
Q: I have one circuit entering in from panel at a 2 gang box in which i have a single pole switch for a ... A: Just received an e-mail from Allexperts technical department...telling me they have had some server ...
light switch	3/18/2005
Q: The situation is, there are two light switches next to each other. The one on the right has a small ... A: Sorry for just responding....we've been working down State most of the week..(with very limited ...
Moving a stove outlet	3/17/2005
Q: I need to move the stove outlet 2 feet. Can I extend the wiring from the orginal outlet, or do I ... A: Sorry for just responding....we've been working down State most of the week..(with very limited ...
Three way wiring	3/17/2005
Q: Bob, I have the task of installing two (three way switches) and three light fixtures in the ... A: Sorry for just responding....we've been working down State most of the week..(with limited computer ...
Lights flicker electrician says change BKR	3/15/2005
Q: I just purchased an 11 year old 2000 sq/ft home and noticed all the lights dim (quick flicker) when ... A: Been working back to back 14+ hour days...have had NO spare time as of late...sorry for the delay - ...
Slow start in my electrical motor	3/14/2005
Q: I have a quick question that I hope you can help me with. I have a rather large Delta Radial Arm ... A: Been working back to back 14+ hour days...have had NO spare time as of late...sorry for the delay - ...
Pool House Wiring	3/13/2005
Q: I am building a shed/building to house a bathroom, storage space and covered family area near my ... A: Been working back to back 14+ hour days...have had NO spare time as of late...sorry for the delay - ...
240V Receptacle vs Hard Wiring	3/12/2005
Q: Bob, I really have 2 questions, sorry for the length of this email, and thank you. Question ONE: ... A: Sorry just responding.....we were away for the week-end visiting family - first time we've both had ...
Sub panel & total rewiring	3/9/2005
Q: I have an older home that has the old style fuse panel and at some point in time someone took the 2 ... A: Sorry just responding...still working 12 hours shifts here 6 days a week...and will be for the next ...
14 gauge wire and a 20 amp breaker	3/9/2005
Q: Bob: I am finishing my basement and in order to do so I need to rewire 3 outlets. All 3 are on the ... A: Sorry just responding...still working 12 hours shifts here 6 days a week...and will be for the next ...
Hi Bob You've been extremely...	3/8/2005
Q: You've been extremely helpful in the past, I'm sure you have good advice for me now. Still finshing ... A: ..glad I've been able to help in the past....just been working so many hours lately - barely have ...
Lights	3/7/2005
Q: I have just finished my basement in our home, and did the wiring myself.....scary EH! By the way I'm ... A: Sorry just responding.....we worked a double shift yesterday...and will be working 12's the rest of ...
GFI	3/7/2005
Q: Sir, Could not get a GFI receptacle to work on a circuit. Tried two different ones and the GFI ... A: Sorry just responding....worked a double shift yesterday. Based on your description...(ie,..the ...
Receptical rating	3/6/2005
Q: Can I use 15 amp switches and recepticles on a circuit with a 20 amp breaker and 12awg wire? No ... A: Yes....not only is it pefectly legal to use 15 amp rated switches or receptacle on a 20 amp ...
3 way switch-neutral is being switched	3/5/2005
Q: I ran across this problem 20 years ago, and have recently stumbled on to it again. While changing ... A: Sorry just responding....been incredibly busy electrically here the past few weeks...haven't had ...
3 way dimmer	3/4/2005
Q: My brother install a 3 way dimmer in my house now it is not working the right way I can not turn ... A: Sorry just responding....we got called out at the last minute Thursday morning to finish up a job ...
Service upgrade	3/4/2005
Q: First, I'd like to give you guys' thumbs up for dedicating your time to this informative site I ... A: Sorry just responding....we got called out at the last minute Thursday morning to finish up a job ...
Adding recessed cans to existing sw. with 3-wire cond.	3/3/2005
Q: I'm adding 4 "can" lights to a room with an existing sw. outlet. The cable is a 3-wire (red, black, ... A: Sorry just responding....we got called at the last minute Thursday morning to finish up a job ...
Subpanel	3/2/2005
Q: I have a 100 amp subpanel to supply a basement that is in the process of being finished. The room ... A: Sorry just responding...been straight out here - very busy electrical season. Based on your load ...
Problem with 3 way switchs	3/1/2005
Q: I have been having a problem wiring the switches that control a over head light in my kitchen!I ... A: Sorry just responding....been working some LONG shifts downstate...and haven't been home much this ...
Baseboard heater wiring	3/1/2005
Q: Would this set up be acceptable to install two 8 foot baseboard heaters (2000 watts each)on the same ... A: Just getting in....got buried in the white stuff here in the Northeast....late winter storm. ...
Upgrading service and adding unattatched garage	2/28/2005
Q: House is 58yrs.and service is six different boxes. 1-modern trip-type w/8 breakers,1 box w/4 glass ... A: Sorry for the delay...a bad winter storm here in the Northeast has backed up all projects - been ...
Too Many Wires!	2/28/2005
Q: I replaced a couple light fixtures (living room and bath) and the box was full of stiff wires! ... A: Sorry for the delay...a bad winter storm here in the Northeast has backed up all projects - been ...
Unusual oven wiring question	2/27/2005
Q: I have an unusual wiring question. My builder installed a 30Amp 240V dryer receptacle in my laundry ... A: Sorry for the delay...a bad winter storm here in the Northeast has backed up all projects - been ...
no power in kitchen outlets	2/27/2005
Q: This house was built in late 1996. A week ago, my hall ceiling lights and an outlet in the kitchen ... A: Sorry for the delay...a bad winter storm here in the Northeast has backed up all projects - been ...
bathroom project	2/27/2005
Q: How can I wire two consecutive medicine cabinets with a switch at the end of the circuit? A: Just getting back in...very busy electrical season here. Based on your description...Yes - you ...
subpanel problems	2/26/2005
Q: While adding an outlet to a garage (with the breaker off) lights brightened and then blew and now it ... A: Based on your description - as written...BOTH of these sub-panels are improperly installed and not ...
Federal Pacific	2/26/2005
Q: I am considering buying an apt w/364 other units in the building. However, it has only 50 amp ... A: Just getting back in... Based on your description...you have too MAJOR problems....and strong ...
Adding a subpanel	2/25/2005
Q: I have done some extensive rewiring in numerous homes we have owened, so I'm not afraid to dig into ... A: The answers to both your questions is ...Yes. And here's why... Once any feeder (or even a ...
Wiring a new range	2/25/2005
Q: I live on property that has two homes occupying it. I live in one of them. It could be considered ... A: Just getting in....end of a long week here. Based on your description...some major changes would ...
Adding outlet and rearranging kitchen wiring	2/24/2005
Q: We just bought our first townhouse, and we can't afford to hire a contractor right now. I'm pretty ... A: We got back late last night....sorry for the delay - very busy electrical season here.. Based on ...
Breaker	2/23/2005
Q: We just purchased a washer and gas dryer. We currently have a 12-3 type wire in place which feeds ... A: Just getting in... Based on your description...a few of your terms appear to be misquotes....why ...
sub panel in detached barn	2/23/2005
Q: I'm in the planning stage of running electric to a barn behind my house. The distance from panel to ... A: Just getting in... Most States (not sure if MD is one...but most States comply with the Code ...
Water heater hum	2/22/2005
Q: This question is coming from the Uk. We have a hot water tank in one of the bedrooms. and inside the ... A: I had to do a little research to answer this one....and here is what I found that MAY be causing ...
How do I calculate the gauge of wire to connect a subpanel to the service panel?	2/22/2005
Q: I do have one more question. Where would you recommend buying the wire from? I'm assuming I'll use ... A: Stopped by my office for lunch...saw your new e-mail come in... If you plan to use PVC conduit ...
How do I calculate the gauge of wire to connect a subpanel to the service panel?	2/21/2005
Q: I am planning on adding a 100 amp subpanel in my garage/shop. My main service panel is 200 amps (or ... A: Normally.....the feeders from the main panel to the sub for a 100 amp panel would be #2 copper (if ...
Flickering Light	2/21/2005
Q: We have a light over our washer/drying machine that started flickering awhile ago. I know enough ... A: Based on your description...it's not clear whether the damage is in the wiring of the fixture ...
Chandelier wiring	2/20/2005
Q: I'm in the process of rewiring a chandlier and can't remember from where I diconnected the old ... A: Sorry for just responding....we made a last minute trip this week-end..(family emergency)...got back ...
Water heater hum	2/19/2005
Q: I've noticed that you seem to get a humming noise from devices like kettles and convector heaters ... A: Sorry for just responding....we made a last minute trip this week-end....(family emergency)...got ...
adding an interior door-	2/19/2005
Q: How do I re-route the electrical wiring after cutting a hole in the interior wall to make a doorway? ... A: Sorry for just responding....we made a last minute trip this week-end....got back late last night. ...
Electrical outlet	2/18/2005
Q: I purchased a new electric range yesterday and when the delivery guys showed up this morning to set ... A: You caught me at my office doing paperwork (Friday payroll)...needed to take a break from that ...
15 amp outlets on 20 amp Breaker	2/18/2005
Q: I have been told that it is OK in residential as long as it is multiple outlets. Thaks, Mark A: Caught me at the office doing paperwork (Friday payroll)..needed to take a break from that anyways. ...
Wiring termination and ground rod requirement	2/17/2005
Q: Master Bob, 1-What is a "Greenie". Local electrician and wiring inspector stated that "Greenies" ... A: Sorry for the delay...had back to back service calls all day yesterday... There is no known ...
Half the lights out	2/17/2005
Q: Last night the power in half of my house (very old house) began flickering, but then when out. When ... A: Just getting in... Based on your description....your symptoms fit two very possible ...
Wire Guage 240volt Oven	2/16/2005
Q: I have a new dual convection electic oven on order and will need a wiring upgrade (old oven was ... A: Based on your description...and the distance the oven feeder needs to cover...I agree with the ...
adding a sub panel to a GE bulldog pushmatic panel	2/16/2005
Q: I need additional CB's for updating the kitchen and bathrooms with two 20 AMP circuits for the ... A: Based on your description...you have run into one of the most common electrical problems homeowners ...
adding outlets on 2nd floor	2/15/2005
Q: i own a two story farm house built in 1877.i want to add electric outlets on the second floor.the ... A: Sorry just responding...the new computers and routers came in for our office network last ...
Electrical Questions....................	2/15/2005
Q: If I had an open ground in a circuit what problem(s) would it cause? Then say for a Neutral, and the ... A: Sorry just responding...the new computers and routers came in for our office network last ...
electric problem	2/13/2005
Q: several years ago my home was struck by lightning. Recently, my bathroom light (3 bulbs) had 2 of ... A: Based on your description...the lightning strike from years ago should have long shown all it's ...
electrical problem	2/12/2005
Q: The circuit in my son's room is not working. The breaker is fine and we haven't messed with ... A: Based on your tester's description....one of the main reasons that can cause this is the hot black ...
Recessed lighting load	2/11/2005
Q: I am installing several (18) recessed lights in my basement. I have done some math ... A: Sorry just responding....we got buried (literally) under 23" of wet and heavy snow the past 2 ...
220 outrlet	2/11/2005
Q: ------------------------- Followup To Thanks Master Bob for your quick reply, I looked at the ... A: Sorry this response wasn't as quick as my earlier response...but with your experience in up state NY ...
220 outrlet	2/10/2005
Q: I have an existing 220v outlet, i have a small 22v welder. the plugs are diffrent! I took the ... A: Just getting back in....we are having a bad storm here in the Northeast...getting buried. There ...
My living room used to have...	2/10/2005
Q: My living room used to have a light connected to 2 3-way switches. The previous owner disconnected ... A: Just getting in....we are having a bad storm here in the Northeast....getting buried. You MAY be ...
Extra Stove circuit needed in a full panel	2/9/2005
Q: I'm finishing a basement and ran the proper wire for a stove hook up but there is no room left in ... A: Based on your description....unless you can free up breaker space...and have 2 spaces free...you may ...
low voltage wire in dry wall	2/9/2005
Q: I am a homeowner looking to run speaker wire for a hometheater system. I have a media niche that ... A: Just getting in... Based on your description...yes - it would be acceptable to run the speaker ...
Breaker panel buzzing	2/8/2005
Q: I recently installed a 30 amp breaker for a new 240 line for an electric dryer. I removed an old 30 ... A: Based on your description...you apparently installed a new 30 amp breaker and 10/3 w/ ground wire to ...
Basement wiring quickie	2/8/2005
Q: Can't thank you enough for all the advice. I do have another question that I could use your help ... A: ....glad I was able to be of some help.. Based on your description....yes - the circuit would be ...
light bulb wattage for a floor lamp	2/6/2005
Q: I acquired a used floor lamp. The lamp contains a total of four bulbs and has two switches. The ... A: Sorry just responding...had back to back service calls all week-end. More then likely....the ...
30 AMP 10-30R- Inactive	2/5/2005
Q: I have to redistribute electricity in my home and I have a 30 amp/125/250 V (NEMA 10-30R) ... A: Sorry just responding...had back to back service calls today...finally in for the day....I hope. ...
Emergency Generator Use	2/5/2005
Q: Master Bob; I have a Coleman Vertex generator which outputs 125/250. I would like to know if it is ... A: Is it possible to hook your gen up to your dryer receptacle to back feed the home..? Yes. Is it ...
GFI outlets and breakers	2/4/2005
Q: --Bob, I tried that website Codecheck.com and it didn't connect ( unable to establish)connection. Is ... A: .. Yes....the Codecheck link: (www.codecheck.com/gfci_principal.htm ) is fully ...
GFI outlets and breakers	2/3/2005
Q: I am looking for a detailed explanation of exactly what and how a GFI needs to trip a circuit. The ... A: Stopped by my office to finish some paperwork....saw your question come in. GFI breakers and GFCI ...
Basement wiring quickie	2/3/2005
Q: I'm in the process of refinishing the basement and adding umpteen outlets and lights. First ... A: ..(and the ratings). Don't worry...I'm not going anywhere....between running the company and ...
Basement wiring quickie	2/2/2005
Q: I'm in the process of refinishing the basement and adding umpteen outlets and lights. First ... A: Just getting in.... I hope your verison of "umpteen outlets and lights" isn't a very large ...
Flourescent tube lightining in the Garage	2/2/2005
Q: HOw do I wire four flourescent tube fixtures together for use in my garage. A: Just getting in... You didn't say whether you had brought the power in for these fixtures to the ...
Detached Garage	2/1/2005
Q: I do have a couple follow up questions. What is the best way to attach the pull rope to the four ... A: End of another long work day... Thanks for the kind words (and any ratings..?). Typically.....we ...
Detached Garage	1/31/2005
Q: I would like to put a 100 amp sub-panel in my detached garage. My home has an existing 200 amp ... A: Just getting in... Based on your description....a 100 amp panel usually requires #2 copper THHN ...
making a extention cord	1/29/2005
Q: MY question is how do I make an extention cord from my 220 volt lincoln Mig welder to the 4 prong ... A: Sorry just responding....been away visiting family for the day... Must be the season for welder ...
Connecting 220 VAC plug to line cord	1/29/2005
Q: I have a dual mig welder 230 VAC, 30 - 120 amp welding current. I would like to put a twist lock ... A: Sorry just responding....been away visiting family for the day... Must be the season for welder ...
CIRCUIT BREAKERS	1/28/2005
Q: Master Bob Hi, when my house was built a circuit bord was put in, but Im am now having problems ... A: Sorry just responding...we ended up staying downstate last night....too tired to drive back home ...
wall sockets	1/28/2005
Q: I live in a studio and I just bought a new freezer, because the one in the kitchen is very small. ... A: Sorry just responding...we ended up staying downstate last night....too tired to drive back home ...
Splicing Into Existing Circuit	1/27/2005
Q: I was wondering....I am working on my existing garage and already had a few outlets installed on one ... A: Just getting back in...(took the little lady out for supper). Yes....Code requires receptacles in ...
GFI wiring	1/26/2005
Q: I appreciate the job you and all the experts do on this site, it really is fantastic. I am ... A: Just getting back in for the day.... It's always refreshing to hear the volunteer work we do at ...
Dryer 220 electrical outlet	1/25/2005
Q: Bob, The past few times we dried clothes in the dryer, I smelled an odor that we attributed to a ... A: Just getting in... Based on your description...there are several possibilities for your symptoms ...
Panels	1/24/2005
Q: Bob, Thank you for your clear and very understandable answer. I really appreciate you taking the ... A: Just getting back in... Thanks for the kind words (and ratings..?) ...I try the best I can to ...
Circuit breaker box wiring	1/24/2005
Q: Bob, I have moved into a new home. New to me but built in 1990 and an extension added in 1999. I ... A: Just getting in... Based on your descriptuion...this is a MAIN panel...and as such - the neutral ...
home wiring	1/23/2005
Q: Lets say i do a 15 amp circuit in my room .i start the line from a subpanel and my receptacles go ... A: Based on your description...I don't recommend a 15 amp circuit (or #14 wire) unless it is ONLY to ...
Panels	1/23/2005
Q: Sorry for misspelling "Siemens". If you don't mind I would like to explain the situation a little ... A: ..I now have a better picture of your set-up....using the written word is never quite as good as a ...
Panels	1/22/2005
Q: We are building a single floor house in the state of Delaware. We are going to purchase a main ... A: Just getting back for the day.. Based on your description, the comparison of the Siemens (never ...
Residential Emergency Generator	1/22/2005
Q: I thought you might be able to provide some guidance on sizing and fitting an emergency electric ... A: Based on the information you supplied...I fully concur with the electrical contractor....a 5 kW ...
Residential electrical problems	1/21/2005
Q: We moved last summer into a 65 yr old house, and need some advice on some problems we are having. ... A: Just getting back in...had a late service call. Based on your description....you face a fairly ...
Wiring a heat pump	1/20/2005
Q: I need to wire the high voltage wiring for two York 2 ton heat pumps and 2 indoor air handlers each ... A: .. Yes....most ( but not all) handlers now come factory equipped with an internal HACR ...
Wiring a heat pump	1/19/2005
Q: I need to wire the high voltage wiring for two York 2 ton heat pumps and 2 indoor air handlers each ... A: Wihtout having more detailed electrical load nameplate data on your heat pumps and air ...
GFCI outlet - I have 14-3 wire!	1/19/2005
Q: I am currently upgrading the outlets in my kitchen to have GFCI outlets, but when I removed the old ... A: Just getting in for the day..... Based on your description...the 4 wire may not be your only ...
Dishwasher and Stove Wiring	1/18/2005
Q: Sir, I am wiring my new construction house and am nearly finished. My question is what is the ... A: Just getting back in....a bitterly cold night here in the northeast - thanks to an Artic Cold ...
Wiring a small shed	1/18/2005
Q: I have an 8x12 shed (custom built, sturdy constrution, wood floor) in the back yard about 70 or 80 ... A: Just getting back in for the day... Based on your description...installing a sub-panel is n a ...
junction question	1/17/2005
Q: a question about wiring in a basement. 14/2 wire on a 15 amp breaker from the panel to a junction ... A: Based on your description....I wouldn't go as far as say your load is well with wattage/amperage ...
Panel	1/17/2005
Q: I am adding a 220 line for a hot tub I've done this type of wiring before with no problem. The ... A: Just getting back in for the day (long cold day here in the northeast....brrr). You didn't state ...
sub panel	1/16/2005
Q: I want to add a 100 amp sub panel to my attached garage. I have an existing 200 amp service that is ... A: Just getting back in from a service call (hopefully the last one tonight..) Based on your ...
220v Generator Plug	1/15/2005
Q: I have a 7500w genny which has a 220v twistlock, 4 prong female plug-in. The 30a-250v 4prong plug I ... A: Just getting back in for the day... Based on your description, your generator more then likely ...
Wiring a subpanel PART 2	1/14/2005
Q: In a response to a question on 11/21/04 about wiring a subpanel, you stated that 10/3 w/ground ... A: Just getting back in...we went out for supper tonight. Looking back to the original question from ...
Dryer Receptacle	1/13/2005
Q: I got a new electric dryer. We plugged it in and it spins but no heat. I tested the receptacle and ... A: Sorry just responding.....we've been transferring files over to a new computer....just getting the ...
Switching out a stoves with diffirent wiring	1/13/2005
Q: I have a new stove at a rental property that is hard wired and I want to switch it with an older ... A: Just getting back in... Based on your description....this may both be older stoves or at least ...
Ceiling Fan	1/11/2005
Q: We recently replaced an older ceiling fan. The new fan requires hook up to 120 volt but it is ... A: I never got e-mail notification of your question....just now found it while logging in to answer ...
220 Outlet for Dryer	1/10/2005
Q: ..I just purchased a dryer that has a 4 prong plug. My outlet is a 3 prong. I have read that there ... A: Just getting back in... Based on your description....the new dryer you bought is up to current ...
recessed lighting	1/10/2005
Q: I recently installed recessed lighting in my home office. After installing the lights I ran 12/2 ... A: Just getting back in... Based on your description (as written)...it sounds like you have tapped ...
Baseboard heating	1/8/2005
Q: I have 2 electric baseboard heating units in my bedroom. They don't give out any heat. I turn on ... A: Sorry just responding...been away most of the week-end. Based on your description....your 2 ...
Premature Burn-out	1/8/2005
Q: Read your reply to John on 11/7/04.. It was somewhat helpful. Added questions. Not only have we ... A: Been down state visiting family for the day....just getting back in. Based on your ...
Should i put a sub panel ?	1/7/2005
Q: I am building a wet bar in a basement, it will have 3 fridges - mini-fridge, keg-cooler, wine ... A: Just getting back in... Based on your data....and the fact you main panel is almost full - you ...
Upgrading FPE Main Panel	1/7/2005
Q: My house is an "All Electric" (Gold Medalion, circa 1964), with a 200A FPE main panel inset into the ... A: Based on your description...it seems you are talking about a "whole house" tankless water ...
old service	1/6/2005
Q: this service consists of the meter,into A 100amp. disconnect then goes underground to another 100amp ... A: ..) Sorry just responding....was away yesterday in a remote location...just getting back in. ...
Kitchen/Pantry/Dining Rm Circuit	1/6/2005
Q: Sir, I am wiring my house that is currently under construction. I understand the NEC in reference ... A: Sorry for just responding....was away at a remote location for most of yesterday...just getting back ...
add ceiling light/fan to a room w/ a switched outlet; no current overhead light	1/5/2005
Q: Happy New Year Master Bob! I could use your expert help. My wife and I are closing on our first ... A: It was a common practice years ago to install switched receptacles for lighting in rooms where ...
Kitchen/Pantry/Dining Rm Circuit	1/5/2005
Q: Sir, I am wiring my house that is currently under construction. I understand the NEC in reference ... A: Based on your description.....you have met the requirements for the 2 small appliance circuits for ...
3 prong stove recepticle	1/4/2005
Q: my stove uses a 3-prong straight blades connector. I forgot which wires (red, black, white) go where ... A: Just getting back in... Based on your description...it sounds as if you are describing a NEMA ...
Lights flickering/breaker sparking	1/3/2005
Q: Master Bob, I have two circuits in my house where I am seeing lights flickering and also the ... A: Sorry for the delay.....we had shut down our systems this evening while we added two new computers ...
New Electric Oven	1/2/2005
Q: I have read some of the prior questions in this category and these provided some help but I would ... A: Due to the high volume of questions I receive (here and at other expert sites I belong to)...I'm ...
sub-panel	1/1/2005
Q: I would like to install a sub panel beside our main service panel. We have a 100 amp service now but ... A: Sorry for the delay....been away helping my sister move for the day. Based on your ...
cooktop and oven	1/1/2005
Q: master bob I am connecting a cooktop which is 8.8 kw I had a #10 wire on a 30 amp breaker ... A: Sorry for the delay....been helping my sister move into her new place....just got back. An 8.8 kW ...
Plug rewiring question	12/31/2004
Q: I must replace a molded plug on a treadmill, rated on tag as 120volt 60Hz, when I removed the plug, ... A: Just getting back in from the final electrical service call of the year (hopefully)...and what a ...
Power Surges	12/30/2004
Q: Last night, while in bed, there was a brief bright flash of light in my bedroom (all lights were ... A: Just getting back in from a service call.....yet another long day here. Based on your ...
Detached Garage	12/30/2004
Q: Bob, I'm looking to build a detached garage and have several questions on the electrical subpanel. ... A: Just getting back in from a service call....another long day. Based on your description.....you ...
multiple switches	12/29/2004
Q: I want to split a circuit into two switches (one for ceiling lights and one for switched outlets) ... A: Just getting in for the day... How best to go about this will depend on whether you have brought ...
Fluorescent lamps is dim.	12/29/2004
Q: Please help. My fluorescent lamps at home won't lit bright. It just have a very dim light. But ... A: Just getting back in for the day.... There are several possible reasons for the problem your ...
Rewire to install new electric range	12/28/2004
Q: It requires min 40 amp service. My current (no pun intended) configuration is... 50 amp line to a ... A: Based on your description....your existing wiring will not be adequate for your new standard oven. ...
New Electric Oven	12/28/2004
Q: I have read some of the prior questions in this category and these provided some help but I would ... A: Most regular residential ovens typically draw from 11 - 15 kW and are on 50 or 60 amp breakers and ...
Pool Lights	12/28/2004
Q: Would you recommend I contact a local electrician or my local pool service?Our pool lights have just ... A: Stopped by the office for lunch...saw your follow-up come in. Most (but certainly not all) pool ...
replace pull switch on ceiling fan	12/27/2004
Q: I was trying to replace the pull switch on the ceiling fan light. This particular ceiling fan has a ... A: Just getting back from our Holiday vacation.... a day later then planned....sorry for the delay. ...
Pool Lights	12/27/2004
Q: Our pool lights have just gone out recently. We don't think it's the bulbs, however, we haven't ... A: Just getting back from Holiday vacation....a day later then planned - sorry for the delay. Based ...
Cold cathode cove lighting	12/27/2004
Q: I am currently building a great room addition that has a high gable ceiling. I am thinking of ... A: Just getting back from Holiday vacation....a day later then planned - sorry for the delay. ...
Two Prong Outlets	12/27/2004
Q: I have a home built in 1964. All of the outlets in the house are two pronged. I would like to ... A: Just getting back from Holiday vacation....a day later then we had planned. Based on your ...
Dryer Outlet	12/19/2004
Q: Just moved into an older house and the current dryer is hardwired right to the Fuse box...no outlet ... A: Duplicate Question I copied my first answer below - in case you didn't get the first copy. Hi ...
Dryer Outlet	12/19/2004
Q: Just moved into an older house and the current dryer is hardwired right to the Fuse box...no outlet ... A: We are fixing to leave for our Holiday vacation here shortly...so I don't have time to answer your ...
240 Volt Sub Panel Wiring	12/19/2004
Q: Will that meet code? How do I know if I have too many cicuits for a 100 amp service? My stove, oven, ... A: We are fixing to leave for our Holiday vacation (that I mentioned in my earlier answer)....so I do ...
correct wire size for 100 amp feed to subpanel	12/19/2004
Q: I am trying to figure out the correct wire size to feed a 125A sub panel from a 100 A breaker in the ... A: Sorry....but we are fixing to leave here shortly for our Holiday vacation...so I do not have time to ...
Weather proof outlets not working	12/19/2004
Q: Bob: Thanks so much for your help. I'm really stuck here. I actually tried one better today. I went ... A: Just getting back from picking up Tammy....and as soon as she's changed - we are leaving. If you are ...
240 Volt Sub Panel Wiring	12/19/2004
Q: I am adding a 220/1 table saw to my garage and have a 100 amp service to my house where the main ... A: Based on your description....you have added too many loads for the existing 100 amp service and are ...
Trickle voltage	12/18/2004
Q: A friend asked me to help his parents with a faulty light in their kitchen because it burned when ... A: Sorry for the delay....was out all afternoon/evening yesterday on back to back service calls....was ...
Weather proof outlets not working	12/18/2004
Q: I just installed a 50A sub panel for a hot tub. I put the 50A breaker in the lower part of my main ... A: Sorry for the delay....was out all afternoon/evening yesterday on back to back service calls....was ...
IS THIS A LEGAL INSTALLATION	12/18/2004
Q: BOB HERE IS THE QUESTION. WOULD IT BE POSSIBLE TO GO FROM THE RISER TO A 200 AMP MAIN BREAKER/METER ... A: Sorry for the delay....was out all afternoon/evening yesterday on back to back service calls....was ...
Pulling 120v off 240 volt for receptical	12/17/2004
Q: .. I know I saw this same question somewhere but haveing looked in previous answers cannot find it. ... A: Good to hear from ya...Sorry I couldn't get back to you sooner...been a long day at work...followed ...
Protecting My New TV	12/17/2004
Q: Good day, I bought a new TV after my old one got ruined because of the stupid electricity. The ... A: Sorry I couldn't get back to you sooner...been a long day at work...followed by an even longer night ...
Adding a sub-panel for a bathroom remodel	12/16/2004
Q: Master Bob, I'm remodeling our master bath, which is currently hooked onto a single 15A circuit, ... A: Just getting back in....what a busy time of year..!!! Based on your description....your bathroom ...
refrid. outlet	12/16/2004
Q: my refrid.outlet is feed from my countertop outlet and when the gfi trips it kills the refrid. ... A: Stopped by my office for lunch...saw your question. Based on your description....the electrician ...
Shared Neutrals	12/16/2004
Q: I am a remodeling contractor and do a lot of basement finishing. Lately, in one particular town I ... A: Good Morning Mike, Based on your description....this town(or the electrical contractor(s) who do ...
Floor Lamp Wire Change	12/15/2004
Q: Is there some way I can change the wiring of a floor lamp? It seems that the wiring of my floor ... A: Based on your description...you are having possible electrical problems with a floor lamp. With the ...
Panelboard upgrade - amendment	12/15/2004
Q: Please see my question posted a few minutes earlier. My e-mail was incorrect. Please note the ... A: (Second copy....as noted in e-mail correction follow-up) Just getting in for the day... Based ...
Upgrading panelboard from 100A to 125A	12/15/2004
Q: I currently have a 100A/32 spaces panelboard in my home and am considering upgrading it to a 125A/40 ... A: Just getting in for the day... Based on your description...it appears you have a 200 amp (either ...
am i crazy?	12/14/2004
Q: This is going to sound crazy but the other day while my roommate was vacuuming in the living room I ... A: Sorry just responding....our main systems were down most of yesterday while a new hard drive was ...
Adding a switch to an existing switch	12/14/2004
Q: You're awesome. I saw your answer on a four gang switch box and you made it seem pretty simple. ... A: Stopped by the office for coffee....saw your e-mail. I must say it is refreshing (but unusual) to ...
transiant voltage in the meter socket	12/13/2004
Q: I recently found a newly inspected meter socket with 240volts leg to leg and 120 volts leg to ... A: Just getting back in... Base on your description...it sounds like your meter is possibly reading ...
converting 2 prong outlets to 3 prong outlets.	12/13/2004
Q: I recently bought an older house. Most of the plugs in the house are 2 prong outlets with a few 3 ... A: Just getting back in for the day.... Based on your description...you've found yourself faced with ...
sub panels	12/13/2004
Q: my uncle recently installed a sp switch incorrectly by putting the hot and neutral on the switch.the ... A: Based on your description...your Uncle clearly created a direct short...and the breaker did it's job ...
3 Way Wiring	12/12/2004
Q: Bob, You rock for sure on the promptness and depth of your help! I dont want to make Barry eat his ... A: Barry was just here this morning for an early coffee before he heads out to a job we have going on ...
Adding elect. wire, box and receptacle	12/12/2004
Q: Can you tap 110v from a 220v elect stove junction box to make a short run to add a box and ... A: ..glad I was able to help. Didn't notice that you had "TNX" there the first time...looked like ...
3 Way Wiring	12/12/2004
Q: ------------------------- Bob, Diagram 7 is exactly the type of diagram i followed....in the ... A: ..glad to hear you'll be able to rewire the garage to effect repair. I showed diagram #7 to one ...
Adding elect. wire, box and receptacle	12/11/2004
Q: Can you tap 110v from a 220v elect stove junction box to make a short run to add a box and ... A: Based on your description...No - it can't be done safely or up to Code the way you've described it. ...
3 Way Wiring	12/11/2004
Q: Bob, I just finished tape/texture and painting my new addition and garage and started to do the ... A: Based on your description...this is why I ALWAYS recommend a 3-way system be wired in the 12/2 power ...
Wiring	12/11/2004
Q: What color wires or marking tape should be used in a 277 volt circuits? I'm making some note cards ... A: Sorry just responding....the hard drive went in our main system this week (mechanical failure)...and ...
ADD A SUB PANEL	12/11/2004
Q: I AM GOING TO INSTALL A 100 AMP SUB PANEL FOR A NEW FAMILY ROOM ADDITION AND MY GARAGE. IT WILL BE ... A: Sorry just responding....the hard drive went in our main system this week (mechanical failure)...and ...
Undercabinet Oven and Microwave wiring	12/10/2004
Q: I am currently replacing the undercabinet oven and microwave unit in my kitchen. The old unit was a ... A: Based on your description....no - it is not recommended to hook this microwave up off the heavy ...
Electrical circuit problem	12/6/2004
Q: This is a followup to a question I asked Bob Mossman. Unfortunately he's now maxed out. I had ... A: Sorry just responding...had to replace the cooling fan/ heatsink assembly in our main computer ...
long switch leg	12/6/2004
Q: My existing detached garage is being fitted out with a 100 amp sub-panel being fed underground from ... A: Sorry just responding...had to replace the cooling fan/ heatsink assembly in our main computer ...
christmas lights	12/6/2004
Q: A string of my mini christmas lights are not working. I have a bulb tester and every bulb seems to ... A: Sorry just responding...had to replace the cooling fan/ heatsink assembly in our main computer ...
Static Electricity	12/5/2004
Q: I would like to ask you a few questions about Static Electricity. * What causes Static ... A: Subject: Static ElectricityHi! We are fifth graders. We are doing a science fair. We would like to ...
follow up	12/5/2004
Q: As an update: my landlord sent the same electrician back here a few days later who spent about 10 ... A: Doesn't sound like things are getting any better...and the landlord had the same "excorcist" ...
220 - 3 way switch - add dimmer? (military in Germany)	12/5/2004
Q: Good Morning, I am military and in Germany living off post. Electricity is not same, as you know. ... A: I see from the low rating you recently gave me in the knowlegde area...that I haven't learned my ...
Static Electricity	12/4/2004
Q: We are fifth graders. We are doing a science fair. We would like to ask you a few questions about ... A: Been away for the weekend - just getting back home. Sorry...but to the limitations of this ...
nokia6600	12/3/2004
Q: how much does nokia 6600 cost at usa? A: Based on your description...is this a trick question..? We use all Motorola phones and pagers here ...
Too-high voltage in house?	12/2/2004
Q: I'm a musician, and in putting together my home studio, I installed a power conditioner/distributer ... A: Stopped by my office for coffee break - saw your question come in the inbox... Based on your ...
Removing 1 switch from a 4-gang box	12/1/2004
Q: I have 4 switches in a 4-gang wall box. I plan to relocate 1 of the switches. How do I deal with ... A: Just getting back in from a service call.. Based on your description...you have several choices ...
220v to 208v	12/1/2004
Q: can i use a 208v convection oven on a 220v air condition outlet both rated at 15 amps. oven has a ... A: Just getting in for the day... Based on your description...you have a 208 volt oven that only ...
recessed lights	11/30/2004
Q: I recently had 5 recessed lights installed in my kitchen. The lights turn on but they are dim. They ... A: Just getting back in from a service call... Based on your description...your reported symptoms ...
sensor and timer lighting	11/30/2004
Q: I had a double outlet box run out to my back yard with an electric eye or light sensor on it. I went ... A: Based on your description...it's apparent the clerk at Home Depot did not fully get your current ...
Wire size vs. Breaker size	11/29/2004
Q: Bob, We have a new home and one of the bedrooms is on a 15 apm circuit breaker with 14/2 copper ... A: Just getting in for the day... No...based on your description, you can not simply change only the ...
wiring a 240 outlet	11/29/2004
Q: I bought a 50 amp 3 prong outlet for a lincoln electric welder I recently bought. I am replacing a ... A: Just getting back in.... Based on your description...you will also need to change the 30 amp ...
electrical wiring problems in home	11/28/2004
Q: I have lived in my home for about a year and a half now. Recently, in the past month or so we have ... A: *** This is a repeat and/or duplicate question...I had two copies of the same question in my inbox. ...
electrical wiring problems in home	11/28/2004
Q: I have lived in my home for about a year and a half now. Recently, in the past month or so we have ... A: Just getting back to the office from the Holiday week-end...saw your e-mail in my inbox. Due to the ...
New Garage	11/25/2004
Q: Buried 10/3 w grd UF from main house panel (100 Amp) to detached garage. At main panel installed ... A: Just getting back in from visiting family for the day...full of turkey (a little overfull). Based ...
basement room wiring	11/25/2004
Q: I am framing my basement . I WANT TO KNOW IF I CAN PUT MORE OUTLETS IN BY TAKING THE POWER RIGHT ... A: Based on your description....you may be able to tap power from the exisitng GFCI receptacle ...
Old wiring, flickering lights	11/23/2004
Q: I know almost nothing about electrical wiring, except that it can be dangerous, so I'm not about to ... A: Good Morning Chloe, Just getting back in to the office... Based on your description...it sounds ...
MECHANICAL TIMERS INSTALLATION	11/22/2004
Q: I'M INSTALLING MECHANICAL TIMER SWITCH FOR OUTSIDE LIGHTS THE TIMER WIRING DIAGRAM HAS A ... A: Heather, Based on your description...as written...you lost me completely. I reread your ...
Chandilier Wiring	11/22/2004
Q: We have a chandilier in our dining room which dates back probably to the 70's. The other day I ... A: Based on your information...it's hard to say exactly what happened....but it sounds as if you've ...
converting European light fixture for use in US	11/22/2004
Q: We recently purchased a pull-down light fixture in Vienna, Austria and want to install it in our ... A: Based on your description....this is simply a light fixture..made overseas....and can take standard ...
electrical wiring	11/21/2004
Q: How do I find out the amp wattage to my GE drop in range to compare it to the amp wattage of a new ... A: It has been a requirement for decades for manufacturers to list this electrical data on a nameplate ...
Subpanel Wiring	11/21/2004
Q: I'd like to make sure that my subpanel wiring setup is ok. I've just installed a 70 amp square D ... A: Based on your description...there may be some Code issues with your sub-panel layout....but the bulk ...
Signs of overheating in the main panel	11/20/2004
Q: What would be the cause of melted insulation and discoloration of the copper neutral wires at the ... A: Looking back thru my answers from last month - it appears you are referring to the case where a ...
Power Losses in Cables	11/20/2004
Q: We have recently fitted a 10kW electric shower. We were told to keep the cable running from the ... A: Based on your terminology...it sounds as if this question may be coming from the UK ...or a country ...
wires in box	11/19/2004
Q: I bought 12-3 wiring because I wanted to replace a couple 8 ft flouresent lights in my 1957 old ... A: This is a DUPLICATE question...either you accidentally sent me two copies...or the site messed up ...
wires in box	11/19/2004
Q: I bought 12-3 wiring because I wanted to replace a couple 8 ft flouresent lights in my 1957 old ... A: I don't put a lot of stock in the DIY books and some wiring books on the market (altough there are a ...
unbalanced load?	11/18/2004
Q: the subject is a old farm house with a 100 amp panel probably wired 40 years ago.installed a outdoor ... A: Just getting back in....been a real long day here. Based on your description....you clearly have ...
OLD HOME WIRING	11/17/2004
Q: First, I thank you and this site for even existing. My question revolves around a very old home, 85 ... A: Based on your description...and the age of the home...you more then likely are talking about the old ...
electric breaker	11/17/2004
Q: I tried returning the email, but the system said you were full. If you recall this was about ... A: ..sorry if the site shows me "maxed out" at times...I get a lot of electrical questions here ...
traveler shorted?	11/16/2004
Q: Yes I'm kicking myself for bringing the wires through the cans' j-boxes. The power comes from the ... A: Based on the information you've supplied....I have no other suggestions to fix this problem then the ...
traveler shorted?	11/16/2004
Q: I have 4 recessed cans on a 3-way switch circuit. Physically the cans are between the two switches, ... A: Stopped by the office for coffee break...saw your question come in. Based on your ...
Basic Wiring	11/15/2004
Q: I think a made a big goof! I was trying to wire a light switch to an existing ceiling light fixture ... A: Based on your description...Yes - you made a goof. Not a big goof...just a little goof....and one ...
wiring an addition	11/15/2004
Q: I'm building a 400 sf bedroom/bath addition to a two story house in Leon County Florida ... A: Based on your follow-up info...I'm really not sure if the data for the inside unit is correct...if ...
Ceiling Light Goes On When Load Is Plugged Into Outlet	11/14/2004
Q: I have a question that is driving me up a wall. In our living room, when you plug something into to ... A: Been away visiting family....just getting back in. Based on your description - clearly there is a ...
Range Receptacle	11/13/2004
Q: We are having a new range delivered and Sears said it needed a receptacle for installation. The old ... A: This has become a common problem with the installation of a new range/stove (and dryers) since the ...
sub panel orientation	11/13/2004
Q: I want to install a sub panel in my attached garage for my workshop. There is an area in the garage ... A: I try to help out as often as I can...but sometimes my time is limited between work and family and I ...
One leg on 3-wire service down intermittently	11/12/2004
Q: Bob - first, thanks for your reply. I think you're right, it will come back. Nothing was changed ... A: Stopped by the shop for lunch...saw your follow-up. Yes....your readings indicate a strong ...
One leg on 3-wire service down intermittently	11/11/2004
Q: Bob, Half the circuits in the house went out. There was some flickering, then the affected ... A: Based on your voltage descriptions...and the tests that PoCo ran....they may be right. If you ...
220 wiring	11/11/2004
Q: Bob, Thank you for your quick reply. The breaker at the spa is the one that trips if the pump is ... A: ....let me know how your attic exploration went tonight....and any other new discoveries you should ...
220 wiring	11/10/2004
Q: I have a spa that runs on a 50amp dble pole dedicated breaker. It worked fine until we lost power ... A: Just getting in... This unqestionably has been the year for hurricanes...especially in Florida ...
Electric baseboard heater	11/10/2004
Q: What I did with the two live wires is I put a wire nut on each, taped them up individually real good ... A: I now see two identical follow-ups from you on this electric heater subject in my e-mail...one from ...
Electric baseboard heater	11/9/2004
Q: What I did with the two live wires is I put a wire nut on each, taped them up individually real good ... A: I now see two identical follow-ups from you on this electric heater subject in my e-mail...one from ...
Electric baseboard heater	11/9/2004
Q: I removed a baseboard electric heater in the bathroom and now the heater in the bathroom hallway and ... A: Just getting into my office and having a morning coffee when I saw your question come in... Most ...
GFCI	11/8/2004
Q: What year was the GFCI receptacle first required? I'm not sure I remember and I was told a home ... A: Although I first joined the electrical field as a licensed electrician back in 1976....I no longer ...
wiring an addition	11/8/2004
Q: I'm building a 400 sf bedroom/bath addition to a two story house in Leon County Florida ... A: By the term HWT....are you refering to an electric hot water heater..? If so...are you sure it's a ...
Premature light burnout	11/7/2004
Q: My basement has 6 overhead floodlights all powered from one light switch, and 2 of the lights ... A: Good to hear from you again....hope you got your garage problems completely straightened out from ...
wiring sub panel	11/7/2004
Q: I am wiring a work shop shed, and i am going to install a 125 amp panel in the new shop, then i am ... A: Based on your description...your list of material may be appropriate for this shop service. ...
Ceiling fan wiring	11/6/2004
Q: I want to install a remote controlled ceiling fan. I don't have an existing light in the ceiling so ... A: Based on your description...you will not need a switch - the remote will control all functions of ...
Electric Range	11/6/2004
Q: I Just installed an electric range where there was a gas range. The plate on the range states that ... A: Based on your description....this is a standard residential electric range...drawing 57.5 amps at ...
home electric panel ground	11/5/2004
Q: My understanding of an electrical panel ground is this: The panel must be grounded to the earth but ... A: Just getting back in....what a day !!! The most common (and most accepted and preferred) method ...
Panasonic vent fan wiring	11/4/2004
Q: Followup To------------------------- Thanks Master Bob, After rethinking this wiring layout I ... A: Having run a wiring check for the Panasonic model FV-11VHL1...they actually suggest an 8 WIRE run to ...
Panasonic vent fan wiring	11/3/2004
Q: I have a wiring scenario that isn't working properly. I've installed a Panasonic Bathroom ... A: Based on your description...the 1400 watt heater shouldn't pose an unsafe condition - the 12/2 ...
ground wire sparking	11/2/2004
Q: Hope you can help. I shut down a circuit breaker to do some wiring in an old junction box and ... A: Sorry just responding....pulled a double shift today. Based on your description...you almost ...
Amperage calculation	11/1/2004
Q: I am working on remodelling a fourplex. We have 5 meters at main box with 40 A main breaker. (my ... A: Based on your description...it appears you are remodeling a quad-plex. What is not clear is how it ...
Wire Bundle	11/1/2004
Q: I'm running coax and cat5e through my new house, is it against code to tie the two wire into a ... A: Yes...it is Code allowed to bundle the two low voltage comm/signals cable together by way of plastic ...
wiring a 2 way switch	10/31/2004
Q: Bob: I would like to add another switch to a light in my basement that I can turn the lights off and ... A: Based on your description...what you seek is a 3 way switch layout...not a 2 way switch (no such ...
red wire in outlet	10/30/2004
Q: i am replacing outlets in bedroom when i ran into an outlet that contains two black taped off ... A: Sorry just responding...we spent part of the week-end visiting family down on the coast...just ...
light switch wiring	10/29/2004
Q: I have an programmable light switch that I would like to replace a standard switch. On the ... A: Sorry just responding....have been downstate having medical work done at the lab. The marking ...
Lights Dimming from Compressor draw	10/29/2004
Q: I recently installed a 7.5 HP air compressor. I installed it on a 220 40Amp breaker and ran #8 wire ... A: Sorry just responding...been downstate all day having some medical lab work done. A 7.5 HP motor ...
Adding sub-panel(s)	10/27/2004
Q: Bob, I recently added an addition(kitchen/bath/bedroom and a detached garage w/ shop above. I ... A: Just getting back to office... Based on your description....the kitchen does not necessarily ...
Multiple Single Pole Switches in 4 gange box	10/27/2004
Q: Master Bob, I am finishing my basement and have a 4 gange box to hold the switches for 4 single pole ... A: Just getting back in...end of yet another long day here in the northeast. Based on your ...
220 electrical panel vs. 208 electrical panel	10/26/2004
Q: What is the difference between a 220 amp panel vs. a 208 electrical panel? What are the pros and ... A: Based on your description...it appears you have some typo's. By 220 amp...don't you mean 220 volt..? ...
Electrical Buzzing	10/26/2004
Q: My question is: We have just bought an older mobile home and the heating system was upgraded from ... A: Based on your description...one thing is puzzling me right off....why is this electric furnace NOT ...
wiring	10/25/2004
Q: I am renovating an unfinished store room in my basement into a den. The majority of my basement is ... A: Soory just responding....was finishing up a job downstate. There is no Code preset total number ...
earth leakage	10/22/2004
Q: First of all, what is earth leakage? We were told by an electrician that the reason our earth ... A: Based on your description....it appears this question may be coming from the UK or a European ...
breaker trips	10/22/2004
Q: first some background...the house referenced is about 5 years old and in florida. we have ... A: ..I'll address your follow-up by the number: 1) all the receptacle boxes are plastic - there really ...
Hi, I have three questions...	10/21/2004
Q: I have three questions concerning the routing of Romex in residential wiring: 1. New work: Is it ... A: How and where Romex can be run depends on which version of the NEC has been adopted by your local ...
breaker trips	10/21/2004
Q: first some background...the house referenced is about 5 years old and in florida. we have ... A: Based on your description...it sounds like you clearly have a dead short on that circuit.The old ...
#1 wire splicing	10/20/2004
Q: I am running (4)#1 wires from a 150 amp time delay breaker to a 100 amp receptacle(3/480/60). I ... A: Good morning Andy, Just getting back into the office...saw your question. Slightly confused ...
Small current past switch.	10/20/2004
Q: My newly-installed fluorescent kitchen light failed after two weeks and when checking for current to ... A: Stopped by the shop for coffee break - saw your question. Based on your description...that is ...
lights keep dimmingin hiuse	10/19/2004
Q: Have a question for ya. Lights in my house keep dimming, called electric co Numerous times, finally ... A: Just getting in... Based on your description, it appears your local power provider has a ...
Flourescent Lighting	10/19/2004
Q: I have a five foot flourescent light in the kitchen area. Yesterday it began to flicker. I replaced ... A: Good Morning Mel, Stopped by the office for coffee break...saw your question come in. Based on ...
Power	10/18/2004
Q: When I turn my a/c, or washer/dryer the lights in my house get brighter, not dimmer as you would ... A: Stopped by my office to pick up some paperwrok...saw your question come in... Typically...when ...
dead end short	10/17/2004
Q: what is a dead end short and how do I track and fix it A: The term "dead end short" can having multiple meanings when it concerns electrical - and it depends ...
wiring 220 volt dryer socket	10/17/2004
Q: I have moved into an old '70's home and it has four seperate wires for the 220 dryer socket to be ... A: Good morning... This may be an older 1970's version home...but it's 240 volt supply for the dryer ...
electric baseboard heat	10/16/2004
Q: I have a home heated by electric baseboard heat. Each room is on its own circuit with line voltage ... A: Just getting back in...been downstate visiting for the day... Per Honeywell, the R841E (or what ...
Electrical	10/16/2004
Q: We recently bought rental property and have done some remodeling. The property had a stove that came ... A: Good morning...just stopped by my office...saw your question come in... Based on your ...
4 prong washer/dryer cord to 3-prong outlet	10/15/2004
Q: Bob, My problem is that I have changed the cord on my washer dryer from a 4 prong to a 3 prong ... A: Trying to follow the flow of our previous questions and answers...and here's what confuses me a ...
4 prong washer/dryer cord to 3-prong outlet	10/15/2004
Q: Bob, My problem is that I have changed the cord on my washer dryer from a 4 prong to a 3 prong ... A: It appears you have sent me a duplicate question...or this site is still messed up ( allexperts has ...
electric baseboard heat	10/14/2004
Q: I have a home heated by electric baseboard heat. Each room is on its own circuit with line voltage ... A: Tried to log-in to answer your question earlier....but the allexperts server was down (been ...
Lights Dimming - Hair Dryer/Room Heater	10/13/2004
Q: I have a circuit in my house (circa 1964) which includes two bathrooms and outlets/switches in ... A: Just getting in....another long day here... Based on your description....you may have an ...
Home electrical wiring	10/13/2004
Q: I live in an older home. There is a circuit outside that has no power to a porch light or ... A: Just getting in...another long day here... Based on your description....you may possibly have a ...
RECEPTACLES	10/12/2004
Q: I HAVE A GENERATOR WITH A 220 RECEPTACLE WITH 4 PRONGS. THE HOBART 180 I BOUGHT HAS A 3 PRONG PLUG. ... A: Just getting back in... Based on your description...your generator more then likely has a ...
Wiring a 220V outlet	10/12/2004
Q: -- Hi Bob, Wanted to let you know that after receiving your answer things are making sense now. I ... A: Stopped by my office for lunch....saw your follow-up come in. Yes...if your kiln specifies a NEMA ...
Wiring a 220V outlet	10/11/2004
Q: I have a 2-pole, 3-wire grounding power outlet that I am wiring from my fuse box. I had no problems ... A: Based on your description...you have a straight 240 volt receptacle (which has NO neutral). It is ...
Recepticle wiring	10/11/2004
Q: Attempt to use a surge suppressor showed that there was a problem with 4 consecutive receptacles of ... A: Just getting back to my office when your question came in ( I'm surprised you got thru...allexperts ...
220 dryer outlet	10/10/2004
Q: I am moving my laundry room from the main floor to the basement. I need to move the 220 outlet for ... A: Based on your description....the move of the dryer to the basement should give you plenty of ...
sub-panel	10/9/2004
Q: In the garage of a house I was at, there is a small four space sub panel rated for 100 amps. It ... A: Sorry for the delay ...I originally answered this question back on early Saturday morning...but the ...
GFCI INSTALLATION	10/8/2004
Q: Question is : When connecting an gfci outlet do i only need one per line ? plus do i need to have ... A: Just getting in...another long day here in the northeast..sure glad I have the week-end off. ...
Help - Adding a switch and 2 lights at end of circuit run	10/7/2004
Q: I'm looking to add a light switch controlling 2 lights (dining room sconces) off of the end of a ... A: Sorry just responding...getting back from an emergency job down-state...your question came in while ...
220 ground?	10/7/2004
Q: I moved into a 30 year old house that has the AC on the same circuit as drier (30 amp 220) and the ... A: Sorry just responding...getting back from an emergency job down-state...your question came in while ...
4 prong washer/dryer cord to 3-prong outlet	10/6/2004
Q: Master Bob, I have a stackable washer/dryer unit which has a 4-prong plug on it. The apt. I just ... A: I do not have the actual "risk" data on the benefits of 4 prong grounded dryer versus a 3 prong ...
dangerous amperage	10/6/2004
Q: How many amps are considered dangerous to humans? or is it a volt/amp combination? A: Just getting in...long day here in the northeast.. ANY electrical shock has the potential to ...
4 prong washer/dryer cord to 3-prong outlet	10/5/2004
Q: Master Bob, I have a stackable washer/dryer unit which has a 4-prong plug on it. The apt. I just ... A: The 3 prong versus 4 prong dryer (and stove/oven as well) issue was enough of a problem for the Code ...
Telephone panel connections	10/5/2004
Q: Master Bob: Can you help direct me to information on the procedure to make correct connections in ... A: Just getting home for the day.... Without having more specific information on your brand/model of ...
Cieling fan pull chain switch replacment	10/4/2004
Q: My in-laws have an older ceiling fan with a light kit. The pull chain on the light kit broke. My ... A: Sorry just responding...my daughter was having her appendix taken out...been up visiting her at the ...
Subpanel installation for detached garage	10/4/2004
Q: I am installing a 30 amp subpanel in a detached garage (residential). It will have 3 110V branch ... A: Just getting back in... Based on your description...it sounds like the home already has several ...
New Home has flickering lights	10/3/2004
Q: We have just had our home built this year. Whenever we turned on our computer OR our TV OR run the ... A: Kelly, Just getting back in.... Actually.....in most of today's house wiring...most ...
Motion light question	10/2/2004
Q: Master Bob: We just moved into a new home that was pre-wired for security motion detector lights ( ... A: Sorry for the delay....we've been away all day down on the coast visiting family...just getting back ...
New fixture, older wiring	10/1/2004
Q: Bob - Thanks once again for your quick reply - and happy to help divert you from that paperwork... ... A: Finished up the paperwork...and was heading out the door when I saw your follow-up come in... ...
New fixture, older wiring	10/1/2004
Q: Bob - Actually this isn't quite a direct follow-up; it is a slightly different issue. We had an old ... A: At the office doing paperwork - saw your question come in...(needed to take a break from the ...
Low Voltage Lighting	9/30/2004
Q: I had 11 yard lights 4watt ea, on about 120 ft of wire for several years then decided to go to ... A: Just getting back in...long day here. As I'm sure your aware....your 120' run creates substantial ...
lightning arrestor	9/30/2004
Q: . Since you have soooo helpful in the past, I seek your expertise again. After our last hurricane ... A: Although I remember us writing some time back - I couldn't recall your last question...so I looked ...
Generator to dryer outlet??	9/29/2004
Q: Master Bob or any Master, Can you explain more about the transfer swich and the proper way to ... A: There are 2 ways to go about it ....both Code acceptable. You can install an 8 circuit generator ...
Generator to dryer outlet??	9/29/2004
Q: Master Bob or any Master, Was wondering if you can backfeed a generator into a dryer outlet, taking ... A: The ONLY proper way I can recommend (and hopefully any other Master you might ask will concur) to ...
Generator hookup	9/28/2004
Q: I recently hooked up a 5550 watt/8850 surge gen. to my home ,But now I am thinking of run it ... A: Based on your description...at that distance I would go with an 8/3 with ground (40 amp rated 4 ...
Wire Sizing & circuit safety	9/28/2004
Q: I have run 12 guage wire instead of 14 for 15 amp cicuits, is there any danger to this? And can I ... A: One thing you can always do with electrical circuits is run larger wire then the circuit calls ...
3-way switch	9/27/2004
Q: While I'm sure that your advice to run new wiring will correct the problem, it is not a practical ... A: You'll find that switches come in several grades...spec grade, hospital grade, commercial grade, ...
Voltage drop / multi-panel setup	9/27/2004
Q: - I am doing a custom home, and will be installing a 300 amp service in the basement. The home will ... A: Just getting in for the day... Based on your description...you must have obmitted some ...
Outlets	9/26/2004
Q: I have 2 outlets that no longer appear to be working in 2 different rooms. I looked at both outlets ... A: Just getting back.... Based on your description....it sounds as if you have a loose connection. ...
Ceiling Fan Connection	9/25/2004
Q: Master Bob, Hi. reading most of your articles, and I am very excited with your expertise responding ... A: Hampton Bay follow-up Good Morning Rick, It's good to hear that the room was still in rough-in ...
New fixture, older wiring	9/25/2004
Q: I bought a new light fixture for my front hall ceiling - and it tells me that it requires wiring of ... A: Stopped by the office for lunch...saw your question come in... The 90C temperature rating (194 ...
wiring two way using dimmer switches	9/24/2004
Q: Really hope you can help me out. I'm currently in the process of extending my house (in GB)and have ... A: Just getting in.... I take it by GB...you refer to Great Britian..? Or the UK..? The UK uses a ...
3-way switch	9/24/2004
Q: Here's a follow-up on the inoperative 3-way switches. I've determined that the wires that were ... A: Just getting back in to the office... Based on your latest follow-up...it appears the power was ...
Replacing a ceiling fixture	9/23/2004
Q: First let me say I broke the golden rule and didn't mark how the old fixture was wired before I ... A: Tried to log-in earlier...but the site's server was down. Based on your description...I'd say it ...
Live, open switch box in drywall	9/21/2004
Q: I had some work done on my home that had the old metal "dual" switch boxes mounted on a wall between ... A: You are absolutely correct...electrical boxes (other then low-voltage or signal/comm boxes ...such ...
3-way switch	9/18/2004
Q: I'll check for loose wiring, but I don't think that is the problem since I never use the back-wire ... A: Just getting back in... Thanks for following up...if you side-wired both switches around the ...
Ground Fault interupter	9/18/2004
Q: During the torrential rains from Ivan (here in the Hudson valley of NY), I noticed water comming ... A: Based on your description...it appears you nailed the likely problem directly on the head. Excess ...
gfci outlets	9/17/2004
Q: I have a gfci outlet in the kitchen and I would like to install another gfci outlet using those ... A: Just getting in...the end of yet another long day here... Most GFCI receptacle outlets (if not ...
Open Ground	9/17/2004
Q: I ran a new switched circuit in our house and my outlet tester is indicating that I have an open ... A: Just getting in from yet another long day.. Your follow-up provided new information which was not ...
Generator hook-up	9/16/2004
Q: I have a 5500w generator that I would like to hook up to my dryer outlet in the event of power loss. ... A: Just getting back into the office... Based on your description...your suggested hook-up would ...
Open Ground	9/16/2004
Q: I ran a new switched circuit in our house and my outlet tester is indicating that I have an open ... A: Just getting back into the office... Based on your description...it sounds like you are using a ...
3-way switch	9/15/2004
Q: Both 3-way switches controlling the basement light in my parent's home were the old audible click ... A: Without further information...it's hard to say what happened. When re-working/replacing a 3-way ...
Conductor sizing	9/15/2004
Q: I have installed a service pole with a 200 amp meter/disconnect panel, that the utility company has ... A: Just getting back in... Okay....the service ISN'T tapped yet...makes more sense to me now. I take ...
Conductor sizing	9/14/2004
Q: I have installed a service pole with a 200 amp meter/disconnect panel, that the utility company has ... A: Just getting in for the day... Based on your description....you have a 200 amp meter/disconnect ...
Flickering lights	9/12/2004
Q: I live in a one year old home in New Jersey. I've noticed that my lights flicker for a moment when ... A: In such a fairly new home...I would like to think that the electrical service on the home was ...
ground the netural in the service panel or not	9/12/2004
Q: im a auto tech for gm by day and a jack of all trades by night.i have built a shop at home and have ... A: Based on your description...this panel will have it's own independent service....making it a Main ...
Unattached Garage Upgrade	9/11/2004
Q: I am replacing the electrical line and panel box to my garage. I am feeding it from a 60 amp dual ... A: Just getting back from down-state... The 2002 Code is the correct example....the equipment ...
electrical probs	9/10/2004
Q: a couple of days my power went off which has happened before,but every since it came back on my hot ... A: Based on your description and symptoms....and the fact that the electrical company found no problems ...
Bedroom light switch and fixture	9/9/2004
Q: I am installing a new ceiling light fixture in a bedroom that previously had a wall mounted light ... A: Just getting back in.... Based on your description...it appears they have used the black and red ...
wiring recepticles	9/8/2004
Q: I have an recepticle in my garage that is currently controlled by a switch. My shop lights are ... A: Sorry just responding....a mechanical problem with the cooling fan shut down our main system ...
Direct wired light	9/8/2004
Q: I have a direct wired ceiling light in my entry way that I would like to be able to turn on and off ... A: Sorry just responding....a mechanical problem with the cooling fan shut down our main system ...
wiring run to my pole barn	9/7/2004
Q: i want to run a new service out to my barn. the run would be about 125 feet and i would like to go ... A: Stopped by my office for lunch break....saw your question... Many factors help determine the ...
I am replacing an old electric...	9/7/2004
Q: I am replacing an old electric range with a new one. New range came with frame grounded thru the ... A: Just stopped back by the office...saw your question come in.. The Code change was made to be ...
tv antenna	9/6/2004
Q: i have a rooftop rotating antenna. it has been up there for over 5 years. it seems that one of ... A: Just getting back in... Based on your description...there may be absolutely nothing wrong with ...
Detached Garage sub panel	9/6/2004
Q: Master Bob, My detached garage has a few lights and not very many recepticles. Since the main ... A: Your confusion on how the neutral works is understandable... It might help if you look at your ...
GFI Trip	9/5/2004
Q: I have a GFI that is constantly tripping has already been replaced once. I have a small older model ... A: Good Morning Dave, Just getting back in to my office (been away for most of the 3 day ...
Detached Garage sub panel	9/4/2004
Q: Master Bob, My detached garage has a few lights and not very many recepticles. Since the main ... A: Based on your description....you are planning on using a 50 amp sub-panel....and it will need to be ...
plugging the generator in	9/4/2004
Q: I have a generator with a 4 prong L5-30 outlet and had an electrician wire an outlet for the ... A: Based on your description....you may have quoted the NEMA descriptions incorrectly. A L5-30R is NOT ...
low voltage switch system	9/3/2004
Q: I now own a home built in the early 50's with a wiring system where most of the switches are lower ... A: Sorry just responding....we ended up staying downstate overnight...got back to the office this ...
Kitchen Wiring	9/2/2004
Q: I am in the process of adding some outlets, lights and ventilation to my kitchen in the form of a ... A: Just getting back in from downstate.... Although you could install a sub-panel...I'm at a loss as ...
Backup Generator???	9/1/2004
Q: I recently purchased a Generac 7550EXL generator and would like to have it wired to my house for ... A: Just getting back in from downstate... It may be easier to install a double pole....but it may ...
Backyard lighting	8/31/2004
Q: I purchased a home that has power running from GFI outlet on exterior of home to a outlet in ... A: Just getting back into the office ...saw your question. Based on your description...you may have a ...
from panel to light	8/31/2004
Q: Have wire from panel box to ceiling light.have power at box and checked at blk and white running to ... A: Just getting back into the office...saw your question. Based on your description..(if I'm following ...
pond pump blows a fuse	8/26/2004
Q: i have a large outdoor pond with waterfall which is fed from a large pump. the pump just stopped ... A: Without any kind of test data....I have absolutely no way of knowing what went wrong...any answer ...
GFCI outlet and single-pole switch	8/24/2004
Q: I'm replacing a normal outlet with a GFCI outlet in my garage, and the outlet has a single-pole ... A: Just getting back in....what a day! Based on your follow-up (and the fact that the white neutral ...
central air fan and compressor wire	8/24/2004
Q: i installed new main panal house 120\240. Trying bring 240 volts out to the compressor and fan for ... A: Sorry for the delay.....we are recovering from a computer cooling fan malfunction a few days ...
Wiring	8/23/2004
Q: I had an electrical question related to a overhead track light that I was trying to install in my ... A: Sorry just responding......we recently had a cooling fan malfunction on our main system...lost a lot ...
ceiling light fixture, lots of wires in one fixture	8/22/2004
Q: I read through your forum here and hope I might impose on you with a question? I have a ceiling ... A: Sorry just responding......we had a cooling fan malfunction on our main system...lost a lot of data ...
Home Electrical Service	8/22/2004
Q: I have an existing 100 amp service and 100 amp panel. I would like to add a second 100 amp panel to ... A: Sorry just responding......we had a cooling fan malfunction on our main system...lost a lot of data ...
GFCI outlet and single-pole switch	8/21/2004
Q: I'm replacing a normal outlet with a GFCI outlet in my garage, and the outlet has a single-pole ... A: Sorry just responding....had a cooling fan malfunction with our main system Thursday....have spent ...
Ceiling Fan	8/19/2004
Q: I would like to install a fan in a bedroom. The wall switch operated the ceiling light and the top ... A: Sorry for the delay.....we are experiencing technical problems (our cooling fan malfunctioned on our ...
low voltage outdoor lights	8/18/2004
Q: I have 10 lights (18 watts each) that would be easiest to run in three different runs. The ... A: One of the major factors to consider in low voltage lighting or landscape lights is the distance of ...
energy-saving lightbulbs	8/18/2004
Q: I have just bought an energy-saver lightbulb, which claims to be a 23 watt bulb giving off light ... A: It is unclear which type of energy saving bulb you purchased...IF it is a CFL (compact flourescent ...
200 vs. 400 amp	8/17/2004
Q: We are building a new home in arizona. The builder provides 200 amp standard and requires $2100 to ... A: I agree....the extra $2100 to upgrade from 200 to 400 is excessive - especially when you consider ...
switch capacity	8/16/2004
Q: Bob. Thanks for the very quick reply. I greatly appreciate it. The room in question is my ... A: Just getting back in... Based on your workshop description...it would be in your best interests ...
switch capacity	8/16/2004
Q: I have 6 recessed lights wired to one standard toggle switch (no dimmer). I want to add 4 more. ... A: Stopped by my office for lunch - saw your question come in. The standard typical single pole ...
Metalux 48 flourescent problem	8/15/2004
Q: I read your answer from the other circline customer. I have a slightly different problem. In my ... A: Not sure which Q/A you are referring to...I've answered many flourescent lighting problem questions ...
Load center capacity	8/15/2004
Q: I have a few questions regarding my load center. Let me first describe the breaker load. It is a ... A: Just getting back in... Yes...your correct in stating the 60 amp service panel is small...it's ...
220 wiring	8/14/2004
Q: I want to hook up an outlet to an existing 220 volt cable but my question is = Why are there 4 wires ... A: Based on your description, the existing cord is actually a 120/240 volt cord and not just a 240 volt ...
New 200 Amp Service	8/14/2004
Q: I have just built a barn/workshop on my property, and I am going to ask the electric company to ... A: Sorry just responding...been away most of the weekend visiting family... For a 200 amp service ...
Splicing the ground wire	8/13/2004
Q: I had to replace a service panel and the meter base on an old house. The old meter base was grounded ... A: Stopped at the office for coffee break...saw your question come in. NOTE: If this is #6 copper - ...
Help installing ceiling fan without ceiling fixture...	8/13/2004
Q: First, please excuse my ignorance, since I am a newly first time home-owner, and have very little ... A: Good Morning Nate, If there is no access to the attic in this master bedroom...then is the ...
Wiring a 50 amp GFI for spa	8/12/2004
Q: Installing 6 gauge wiring for a spa that I will be purchsing in a few weeks and I have a Homeline 50 ... A: Stopped by the office for lunch - saw your question. No....it will not matter which side the red ...
4 wire breaker box connection from stove	8/11/2004
Q: I bought a new stove with 4 wire connection but only have a 3. Changing to 4 wire from breaker box. ... A: Just getting back in....a LONG day here. Yes...the black and red will go to the new 50 amp ...
Burying 220 electrical wire for hot tub	8/11/2004
Q: I currently have a propane bar -b-que grill with a gas line running from the meter on the side of ... A: The electrical conduit has to be buried a minimum of 18" (24" if it passes under a sidewalk or ...
ceiling fan wiring	8/10/2004
Q: I recently took a fan out of our bedroom and replaced it with another. I am wanting to put the ... A: Caught me at my office doing paperwork... Based on your fan wiring....(the one that you took down ...
ingound pool connection	8/10/2004
Q: I am putting in an in-gound pool. My pool installer wants a 30 amp 2 pole GFCI breaker in the main ... A: Stopped by my office for lunch...saw your question come in. There are several electrical Codes ...
Bedroom light stopped working	8/9/2004
Q: One of the overhead lights in a bedroom stopped working. The first thing I did was checked the ... A: Sorry just responding...been straight out here.. Based on your description...it sounds as if ...
Home wiring	8/9/2004
Q: Bob, Thank you very much for your reply. Yes, I would like to try to trouble shoot and possibly ... A: Sorry for the delay....been straight out here (extremely busy electrical season). You may not ...
200 - 400 amp service panel change	8/8/2004
Q: Bob, I am in the beginning process of building a custom home in Arizona. I recently purchased a off ... A: No....the wiring specs for the 200 amp panel will NOT be sufficient for the 400 amp upgrade. A 200 ...
Home wiring	8/8/2004
Q: Bob, All but one of the electric outlets in the main room of my basement seem to have a problem: ... A: Your UPS is indicating that either there is no ground available at those receptacles outlets...or ...
home wiring	8/7/2004
Q: I just discovered allexperts.com and am very excited about the chance to get a question answered. I ... A: Just getting back in.... Welcome to allexperts....hope your experience is a pleasant one. ...
Electrical Outlet and Light switch	8/6/2004
Q: I'm writing from Chicago. In my bathroom I have an electrical outlet and a light switch in the same ... A: Based on your description...your receptacle outlet and the light switch are in series which other ...
changing 3 prong to a 4 prong on electric dryer	8/6/2004
Q: I have a dryer that I purchased used. The gal I purched it from said it was only a year old. When ... A: Just stopped by my office for lunch break...saw your question come in. With the new Codes...and ...
Sub Panel Wiring	8/5/2004
Q: Can I have 3 conductors and use a grounding rod at the sub panel?Both welder and compressor are 230V ... A: To use only a 3 conductor feed....and attempt to drive a ground rod at the barn to pick up ...
Hazard?	8/5/2004
Q: The lights on the front porch go off and on haphazardly. When the lights go out, it doesn't mean ... A: Based on your description....I take it the porch lights work sometimes....and sometimes they ...
Sub Panel Wiring	8/4/2004
Q: Both welder and compressor are 230V and would not be used at the same time. Lights are 4ft T-8 and ... A: ...but you still didn't give me the load values (in amps) for the welder or air compressor. Most ...
Lights flickering in new home	8/4/2004
Q: Followup To Question -Master Bob, Hello! I have just moved into a new home in Proctorville, OH. I ... A: If the pole mount transformer says "25"...it is more then likely a 25 kVA sized unit. Is this ample ...
Lights flickering in new home	8/3/2004
Q: Followup To Question - Master Bob, Hello! I have just moved into a new home in Proctorville, OH. ... A: (NOTE: have tried to upload this answer several times Tuesday...the site appears to be having server ...
Sub Panel Wiring	8/3/2004
Q: I want to install a sub panel in my pole barn that is 135' from my house.What size direct burial ... A: Sorry just responding...this site has been down (server problems) for the past 24 hours...they just ...
Ceiling lighting receptacle	8/2/2004
Q: I live in an older home, I have just completed remodeling the interior. I am replacing some of the ... A: Just getting back online... Based on your description....if this kitchen light you replaced ...
Lights flickering in new home	8/2/2004
Q: Master Bob, Hello! I have just moved into a new home in Proctorville, OH. I have noticed that when ... A: Just getting in... Thanks for the follow-up (and the kind words/ratings). If your central A/C is ...
Lights flickering in new home	8/1/2004
Q: Master Bob, Hello! I have just moved into a new home in Proctorville, OH. I have noticed that when ... A: Based on your description...it certainly sounds as if you've taken all the right steps so ...
Arc Fault breaker installation	7/31/2004
Q: Bob, I'm finishing my entire basement and installing an Arc Fault breaker dedicated for the ... A: Based on your description....you have yourself in a fairly common scenario.....happens a lot when ...
I'm having a strange problem...	7/31/2004
Q: I'm having a strange problem with a circuit breaker frequently opening for no apparent reason. It's ... A: Been quite awhile since I last heard from you...hope all is well. Based on your description...it ...
Using 220 european appliances on a ariconditioner outlet	7/30/2004
Q: We have recently immigrated to the US and have taken some of our 220 VAC appliances with us. We ... A: Welcome to the US !! Unfortunately...your assumptions are NOT correct. The standard voltages here ...
2 HP electric motor 115v -> 230v wiring change over	7/28/2004
Q: I am trying to rewire my Doerr 2 HP (LR22132) 115/230v electric motor from 115v to 230v. The ... A: Just getting in to my office for lunch break...saw your follow-up. The Doerr line of motors is ...
What size wire?	7/28/2004
Q: Hey Bob: I really need some advise... I am having an inground swimmimng pool installed and decided ... A: Aluminum is NEVER the best choice...especially for underground conductors in piping (feeders in ...
electrical upgrade	7/27/2004
Q: I'm upgrading the electric receptacles,switches, etc., in the 64 year old home I bought recently. ... A: Based on your description, you are using a plug-in receptacle tester. If this tester is indicating ...
2 HP electric motor 115v -> 230v wiring change over	7/27/2004
Q: I am trying to rewire my Doerr 2 HP (LR22132) 115/230v electric motor from 115v to 230v. The ... A: Was unable to cross-reference technical information for your particular model number...based on the ...
Fixture troubleshooting	7/26/2004
Q: I have an outdoor lighting fixture that is controlled by a timer switch. It just blew out a bulb and ... A: Based on your description...it could possibly be a internal socket shorting problem in the ...
fluorescent lamp ballast	7/26/2004
Q: How can I tell if a lamp ballast was damaged? I think a tube was used which exceeded the ballast ... A: Based on your description...if you saw smoke...this generally is a strong indication that the ...
110 Arc-Fault breakers	7/25/2004
Q: Could you please,explain what a arc fault breaker is and how it works? Thanks ... A: AFCI breakers are newly developed circuit breakers designed to prevent fires in homes caused by ...
Power to spa blower	7/25/2004
Q: Pool has spa extension with separate blower system which is controlled by a light switch. Blower ... A: Based on your description....an underlying electrical problem may still exist with this spa blower ...
Wiring bathroom fan and light switch seperatly	7/25/2004
Q: I'm installing a new bathroom fan that I want to operate seperatly from the vanity light but the ... A: Based on your description....it sounds like this existing box (to which I believe you're referring ...
Disconnecting Main Service	7/24/2004
Q: So i'm all ready to upgrade the electric in my awesome new fixer-upper. (100A to 200A) The only ... A: In order to upgrade an electrical service....you MUST co-ordinate the change out with your local ...
Generator had 240V on one leg of 110V and zero volts on the other	7/24/2004
Q: Here is my wild theory. It appears from talking with my father-in-law, the when the generator first ... A: Your theory may be be a little wild...but by no stretch is it crazy. BUT (and it seems like there ...
Bathroom fan	7/23/2004
Q: The fan is blowing instaed of sucking how do you fix this. A: With the exception of 3 phase, DC and other specially designed electric motors....the direction of a ...
change circuit from dryer to table saw	7/23/2004
Q: I'm replacing my electric dryer with a gas one. I plan to use that 30amp 250v circuit for a 3hp ... A: Sorry just responding...have been straight out against the wall the past few days... Based on ...
Generator had 240V on one leg of 110V and zero volts on the other	7/23/2004
Q: I thought since you were a master electrician that you could help me with a strange occurrence I had ... A: Based on your description....I also have to side with the manufacturer....I've never seen a ...
Sub Panel	7/22/2004
Q: I will be running a sub panel to a dock aprox. 250' from the main panel. I want to place a 50 amp ... A: Sorry just reponding....been alternating days between coastal and local work....haven't had much ...
Electric motor stuck?	7/22/2004
Q: I'll look for the information, Bob. Would pictures be of any help to you? If so, how can I send ... A: ... Pictures tell a thousand stories....feel free to send any digital photo's you have to : ...
dimming lights	7/22/2004
Q: MASTER bOB, I have been in my new construction for 6 months. When I turn on my air ... A: Sorry just responding....been alternating days on projects down-state and local.....not much ...
Electric motor stuck?	7/21/2004
Q: I have a whole house fan mounted in my ceiling that pulls the house air into the attic. It is ... A: Based on your description...it sounds as if your electric motor may have seized up (either from ...
Stack waher dryer unit/receptacles	7/21/2004
Q: Interesting dilemma here and it's giving me fits. Just moved into a 30 year old home with my ... A: Sorry for just responding...have been away down-state. The Code now requires that ALL dryers (and ...
3 prongs dryer outlet	7/20/2004
Q: I am trying to purchase a used Hobart daugh mixer. There is no catalog available for the mixer. I ... A: Sorry for just responding....have been away down-state for the past few days. You can get more ...
overloaded circuit?	7/19/2004
Q: I built a 16 x 16 shed 25 yards from my house. I had an electrician run power from a recepticle in ... A: Yes...it can get a little toasty in Columbia....we stop by there every year in route to Florida. ...
Recessed lighting	7/19/2004
Q: I have 4 recessed lights in my kitchen and one of them when I put a new lightbulb in it and turn the ... A: Clearly...there is a problem with this one recessed can...when you say "blows the fuse"...are you ...
220 or 240, 110 or 120	7/19/2004
Q: listening and reading about electrical wiring I have seen these terms used either exclusively ... A: Great question.....after almost 30 years in the field - I can certainly say I've seen the references ...
overloaded circuit?	7/18/2004
Q: I built a 16 x 16 shed 25 yards from my house. I had an electrician run power from a recepticle in ... A: The first question that comes to my mind...if this work was done by an electrician...why didn't ...
Low Line Voltage at Service Panel	7/17/2004
Q: When I discovered the burners on my range wouldn't come on I did some checking and found that one ... A: Just getting back in from a family trip... Yes...based on your voltage findings...I agree this ...
Additional electrical outlets	7/17/2004
Q: I appreciate all of your helpful suggestions. The wires are coming in from the ceiling and are ... A: Yes...if the wires are routed in the attic...you may be able to put in a junction box and extend ...
Circuit Breaker	7/17/2004
Q: ------------------------- I have a cen-tech multi meter p30756. I would like to know how to check ... A: Checking the specs for the Cen-Tech 7 function P30756 mulit-tester...No - this tester is not reallly ...
Additional electrical outlets	7/16/2004
Q: I am in a bind. There is an old house being renovated and the living area has no electrical outlets ... A: I'm trying to follow your wall description...and based on what I've read...I can't quite get a grasp ...
Circuit Breaker	7/16/2004
Q: The lights in our three bedrooms have been flickering intermittently the past two weeks and finally ... A: Just getting back in... Based on your description...you have a 15 amp "tandem" breaker in this ...
Fuse box	7/15/2004
Q: The light bulbs in my home have a very short lifespan. It seems like I am always changing them. I ... A: Just now noticed your follow-up...missed it the last time I logged on. If you go to seperate the ...
Fuse box	7/14/2004
Q: The light bulbs in my home have a very short lifespan. It seems like I am always changing them. I ... A: Sorry just responding...been traveling down-state the past few days...have had very little computer ...
Puzzling Light Switch	7/14/2004
Q: I have an external light that worked until recently. I checked the bulbs and replaced one burned out ... A: Sorry just responding...have been away down-state the past few days...haven't had much computer time ...
Sub-panel	7/12/2004
Q: I've just read about this guy who ran 10/2 wire from a 2 pole 30 amp circuit breaker at the main ... A: No....this sub-panel (as you've described it) is NOT up to Code....not now or even decades ago. A ...
Which brand of 320 amp combo meter panel to buy?	7/11/2004
Q: I am upgrading from 200 amp residental 1 phase Murray JA220 VH combo meter panel (home depot price ... A: Sorry just responding...we have been straight out here the past few days.. Home Depot stores all ...
Outlets and Switches	7/11/2004
Q: I'd like to create a panel of outlets and switches for the lights small pumps on my aquarium. I ... A: Sorry just responding....we have been straight out here the past few days... Confused by your ...
Testing Motor Capacitors	7/10/2004
Q: Master Bob, I have a Stanley garage door opener that had an object caught under the door and the ... A: Just getting back from a family outing to the coast... Based on your description...it's very ...
Grounding sub-panel question	7/9/2004
Q: Hey Bob, My brother and I just finished running 220 feet of wire out to my barn for a new subpanel ... A: Just getting back in....long week...phew !!! Based on your description....it sounds as if you've ...
receptacles on one circuit	7/8/2004
Q: How many receptacles can you safely put on one 20amp circuit? I have a bedroom with eight ... A: If each receptacle has no defined load....and are therefore considered "general purpose", then the ...
wiring ceiling fan with light	7/7/2004
Q: I want to surface wire my new fan and plug into an existing wall outlet. The wires on the fan are ... A: Based on your description, you'll need to connect the fan's black and blue wires to the plug cord's ...
220v Dryer recepticle	7/2/2004
Q: I am going to be installing a new electric clothes dryer in a very old (101 yrs old) home that I am ... A: Caught me at my office on lunch break... The wire gauge size is determined by the electrical ...
boat trailer wiring	7/1/2004
Q: bought a used boat trailer. lights didn't work so hubby installed new 4-pin connector for trailer ... A: Just getting in.... What are your missing...? Not sure...I can tell you I haven't done a whole ...
replacing a 3 function switch in a bathroom	6/30/2004
Q: I am trying to replace a old 3 function switch operating a ceiling light, exhaust fan, and night ... A: Stopped by my office for coffee break....saw your follow-up. I'm familiar with the Broan P66 ...
Electrical	6/30/2004
Q: I am installing a exahust fan in the bath. replacing is more correct. have the fan in place need ... A: Just getting back in.... Based on your description...you are replacing an old fan/heat/light ...
Cook Top	6/29/2004
Q: I have installed a new kitchen in the basement. I am putting in a 4 burner cooktop with no oven. I ... A: Standard romex is fine inside the walls...conduit is only required if wire will be subject to ...
Home Wiring on a new ceiling fan	6/29/2004
Q: I'm installing a new ceiling fan. I removed the old lighting fixture, and replaced the electrical ... A: I hope by your statement "replaced the electrical box" you are telling me you used a box designed ...
Bedroom light switch	6/29/2004
Q: Power is coming through the octogon box, the light is now a pull switch and I put a wall switch in. ... A: Haven't heard the term "marrette" used for some time...here in the U.S. we call it a ...
PVC	6/28/2004
Q: I'm trying to settle a dispute between a co-worker and myself. We are both Master Electricians in ... A: Being a fellow Master Electrician based in Maine (with reciprocals in New Hampshire, Massachusetts ...
Swimming pool wiring	6/28/2004
Q: One more question. I have the subpanel / pool box wired in from the main panel. I have used a 50A ... A: Just getting back in from a double shift...what a long week - and this is only Tuesday (trying to ...
Lights not coming on at the same time	6/26/2004
Q: I changed two light fixtures on the front of my house from regular to motion sensing lights. Now, ... A: Good Morning Scott, Based on your description...I'm unable to tell if this delay is related to an ...
posessed room	6/25/2004
Q: Bob, Here is one I hope won't stump you. We added a room ~6 years ago, never a problem. The ... A: I think my mouse may be posessed...it accidentally clicked the wrong button when I first logged ...
Wall Outlets not working	6/25/2004
Q: I had a GFI circuit breaker go bad. I replaced it and it appears to work fine. Part of the wall ... A: Your symptoms are more common to an open...and not a short....which is why the breaker is not ...
electrical updates	6/24/2004
Q: My house was built in 1950. All of the outlets in the house are two prong, and not grounded. Many ... A: Just getting back in... Sight unseen, obviously I have no way of knowing the electrical layout ...
Swimming pool wiring	6/24/2004
Q: ------------------------- I left out one detail. I will only use the timer for the pump. The ... A: Just noticed your follow-up.... If you are only using the timer for the filter pump...you should ...
Swimming pool wiring	6/23/2004
Q: I will be wiring a 15 Amp filter pump and a 30 A 240 V only Heat Pump. I am looking to use a timer ... A: Your question came in long after we had retired for the evening (eastern time)....just now getting a ...
replacing old electrical toggle	6/23/2004
Q: glad business is good. I hope you can get to this tonight, I understand if you don't I can wait til ... A: Was fixing to retire for the evening...saw your e-mail come in. You've lost me a little with the ...
Replace ceiling light with fan	6/23/2004
Q: Originally: two switches on the wall one worked the ceiling light one did nothing Removed ... A: Jennie, Thanks for the follow-up.....if the black/white wire is to the light kit....and you wish ...
Outlet wiring in older home	6/22/2004
Q: I am looking to purchase a home that in the upstairs only has 3 electrical outlets and those are ... A: ...so it appears possibility # 3 (owner didn't need the upstairs upgraded) is the correct answer. ...
Replace ceiling light with fan	6/22/2004
Q: Originally: two switches on the wall one worked the ceiling light one did nothing Removed ... A: Just getting back into the office...very busy electrical season here. Based on your ...
Outlet wiring in older home	6/22/2004
Q: I am looking to purchase a home that in the upstairs only has 3 electrical outlets and those are ... A: Just getting back in... Typically....receptacle outlets that are on light fixtures...especially in ...
Diagnose electrical problem	6/21/2004
Q: Master Bob, 115pCT - You were exactly right when you said "However...the break in the circuit may ... A: Glad I was able to help you out on resolving your "open" wiring problem... Thanks for the ...
exterior fixture blows bulbs	6/21/2004
Q: I have just replaced an exterior wall mount fixture. When I put in a bulb that was working in ... A: Just getting back in.... Based on your description...and the fact that you state no wiring ...
Diagnose electrical problem	6/20/2004
Q: Overhead lights in a bedroom and hall and six wall receptacles in three walls in that bedroom ... A: Based on your description...it sounds as if you have developed an open somewhere in that circuit. ...
smoke detectors	6/20/2004
Q: -------------------------Would I Do I interconnect the ground wires too or ground them to the boxes? ... A: Most (if not all) standard residential smoke detectors have plastic housings...so there is usually ...
smoke detectors	6/20/2004
Q: -------------------------Hello again, I ran new 14-3 wire, how do I hook up the 3 wires in the ... A: .. The 12/3 (or 14/3 in your case) ONLY needs to be run from the first detector onward....all the ...
Should I wire in Serial or Parallel - Followup	6/20/2004
Q: If all wiring should be wired in PARALLEL then how can a GFCI outlet cut the power to itself and to ... A: Based on your text image in the follow-up...you are feeding the GFCI receptacle first....apparently ...
smoke detectors	6/19/2004
Q: I am installing smoke detectors interconnected in an older cape cod. I ran 12-2 wire, but it looks ... A: For interconnecting detectors to operate properly....you MUST run a minimum of 3 wire (12/3 ...
Should I wire in Serial or Parallel	6/19/2004
Q: Finishing my basement and am at electirical phase. 50-amp Subpanel with 3 circuits (15+15+20). ... A: For proper operation...ALL wiring should be in a parallel format. To split the two rooms so that ...
ceiling fans,	6/19/2004
Q: I have installed 2 ceiling fans on the same line. Both fans are working but will only run on low ... A: Based on your brief description - it sounds as if you may have wired these fans in series (not ...
Wiring	6/18/2004
Q: How do you wire a light switch, which is top part is the switch and bottom part is a outlet? A: Sorry just responding - stayed down state last night finishing up a job - too tired to commute back ...
lengthening a 3 wire cord	6/18/2004
Q: First let me explain what I am doing. I am simply lengthening a cord for a fountain pump. My ... A: Sorry just responding - stayed down state last night finishing up a job - we were too tired to ...
using 12/3 wire with 2 seprate breakers	6/17/2004
Q: I am installing 20A outlets on the back and side wall of my garage. I was going to have one 20A ... A: Based on your description...all was fine with using the 12/3 until you mentioned the GFCI receptacle ...
push-in electrical connections	6/17/2004
Q: Is there a secret to releasing the push-in wires on an electrical outlet or floresent overhead light ... A: Just getting in....another long day here in the field.. Based on your description...it sounds as ...
wiring a disconnect	6/16/2004
Q: i am helping a friend with some electrical work at his new home. the panel box is more than 10 feet ... A: Just getting in....had some emergency calls to tend to.. Years ago, the Code had 10 and 25 foot ...
RV service from the garage panel	6/15/2004
Q: I had the desire to be able to plug my RV into a 30A outlet to be able to run the A/C and/or other ... A: If you are using #6 copper - you can go a maximum of 60 amp breaker...and based on your ...
installing switches	6/15/2004
Q: I would like to install 3 switches, in one box, on a wall with one feed. Switch #1 will operate an ... A: Based on your description....it will not be a problem for this one feed to all 3 switches....the ...
Panel & wiring upgrade	6/14/2004
Q: Bob Considering buying a house built Dallas TX. approx. 1957 with Federal Electric panel and 2/C cu. ... A: Your concern for the well documented problems with FPE breakers is warranted.....about 66% of the ...
Open ground on circuit	6/14/2004
Q: I have an electrical circuit (living room circuit) with open grounds for all the receptacles. I ... A: Caught me at my office for lunch break... Based on your description...I agree with your theory - ...
Electrical Sub Panel	6/13/2004
Q: I have a sub panel in my back shed that is fed by a 2-pole 40 Square D breaker from the main box. ... A: Based on your description....it sounds as the problem is in the feeders from the 100 amp panel. You ...
subpanels	6/12/2004
Q: Your right it is a 120/240 3 wire service. Since I can't go with the 100 amp main can I use a sub ... A: Okay...so you actually have a 3 wire 120/240 volt single phase service at your main... Yes - you ...
subpanels	6/12/2004
Q: Can I connect the output of two 50 amp 3 phase CB's in my main panel too one three wire harness to ... A: Most unusual to have a 3 phase service in a residential setting(the standard being 120/240 volt 3 ...
100 amp vs. 200 amp service	6/11/2004
Q: ! We were going to do tandem breakers only if we were staying with 100 amp service. But, I think ... A: I fully agree....the service upgrade would be in your best interests....and put you well ahead of ...
Service Panel upgrade	6/10/2004
Q: I currently have a 100A Master CB in my Service Panel and want to upgrade to 150A based on some ... A: Sorry for the delay....we finally got the main office computer back up and running (for the time ...
110 volt to 220 volt conversion	6/10/2004
Q: I recently purchased a home and the laundry room has a 110 volt outlet but my washer/dryer has a 220 ... A: Sorry for the delay....we finally got the main office computer back up and running (for the time ...
Running 120 from a 220 outlet	6/10/2004
Q: I have a 220-50 amp double pole outlet for RV's. I would like to run 120 outlet from that. This is ... A: M., Sorry for the delay....we finally got the main office computer back up and running (for the ...
100 amp vs. 200 amp service	6/10/2004
Q: I'm looking to have Central AC installed. The installer needs 4 breaker slots; 2 for a 20 amp ... A: Sorry for the delay....finally got our main office computer back up and running (for the time ...
Wire size	6/8/2004
Q: Bob. Im doing some wireing underground. I have some used wire singal strand. Would like to know if ... A: Just getting in from a double....what a long day.. You didn't state what this underground wiring ...
Outdoor light wiring	6/8/2004
Q: Bob, I want to install two outdoor lights on my shade trellis to light up my back patio. What is ... A: Just getting back in from a double....long day. You did not state what type of trellis this ...
Wiring Switch to outlet in bedroom	6/8/2004
Q: I have multiple outlets in a bedroom and one is wired to the light switch. I recently replaced all ... A: Just getting back in from a double shift... Based on your description...it sounds like a possible ...
lights dimming	6/7/2004
Q: I have a new mobile home that was delivered and I bought a 200A box for outside (the home is 200A ... A: Never received a prior e-mail notification of your question...just now found it while going thru the ...
3 prong to 4 prong dryer	6/7/2004
Q: Master Bob, My home is only 9 years old and has a three prong dryer at present. We just ordered a ... A: Your e-mail came in just as I got into the office... This must be the month for the 3 wire versus ...
4 prong dryer to 3 prong outlet	6/7/2004
Q: I just moved into a older house that has a three prong outlet for the dryer to plug into. ... A: Stopped by my office for coffee break....saw your e-mail. Based on your description....you have a ...
Wiring a cook top	6/6/2004
Q: Bob. I think I know what to do now; however, I am going to affirm that because there was something ... A: I referred to a white wire with red or blue tape....under the impression you were going to replace ...
Wiring a cook top	6/6/2004
Q: I hope I found the info you need. Kenmore 30" Radiant counter Unit, Model # 911.44029100 6.1 208v ... A: Just getting back in from a family B-B-Q....stuffed. Thanks for following-up.... ...
what size breaker(and type...	6/6/2004
Q: what size breaker(and type pole), and type of wire do i use to wire an electric hot water heater ... A: Based on your description.....this is a standard sized residential electric hot water heater. It ...
conduit fill	6/4/2004
Q: Master Bob, I am hooking up a swamp cooler, I have got some good advise from you before, so here I ... A: Sorry for the delay - had to replace the cooling fan in our main office computer - kept me off line ...
Wiring a cook top	6/4/2004
Q: The old cook top directly wired to red, black, and white wires (thicker than the regular house ... A: Sorry for the delay - had to replace the cooling fan in our main office computer - kept me off line ...
wiring question	6/4/2004
Q: i was just wondering the proper way to wire three lights into a double switch system. it is all new ... A: Sorry for the delay - had to replace the cooling fan in our main office computer - kept me off line ...
garage romex and wall board	6/3/2004
Q: i plan on rewiring my garage and there is currently no drywall hung in the garage. after the new ... A: Code requires that a steel nail plate (1/16" thick or 1.6mm) be used any time that the cable is less ...
Oulet?	6/2/2004
Q: How do you tell if and electrical oulet is bad? I assume that measuring between the hot to neutral, ... A: Just getting in from yet another long day....busy electrical season here (which is a good thing...) ...
wiring switch/plug	6/2/2004
Q: Replacing switch for ceiling light with switch/plug. Want switch to operate both plug and light. ... A: Just getting in from yet another long day....very busy electrical season (which is a good thing...) ...
AC condenser unit wiring	6/1/2004
Q: Bob, Thank you for your quick response to my question. This is really a great service. I think my ... A: If you had originally purchased a 1" breaker...this was not a double pole 240 volt breaker...but a ...
Hunter Fan Light	6/1/2004
Q: I bought a new Hunter Fan with a light accessory. The fan works fine but the light does not work at ... A: Sorry for the delay.....I was unable to log-in when I first got in for the day because the web site ...
Lights	5/31/2004
Q: Bob I fixed the problem,, although i must admit, ive never seen an easier fix. I simply put in a ... A: .. The light blew the breaker because most 3-way lamp sockets are intended ONLY for use with a 3 ...
Wiring a double outlet from single.	5/31/2004
Q: My question involves replacing a single (1 acual receptacle) with a double or even 4 (2 double ... A: Just getting back in from the Memorial Day Parade.... To add another duplex (double) receptacle ...
AC condenser unit wiring	5/31/2004
Q: Bob, I an adding an addition to my home, doing most of the work myself. I have a 230V, 15 amp AC ... A: Just getting ready to head out to the Parade... Yes...it is possible to get 230 volts (actually ...
Lights	5/31/2004
Q: I just recently bought two new table lamps from Lowes and plugged them in and my breaker box shut ... A: Breakers will blow under two conditions...too much load on the circuit in terms of current (in ...
wiring a light and switch to an existing line	5/30/2004
Q: I am trying to wire in a high-hat light operated off its own switch to a circuit that has one light ... A: Based on the information you supplied...I agree...this is some definite old wiring...using ...
Square D Breaker.	5/30/2004
Q: I am having a guy install Central Air in my home and he told me that if I plumb a drain and run a ... A: When you connect to a double pole breaker - BOTH wires become hots...the black ...AND the white (we ...
Outlet no longer working	5/30/2004
Q: Have 4 outlets on screened in porch, I also have 2 ceiling fans there. Outlets (all) dont have ... A: Based on your description...it sounds as if your porch receptacle outlets were wired per Code (you'd ...
Lighted 3-way switch	5/30/2004
Q: I've installed two lighted 3-way switches ( Leviton 5503-LHI ) in my kitchen. Everything seems to ... A: Although I've installed numerous Leviton switches (single poles, 3-ways, 4-ways)over the ...
well pump	5/28/2004
Q: You are "Experts.com" .....just what I wanted to know. If I can help you, I'm "hot dawg" under ... A: ..I do my best to help out. Looked at your profile....went right by Mt. Pleasant on I-30 in route ...
well pump	5/28/2004
Q: Bob, Having a new deep water well dug. Running 125' to the pressure switch ...driller sez I can run ... A: .(Dawg) No...that is not adviseable..(and a Code violation in most areas...all 240 volt well ...
Pole Barn Fuse Box	5/28/2004
Q: I am wiring a box in my pole barn and have 2 netural bars and 2 ground bars. I was wondering how i ... A: Yes...the 2 ground bars should be physically connected to each other...so that the two are actually ...
Is it OK to jumper the neutral...	5/27/2004
Q: Is it OK to jumper the neutral connection to the ground terminal at the receptacle thus providing a ... A: Tried to log-in to the site when I got in last night....but the site "server was too busy".....first ...
3 wires	5/27/2004
Q: Help, I am installing recessed lighting and a ceiling fan that will have current to it at all times ... A: Sorry just responding...despite numerous attmepts to log-in when I got home last night....the site ...
Outside Garage Door Light	5/27/2004
Q: I just purchased my home and I was wondering where should the switch for the outside garage door ... A: Just getting back in....another long day.. Based on your description...yes -it's possible that ...
pulling wires knob and tube replacement	5/27/2004
Q: I just bought my first house, the panel has been updated to breakers and 100amp service. some of the ... A: Based on your description...if you have that much K-n-T wiring left...you may have gotten yourself ...
Installing new outlet	5/26/2004
Q: I installed an outlet by tapping into a light switch above. The switch is not a 3-way switch. The ... A: Just getting in from a double shift ( I do a lot of doubles...very busy electrical season this time ...
I recently installed a GFCI...	5/26/2004
Q: I recently installed a GFCI breaker on a 20A existing 2 wire circuit w/o ground wires for some ... A: Just getting in from a double shift...( I do a lot of doubles this time of year - busy electrical ...
Pole Barn Fuse Box	5/26/2004
Q: I am wiring a box in my pole barn and have 2 netural bars and 2 ground bars. I was wondering how i ... A: Just finished up a double shift...long day. Based on your description...I'm not sure I'm ...
adding a cieling fan	5/26/2004
Q: Hope I can explain my problem well enough for you to answer it. I have an exsisting single pole ... A: Yes...you provided enough info for me to answer your question. Based on your description...this ...
Crazy Residential Electrical Problem	5/25/2004
Q: I recently purchased an old house (1958) and had it rewired about two months ago. As of last night, ... A: Sorry just responding...just finished up a coastal job (we stayed over night at the resort)....and ...
I had a ground fault recepticle...	5/25/2004
Q: I had a ground fault recepticle in my master bathroom which I assume had a downstream protection to ... A: Sorry just responding...just finishing up a coastal job (we stayed over night at the resort). ...
Aluminum Wiring	5/25/2004
Q: Our home was built in 1976. It has aluminum wiring. We have had some lights added, replaced a few ... A: Sorry just responding...just finishing up a coastal job (we stayed over night at the resort). ...
Neutral vs ground	5/25/2004
Q: Master Bob, Can you explain the nature of the service entrance neutal and residence provided ... A: Sorry just responding...just finishing up a coastal job (we stayed over night at the resort). ...
More than one end to a circuit?	5/25/2004
Q: I'm coming in at the tail end of a basement refinishing project to install switches and outlets. I ... A: Sorry for the delay...just getting back in from a coastal job (we stayed at the resort overnight)... ...
220 dryer outlet	5/25/2004
Q: We recently moved into a house that was built in 1976. There is a 220 outlet for the dryer in the ... A: Sorry for the delay...just getting back from finishing up a coastal job (we stayed at the resort ...
Bathroom exhaust fan wiring	5/24/2004
Q: I have a exhaust fan in the bathroom already which plugs into an outlet in the fan. when I turn the ... A: ..you didn't mention you had the double gang box in your previous send... Okay...after shutting ...
Electric service amperage	5/24/2004
Q: I have added a garage/bedroom/bathroom/storage building to my existing property. It currently has ... A: Based on your load descriptions....and your current 200 amp service...Yes - the 200 amp service ...
Followup: What size wire?	5/24/2004
Q: I have had a hard time finding a 50A subpanel locally. Do you know a good place to find one online? ... A: Odds are...you WON'T find a 50 amp sub-panel...not a common stock item. BUT- you can use a 60, 70 or ...
Bathroom exhaust fan wiring	5/24/2004
Q: I have a exhaust fan in the bathroom already which plugs into an outlet in the fan. when I turn the ... A: Just getting back in... Based on your description...it is unclear whether you just want to ...
Jenn-Air Cooktop	5/24/2004
Q: I recently had new countertops put in & when the counter top stove was put back in they left the ... A: Just getting back in... Based on your description...it sounds as if you are describing a ...
NEC allow switches on different breakers in same outlet box	5/24/2004
Q: Bob: I'm finishing a basement, and adding new wiring to existing wiring already there. In an ... A: Just getting back in... Yes....the Code does allow seperate circuits to be in the same box (think ...
Home A.C. generator problem	5/24/2004
Q: I have a Troy-Built generator rated for 8850 watts peak and 5550 watts nominal. During a power ... A: Stopped by the office to pick up some paper-work....saw your e-mail question.. I also don't have ...
hot-neutral reverse	5/23/2004
Q: Followup To Question - Last night, one of our home lighting circuits simply quit working. ... A: Great job....well done. At least you got to avoid playing around in the attic....I still have to ...
What size wire?	5/23/2004
Q: I want to run a 20 amp 110V circuit about 80 feet from the breaker box to an external building. My ... A: Just getting back-in from watching the NBA Semi-finals...never miss those games. You didn't ...
i was using lots of power...	5/23/2004
Q: i was using lots of power and then everything shut down all of a sudden tried to reset the ... A: Just getting back in from watching the NBA semi-finals...I never miss those games. Your ...
replacing a ceiling fixture	5/23/2004
Q: Can I replace a 1 light fixture with a 2 light fixture? The rating on the 2 light reads 90 rating ... A: Not sure what your asking...do you mean - can you replace a 1 bulb fixture with a 2 bulb fixture..? ...
Breaker rating	5/23/2004
Q: I have a sub panel 150 feet from main panel it has #8 wire suppling it. The sub has one 15 amp ... A: ...I have a better grasp on your situation now. I take it this is copper 8/3 with ground romex. ...
hot-neutral reverse	5/22/2004
Q: Last night, one of our home lighting circuits simply quit working. The circuit controls the ... A: Thnaks for following-up and the kind words...yes - it does sound like a typical day when are doing ...
GFCI	5/22/2004
Q: BOB- My kitchen outlets are split 12/3 with black controling the top half and red controling the ... A: Based on your description....NO. For a GFCI to function properly...each circuit will need it's ...
Breaker rating	5/22/2004
Q: I have a sub panel 150 feet from main panel it has #8 wire suppling it. The sub has one 15 amp ... A: No....it is not true - based on your information at 150 feet - the voltage drop is only 3.82 % ...
Backwards Flow?	5/22/2004
Q: Our lights no workie. To clarify we seem to have 3 sets of 3 way switches and 1 single-pole on a ... A: Just getting back in from a family picnic to the ocean... Did the wife do the electrical changes ...
installing a combination switch/outlet	5/22/2004
Q: how would i go about replacing a standard two pole light switch with a combo.switch/power outlet for ... A: Just getting back in from a family picnic to the ocean... Based on your description...(and by the ...
hot-neutral reverse	5/22/2004
Q: Last night, one of our home lighting circuits simply quit working. The circuit controls the ... A: Just getting back in from a family picnic to the ocean... Based on your description...yes, it is ...
electrical wiring	5/21/2004
Q: Do I need to place wiring in PVC when running it under an outside deck...if not what kind of wiring ... A: Caught me at the office on lunch break.... NO....if you are travelling under a deck with ...
swamp cooler motor	5/20/2004
Q: I am upgrading my swamp cooler to a Master cool swamp cooler. The motor on my old cooler was a 1/2 ... A: Just getting back in from finishing up a contract down-state...whew...what a day.!! At least I got a ...
Basement remodel lighting	5/19/2004
Q: Bob- I'm remodeling my basement and installing recessed lighting. I have 12 fixtures in my office ... A: Just getting back in for the evening... Based on your description...the actual load would be a ...
exterior switches	5/18/2004
Q: For my birthday my wife purchaed one of the faux street lights for my barbecue area. I want to ... A: Based on your description...the timer may control all outside pool power..(??) ...but that is ...
Basic electric	5/18/2004
Q: I was wondering about the relationship between breaker size and the recommended gauge of wire. I am ... A: Cleary, the stove and recessed lighting will be on seperate breakers....the 2 are not compatible. ...
More than one end to a circuit?	5/18/2004
Q: I'm coming in at the tail end of a basement refinishing project to install switches and outlets. I ... A: Just getting in from a long work day... Without actual voltage tests...it's hard to say what is ...
fan	5/17/2004
Q: i am installing a ceiling fan. there is an existing switch that controls an outlet. the switch has 2 ... A: Another long day here at work.... Thanks for following up... I understand it now as you want ...
electrical	5/17/2004
Q: I would like to wire a 13.8 Amp pool pump. It is outside. There is no close proximity outside ... A: , It would be best to run a new dedicated 12-2 with ground line to this pool pump ....and it ...
Hunter Ceiling fan	5/17/2004
Q: I just recently bought a hunter celing fan and hung it in my bedroom. It works from a one wall ... A: Based on your description...this is one for the manufacturers (Hunter tech's)...sounds more like an ...
Old Knob and Tube	5/17/2004
Q: I actually have 3 Questions for you. To set the scene let me start by saying that I I am restoring ... A: Knob and Tube ( what we refer to as K-n-T ) wiring can be a real pain to troubleshoot...especially ...
240 wiring	5/16/2004
Q: i am installing a pool chlorinator that i bought from australia. it has 3 wires: brown(active), ... A: Just getting back in from a family gathering... Not sure if this Australian device is 240 volt ...
fan	5/16/2004
Q: i am installing a ceiling fan. there is an existing switch that controls an outlet. the switch has 2 ... A: Just getting back in from a family gathering... Trying to follow your question...what does the ...
Wiring a Cooktop	5/15/2004
Q: Bob- I just read a question and your answer about wiring cooktops. Yet I'm still confused. I just ... A: Based on your description...the bare copper of the appliance wants to be connected to the green ...
Outlet/Light Switch wiring	5/15/2004
Q: "Hi Bob, I have an outlet that is half hot/half cold, (to turn on a light when entering the room). ... A: Just getting back in for the day from a family B-B-Q....it was a great day for it....we all had a ...
20 amp line	5/15/2004
Q: Are you a Zen Master as well as a Master electrician? Just kidding! I have a new treadmill in the ... A: Although I studied the martial arts for several years (many moons ago..) and some modern day forms ...
adding lighting,110 and 220 outlets	5/15/2004
Q: I would like to add a bunch of outlets for day to day use. welder, plasma cu