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Electrical Wiring in the Home/Questions Answered by Expert Greg Hughes

SubjectDate Asked
bathroom light fixtures2/10/2012
  Q: I own a house that is about 70 years old. The bathroom medicine cabinet, in the house when I ...
  A: Without a volt meter you are just guessing. It sounds like you have replaced all the parts to the ...
wiring issues2/7/2012
  Q: i am trying to install a 7 button timer switch for the bathroom fan. The new switch has a black, ...
  A: What are the instructions that came with the new switch? In your existing box you have the ...
Circuit Sizing1/30/2012
  Q: Greg, I've done quite a bit of wiring in my own home, but have little knowledge of how to actually ...
  A: It sounds like you are going to enjoy your new addition. If you are running 12/2 to all your outlet ...
Circuit blown1/30/2012
  Q: We were cooking in the oven (stove) for about an hour last night and then we heard a pop and then ...
  A: You could have a shorted wire to ground, or a shorted wire to neutral. Is the oven breaker on at ...
12/3 wire or a seperate run1/23/2012
  Q: I am putting in an aeration system for my pond. The aerator is 220V with a peak draw of 11.3 Amps ...
  A: No, you cannot do that! And even if you did you would not put red on neutral and white on hot. ...
12/3 wire or a seperate run1/22/2012
  Q: I am putting in an aeration system for my pond. The aerator is 220V with a peak draw of 11.3 Amps ...
  A: It is smart of you to plan ahead with the outlet. The problem with your plan is you cannot use one ...
wiring a 3 way switch, tied to single pole,then to outside light & receptecles1/21/2012
  Q: You have answered some hard questions for me, thank you so much, and I have two last ones please. 1. ...
  A: I will work on a drawing. If you have 110 volts to your gfci outlet, and it is wired correctly, but ...
wiring a 3 way switch, tied to single pole,then to outside light & receptecles1/21/2012
  Q: You have answered some hard questions for me, thank you so much, and I have two last ones please. 1. ...
  A: These do not have to be your last questions. Feel free to write in anytime. 1. Please draw me a ...
GFCI/GFI and downrange outlets on breaker1/19/2012
  Q: I just had a house inspection and the inspector noted a GFCI needed to be replaced because it was ...
  A: The GFCI outlet and all outlets that get fed from it should be on the same breaker. The outlet is ...
Reuse existing wiring1/17/2012
  Q: I need a 120v 20amp receptacle in my basement to power a heavy duty sump pump. All circuits are ...
  A: It sounds okay as long as the ground wire is properly protected, and properly connected at each end. ...
older model remote not working with new fan1/15/2012
  Q: I just purchased a hunter Andross 793 321 ceiling fan and want to use the remote I had with the old ...
  A: It may be that your control has a recall on it. Check out ...
wire size for dry sauna1/13/2012
  Q: I have a older Viking sauna with a heater thats 240 volt 60 hz 14 amp, its prewired to the top of ...
  A: I cannot tell you if the white is being used as a neutral, meaning you have something that uses 110 ...
wire size for dry sauna1/12/2012
  Q: I have a older Viking sauna with a heater thats 240 volt 60 hz 14 amp, its prewired to the top of ...
  A: You can use 12 awg copper wire with a double pole 20 amp breaker. The circuit needs to be dedicated ...
installing a switch/outlet combo1/12/2012
  Q: I would like to replace a regular two outlet plug with a Leviton 5625 combo switch. There is only ...
  A: As you can see from the instructions/diagram this is made to control a light and supply an outlet. ...
Kitchen Appliance Problem1/12/2012
  Q: I opened my fridge door and the handle from the fridge touched the handle of the oven and caused an ...
  A: One of your appliances (or both) are looking for a path to ground or neutral. So two things you ...
installing a switch/outlet combo1/11/2012
  Q: I would like to replace a regular two outlet plug with a Leviton 5625 combo switch. There is only ...
  A: I am not sure what you are switching. Are you switching the outlet? First take a voltmeter and see ...
eletrical1/5/2012
  Q: why in a three phase transformer in which each single phase is 122v would an arrangement of any two ...
  A: I am not sure what you are asking. Are you asking why is it 214 instead of 244, or are you simply ...
hot main buss fuse old wireing12/31/2011
  Q: wht doo i do abought a hot main buss fuse its the left side im not shure what it runs the maine ...
  A: You probably do not have a balanced load and one phase is drawing more power. The best thing to do ...
Light Popping12/25/2011
  Q: for about 3 months or so i have been hearing a popping sound coming from lights above my dining ...
  A: You should have your voltage checked, and the connections at the panel. It is possible that you have ...
Click sound when light is off12/22/2011
  Q: I have noticed that the light in the bathroom randomly makes a click sound even though the light is ...
  A: Depends on what type of light fixture it is and how well the wall is insulated. You could have the ...
residential... old school12/21/2011
  Q: please help i am adding a swicth for an outside light im using the swicth box by front door for ...
  A: Is the light existing, or are you adding a light? You are probably right about the living room ...
wiring to shop/ garage12/17/2011
  Q: My barn is about 140 feet from the house. I am wanting to run electric from open breaker spot under ...
  A: You need to add the wattage of the heat lamps and the wattage of the lighting and multiple that by ...
countertop microwave oven12/17/2011
  Q: I have had my microwave for 7-10 years. Recently, if I am using my gas oven at the same as the ...
  A: Typically gas ovens use very little electricity unless you have one that uses a fan to move the heat ...
Ceiling Fan Issue12/11/2011
  Q: I was taking out a burnt out light bulb from a Hunter ceiling fan. It felt like the socket was ...
  A: If the same switch controls the fan and the light you need to turn off the breaker and remove the ...
GFCI Recepticle12/10/2011
  Q: The other night I had a smell in my kitchen. Upon investigation I found the Line side (from the ...
  A: Most likely the smell is coming from the wires connected to the lower outlet. You should turn the ...
Electric Usage12/2/2011
  Q: I am trying to get my Electric usage under control for the winter. My only option is electric heat. ...
  A: Your meter and bill is in Kilowatts/hour. To find the kilowatts you take the amps and multiple by ...
Tankless Water Heater11/30/2011
  Q: I purchased an EcoSmart 11kW tankless hot water heater. It has a requirement for a 60 amp double ...
  A: Yes that is acceptable, and as long you put green electrical tape around the white wire at the ends ...
Tankless Water Heater11/29/2011
  Q: I purchased an EcoSmart 11kW tankless hot water heater. It has a requirement for a 60 amp double ...
  A: Your water heater requires 220 volts, not 110 volts, so the neutral is not needed. However, the ...
rewiring existing light fixture11/27/2011
  Q: I am deseperate fr an answer at this point! I am waiting on my ex to sign my home over which should ...
  A: Linda, With that old wiring you most likely have a fire hazard. You probably have a break in the ...
switch controlled outlet11/26/2011
  Q: I want to add an outlet at the end of a run. Power goes from breaker box to light to switch (end of ...
  A: Let me caution you that your lighting and outlet circuits should be separate. It is very easy to ...
red wire11/21/2011
  Q: I took out a ceiling fan and have the two wires left in the ceiling.There is another light connected ...
  A: It is a good idea to either write down what wires you took apart, or take a digital photo before you ...
Adding a 3-way switch and a new light11/18/2011
  Q: I have an existing switch-light-light setup that I would like to (a) make 3-way and (b) add a new ...
  A: This should be pretty easy. You will need to run 3 wires, plus ground, to the new switch. So it ...
Where's the ground?11/17/2011
  Q: Greg: Has the practice of grounding a residential system to rods or pipes been replaced by some ...
  A: No, your assumption is wrong. Your main panel is the "service equipment", the panel in the barn ...
One Switch Works Two Fixtures11/15/2011
  Q: I replaced a ceiling fan in a room that has recess lighting. The room has two switches, one of ...
  A: It sounds like the red wire was for both the light kit and fan on the ceiling fan. At your ...
Where's the ground?11/13/2011
  Q: Greg: Has the practice of grounding a residential system to rods or pipes been replaced by some ...
  A: Some homes have the grounding in the rebar of the foundation while others have a ground rod. Some ...
wiring for rv11/9/2011
  Q: i want to install a 30 amp dedicated circuit at home for my rv. is this supposed to be wired as 220 ...
  A: If you are really interested in understanding RV wiring, and I totally advise it if you are going to ...
Outside wood/coal boiler11/9/2011
  Q: I just installed a used outside wood/coal boiler. I am concerned that the wiring to pumps, fans and ...
  A: When you talk about the combustion fan are you talking about an intake fan that supplies the boiler ...
Outside wood/coal boiler11/8/2011
  Q: I just installed a used outside wood/coal boiler. I am concerned that the wiring to pumps, fans and ...
  A: My advise is to get a good HVAC contractor out to look over your system and the wiring. Boilers ...
wiring for rv11/5/2011
  Q: i want to install a 30 amp dedicated circuit at home for my rv. is this supposed to be wired as 220 ...
  A: Sorry Sarah, that information is incorrect. I appreciate your thoughtfulness to instruct us, ...
Crackling sound in range outlet11/3/2011
  Q: Last night I went to use my new electric range. The light came on indicating that the burner was on ...
  A: Dealing with the large wire in oven outlets can be difficult and frustrating. I would definitely ...
Existing switched outside electrical 120V outlet11/2/2011
  Q: I have an existing 120V/20A switched duplex outlet in my outside garage soffet. I wanted to make ...
  A: Check polarity (black is hot, white is neutral) by testing with your meter from black to ground, and ...
Existing switched outside electrical 120V outlet11/2/2011
  Q: I have an existing 120V/20A switched duplex outlet in my outside garage soffet. I wanted to make ...
  A: Does the power originate at the original switch for this outlet, or does it originate at the outlet ...
wiring for rv11/1/2011
  Q: i want to install a 30 amp dedicated circuit at home for my rv. is this supposed to be wired as 220 ...
  A: You want 220 volts on a 30 amp double pole breaker. If the distance from the panel to the outlet is ...
Generator - Power/Line Conditioner Help10/31/2011
  Q: Greetings from Pennsylvania! I am running a 5000w Coleman Powermate generator during a power outage ...
  A: You are looking for an AVR. What I do is find a brand that looks interesting and do a google search ...
Generator - Power/Line Conditioner Help10/31/2011
  Q: Greetings from Pennsylvania! I am running a 5000w Coleman Powermate generator during a power outage ...
  A: A couple of things. The pulsing is the generator hunting, when the pump comes on it settles the ...
Home generator hook up10/30/2011
  Q: I have a 5k generator. I want to hook up my generator to the 220 line in my home. I need to know how ...
  A: Without a transfer switch you can use the generator to power a 220 volt outlet that is not connected ...
KVAR power factor correction devices10/28/2011
  Q: Can you give me any feedback on these devices. I know the savings they project are suspect at best. ...
  A: Do both legs drop to 117 volts on start up? Or does one go up and one go down? It could be at the ...
Dual Control of Ceiling Fan w/Light10/28/2011
  Q: I have a ceiling fan with light kit wired with a 2-wire connection (1 white, 1 black & 1 ground). ...
  A: The only way you can do this with the existing wiring is to install a remote control. You get a ...
KVAR power factor correction devices10/27/2011
  Q: Can you give me any feedback on these devices. I know the savings they project are suspect at best. ...
  A: Is your panel balanced? Is your A/C okay? Meaning is it pulling the right amount of amps, are there ...
Switched outlets controlling outside lights?10/27/2011
  Q: I did a simple replace of light switches to upgrade from the 60's. All was good there. I moved ...
  A: Look for a gfci outlet that has tripped. If not, it sounds like you are in for some ...
Main / Sub panel10/22/2011
  Q: I have a Siemens 200 amp main panel with all 40 spaces used with mostly 20 amp breakers. I need ...
  A: The first question you need to answer is what size panel do you need to add? Then you need to find ...
3 way switch10/21/2011
  Q: I have a ceiling light controlled by two 3-way switches. It suddenly went dead. Checked the bulb ...
  A: The new 3-way switches are wired different than the older ones so if you go wire-for-wire you will ...
outlets not working10/19/2011
  Q: I have a string of electrical outlets along the sink and of the other side of the kitchen. When I ...
  A: I would start at the gfci outlet and pull it out. Check it with a voltmeter. You may be getting ...
wiring a new light fixture10/4/2011
  Q: I added a light fixture in hallway. Took power source from light switch in exsisting bathroom off ...
  A: Yes, you wired it in series. Undo all you have done and find a power source for one of the bedroom ...
adding a plug mid-way in a circuit10/3/2011
  Q: I have access to the inside of the wall, plus I'm running new romex (12-2) to the existing switch. ...
  A: It sounds like you do not need a pigtail, except for the ground. However, both blacks will be on ...
Heat Pump Power Circuit Adequate9/30/2011
  Q: Mr Hughes - Considering replacing old 6 seer 4 1/2 ton all electric packaged heatpump (roof mounted ...
  A: I can understand you wanting to wait to go in the attic. And btw, Phoenix is not "as hot" it is ...
hot neutral in part of circuit9/26/2011
  Q: I've been trying to isolate an electrical issue all day and I've found some things that are out of ...
  A: Hopefully my answer is not just a "shot" but a direct hit. If you are sure this is not a multiwire ...
Wiring New RV/Tractor Shed9/24/2011
  Q: I am in the process of running electrical service to a new tractor/RV shed - length of run = 172' ...
  A: Get snookered and use all #2 and then the #4 for your RV outlet. Keep the rest of the #4 for any ...
Wiring New RV/Tractor Shed9/24/2011
  Q: I am in the process of running electrical service to a new tractor/RV shed - length of run = 172' ...
  A: Your long run has made your wire #6 awg, in effect, because of the voltage drop. If you run the #4 ...
Remote control switch9/24/2011
  Q: I have a old farm house with Plank wall framing witch makes for a bad time when need to rewire ...
  A: I normally do not promote one brand over the next, and I am not doing it here, but if you look at ...
120 v / 240v ?9/23/2011
  Q: my breaker says 200 amps at the test / shut off section above, and 100 amps below for max. Also ...
  A: Probably the most helpful thing you can do is to perform a "load calculation" on your home. Once you ...
220V vs. 240V9/21/2011
  Q: We are about to purchase a garage heater and it is rated at 240V. I have a 220V circuit already ...
  A: Voltages, in the US, vary from 208 to 240 volts. The manufactures have to take that in account when ...
electric outlets9/20/2011
  Q: None of the wall outlets in one upstairs bedroom are working. This happened before and I was advised ...
  A: It is possible that the GFCI, that controls that room, has gone bad. It is also possible that you ...
Will this circuit fry a motion sensor light fixture?9/18/2011
  Q: Request is for several outdoor lights to be on motion-sensor operation MOST of the time, with the ...
  A: First, your 3-way switch circuit is a good idea and should not harm the devices. Remember, in AC ...
in line furnace fan9/18/2011
  Q: I'd like to install an in line fan to boost heat and airflow into a remote bedroom (there's duct ...
  A: Actually there is already a switch like that built into your furnace. When you have the t-stat ...
Electrical panel9/16/2011
  Q: I have an older Challenger electric panel (please see attached image). At the top right buss there ...
  A: I cannot tell you to do something the manufacture is telling you not to do. If you need more room ...
Wiring a light fixture9/16/2011
  Q: I removed a ceiling fan to install a light fixture. However the ceiling fan was connected to 2 red ...
  A: If both wires were hot you would have 220 volts. If you measure from one wire to the other and the ...
3 prong dryer outlet9/16/2011
  Q: I have purchased a new dryer and am able to use a 3 prong plug with it. At the outlet, I currently ...
  A: In a 3-prong dryer the neutral and ground travel back to the panel on the same wire. If the ground ...
CIELING FAN9/12/2011
  Q: "Just removed ceiling fan, i have three separate lines coming into box.... Three white three black ...
  A: Whoa, turn off the caps I can hear you okay. It sounds like you forgot to write down what wires ...
fan noise, Hampton Bay9/10/2011
  Q: This is related to a previous question, but now it is regarding the NEW fan we just had installed by ...
  A: It is possible. In fact all the fans in my house make a noise. Of course some fans are more quiet ...
vanity light with wall switch9/10/2011
  Q: I am replacing a vanity wall fixture. Seems simple. The new fixture has 2 lamps with a black and ...
  A: It sounds like the power goes to the wall switch first and then to the light. Disconnect all the ...
breaker size for baseboard heaters9/8/2011
  Q: I have 3- 220volt, 1500amp baseboard heaters on a 30 amp dp breaker. The wire going to the breaker ...
  A: As you realize, the 12 awg wiring is just to small for the heaters and the breaker. Your options, ...
Installing a sub panel in a detached garage9/7/2011
  Q: I have an older home outside of Chicago, with a detached garage. It currently has one old 15 amp ...
  A: Dave, 1) I prefer PVC. Glue it above ground and sit it in the ditch. 2) Not if you pull the ...
Light switches9/7/2011
  Q: My question will involve three different wall switch locations (8 switches), most of which seem to ...
  A: I have seen a similar situation where a 3-way was wired wrong, and to make matters worse the ...
Inadequate Wiring?9/6/2011
  Q: I have a question regarding the wiring in my new apartment. It is a three-bedroom apartment, and all ...
  A: First off, they are wired in parallel or else you would not be able to run two devices on them. But ...
Electrical9/5/2011
  Q: We have three switches inside the entrance to our mobile home. The commons are all tied together. ...
  A: It sounds like you have a multicircuit, meaning that two circuits share the same neutral. Or, ...
GFI Keeps Tripping*9/5/2011
  Q: I have 3 wall outlets on a GFI, when I plug in an electrical devise into the 2 furthest away from ...
  A: With the power off, pull the GFCI outlet out and see where the wires that feed the other outlets are ...
Electrical9/4/2011
  Q: We have three switches inside the entrance to our mobile home. The commons are all tied together. ...
  A: With both switches going to the fan I am thinking that one is suppose to control the light and one ...
12/4 Romex cable9/3/2011
  Q: Where can I buy 12/4 Romex cable by the foot? Home Depot sells what they refer to as 12-2-2, which ...
  A: It should not be that hard to run two romex cables. I do not know where you can find that cable by ...
circuit breaker buzzing at timed intervals9/1/2011
  Q: have a 200 amp breaker box with 40 amp double breaker for the A/C. original breaker started tripping ...
  A: Check to see if your A/C compressor is short cycling during those times. If it keeps short cycling ...
Oven wiring8/31/2011
  Q: I have a gas oven which is as old as the house which is from about 1960's. Last night while in the ...
  A: It sounds like you need either an electrician or appliance repairman. It would be preferable to get ...
Trouble wiring flourescent fixture to 3-pronged plug8/30/2011
  Q: The other day I bought a fluorescent light fixture that I want to use for growing carnivorous ...
  A: There is no way for me know over the internet what the red/grey wire is for in your fixture. You ...
Cable and electric8/29/2011
  Q: I want to bury power and cable lines in a secluded area. Can they go in the same pvc conduit or do ...
  A: Separate your lines. PVC conduit is fairly cheap and if you ever need to pull a new line it is ...
Wiring of multiple fans8/29/2011
  Q: I recently bought a house that has a screened porch with 5 ceiling fans. All are connected to one ...
  A: It could be that this circuit is simply overloaded. Or it could be that they are wired in series. ...
ceiling fan wiring8/26/2011
  Q: I'm having trouble wiring my ceiling fan it has a reverse switch and a capacitor. The fan is wired ...
  A: For the fan switch; L should be the power coming in (LINE) 1 should be fan speed One 2 should be fan ...
Installing a fan speed control switch/dimmer into an extension cord8/26/2011
  Q: I have a 3 prong grounded extension cord and a fan speed control switch. I'm wondering if there's ...
  A: If the fan motor is not equipped to run at different speeds you could burn up the motor. Which is ...
Installing a fan speed control switch/dimmer into an extension cord8/25/2011
  Q: I have a 3 prong grounded extension cord and a fan speed control switch. I'm wondering if there's ...
  A: What are you connecting it to? You don't simply connect an extension cord to a switch. There has to ...
wall timer8/24/2011
  Q: I just replaced the old wall time with a new GE that has pins that you pull out for every hour you ...
  A: There are only two wires in the box and they both have power? How did you test that? Did you get a ...
Query about Washing Machine Wiring8/22/2011
  Q: I was wondering if you could help me with my washing machine. I own a Whirlpool AWG 338-4 and ...
  A: Your washing machine should have a schematic located somewhere in it. Sometimes they are located in ...
deaf doorbell8/22/2011
  Q: I am deaf, and I am trying to figure out how to rewire the doorbell circuitry so that one or more ...
  A: You can keep the chimes or remove them but if you keep them you may need a larger transformer (you ...
Older Electrical wiring +HW heater8/21/2011
  Q: I have a house that has some older, some newer wiring (ie the wiring comes into a large electrical ...
  A: You are right in calling an electrician. It may be that both wires are the same phase. Regardless, ...
125 amp service8/18/2011
  Q: I have a small shop that I have installed a 125 amp service in. It is stand alone and not running ...
  A: You have to understand that your RV has little insulation and most shop/garages are not well ...
Nat'l Electric Code8/15/2011
  Q: I own a 10,000 sq ft commerical building in a small town in WI that used to be a hardware store. I ...
  A: What you need to do is have the local inspector come out, or go their office, and find out what they ...
8/3 Wire: Damaged Insulation?8/13/2011
  Q: Greg. While checking a new 240V circuit with a multimeter (inside 4X4 outlet box for oven hookup), I ...
  A: On a direct short a good breaker will trip before the wire (or insulation) is harmed. It sounds like ...
electricity8/12/2011
  Q: I have a microwave and a TV in my kitchen, both using the same wall outlet. Both had to be replaced ...
  A: It could be a problem, and most likely is a problem. New codes require multiple outlet circuits in ...
GFIC8/12/2011
  Q: Hi what would cause the breaker to burn up? IT did not trip when it was tested
  A: A loose connection or the amperage on the circuit running at max can cause a breaker to burn and not ...
Portable Generator Backup8/7/2011
  Q: I have a Storm Responder 55000 portable generator and purchases a Reliance emergency transfer ...
  A: The problem I see is that your 120 volt circuits should be divided across the two phases in the ...
Ceiling fan wirring8/6/2011
  Q: I have two switches on wall. I am assuming one is foR light and other foR fan. I put new fan up ...
  A: You should be able to wire it exactly like it was wired. If you did not write down, or take a ...
AC Condenser Unit Wiring8/5/2011
  Q: I have two 1.5ton AC condenser units. The max amps it says are 15, it lists the voltage as 230. ...
  A: You would run 14/2 and connect the black wire to one pole of the breaker, and the white wire to the ...
3 phase8/5/2011
  Q: How can I run regular 220/100 amp service into a 3 phase box and have it work properly? Am just ...
  A: I know how to do this in the U.S.A., but you have to tell me if your electrical is 220 single phase ...
New attic fan install dropping performance of ceiling fan8/1/2011
  Q: I recently installed a new attic fan with both a thermostat and a humidistat. It is on the same ...
  A: The old motor may have quit working because it was miswired. I recommend you turn off the power ...
Question concerning three way shitches7/30/2011
  Q: I've got a three way switch that I'm wanting to switch over to a single switch.. Right now I have ...
  A: I am sending you an attachment with the different ways a 3-way circuit can be wired. You need to ...
Wiring electric cooktop7/27/2011
  Q: My house wiring is black, white and bare wire (ground). The stove top has black, red and green. What ...
  A: If wired wrong it will at least shock you and may kill you. Verify that the black and white have ...
re model can light installation7/26/2011
  Q: ... The kitchen had a bank of florescent lights on the ceiling, an angled ceiling. He tour out the ...
  A: Most large home centers have them in their electrical department and the instructions are included. ...
GFCI7/25/2011
  Q: Over last weekend, I had a refrigerator plugged into a socket in the garage that must have been a ...
  A: I agree that all of those should not be on the same circuit. That is something you need to fix. I ...
Tripped Breaker7/24/2011
  Q: All of a sudden, we have one breaker that keeps tripping. It's a 15 amp breaker that covers one ...
  A: It sounds like you are maxing out that circuit and the breaker cannot hold anymore. To correctly ...
light switch in bathroom7/24/2011
  Q: Iturned the light switch on in the bathroom when I went to turn it off the light stayed on. A fan ...
  A: It sounds like you have a short in the fixture. Most likely the power goes to the fixture first ...
RV hookup7/22/2011
  Q: My RV is set up for hookup to a 30 amp outlet, and with an adapter I can also plug into a 15 amp ...
  A: The way to tell is to take your voltmeter and measure between the two hot legs. 220 volt reading ...
RV hookup7/22/2011
  Q: My RV is set up for hookup to a 30 amp outlet, and with an adapter I can also plug into a 15 amp ...
  A: I am familiar with Calif. State parks but not N.Y. State parks. Here they supply either 30 or 50 amp ...
main panel neutral/ground bars7/18/2011
  Q: how do i know if my main panels neutral and grounding bars are bonded? Each bar has a bonding screw ...
  A: If they are bonded they will both have a screw that attaches them to the chassis of the panel. An ...
Getting a new dryer - proper outlet?7/15/2011
  Q: Our dryer died and last night (Wednesday) we purchased a new one. It's to be delivered Saturday. The ...
  A: The outlet with the "L" is a 30 amp outlet made for dryers. The one you currently have is a 50 amp ...
light switch wiring in a 115+ y/o house7/14/2011
  Q: and thanks for taking the time to consider my question. I live in a 115 year old house in AL that ...
  A: What you have at the switch box is called a switch leg. The power goes to the outlet and they send ...
Replace Timer7/12/2011
  Q: I am replacing a 24 hour timer and am confused by the hook up. I have black and white going in with ...
  A: The wires feeding the timer: Your hot wire goes to the terminals "L", and "1" (they are bridged ...
A Last Question ... Thermostat Issue7/11/2011
  Q: Greg ... In reflecting on your various answers to my questions, a new (and hopefully LAST) question ...
  A: Your question does make sense. However, the computing takes place at the t-stat not at the furnace. ...
Replacing gas furnace thermostat CON'T7/10/2011
  Q: You are a very smart man, Greg! Yes, I found a remote sensor in our guest bedroom. I'll check with ...
  A: If you want to use the sensor you will need to purchase a t-stat that has remote sensor capability. ...
electrical grounding on tankless water heater7/10/2011
  Q: i had a tankless water heater installed and had the city inspector come out to see it. he sid that ...
  A: It is pretty typical and it is called "bonding the hot and cold water pipes". There are clamps that ...
Replacing gas furnace thermostat CON'T7/9/2011
  Q: You are a very smart man, Greg! Yes, I found a remote sensor in our guest bedroom. I'll check with ...
  A: That is correct. A remote sensor is used to take the temp of the room the sensor is in and sort of ...
Honeywell Thermostat Wiring7/9/2011
  Q: I presently have a Carrier thermostat connected to my gas, forced air system (no A/C or heat pump). ...
  A: The 3-strand is for a remote sensor. So apparently you have a remote sensor somewhere in the house. ...
110 to 220 for Central Air7/9/2011
  Q: Is it safe and advisable to convert an existing 110 volt line for a central air system to 220 volts? ...
  A: When you say "attack" do you mean "attic" (the space above your ceiling and below your roof)? ...
110 to 220 for Central Air7/8/2011
  Q: Is it safe and advisable to convert an existing 110 volt line for a central air system to 220 volts? ...
  A: When you have a central A/C system you have one of two configurations: 1. A package unit that has ...
Wiring a GFCI breaker to timer to pool pump7/8/2011
  Q: We have spoken before. Since we spoke. I ran 2 grounding rods and installed a seperate ground bar ...
  A: GFCI trips on an unbalance, real or perceived. I told you how to isolate the timer motor from the ...
Honeywell Thermostat Wiring7/8/2011
  Q: I presently have a Carrier thermostat connected to my gas, forced air system (no A/C or heat pump). ...
  A: I believe you may be able to connect the new t-stat. You will need to unplug the furnace or turn off ...
Honeywell Thermostat Wiring7/7/2011
  Q: I presently have a Carrier thermostat connected to my gas, forced air system (no A/C or heat pump). ...
  A: A system that is just using gas forced air really only needs a "R" (hot) and "W" (heat). However, ...
Outside Lighting7/7/2011
  Q: My front porch light is on a 3 way switch in the Family Room with another 3 way in the garage. The ...
  A: The difficulty is that there is no neutral at the 3-way front porch switch. You want to make sure ...
Wiring a GFCI to a timer to a 120V Pool pump7/6/2011
  Q: I have a brand new above ground pool. I am running a 50 am circuit out to a panel in my shed w 6 ...
  A: I was not talking about feeding the outlet with two circuits. One circuit just for the timer motor ...
Wiring a GFCI to a timer to a 120V Pool pump7/6/2011
  Q: I have a brand new above ground pool. I am running a 50 am circuit out to a panel in my shed w 6 ...
  A: I agree they should place some sort of warning that they are not compatible with GFCI breakers. You ...
electrical recepticals and wires in attic...7/3/2011
  Q: I have two issues.. Issue 1: I had new circuit breakers and wires install going up through the ...
  A: Always run a 20 amp (12 awg wire) to an outlet circuit. Keep the outdoor outlets off the lighting ...
wire a flourscent light7/2/2011
  Q: I took down the light fixture in the kitchen I didn't pay attention to how I took it down. Now I am ...
  A: If all the whites were tied together and all the blacks tied together you would simply do the same ...
Electrical Shortages in Sockets7/2/2011
  Q: I am having an issue with the electrical sockets in my apartment. I have had 3 electronic devices ...
  A: Sorry Kandice, but my advise is going to be to wait for the electrician. In the meantime you can ...
Wiring a metal barn with a branch Circuit7/1/2011
  Q: I have recently acquired a property and have put up a livestock (horse) barn and need to wire a ...
  A: 1. Yes, it should be the ground. 2. If you are sure the wire to each outlet is #4 then you have ...
Wiring a metal barn with a branch Circuit6/30/2011
  Q: I have recently acquired a property and have put up a livestock (horse) barn and need to wire a ...
  A: Lets tackle this a little at a time so we do not miss anything. 1. True, but it is one more wire to ...
Built-in Double Oven6/29/2011
  Q: I need some help identifying what guage wire to use when installing a built-in double oven in my ...
  A: This is a good question. Let me give you another example of this type of situation. Lighting ...
electrical recepticals and wires in attic...6/29/2011
  Q: I have two issues.. Issue 1: I had new circuit breakers and wires install going up through the ...
  A: Excuse me if I am wrong but didn't you write the following; "The circuit braker (15amps) to one ...
electrical recepticals and wires in attic...6/28/2011
  Q: I have two issues.. Issue 1: I had new circuit breakers and wires install going up through the ...
  A: Wires in the attic need to be properly secured for safety reasons. You cannot tap into the bathroom ...
Kitchen circuits tripping breakers6/26/2011
  Q: Our home is 58 years old and has a "Bulldog??" breaker box. Recently, the dryer has tripped the ...
  A: I agree that it is time to upgrade your circuit panel. The wiring of that era is not prepared for ...
how to add a switch for vent fan/light in an end run switch6/25/2011
  Q: I have an end run switch that connects to two sconces. On the switch there is two wires. One black, ...
  A: You are missing the neutral. You will need to tap into one of the existing lights on that circuit ...
220 VOLT PROBLEM6/24/2011
  Q: WELL MY MOMS TRAILER IS REALLY MESSING UP SHE HAD A BAD STORM ONE NIGHT AND HEARD A LOUD BANG AND ...
  A: You should only read 220 volts across both legs, meaning you will only read 220 volts one way you ...
ceiling fan noise6/22/2011
  Q: We have a ceiling fan (with light) that has been making a whirring noise - not very loud, but enough ...
  A: It depends on what is causing the whirring noise. If the blades are out of balance you can buy a kit ...
cable repair6/21/2011
  Q: I have accidentally cut through the electrical cable of a hover lawn mower. Is there a simple cheap ...
  A: You can solder the connections and then shrink wrap the connections, you can solder the connections ...
Breakers for Kitchen Appliances6/19/2011
  Q: I am having a 5.7KW cooktop and a 2.5KW oven installed. Based on wattage, it seems that a 30amp ...
  A: Yes, but I do not like the "light tester" because it does not tell you the actual voltage. You put ...
Existing switch and light. Two sets of wires6/17/2011
  Q: Ok here is what I started with, one light, one switch and two sets of cables running between the ...
  A: At this point you need to establish what wires are the line voltage. Then you need to figure out why ...
Basement Wiring6/16/2011
  Q: I have 3 lights in my basement in three different areas (Bedroom, Walk in closet, and Laundry room) ...
  A: The smoke detector needs to have its own circuit. To wire in switches for the lights you need to ...
Outlets in Garage6/16/2011
  Q: None of the outlets in my garage are working. The light works and the garage door works. There are ...
  A: Do you have fuses or circuit breakers? Fuses tend to blow and breakers trip. You need to verify ...
Ceiling light6/14/2011
  Q: I have replaced a ceiling light in my kichen and the following problem occurs: In the morning, when ...
  A: The first thing I would do is make sure the lights are not wired in series (the two fixtures). Then ...
formulas request6/13/2011
  Q: Greg Hughes I would ask for formulas for calculating the required cable for breaker power ? 55kw ...
  A: Breakers are rated in amperage so you need to know the supply voltage to calculate the amperage. ...
Tripping breaker question6/11/2011
  Q: We had a lightning strike near our house last night, and two of our breakers tripped. Reset the ...
  A: Yes, I hear you. My advise is still get a professional electrician. All a homeowner can do is ...
Tripping breaker question6/11/2011
  Q: We had a lightning strike near our house last night, and two of our breakers tripped. Reset the ...
  A: I know your state has got hit hard this year with weather, harder than normal. You really should ...
Best Brand of Air conditioner6/9/2011
  Q: Hey Greg, In your opinion what are the best air conditioners (brands) out there for central air ...
  A: I have worked factory service for a few of the big name brands. The answer lies in what you are ...
Problem converting 240V to 110V6/8/2011
  Q: I hope this won’t be too confusing, but I’m pretty bewildered. We’ve replaced an old 15,000 BTU, ...
  A: This setup is against code and dangerous, however your description is very helpful. If you are ...
Low Power in Wall Outlet6/6/2011
  Q: My wife said that when she ran the canopener she it runs slower from the bottom outlet then the top. ...
  A: You are measuring voltage with no load I presume. A voltmeter simply measures the voltage present ...
Circuit breaker6/1/2011
  Q: I wanted to change a light fixture in my home. After removing the original fixture with the circuit ...
  A: There is an element of danger when you remove the breaker cover plate. If you are not comfortable ...
Breaker tripping5/30/2011
  Q: We are in the midst if tackling a bathroom remodel. If ONLY the electrical was the least of our ...
  A: You should run a separate line so the gfci outlet and light/fan are on separate circuits, that is ...
Non-working outlet - Possibly open hot?5/27/2011
  Q: I'm all out of ideas. I've had a non-working outlet for several days and have tested, traced, and ...
  A: If you are sure they are on the same circuit and there are no other devices between them, you have a ...
ceiling fan connection5/26/2011
  Q: I have a fan with a black ,white and green wire and from the ceiling is a black, white, green, bare ...
  A: The extra wire is in case you want to separate the fan and light at the switch. So you would have ...
Lighting5/26/2011
  Q: I was working on putting up a new light fixture in my bedroom. At one point, the power was on and a ...
  A: A breaker could be tripped without appearing to be tripped, and it can go bad without appearing to ...
Swamp cooler5/25/2011
  Q: I just picked up a used swamp cooler that was on a roof at a residence. I have made a stand to make ...
  A: These instructions are for typical swamp coolers and may not apply to yours. L1 is the Hot power ...
Breakers for Kitchen Appliances5/24/2011
  Q: I am having a 5.7KW cooktop and a 2.5KW oven installed. Based on wattage, it seems that a 30amp ...
  A: Your actual voltage plays a part in the amount of amps that are drawn. You have to go with what the ...
Wiring for ceiling fan5/22/2011
  Q: ..I have a question...I bought a ceiling fan by Hampton bay that contains a black and blue, white, ...
  A: The fan should have a diagram with the instructions that tell you if the black is for fan or light ...
Circuit breaker5/21/2011
  Q: I wanted to change a light fixture in my home. After removing the original fixture with the circuit ...
  A: Take a voltmeter (digital are best) and place one probe on the neutral bar and one probe on the wire ...
flat wire5/20/2011
  Q: We are purchased an electric reclining sofa that will is in the middle of the room, however there ...
  A: If this a raised house, meaning you have room under the house, you can run the wires under the house ...
Dryer Wiring5/19/2011
  Q: they really are great. Small problem - I moved our used dryer into our new house, where we have a ...
  A: You need the neutral for the motor/timer/electronic circuits to work. On your new cord; the green ...
Circuit breaker5/19/2011
  Q: I have 1 circuit break, for the downstairs, that just quit working. The fuse did not trip and I ...
  A: I am not following you on this. Are you saying that you have a "circuit breaker" that quit working ...
whole house - main meter drain - flickering lights5/18/2011
  Q: Why does meter show current flow even when main breaker is off? I shut off the main breaker but the ...
  A: Some people argue that this is normal, but I believe what is accepted does not mean it is normal. ...
whole house - main meter drain5/18/2011
  Q: Why does meter show current flow even when main breaker is off? I shut off the main breaker but the ...
  A: I would call the electric company out to check their meter. They can pull the main breaker and check ...
New cooktop wiring5/18/2011
  Q: similar to one you just answered. my old cooktop had a 30 amp fuse with what looks like 10 ga wire. ...
  A: You have to upgrade the wiring, it is code. Period. You are not the only one going to use the ...
220V, 2-pole GFCI w/o Ground5/18/2011
  Q: I am updating my electrical panel. Install separate ground bar and neutral bar, improve the ...
  A: If you have a nick in the outer insulation your neutral will be exposed. Also, if you have a nick in ...
220V, 2-pole GFCI w/o Ground5/17/2011
  Q: I am updating my electrical panel. Install separate ground bar and neutral bar, improve the ...
  A: My comment is this; If the third wire to your oven, range, and dryer is a bare wire then you should ...
Elecrical needs to a building 125 ft away5/17/2011
  Q: I am going to construct a pole barn about 125 from my house where I will need to tap into the panel ...
  A: The size would be determined by three factors; Length, amperage, and copper vs alum. You mentioned ...
GFCI5/14/2011
  Q: If you have 2 circuits with a common neutral. (i.e 12-3 wire.) Can you protect each circuit ...
  A: MWBC can be tricky. The neutral has to remain unbroken to the panel and you must have a double-pole ...
Range wiring5/13/2011
  Q: I got a new range and it has a 4 wire setup but the old one has a 3 wire setup, also the wall outlet ...
  A: The correct way is to run a ground wire from the panel to the outlet. This will separate the ground ...
electric baseboard heaters5/12/2011
  Q: when running 2 heaters in a room can you control them from 1 t- stat and i believe they should be ...
  A: Yes the heaters will be in parallel with each other, but both in series with the t-stat. You can run ...
tube lights5/11/2011
  Q: I replaced a tube light ballast and bulbs. I have tested and do have 120 coming through but the ...
  A: The end connections tend to be a little flimsy and the wires can easily come out of the connector so ...
wiring a new 230v breaker+outlet5/10/2011
  Q: How many hot and ground, neural wires are left for a typical 4 year old house to wire into a new ...
  A: The utility company turns off the power when the main breaker or main panel is being replaced. They ...
Buzzing Power Bar5/9/2011
  Q: I have just bought a used home and the previous owner has a 6 outlet power bar wired directly to a ...
  A: If this is in the house it would be against code in the USA, and it would be potentially dangerous ...
Thermostat wiring5/5/2011
  Q: Greg, I have Two exhaust fans in my attic each one has a separate thermostat on opposite sides of ...
  A: The neutral does not get connected to the t-stat. How you tell the hot from neutral is you take a ...
Thermostat wiring5/5/2011
  Q: Greg, I have Two exhaust fans in my attic each one has a separate thermostat on opposite sides of ...
  A: Yes you can. If they are on the same circuit you take the hot wire feeding them and run it to the ...
Wiring5/5/2011
  Q: We had our kitchen updated 10+ years ago. Over that time we've had 2 dishwashers that had ...
  A: Per code; the refrigerator should be on a dedicated 20 amp circuit, the kitchen outlets should be on ...
home wiring5/3/2011
  Q: I am having a problem with a circuit. The lights will work for a couple of days even weeks then all ...
  A: If it is only one circuit and you replaced the breaker, and the bar under the breaker looked good, ...
sub-panel connections to circuit breaker5/2/2011
  Q: i.e., the breaker contacts slip over the bar, appeared a little oxidized. I sanded them all with ...
  A: It is possible that you damaged the coating. Hopefully the anti-ox will keep enough oxygen away to ...
changing from3prong to 4prong dryer power cord5/1/2011
  Q: on the middle terminal there are two white wires connected. On the bottom (3) terminal there is a ...
  A: It sounds like the black goes to the red/black post, white goes to white, red goes to blue, and ...
Home Wiring4/28/2011
  Q: Mr. Hughes~ I have one half of a wired circuit not working. The circuit runs from the box to ...
  A: Look in the box that goes from bedroom 1 (the working bedroom) to feed bedroom 2. Make sure that ...
Under cabinet lighting problem4/27/2011
  Q: My home builder did a crummy job and disappeared. He installed under-cabinet puck lighting, but the ...
  A: There is something called wiremold that you can use to put the wiring in and then secure it to the ...
re: European Light Fixture4/26/2011
  Q: I live in CA and my wife fell in love with a euro, 240v chandelier (two hot wires), that we recently ...
  A: Your light sockets will be the biggest determinate if you can use this here in the U.S. or not. You ...
Hot Fuse4/25/2011
  Q: Have a older glass fuse panel installed in this apartment one of the fuses has suddenly started ...
  A: There is something wrong with this question. Circuit breakers trip and fuses blow. Not sure how ...
no heat on commercial dryer4/22/2011
  Q: adc commercial ad81 direct spark ignitor not working change transformer hi limit checked fuses dryer ...
  A: First things to check are the sail switch, the lint drawer/screen (clean out), and see if there is a ...
light switch4/20/2011
  Q: i am replacing light switches in a mobile home at my front door they areside by side each switch ...
  A: Were you trying to add a switch? The reason I ask is your statement "i do believe i will need to go ...
Dryer Breaker Switch4/20/2011
  Q: We just installed a new dryer using a 4 prong 30 amp cord hooked to a 30 amp breaker switch. out of ...
  A: It is not uncommon for a breaker carrying as many amps as a dryer breaker does to warm up to the ...
Circuit failure4/20/2011
  Q: Some lights and receptacles, all on the same circuit failed. I went to the panel, no breakers ...
  A: It is most likely a bad connection that is usually in the form of burnt or loose wiring. It could ...
Power goes out, but breaker doesn't trip.4/19/2011
  Q: I have a problem where some of the circuits will go out, but no breaker trips. This panel is in my ...
  A: You could have an unbalance load, an undersized sub panel, undersized main, undersized wiring, worn ...
Power goes out, but breaker doesn't trip.4/19/2011
  Q: I have a problem where some of the circuits will go out, but no breaker trips. This panel is in my ...
  A: It sounds like you are back feeding into the other phase by turning on the two-phase oven. You ...
light replacement4/18/2011
  Q: I bought an IKEA light to replace the ceiling light in my kitchen. The Ikea light was suppose to ...
  A: For the light to work it does not matter because it is an A/C circuit. However, the polarization ...
outlets don't work4/17/2011
  Q: Some of my outlets stopped working suddenly. House built 70’s. I’ve lived in for 20 years. Never any ...
  A: It sounds like you may have a multiwire circuit, meaning that two circuits share the same neutral. ...
One circuit cuts off and on w/o tripping breaker4/16/2011
  Q: Our house was built in 1969; we had a new breaker box put in about 15 years ago with new breakers ...
  A: The breaker, a regular breaker, would not normally catch that problem. It would take an AFCI breaker ...
One circuit cuts off and on w/o tripping breaker4/16/2011
  Q: Our house was built in 1969; we had a new breaker box put in about 15 years ago with new breakers ...
  A: It sounds like a loose, broken, or chewed up wire. It could be the neutral or hot. The first thing ...
Electrical outlets4/13/2011
  Q: I am trying to change electrical outlets in my kitchen and have the exact same outlets (15A 125V) to ...
  A: Look at the old outlet and see if the tab between the upper hot and lower hot was broken. It ...
Please help me locate the circuits4/13/2011
  Q: I have 3 circuit breakers (20A, 20A and 15A) in my sub-panel that I cannot find where they go. ...
  A: A good tone generator will work through the drywall. My guess about the outlets behind the subzero ...
WIRING4/4/2011
  Q: I have an exhaust fan for my greenhouse. I want it to come on whenever the inside temp gets too ...
  A: If you want the fan to come on with either device you wire them in parallel. As long as the same ...
Flexible conduit4/3/2011
  Q: I want to install an electrical outlet up high on my wall for a flat screen TV. There is an ...
  A: I am familiar with that type of return but I have never seen them used in the same bay as an ...
Flexible conduit4/3/2011
  Q: I want to install an electrical outlet up high on my wall for a flat screen TV. There is an ...
  A: I have never seen an outlet in duct work. Why is it in the ductwork and not in the wall or on the ...
Guardian 15 kW Portable Generator4/1/2011
  Q: My Guardian Ultrasource 15kW/22.5kW surge portable gasoline gen-set has a 50 amp/240v plug and a 30 ...
  A: I have seen this question in the question pool. They are questions that should be directed to the ...
Accidentally dropping a lamp into aquarium?3/31/2011
  Q: My aquarium has a 48" dual fluorescent strip light on top of it. As per code it does have a glass ...
  A: It depends on the fixture. Pools have lights, fountains have submersible lights. So there are light ...
Hot water heater3/31/2011
  Q: I have a 240volt water heater that I just replaced. I replaced it with a 120volt, before I realized ...
  A: You have to make sure the wire size and breaker are appropriate for the amp draw of the 120 volt ...
can't get NEMA 6-15R3/29/2011
  Q: You answered a question for me in an earlier post that relates to this new question. I will cut and ...
  A: You can order that outlet online if your local home center does not carry it. If the manufacture ...
Non-working Outlets3/28/2011
  Q: Recently 9 electrical outlets in two bedrooms suddenly stopped working. I suspect an electric ...
  A: It is possible that a breaker can test good with a meter but cannot hold a load. That is easy to ...
going from flourescents to track lighting3/28/2011
  Q: I'm redoing my showroom lighting. Existing was 12-cold florescent fixtures running on 1-20amp ...
  A: You add up the total wattage on the circuit and divide by the supplied voltage to determine the amp ...
dryer electric current3/28/2011
  Q: wondering if my Maytag Neptune dryer uses a 220v or 110v source ? It is a heavy 3 or 4 prong ...
  A: If it has a gas line it requires 110 volts. If it has only a large electric cord it is 220 volts. ...
Supplied cord for wheelchair battery charger has no grounding plug3/27/2011
  Q: The electrical cord supplied with my wheelchair's electric charger, a charger I have used for many ...
  A: Some chargers do not have a ground. My cell phone chargers do not come with a ground, for example. ...
Adding 240V Service to Garage3/24/2011
  Q: I am looking to add 240V 30A 2 phase service to my garage to power a welder and electric brewing ...
  A: It sounds like you are saying you are adding a subpanel to your garage, or you are adding a new ...
window A/C wiring3/23/2011
  Q: I am installing a window A/C that requires a NEMA 6-15R. I know this requires 250V, double pole 15A ...
  A: You are in luck. The wiring can be oversized, unlike the breaker. In fact, the bigger the wire the ...
Braker and wiring requierement3/21/2011
  Q: Just bought a new GE Profile stove model: PCS968SRSS Here is the electric Requirements for it: ...
  A: If you add those watts up you get just less than 14 KW, which falls into the range of what you ...
Replacement of BX with NM in open ceiling (exposed wiring)3/20/2011
  Q: We have removed plaster and lath from a bedroom ceiling for a "loft like" feel to the room and would ...
  A: It has to be treated the same as if it were an open-beam construction and that would be required to ...
fuse box issue3/19/2011
  Q: I have an upper story electrical box of traditional tripper switches that I've turned off for about ...
  A: It may be the fault of the electrical company, but if it is a subpanel then it is more likely the ...
ground connections for new circuit3/14/2011
  Q: The way my house is set up, their are 2 50A breakers outside where power enters the house. Then the ...
  A: In a subpanel the neutral bar is isolated from the case while the ground bar is connected to the ...
ground connections for new circuit3/13/2011
  Q: The way my house is set up, their are 2 50A breakers outside where power enters the house. Then the ...
  A: Your panel has to be grounded. If this is not a true subpanel, where the neutral is not bonded to ...
amperage3/12/2011
  Q: Can you explain the amperage draw to the service panel. I have a problem where the service load ...
  A: In a residential 220 volt panel, basically, what you read on one leg is the total amperage. You do ...
Cutting concrete slab for installing electrical wiring - kitchen3/11/2011
  Q: We are remodeling our kitchen and we are going to remove a partial wall that separates the kitchen ...
  A: You can use one 220 volt supply for the cooktop and oven, but make sure it is large enough for them. ...
transfer switch3/9/2011
  Q: My issue is about saving time and money. I need to install an emergency generator to my home but the ...
  A: Sorry Jon, but you are going to have to add a certified transfer switch according to both the NEC ...
Outdoor sub panel3/4/2011
  Q: I want to wire a detached workshop with 100amp service from my house's main panel. There is an ...
  A: A subpanel does not have a main breaker in the panel. The main breaker for the subpanel should ...
Doorbell3/4/2011
  Q: We recently replaced the doorbell switch due to door being replaced. The old switch would cycle the ...
  A: Sounds like the relay in your chime is not working. A doorbell switch is merely a momentary switch, ...
electrical well pump connecting3/2/2011
  Q: You recently posted a question to Bob Sponaugle in category Electrical Wiring in the Home: Hello, ...
  A: I am not familiar with Canadian code but I will tell you how we would do it here in the U.S.A. if ...
GFCI/Fan/Rewire3/2/2011
  Q: I live in a house built in 1973. in the master bath I am installing a bathroom fan. it is a Broan ...
  A: I believe, but you need to verify, that the power is coming from the attic and continuing on to the ...
relay for bath fans3/2/2011
  Q: I wish to close a 24v hvac circuit(residential) to a central fan controller when any of 4 bath fans ...
  A: 136 pretty much covers the subject as far as I know. Code or no code, you want at least 1/4 inch ...
relay for bath fans2/28/2011
  Q: I wish to close a 24v hvac circuit(residential) to a central fan controller when any of 4 bath fans ...
  A: Control boxes have different voltages. Your furnace has different voltages. Your A/C has both low ...
relay for bath fans2/27/2011
  Q: I wish to close a 24v hvac circuit(residential) to a central fan controller when any of 4 bath fans ...
  A: As you have explained it, and as I understand what you are doing, it is pretty simple and ...
no power to garage2/27/2011
  Q: my question is i was using a skill saw to cut some wood when i lost all power in my garage i went ...
  A: Test the power from the breaker at the panel. If the power is good that eliminates the breaker. If ...
Adding a ceiling fan no existing fixture2/23/2011
  Q: I'm adding a ceiling light/fan combo in a family room where there was no previous ceiling fixture, ...
  A: Bypassing the switch does not tell you any useful information. You need to find out if there is a ...
Adding a ceiling fan no existing fixture2/22/2011
  Q: I'm adding a ceiling light/fan combo in a family room where there was no previous ceiling fixture, ...
  A: When you open the switch cover and pull out the switch you should find a neutral wire if the power ...
77V on Hot to Neutral2/20/2011
  Q: I'm having a problem with an abnormal voltage between the Hot and Neutral that reads 77V between ...
  A: Your problem may be in the service panel. See if you have a multiwire circuit (two hots sharing the ...
recessed light in bathroom2/19/2011
  Q: I was trying to change the bulb in the recessed light above the shower in our master bath. One of ...
  A: If it is a remodel fixture you should be able to pull the can down to examine it. A remodel fixture ...
Circut Breaker2/18/2011
  Q: My daughter's furnace, electrical resistance type, recently quit working. The repair guy said it ...
  A: The repairman may of been correct that the furnace requires a 60 amp breaker, however if the wiring ...
Adding additional lights to a circuit2/17/2011
  Q: Doing a bathroom reno and I want to add some additional lighting to an existing circuit. I am ...
  A: It sounds like you want to make sure the circuit is not overloaded and there is only one way to do ...
two to three prong2/16/2011
  Q: My house is two wire and two prong for the majority of outlets. The breaker panel has a ground wire ...
  A: 12 awg is a good size to run. Leave the ground wire from the cold water pipe to the grounding rod, ...
two to three prong2/15/2011
  Q: My house is two wire and two prong for the majority of outlets. The breaker panel has a ground wire ...
  A: You are right about being concerned and I am glad you took the time to write in and ask. You need ...
White wires used in a 2402/15/2011
  Q: I have just completed the replacement of my problemmatic push matic load center. I have a question ...
  A: It is standard practice to put black or red tape on a white wire that is an "ungrounded ...
Wiring a 4 prong dryer outlet - 2 questions2/11/2011
  Q: I am having trouble with my 4 prong dryer outlet. It is wired with the two hot wires going to the ...
  A: Erin, Here is a wiring diagram/photo of how this is suppose to be wired according to the NEC ...
heating/ furnace/ electrical wiring2/10/2011
  Q: i just bought my first house and they did a property condition report. i'm not sure if i am ...
  A: I agree that this is vague. Perhaps the Inspector was covering their assets. A damaged t-stat should ...
FLICKERING LIGHTS2/9/2011
  Q: I HAVE A BREAKER BOX INSIDE AND ANOTHER OUTSIDE. THE ONE OUTSIDE HAS THREE BREAKERS TWO LOOK NEW AND ...
  A: It could be your breaker is going bad or, it could be a loose wire either in the panel or inside the ...
Residential wiring2/4/2011
  Q: I'm a business student at college and we have to put a business presentation together mine is to be ...
  A: Most contractors have a price per square foot that gets them pretty close. However, they have served ...
Home Appliance Monitor2/3/2011
  Q: I am a student at Tri-County Technical College, working on a project with a partner in an ...
  A: Typically I stay away from student's questions or projects, but I will point you in the direction I ...
neutral wire2/2/2011
  Q: What will happen if the neutral wire from power supply to a house breaks in a 220V system ? Some ...
  A: The most likely event would be smoke then immediately followed by flames and then hopefully the ...
Can it be done?1/31/2011
  Q: I live with my family in probably one of the oldest houses in town (around 200 years old). We had ...
  A: Okay. Just remember to have the ground and neutral NOT bonded at the subpanel. A load calc is ...
Can it be done?1/31/2011
  Q: I live with my family in probably one of the oldest houses in town (around 200 years old). We had ...
  A: It sounds like it can be done. You probably want more than a 30 amp sub to your garage. Since you ...
lennox 7000 series to honeywell truesteam1/28/2011
  Q: I can not understand how to wire this up to work ANSWER: You need to tell me the model numbers of ...
  A: I can see why you are confused. This is a very complicated t-stat with a lot of dip switches that ...
hot to wire a furnace blower1/28/2011
  Q: how do you wire a 110 furnace blower and a thermostat to be used on a wood burning stove. any help ...
  A: There are a lot of variables in this kind of setup. If the wood stove has a built in blower you ...
converting dryer from 3 wire cord to 4 wire1/22/2011
  Q: I recently moved and had to change my dryer power cord from a 3 prong to a 4, I've read several ...
  A: it really is worth a thousand words. It appears to be wired correctly. The ground gets removed ...
220v 4wire to 220v 3wire1/22/2011
  Q: Greg, appreciate your posting, my question is similar to the garage welder. We have a 220v 4wire ...
  A: I enjoy helping when I can. Your 220v compressor should only need the two hots (black, and red), ...
Electrical Outlets1/21/2011
  Q: I can't figure this one out. I just completed the rewiring of my garage. I installed new outlets ...
  A: This should never happen if both doors have different codes. So the first thing you want to do is ...
gfci for multiple outlets1/18/2011
  Q: How do I wire a bathroom using a gfci to protect itself plus 2 more outlets? ANSWER: Power in goes ...
  A: You said it "seems" like there is no power down the line. Do you have a voltmeter that reads out ...
Gas Fireplace Switch1/15/2011
  Q: I have a gas fireplace that at one point in time had switch and remote control to turn the fireplace ...
  A: Unplug the fireplace (if it has a cord). Take the wires that go the outside switch and place a ...
Bedroom mis-wiring1/14/2011
  Q: I recently bought an older house and soon found out that the 2 bedrooms and bathroom outlets are ...
  A: Typically there is one lead outlet that feeds the rest in a bedroom circuit. In a older home you ...
Fishy smell coming from breaker box after it trips1/13/2011
  Q: Please help! I've had an ongoing electrical problem with my house now for 8 years. I purchased the ...
  A: The lights and the outlets should be on separate circuits, that is one problem. Instead of ...
oven electricity1/11/2011
  Q: I live in a small apartment that is cold, even with the heat on during the winter. Turning the ...
  A: Yes, that is expensive and not an accepted way to heat your home. An electric space heater is ...
14- 12 gauge wire running distance1/8/2011
  Q: I want to install some can recess lights , about 10 of them in my living room with 60watt bulbs. The ...
  A: If your voltage is 110 volts or more at this length, with copper wire, and your amp draw, your ...
Bathroom electrical/circuit breaker1/7/2011
  Q: Circuit breaker was tripped after hair dryer and straightener plugged into bathroom outlet at same ...
  A: The bathroom GFCI should be the only thing on that circuit and it should be on a 20 amp circuit. ...
surge protection1/7/2011
  Q: I have read to avoid making ground loops in surge protection such as plugging the AC power lines ...
  A: You want to make sure that your surge protection comes from the same outlet and that your coax is ...
GFI outlet reset1/6/2011
  Q: We live in a home that is approximately 2.5 years old. I have 2 kitchen outlets that are on the same ...
  A: Yes, it is possible that the neutrals at the GFCI are reversed. To test this you turn the breaker ...
GFI outlet reset1/4/2011
  Q: We live in a home that is approximately 2.5 years old. I have 2 kitchen outlets that are on the same ...
  A: The problem with those type of testers is that it only tells you if you have voltage present, not ...
truesteam1/1/2011
  Q: I read a question you answered about wiring for a truesteam, I just installed one and cannot figure ...
  A: The various manufactures are better now at using a standard for their letter than they use to be. ...
electrical wiring12/30/2010
  Q: I have two pipe warmers plugged into a regular dual outlet which is pulling power from an outlet one ...
  A: So you want the gfci outlet hot always and have it feed the switch and then the non-gfci outlet? ...
electrical wiring12/29/2010
  Q: I have two pipe warmers plugged into a regular dual outlet which is pulling power from an outlet one ...
  A: Some of the new GFCI outlets trip when power is removed from them, so you do not want that style of ...
dishwasher/ freezer same breaker12/28/2010
  Q: I have a new dishwasher and a new small chest freezer can i run a new line from the panel with a 20 ...
  A: You physically can do that. However, the NEC says you should not do it. You can damage one or both ...
Combo Switch12/27/2010
  Q: I have one switch in the bathroom that controls both the lights and fan. The fan is driving me crazy ...
  A: The fixtures are not in series, but are connected together (this would be in parallel). You can ...
Combo Switch12/26/2010
  Q: I have one switch in the bathroom that controls both the lights and fan. The fan is driving me crazy ...
  A: The black that was on the common will go to the black screw with the fin, but do not break the fin. ...
outlet required on peninsula?12/19/2010
  Q: I understand with the new code that islands need electrical outlets, but I have two peninsula's - ...
  A: The conflict may be due to the way the code is written (poorly). It is most likely the inspector ...
Hard wiring a new dishwasher12/16/2010
  Q: I just purchased a new dishwasher, the salesman sold me a electrical cord kit with it. The old dish ...
  A: Some dishwashers are hard wired and some have cords. It depends on how the electrician wired your ...
Ceiling Fan wiring12/16/2010
  Q: I am trying to install a new (Hunter The Lancaster) ceiling fan. Here's what I've got: - a wall ...
  A: The "white box" is your receiver for remote control of the fan and light. The white wire from your ...
mounting electrical box12/15/2010
  Q: the thermostat( GFCI protected) mounting requires a 2 gang square metal box with a raised single ...
  A: I agree that it would be better if it looked a little nicer. That type of plate is typically used ...
wire12/14/2010
  Q: i have a pond the wire on the switch is brown green and white. the pump wire is green red white. how ...
  A: Your first post said the light switch wires are brown, green, and white. Your second post said they ...
Electric Range Wiring to 120/208 3 phase electrical panel12/14/2010
  Q: Wife decided to try out the self cleaning oven feature before Christmas this year (2010). We moved ...
  A: It needs to be wired so you have 220 volts between L1 and L2, 110 volts between L1 and Neutral, and ...
wiring12/13/2010
  Q: I have an outlet on the outside of my home with 2 plug outlets ( as you would find inside) sometimes ...
  A: It could be corroded wiring inside the outlet box or the outlet itself is corroded due to weather. ...
Outdoor Kitchen and Patio12/12/2010
  Q: Remodeling the backyard. Installing outdoor kitchen and secondary raised patio in far rear corner. I ...
  A: You have two choices with the outdoor kitchen; You can run one larger circuit and install a ...
rewiring a house in america but a british trained12/11/2010
  Q: i want to rewire a house in america for a freind but i am british trained. I have been told that you ...
  A: There are a lot of codes that need to be observed here in the U.S. There is the NEC and then there ...
Central Air Conditioning Wiring12/10/2010
  Q: I had my circuit breaker box changed in the house I just purchased. The house has a central air ...
  A: Are you sure that is a transformer? Could it be a box from the utility company to control your ...
Wiring12/8/2010
  Q: How do you wire from a 3 way switch end so that you can add on an outlet after the run?
  A: You have to run a neutral and hot with a ground. Since you have to run another line you might as ...
Wiring a Bathroom Vent12/7/2010
  Q: In a 1930's era house there is a bathroom light with two 3-way swtiches, each control the light ...
  A: If you added a switch to the three-way circuit you will need to have the hot to be able to control ...
fan to move air to attic room12/6/2010
  Q: I'm trying to hook up a fan to a thermostat.What I want to do is I have a old home and I put a ...
  A: By adding square feet to your living area you may have put too much of a load on your existing hvac ...
Whirlpool Model LEC7848DZO Dryer12/5/2010
  Q: Dryer will not turn on. I have checked 240 volt to dryer. I have 240 volt to the timer and I have ...
  A: I seem to have difficulty finding a schematic for this model number. Can you double check the model ...
Ceiling fan question11/29/2010
  Q: I was reading one of your post's you answered about ceiling fans. And I had a question if you could ...
  A: If the switch box has a neutral to go with the hot wire on the switch you can simply grab both and ...
Electric11/29/2010
  Q: I am on the last step of installing a lighted pot rack. The instructions tell me to connect black ...
  A: As I see it you have three choices. You can learn Chinese, you can take the light socket apart, or ...
remove outlet and install toggle/outlet11/27/2010
  Q: I would like to know how to remove an outlet and replace it with a P&S 691 TR ivory toggle ...
  A: You need to find out which wire is hot and which wire is neutral. If you take a voltmeter you will ...
loss of electricity to detached garage11/27/2010
  Q: I live in minnesota in a mobile home and when the temperature gets below 10 degrees above zero i ...
  A: Take a voltmeter to the garage when this happens and verify if you are losing all or part of the ...
Grabbing power from existing ceiling light11/24/2010
  Q: I have an existing ceiling light that I want to grab power from for a new ceiling fixture in another ...
  A: You need to take the new wire(romex) and connect black to the black wire of the existing light, ...
rewiring a chandelier11/23/2010
  Q: I am having trouble getting the wire through the arms of a chandelier. It seems to get stuck 1/2 ...
  A: There is a product in home centers in the electrical department that is used to pull wires. It is a ...
wiring11/23/2010
  Q: why are light bulbs blowing out when the light switch is turned on, new switch -new wire-new plastic ...
  A: Are new bulbs blowing immediately(the first time) when the switch is turned on? Check the voltage ...
240v circuit breaker11/22/2010
  Q: I recently had some dryer problems (runs but no heat) and one of the troubleshooting steps is to ...
  A: Are you sure your dryer is not gas? That would require a 120 volt circuit at 20 amps. If you are ...
sub panel box11/20/2010
  Q: hello my name is nick and i want to run a sub panel next to my existing 200 amp service as of right ...
  A: Are you adding a subpanel because you are out of room in the main? If you are adding a subpanel for ...
3 way switch issue11/17/2010
  Q: I am trying to install a dimmer switch onto a 3-way circuit. I have power coming into switch 1 ...
  A: Ron, this will be easy. At Switch 1 you will: Take the black hot wire and connect it to the ...
a/c kicks on but not heat11/16/2010
  Q: We have a digital non-programmable electric/gas thermostat. Our buddy hooked up our air conditioner ...
  A: The picture did not make it to me. I need to know more about your system. Is it A/C and a heat ...
How much weight can a plastic ceiling light box support11/15/2010
  Q: we just bought a semi-flush mount light for our living room. It is not a fan light. I took down the ...
  A: You would have to look at the particular box to get the rating. There are different types with ...
Thermostat wiring11/10/2010
  Q: I own-Breckwell G29v gas stove.Purchased 3M-10 millivolt stat.No previous stat, just two wires in ...
  A: There should be two brown wires going from your gas valve to the on/off switch. On your gas valve ...
florescent lights11/9/2010
  Q: Greg We have florescent lights in our basement cieling, four enclosed units in all each with two ...
  A: The only two components you have are the bulbs and the ballast (unless this is old enough to have a ...
Bathroom Electrcal11/9/2010
  Q: I like to install a 220 volt, 300 watt baseboard heater in a basement washroom that has a shower. ...
  A: In my opinion baseboard heaters are a bad idea in the bathroom. There can a lot of water on the ...
Ground Currents11/8/2010
  Q: A brief background….We had pin-hole water leaks on internal copper piping which are becoming ...
  A: You need to identify if the voltage is coming from the ground (earth) to your panel, or is it coming ...
outdoor wood burner11/7/2010
  Q: I have a outside woodburner that is going to be used as a forced air. I want to use my oil furnace ...
  A: You did not mention any cooling application so I am going to have to say that the t-stat you ...
outdoor wood burner11/7/2010
  Q: I have a outside woodburner that is going to be used as a forced air. I want to use my oil furnace ...
  A: Is the woodburner made to be a forced air unit? There are concerns about carbon monoxide if it is ...
GFCI Reversed11/5/2010
  Q: I have a 50 year old home I need to install GFCI protection. I installed one on the first outlet in ...
  A: An open ground can give you this reading on a gfci outlet. The NEC states this about GFCI outlets ...
Locating breaker11/3/2010
  Q: we moved into our house about 6 months ago and just recently had a problem that has me stumped. The ...
  A: The only way to test them is to remove the faceplate off of the breakers in the panel. This exposes ...
Locating breaker11/2/2010
  Q: we moved into our house about 6 months ago and just recently had a problem that has me stumped. The ...
  A: If your house was wired to code (not guaranteed) then those outlets are on a gfci somewhere. Look in ...
Baseboard Heaters10/31/2010
  Q: I had my cottage wired professionally about 15 years ago and we are finally getting power in the ...
  A: I am not familiar with Canadian codes but here in the U.S. we are not suppose to start with one size ...
Baseboard Heat - Thermostat Problem10/29/2010
  Q: The other day, I attempted to lower the thermostat setting and when I turned the knob, it sparked ...
  A: I have seen a bad part that was new, but before we blow another t-stat pull out your multimeter ...
hot/ground reverse10/27/2010
  Q: I had a power outage the other day, woke up and the power was out in the kitchen lights, the outdoor ...
  A: If you plan on troubleshooting this yourself then I suggest you get the utility company out and ...
US vs. France electrical for dual voltage appliances10/26/2010
  Q: We manufacture a boot drying appliance for the ski industry that has a 240v heating element and a ...
  A: You have two issues; The lower voltage of the motor. The phase of the motor. If your customers in ...
Air Compressor wiring10/25/2010
  Q: I recently bought an upright air compressor from an estate sale. I want to wire it in my attached ...
  A: You could use the 50 amp line for a sub panel. No, you cannot put a 70 amp breaker on #8 awg. That ...
light/switch question10/24/2010
  Q: I had an overhead light "pop" and go out. No circuit breaker tripped. I thought it was the switch. ...
  A: The pop may be from the dimmer switch, which the 33 volt reading is probably from the bad dimmer ...
light/switch question10/24/2010
  Q: I had an overhead light "pop" and go out. No circuit breaker tripped. I thought it was the switch. ...
  A: You should never replace a fixture with just the switch in the off position. The circuit breaker ...
electric10/22/2010
  Q: last night the lights in the living room started flickering, then everything blinked off for a ...
  A: The first thing I would recommend is turning off the breaker and pulling it out so the bar ...
Installation of tankless hot water heater10/22/2010
  Q: I am considering the installation of a Tempra 24 tankless hot water heater. It calls for two ...
  A: It calls for one double phase circuit. They gave you operating info if your supplied voltage is ...
thermostat wiring10/20/2010
  Q: bryant model 312aav/jav furnace. assembly booklet # 329983-701. this manual does not have the wiring ...
  A: I did not find any information on a 2-stage furnace and a single-speed AC. Are you sure you have a ...
problms with several electrical things in my home10/19/2010
  Q: We've been having some weird stuff happening w/ our elecrticity for a while. For example sometimes ...
  A: It did sound like you lost one of the legs. If your dryer elements do not work but the motor does ...
kitchen wiring for new garbage disposal10/18/2010
  Q: Current set-up in kitchen: incoming ground electrifies one switch (controls oversink light) and plug ...
  A: Aimee, Check codes because what you are doing may be against code. The garbage disposal should be ...
Installing new ceiling fan10/15/2010
  Q: Too many wires? I'm replacing an old ceiling fan that has green (ground), black (hot), white ...
  A: You wire it the same way the old one was wired. If the switch on the wall is using either the red ...
Wiring a 250V receptacle10/15/2010
  Q: I recently bought a 250V arc welder which uses a NEMA Type 6-50R receptacle. I am making an ...
  A: You need to run the wire from the panel close to the welder and install a box with that outlet in ...
Over outlet wiring10/14/2010
  Q: Greg, I have a 3 slot over outlet and my oven has a 3 prong plug. I want to run new wire for the ...
  A: The new wiring would bring your oven up to current code and make your oven more safe, so why would ...
Wiring a 250V receptacle10/14/2010
  Q: I recently bought a 250V arc welder which uses a NEMA Type 6-50R receptacle. I am making an ...
  A: In this type of outlet you have no neutral. Both legs are hot and then you have the ground. Does it ...
3 way switch10/12/2010
  Q: I have bought a modular home ,at the top of the basement stairs they installed a 3 way swith and it ...
  A: How many wires are included with the "rest of the wire"? The term "common" in a 3-way circuit means ...
electrical question10/12/2010
  Q: I have a 3 light switch panel. 2 of the light switches operate the overhead lights in the room, the ...
  A: Anytime you suspect a problem with your electrical circuits it is a good choice to call an ...
Outlet Wiring for Combo NightLight/Outlet10/11/2010
  Q: I'm having a little problem trying to figure out how to wire a Pass & Seymour ...
  A: You will need to make a "pigtail" with the black, white, and ground. The ground should already have ...
re-installing 10 year old GE Cooktop 220 volt10/10/2010
  Q: Counter work has been completed and helper can not remember how wires were connected. The cooktop ...
  A: The best way is with the use of a voltmeter. Whatever two wires at the box give you approx. 220 ...
Combo 3 rocker switch10/9/2010
  Q: I am replacing a very old three switch system and updating it to combo 3 rocker switch. These ...
  A: There are different ways that lights and their switches get wired. If all of your whites were ...
Main breaker replacement10/8/2010
  Q: My existing Cutler Hammer main breaker is a 200 amp 25kAIC. Can I replace it with a Cutler Hammer ...
  A: The "kAIC" stands for Kilo Ampere Interrupting Capacity. This is a term used in case there is a ...
electric baseboard heater relay10/8/2010
  Q: I have three baseboard heaters in my living room 240 volts each and 20amp all combine but I want to ...
  A: The relay mentioned is only rated for 120 volts and the contacts are not rated high enough in amps ...
baseboard heater wiring10/5/2010
  Q: I am installing a new 240v king baseboard heater to replace an old junk one. the old one was wired ...
  A: I recommend you get an electrician to take a look at what you have before you go any further. ...
transformer or timer10/5/2010
  Q: I have a house with a swamp cooler that works through a programmed thermostat. I cannot turn off ...
  A: It may not be wired correctly or the relay and or thermostat may not be working. Normally, a swamp ...
old door bell wiring10/4/2010
  Q: There was an old door bell at the back door of our house that never worked (and we don't need it). ...
  A: There are several ways to wire up a two switch doorbell system. You can have two switches control ...
main panel10/2/2010
  Q: I want to replace the main breaker panel in our house. It is 100 amps, I want to install a 200 amp, ...
  A: The Electric Company supplies voltage. The current depends on the supplied voltage and the ...
Wiring a Garage - Unfinished10/1/2010
  Q: I am just starting to wire my new, unfinished garage. I do not plan on finishing it while I own it. ...
  A: No, but you must drill a hole in the top plate to run the wires down. It is much easier and cheaper ...
30 Amp Breaker Tripping in Panel When Turned On9/30/2010
  Q: Just installed 2-pole 30 amp breaker for dryer in panel. All hookups correct on oulet and in ...
  A: In a normal panel all the odd numbered breakers are one phase and all the even numbers are on a ...
built in stove top9/29/2010
  Q: Please help!! I have a counter top built in stove top, ceramic, by Kenmore. We replace our counter ...
  A: You should get a volt-meter and check which two wires supply the 220 volts. This is dangerous and ...
Tube amp 240V to use in 110 country9/28/2010
  Q: As I will be moving to a 110-115V country I was checking what can be done on using my stereo gear ...
  A: Look at the name plate to see if your equipment can take 100 to 240 volts. Some are rated for either ...
Doorbell rings on it's own9/27/2010
  Q: Ok first thanks for taking the time to read this and advise. Thanks.. Ok... Last night at around ...
  A: The answers are: 1. Yes it is most likely. 2. Yes it could be but not probable. 3. Doubtful. Turn ...
Electric Dryer tripping circuit9/25/2010
  Q: First, dryer kept tripping 40 amp circuit, then after testing outlet, was not getting 120 from one ...
  A: You need an amp meter to discover if the dryer is pulling too many amps or whether you have a wiring ...
receptacle to 3 lights and switches9/25/2010
  Q: I am remodeling my kitchen. Have all receptacles wired and my last thing I need to do is the ...
  A: You are not suppose to have the lights fed from a receptacle circuit in the kitchen. Three circuits ...
afci breaker will not reset9/23/2010
  Q: There was an electrical storm last night. The power to my alarm went out. When I checked the ...
  A: Turn them off and remove the wires from them. Turn them back on. If they trip they need to replaced. ...
sub- panel9/23/2010
  Q: Sending power to shop. Running from main panel with double pole 30 amp breaker using 10/3 wire. ...
  A: Is the 10/3 supplying the sub panel? Remove the wires from the 30 amp breaker and turn it on. If ...
Open Hot???9/22/2010
  Q: Hey Greg, 4 duplex outlets in basement. Outlets were intermittent until 6 months ago.{Change in ...
  A: This is a situation where the electrician is really worth the money. But I will see if I can help ...
Oven outlet question9/20/2010
  Q: I have a older magic chef oven which I have purchased to use to bake parts I have powder coated. I ...
  A: If someone did turn them both on it would at least trip the breaker and at most fry the wiring and ...
Temperature relays9/18/2010
  Q: I want to be able to control 3 lights independently with a thermostat type relay. I want to be able ...
  A: I would replace the switch for each light with a 110 volt temperature sensor (t-stat). Or, you ...
Bathroom lighting (vanity)9/17/2010
  Q: I am installing a 6 bulb horizontal fixture above the mirror in my bathroom. My question is how high ...
  A: I do not have any figures on me about what distance is safely needed to keep from peeling the paint ...
Splices in breaker box9/16/2010
  Q: I’m working in a house that is going to be sold, so I want everything to be up to code. I see ...
  A: Not of the NEC but some local codes prohibit it. It is pretty common to have splices and unless it ...
Line Thermostat9/16/2010
  Q: I have baseboard heat. A wall thermostat (White-Rodgers 1a65). I would like to replace the tstat. ...
  A: 1. You always have 110 volts on the elements but the path is not complete until the t-stat closes ...
Switch/GFI outlet9/13/2010
  Q: I have both a GFI outlet and a standard light switch in my bathroom coming out of the same box. ...
  A: One of the sets is the hot & neutral and one set goes to the switch. If you separate both sets and, ...
residential wiring9/11/2010
  Q: The vent blower over the kitchen stove comes on automatically without hitting the on switch. This ...
  A: The blower may have a safety thermostat that automatically turns the blower on when the temp above ...
loose wires, too many in living room9/10/2010
  Q: How can I make our living room safer. I, and my husband are old, and we have a multi adaptor in the ...
  A: A product called "Wiremold" could probably help. And, there are other products like that available. ...
Receptacle Placements9/9/2010
  Q: my name is Justin. I recently came across a job where a homeowner had asked me why I cannot put a ...
  A: Actually, if there is 2' or more on the other side of the door it needs an outlet. Look at ...
4 way shocking9/7/2010
  Q: I have a new kitchen which included a 4 way switched light fixture circuit. Today while my ...
  A: Make sure the switch is properly grounded. If it is then the switch parts that are exposed should be ...
residential remodel9/7/2010
  Q: I've gutted a home that I puchased. It has tube and knob. What size wire for ...
  A: There are codes for bedroom outlets, bathroom outlets, kitchen outlets, and garage outlets. There ...
3 way switch9/6/2010
  Q: I want to put a ceiling fan in with a single pole switch.I have a 3 way switch I would like to ...
  A: You need a constant hot wire and a neutral. Which means the power would have to originate at the ...
Wall Oven Junction Box Location9/2/2010
  Q: I am installing a new double wall oven. I have existing 4-wire wiring and 50-amp dual pole breaker. ...
  A: No need to go into the attic. Just make the existing box a j-box and run wires from it to a new box ...
Wall Oven Junction Box Location9/1/2010
  Q: I am installing a new double wall oven. I have existing 4-wire wiring and 50-amp dual pole breaker. ...
  A: My understanding is that it is still readily accessible by sliding the oven out. Your wall oven is ...
Single wall wire drop8/26/2010
  Q: I have a home with single wall construction and no grounded wiring. I am trying to replace the ...
  A: Normally when a ground is needed you simply run a ground to each outlet instead of all new wire ...
residential grounding8/26/2010
  Q: in our area the ground rod needs to be tied in with the rebar of the foundation.how do you properly ...
  A: You do it while the house is under construction and usually it is not the ground rod that gets tied ...
deck light wiring8/25/2010
  Q: I have done a fair amount of wiring but want to be sure I am on the right track with this project. I ...
  A: You will need conduit where the wire is exposed (under the decking). At each post under the deck you ...
did some re-wiring, buit lost some lights8/24/2010
  Q: I was swapping a regular switch for a dimmer in my b-fast nook. I always turn power off, but ...
  A: Just looking at a breaker really does little to no good. A breaker could be non-functioning and ...
did some re-wiring, buit lost some lights8/23/2010
  Q: I was swapping a regular switch for a dimmer in my b-fast nook. I always turn power off, but ...
  A: The first thing you need to do is buy a power tester and always test the circuit first. You are ...
crosley range mdl ce3537xua8/22/2010
  Q: can I use a 10 gauge wire from my fuse box to hook up the stove or do I need a larger wire?
  A: I could not find the manual online so you will need to look at the nameplate for the acceptable ...
Open circuit in home8/22/2010
  Q: I recently developed what I thought was a blown breaker in our family room. Upon further inspection ...
  A: So the breaker that controls your family room has no wire attached to the breaker? Seems odd to me, ...
Jumping one electrical box to another8/21/2010
  Q: I am upgrading my electrical service from 100 amps to 200 amp service. I want to start transferring ...
  A: The proper way is to wait until the utility company disconnects your line and then remove the old ...
Residual Voltage8/20/2010
  Q: A 3 way switch circuit between the house & the detached garage showed 30V with the circuit open, ...
  A: Okay, but where did you measure the 30 volts? At the switches? Both switches, one switch? Did you ...
ceiling fan not turning8/19/2010
  Q: our ceiling fan (only 18 months old) does not turn. The light works, but fan will not turn in either ...
  A: Does the same switch on the wall control both the light and the fan? If so, it may be that the wire ...
The dreaded flicker8/17/2010
  Q: My Hughes I am in my second home now with flickering lights. We moved into a 25 year old house ...
  A: Many people say this is "normal" and there is nothing you can do about it. But they are wrong! ...
Sub- panel location8/16/2010
  Q: In new Residential Construction, is it ok to have a Sub Panel Breaker Box in a Laundry room. If it ...
  A: NEC 240.24(E) relates to not having a subpanel in a bathroom and NEC 240.24(D) states 'Overcurrent ...
Dryer Connection8/14/2010
  Q: We've had our dryer for two years, it replaced an old dryer that was arcing. Now the new dryer is ...
  A: You have a serious situation here. If that gas valve leaks and that plug arcs you could have an ...
Power Conversion8/14/2010
  Q: I have a 5 ton roof top AC/electric heat unit that is wired for 208 3ph, want to install in building ...
  A: You want a "phase converter" not an "AC converter". The 7.5hp may be enough, check the plate to see ...
Electrical power "fluttering" on an outlet8/13/2010
  Q: I have an external outlet that is driven by a light switch inside the house. When I turn it on (from ...
  A: It sounds like the white is the hot since they are pigtailed together and connected to each switch. ...
Loose Neutral?8/11/2010
  Q: In the apartment I have been renting for a year I am suspecting a loose neutral. All the lightbulbs ...
  A: You should of demanded the landlord have an electrician or the utility company check your circuits a ...
re-wiring older home8/10/2010
  Q: We've got a 1940s home with some knob and tube wiring still in place and powering much of our home. ...
  A: I have seen that old wiring under the joists before and that is not how it is suppose to be done. ...
250v 50A vs 240v electric dryer8/9/2010
  Q: We removed an old dryer from my parents 50+ year old home. The electrical outlet it was plugged ...
  A: Rated voltages and actual voltage usually are different and that is okay as long as they fall within ...
Home electrical problem8/9/2010
  Q: Upon plugging my TV in a bedroom and hooking up the coax line I got shocked, I measured the voltage ...
  A: If it is like this on only one circuit it is probably part of a multiwire branch circuit, this means ...
Outage in one room8/8/2010
  Q: We were sitting watching TV in the family room and the power to JUST that room went out. My husband ...
  A: You could have a bad breaker or tripped gfci. The other things that could be wrong are a loose or ...
No power in outlets and lights.8/7/2010
  Q: Major problem. Lightning struck near home and tripped two breakers. After resetting breakers, still ...
  A: If you put voltage on the circuit after the gfci and the circuit works, but if you put voltage on ...
Consolidating circuits vs. Subpanel when no free space for new circuits8/6/2010
  Q: I am a homeowner who wants to install a 220 outlet in my garage for a welder (which I have not ...
  A: As far as the mounting I was just wondering if you had a choice. Yes, it is code and it is rated ...
Electric Wiring - Electric Water Heater8/4/2010
  Q: HELP!!I'm a student and renter in an apt, which heat & hot water is included in the rent. How can I ...
  A: Make sure everything is off, as much as can, and then run hot water and see if your meter starts ...
Electric Wiring - Electric Water Heater8/3/2010
  Q: HELP!!I'm a student and renter in an apt, which heat & hot water is included in the rent. How can I ...
  A: There would be a breaker marked water heater, and one marked heat. They would most likely be a 30 ...
appliance wiring8/3/2010
  Q: I recently purchased a GE JRP28SKSS double oven wall unit to replace my 1980 Amana single oven wall ...
  A: If you look in the installation manual under Electrical Requirements it explains your situation. If ...
adding a switch and additional lights after pull chain light8/2/2010
  Q: power comes from an outlet to the pull chain light where it currently ends. have wired up ...
  A: You connect the hot, before the pull chain switch, to the hot going to your new switch. You connect ...
range outlet8/2/2010
  Q: I am updating my kitchen range. I am hoping I can change the receptacle to match the new plug ...
  A: To bring it up to current code, and to be more safe, you would need to run a neutral wire from the ...
disconnect requirment8/1/2010
  Q: I built large workshop behond my home. I want to add a disconnect to the back on my house next to ...
  A: I believe what you want is a subpanel rather than a disconnect. It sounds like 100 amps is enough ...
adding a second lithe to a circuit from on switch at the switch7/18/2010
  Q: I am trying to ads a second light fixture to a circuit to one line controlled by the same switch by ...
  A: You have managed to wire them in series, which is why the dimming. If the switch does not have a ...
replacing a water heater timer7/18/2010
  Q: Our Intermatic timer on our water heater finally died after 33 years of faithful service. We are ...
  A: Electric water heaters take 2 wires to operate and a third for ground. They are 220 volts which ...
HVAC Wiring7/17/2010
  Q: I need to prewire for a 5 ton heat pump with a 20kw electric heater. What size conductor do I need ...
  A: You have to look at the installation instructions for the electrical requirements for each ...
replacing electrical outlets7/16/2010
  Q: I have been replacing electrical outlets in our 1920 colonial with no problems, until today. I had a ...
  A: Just looking at a breaker can fool you. The panel has to be removed and a voltmeter used to test the ...
3 prong to 4 prong dryer outlet7/14/2010
  Q: Just wanted to know if there are any dangers to replacing the 3 prong outlet with a four prong (no ...
  A: If you do not have a separate ground wire it makes no sense to install a four prong outlet or cord. ...
CIRCUIT SIZE AND QUANTITY7/14/2010
  Q: Regarding a 1.5 ton split a c with gas furnace: What size 220 V circuit is required for the ...
  A: A gas furnace requires 110 volts for the various motors and ignition system. An electric furnace ...
Replacing outlets & panels7/12/2010
  Q: I live in a house built in the 70s in San Diego California. My question is about Labor costs. I'm ...
  A: Labor is a subject I cannot comment on because I am sitting behind my computer in a different part ...
Loud pop and smoke when plugged in oven7/12/2010
  Q: Greg, We just remodeled our kitchen and switched the oven to the opposite side of the kitchen. We ...
  A: What size are the wire and the breaker that feed this circuit? If the Jenn-Air was gas then it ...
Loud pop and smoke when plugged in oven7/11/2010
  Q: Greg, We just remodeled our kitchen and switched the oven to the opposite side of the kitchen. We ...
  A: From what I can tell from the picture it looks like it is wired correctly, but only a voltmeter will ...
Loud pop and smoke when plugged in oven7/11/2010
  Q: Greg, We just remodeled our kitchen and switched the oven to the opposite side of the kitchen. We ...
  A: You need to make sure you are not getting 220 volts to the neutral. That would "smoke" the ...
Wiring a ceiling fan with 2 switches, one controlling a switched outlet7/10/2010
  Q: I just installed a ceiling fan where there was no previous fixture. I ran the ceiling fan wire to a ...
  A: To switch the fan and light separately you need to run 12/3 with a ground from the switch box to the ...
house wiring - 220 to 1107/8/2010
  Q: It is 10 AWG. It's 3-wire, 2 hot (black/red) and a common (white). I would like to change the ...
  A: At the panel: You remove the 30 amp breaker. Keep all wires disconnected and safely away from other ...
outside electrical outlet on a mobile home7/8/2010
  Q: while mowing my yard with an electrical mower i severed the electrical cord and the outside power ...
  A: There may be a GFCI outlet, meaning there is a little reset button on one of your outlets that needs ...
220 to 110 conversion7/7/2010
  Q: I am converting our built in electric oven/cooktop and microwave that were all hooked up to one 220 ...
  A: If you are going to hire an electrician, then allow them to do both ends not just the breaker. They ...
ceiling fan smoked7/7/2010
  Q: we installed a ceiling fan where we had a light fixture. There are 3 switches to the fan (and the ...
  A: Do you mean that there are 3 separate switches that turn the fan on and off, located in different ...
GFCI Wiring7/5/2010
  Q: In my home, there is a circuit that runs from the circuit breaker panel to a GFCI outlet in the ...
  A: You need a gfci outlet for your garage and your outside outlet. I recommend running a new circuit ...
Wire a floor lamp7/4/2010
  Q: I have a floor lamp that has a single on / off switch and I would like to install a on/on/on off ...
  A: If this is a wall switch controlling an outlet then you will have to go to a dimmer like control ...
Bathroom fixture7/4/2010
  Q: I am an active duty Air Force guy and I just moved into a house in VA. One of the bathrooms had a ...
  A: Please give me more info. Was the box with a plate for a light or switch? Where was the box in the ...
Double outlet change7/3/2010
  Q: I am wanting to change the third duplex outlet wired in series of six to a single outlet switch ...
  A: This is easy, however they are not in series. Technically they are in parallel or else you would ...
Chandelier wiring problem7/3/2010
  Q: I just had the ceilings replaced in my 100 year old house, and I'm having difficulty re-hanging the ...
  A: When removing and replacing fixtures it is in your best interest to mark which wires connect to what ...
Rewiring bathroom outlets7/2/2010
  Q: My house has two bathrooms, and the outlets in both bathrooms are on the same 15-amp circuit, along ...
  A: Wire nut the two hots together, and wire nut the two neutrals together. If you have a ground connect ...
Ceiling fan and AFCI7/1/2010
  Q: Installed new Hunter ceiling fan in new condo bedroom. Works fine. While installing a Hunter remote ...
  A: You are right about the code, I was thinking of the older codes. Try wiring the fan without the ...
Ceiling fan and AFCI7/1/2010
  Q: Installed new Hunter ceiling fan in new condo bedroom. Works fine. While installing a Hunter remote ...
  A: If it tripped while you were putting the wires together the power must of been on and it detected ...
replacing electrical outlets6/30/2010
  Q: I have been replacing electrical outlets in our 1920 colonial with no problems, until today. I had a ...
  A: You need to find where the power stops and look there. A voltmeter is needed to keep from going ...
Adding a circuit for a dishwasher6/29/2010
  Q: I was hoping you could help me with a few answers. We have a house with a finished basement(95%). ...
  A: I am not familiar with Canadian code so I can only tell you what is code in the U.S. but you have to ...
Voltage when switch is off6/28/2010
  Q: 5 year old house, 100 amp service. One circuit runs up to the kitchen for just the lighting. One ...
  A: In troubleshooting you can never say "I can't believe it is ....." You have to keep an open mind ...
Power surge?6/27/2010
  Q: I came home and found 6 breakers tripped so I reset them. Now the TV works fine but the Cable box, ...
  A: It depends on how much troubleshooting you can do. If your abilities and comfort level end with ...
Outdoor Outlet Reset6/26/2010
  Q: I had a few extension cords connected and running from an outdoor outlet. Where two of the ...
  A: Keep looking for ANY outlet with a RESET button. Then take a multimeter and see if your breaker is ...
service panel6/25/2010
  Q: I'm replacing an older service panel. The new one has to be 10 inches lower but now the wires won't ...
  A: I do not know if you have room to drill a hole in the panel. One problem with that is the metal ...
knob n tube6/24/2010
  Q: I have a customer who cannot get insurance on his house until he cleans knob and tube in attic. ...
  A: Some knob-tube wiring does not have boxes in the wall so that needs to be inspected. If you join ...
240v outlet to 110 outlet6/24/2010
  Q: i have a 240v outlet in my room,and im trying to put a ac window unit ,but the out is a lil ...
  A: Outlets are mostly rated by amperage. A 30 amp 110 volt outlet looks different from a 15 amp outlet. ...
replacing electrical outlets6/23/2010
  Q: I have been replacing electrical outlets in our 1920 colonial with no problems, until today. I had a ...
  A: Sounds like a wire is loose in a wire nut or came off the screw on the outlet. Go to the outlet ...
Ceiling Lights that Flicker6/22/2010
  Q: We Started having problems with ceiling lights that flicker. When several ceiling lights are cut on, ...
  A: First I will tell you that working with aluminum can be tough because it wants to break when you ...
Where to connect a Ground wire and determine which wire is hot6/22/2010
  Q: I am replacing a pool pump timer and my problem is two-fold. The original timer crapped out for ...
  A: The first problem is easy; if you take the wires apart and keep them from touching anything you can ...
AFCI6/21/2010
  Q: I have a new house with a breaker box that combines some standard and some AFCI. Would all AFCI ...
  A: For the same reason I would not want them on a GFCI. Both AFCI and GFCI are susceptible to nuisance ...
Lights dip6/19/2010
  Q: every time a motor starts in my house, all the lights in the entire house dip momentarily. This ...
  A: There are so many things it could be. The 220 volt motors are hard to get away from any dimming due ...
220 to 1106/18/2010
  Q: How would you go about converting a whole house from 220 to 110? The house would be in the ...
  A: I am not familiar with foreign electrical codes and practices. The assumption is that the whole ...
inground pool6/16/2010
  Q: I have a few questions specific to hooking up a pool - 1. What kind of clamps do we need to use to ...
  A: Sorry but I only recommend licensed electricians to do pool wiring which means I do not give advise ...
Spike in electric bill6/15/2010
  Q: I have a customer that said there electric bill went up three fold in a month. He said they just ...
  A: If they were using heat and they have a heat pump with electric back up it is possible that the back ...
garage project6/14/2010
  Q: i'm helping a buddy by wiring up a detached garage. he wants three 20amp breakers for the buildout. ...
  A: Yes you are close. If you run a ground from the main to the sub you do not need a ground rod, so you ...
RUNNING ROMEX FROM BREAKER BOX OUTSIDE6/9/2010
  Q: I HAVE A WORK ROOM IN MY CARPORT THAT SEEMS TO BE WIRED ON THE SAME BREAKER AS MY KITCHEN. THIS ...
  A: Ahh Pam, remember what our parents use to tell us; "two wrongs do not make a right"? Well, that ...
Can't get our Bath vent/light combo to run on seperate switches6/8/2010
  Q: . I'm hoping you can "throw some light" on my situation.. Bath/vent model is the NuTone 757SNNT. We ...
  A: If you did not run 12/3 from the switches to the light/fan it means you had to run two 12/2 wires. ...
Ceiling Fan/ Light Kit problem6/7/2010
  Q: We had an existing ceiling fan with light kit. The fan worked from the pull chain and the light ...
  A: This is the perfect example of why you should write down or take a photo of how the existing fixture ...
partial outage6/7/2010
  Q: all of a sudden i lost power to several outlets and switches called elec co they said ita an ...
  A: It may be a tripped circuit breaker or a breaker that quit working. That is the best place to start ...
Plug to Hardwire conversion5/28/2010
  Q: I am looking to replace a basic ceiling fixture which is currently on a dimmer switch. I have a ...
  A: You need the proper strain relief on the cord, but yes it is black to black and white to white. ...
sub panel wiring5/27/2010
  Q: I have a 30A/240v breaker on my main panel feeding a baseboard heater I do not use. I want to use ...
  A: If you are running new wires from the main to the sub why not replace the 30a 2 pole breaker with a ...
Lights Flicker5/26/2010
  Q: When my home AC unit kicks on all the lights in my house will flicker for a quick second, What can ...
  A: Some people say this is normal, however I do not agree with that. A properly wired home that was ...
switched outlet5/24/2010
  Q: i want to wire a switched outlet. but i want 2 switches to control one outlet, so i can plug in 2 ...
  A: It is possible. You break the tab on the hot side of the outlet so the upper outlet is separate from ...
home wiring5/23/2010
  Q: i had a light switch for my garbage disposal go bad no problem turned off breakers to this box ...
  A: Not sure what "unit" means but I am guessing you mean garbage disposal and vent hood. It may be ...
ground fault going 'red'5/23/2010
  Q: i have installed a ground fault receptable in my garage, wired white-white,black-hot, copper to ...
  A: Hot goes to "Line hot", neutral goes to "Line neutral" and ground to ground screw. It states this on ...
New Dryer5/22/2010
  Q: New dryer has 4 prong, outlet is 3. Master Bob had a similar question which helped me get to where ...
  A: I am sending you a photo of what it is suppose to look like versus what you have right now. It ...
New Dryer5/22/2010
  Q: New dryer has 4 prong, outlet is 3. Master Bob had a similar question which helped me get to where ...
  A: By not installing a 4-prong outlet with the appropriate wiring you take the chance of energizing ...
220 GFCI5/21/2010
  Q: I want to wire a 220V pressure sprayer to a GFCI breaker. The sprayer has 3 terminals-2 hots and a ...
  A: You need a gfci breaker, much like for a hot tub. Since the sprayer does not have have a neutral you ...
another ground question5/20/2010
  Q: A follow up to the previous question. I was planning to run MC cable from the disconnect to the ...
  A: Yes, you can use the mc cable. Mark the white with red electrical tape on both ends. Use the black ...
home electrical5/20/2010
  Q: I am planning to use an old air conditioner circuit (240 VAC) for a new 240 VAC compressor. The old ...
  A: You are right, codes are much different now than they were back then. If your compressor does not ...
breaker/fuse size for residential A/C5/19/2010
  Q: Installing a new residential (240/1 phase) A/C unit and furnace. The unit says 30FLA. What size ...
  A: I have not seen fuses required in an A/C disconnect in a long time. If the installation instructions ...
Sub Panel5/18/2010
  Q: I am building a sun room and would like to have some outlets and fans in it. I have a 220v 3phase ...
  A: I am going to have to recommend that you get an electrician to do this because there are codes that ...
Wiring5/17/2010
  Q: I have a 60 watt light bulb in my garage attic. With the switch off, the bulb glows about half ...
  A: The first thing you want to do is pull the fixture and measure hot to neutral. Look for loose wires ...
Outlet boxes with different number of wires5/17/2010
  Q: I am looking to replace 2 different flours. fixtures and install a simple track system. Outlet box ...
  A: Are you talking about outlet boxes or junction boxes? They are very different. The new lighting ...
electrical wiring5/16/2010
  Q: One of the units in the condo where I live had a fire. When they redid the interior they placed ...
  A: Most insulation is not a good conductor of electricity. If the insulation has a good fire retardant ...
timer installation5/15/2010
  Q: I am putting in a new timer for outside lights. The wall box has 2 wires, black and white. The timer ...
  A: Your switch does not have a neutral, it is simply taking the hot and sending it to the load. If it ...
6/2 or 6/3?5/15/2010
  Q: I am pulling new wire from my breaker panel to the unit's disconnect. Do I use 6/2 or 6/3? There ...
  A: I am not sure what "unit" you are talking about. If it is an air conditioning condensing unit then ...
exhaust fan5/14/2010
  Q: I had a bathroom exhaust fan go out.At the fan box I get 40v hot to nuetral,120v hot to ground. It ...
  A: You have a broken or loose neutral somewhere. Depending on how the wires were ran it may in the ...
Hot Tub Wiring5/14/2010
  Q: Morning Greg, I purchased a used Hottub(came with everything)wire,GFI,Breaker This is my plan from ...
  A: I am not familiar with the CSA, but if it helps what you have described would pass here in your ...
three way switch to a split recepticle5/13/2010
  Q: I have 14/3 wire running into a recepticle and 14/2 running out of it. I was replacing an old ...
  A: What you have is either a switched half outlet, or an outlet that has two circuits feeding it, one ...
grounding wire/outlet5/13/2010
  Q: We have an older home - built 1978. one plug is not grounded properly. There are two other outlets ...
  A: The ground wire may be broken at the connection from the outlet that feeds this outlet, or the ...
Retrofitting old ceiling box5/12/2010
  Q: I have a plastic ceiling box that I need to extend the circuit wiring from due to new construction. ...
  A: I cannot answer code questions outside of the NEC due to each town in the U.S. having it's own added ...
Sup Panel/Pool5/12/2010
  Q: I am doing a job which had an existing 30 amp sub panel which fed a pool pump 2 pole 20 amp breaker ...
  A: It looks good. This is why it is better to have 220 volt pumps rather than 110 volts. It keeps the ...
Home Wiring5/11/2010
  Q: I'd like to connect a 110v circuit to a 220v outlet box. The 220 outlet has a red, black, and plain ...
  A: You have to open the main panel and with the power off remove the red wire from the breaker and wrap ...
Sup Panel/Pool5/11/2010
  Q: I am doing a job which had an existing 30 amp sub panel which fed a pool pump 2 pole 20 amp breaker ...
  A: Add up the wattage of what will be on that subpanel and divide by the voltage. If a load will run ...
Dryer outlet5/10/2010
  Q: Recently my husband replaced the dryer outlet to the same 3 prong. I believe Nema 10-30r ...
  A: This is one of the reasons the new code calls for a 4-prong outlet and cord. You are sending power ...
Faullty Outlets5/9/2010
  Q: I have outlets that do not work all over the house on both floors of a 20 year old home. The ...
  A: They could be connected through a gfci outlet. Go around and check each gfci outlet. You will find ...
Dryer5/8/2010
  Q: I hope this isn't to stupid of a question if it is glad i could make your day a little brighter.I ...
  A: You can convert the outlet but the dryers are not designed to run on 110 volts. The dryers would ...
basement wiring5/6/2010
  Q: I am currently adding a bathroom to my finished basement. I have two things I need to add that I ...
  A: Yes, just follow your diagram. Black that is hot from the panel will go to each switch (using a ...
Dryer5/6/2010
  Q: I hope this isn't to stupid of a question if it is glad i could make your day a little brighter.I ...
  A: The only stupid question is the one not asked. Dryers come in the electric variety and the gas ...
Protection against low voltage brownout for refrigerator5/5/2010
  Q: I live on a coastal island which suffers occasional brownouts as the underwater cable which supplies ...
  A: There are many UPS and APC devices on the market, but most of them protect smaller equipment such as ...
Replace Y594 Thermostat5/4/2010
  Q: I bought a TH5220D thermostat to replace a Y594. The wiring is little bit different and I am afraid ...
  A: Your original t-stat is for a heat pump and the replacement is not, therefore you to check to see if ...
open slots in service panel5/4/2010
  Q: Selling our home, the inspector wants open slots in the service panel corrected. What is the danger ...
  A: Buy inserts (blanks) for the open slots. They sell them at most home centers. The danger is that ...
popping sound5/3/2010
  Q: all of a sudden when i switch the light on in the bathroom the light makes a loud pop, goes out, ...
  A: Turn the breaker off and carefully look for a ground wire touching the switch when all the wires get ...
Determine AMPs remaining on a circuit5/3/2010
  Q: We have an unfinished basement, and several junction boxes on the floor joists are hooked up to old ...
  A: First determine what all is on that circuit and add up the wattage. Divide by the supply voltage to ...
Ceiling Fan Install5/2/2010
  Q: I'm connecting the wires on a new ceiling fan. The current ceiling fixture has 3 wires coming out - ...
  A: You can, as in it is possible, to connect the green to red but get ready for a power outage. You ...
Installing a timer switch5/2/2010
  Q: I purchased a Pass&Seymour RT1WCCV4 7 button timer switch to replace a regular flip switch that ...
  A: To use this timer it would require you to run more wires from the light fixture to the switch. This ...
elec motor wiring5/1/2010
  Q: red, black and blue to heat cool and w2 are fine......old motor had brown and white wires to ...
  A: The motor should have a diagram on it or in/on the box it came in. Remember to replace the cap when ...
breaker size?4/30/2010
  Q: just bought a split ac unit 24,000 btu needed to know what size breaker to get for it?
  A: The installation manual should tell you, and if you do not have the manual you can look on the ...
split a 220V line4/29/2010
  Q: I am replacing an old electric 220V, 40A double oven with two new separate ovens. The first oven is ...
  A: Unless you have some new oven that I am not aware of, when they say "dual-rated" they do not mean ...
Microwave over range4/29/2010
  Q: I currently have a range hood, replacing cabinets and would like a microwave over range. My ...
  A: Your breakers for the range have nothing to do with your microwave and you cannot use that circuit ...
Hot Tub wiring4/28/2010
  Q: I have a hot tub that is wired for 220. I recently purchased an 'ozonator' (helps fight bacteria ...
  A: It depends on how your tub was wired. Typically there are 4 wires ran from the main panel to the ...
40 amp service4/27/2010
  Q: I'm just replacing a wall oven and a cook top with new ones. I have noticed that the wall oven and ...
  A: I am not familiar with codes in Canada so I will speak to codes here in the U.S. and you can see the ...
Stove trips breaker4/26/2010
  Q: Greg, I had an intermittent problem with my stove tripping the breaker. It would not trip when it ...
  A: You did not mention if this is a gas or electric stove. If it is gas you can try plugging it into a ...
220 wiring question4/26/2010
  Q: i have a 17" grizzly band saw with a 2hp motor that is 220v with a 15amp draw. i need to wire up my ...
  A: It sounds good, but I am wondering why the 12/3 extension cord from 12/2 wire. Plus, if you are ...
Attaching a High Voltage to Low Voltage Fixture4/25/2010
  Q: A 500 watt outdoor security light was installed in the stucco on the outside of my home, near the ...
  A: Which is the high voltage and which is the low voltage? You mentioned watts but not volts and that ...
3 phase pump4/24/2010
  Q: When the float switch send the signal, control panel activate the three phase sewage pump which ...
  A: Start by making sure you have the proper supply voltage on each phase. If you do, then the problems ...
GFCI Outlet and bathroom lights4/23/2010
  Q: We have just completed a bathroom remodel with a contractor. The old bathroom was completely ...
  A: If this is the only bathroom then both the lights and outlets can be on the same circuit. If there ...
Under cabinet light not turning on4/22/2010
  Q: I have several Kichler under cabinet lights in my kitchen. A few months ago one of the fixtures ...
  A: You did not mention what type of lights, but under cabinet are usually fluorescent. If so, then the ...
arc fault4/21/2010
  Q: here's the situation...i have an old house with knob and tube wiring and an original 6 circuit ...
  A: The 2008 NEC is the now the ruling edition. But to answer your questions: 1. AFC are for bedrooms, ...
Fridge trips outlet downstream of bath GFI outlet4/20/2010
  Q: I have a GFI outlet on a bathroom wall that has a regular outlet jumpered off it which happens to ...
  A: You are right, your fridge should not be on a gfci outlet. The person that installed the gfci outlet ...
electrical code questions4/20/2010
  Q: i would like your help on something that has to do with the NEC electrical code. You see I'm a ...
  A: My forte is not in commercial electrical codes and like you I would have to study the code book to ...
Electrical Panel4/19/2010
  Q: We have an old cabin (80 years+) that we would like to replace the new master/meter panel and ...
  A: I have PGandE and they will not do what you want without a permit and a signed off inspection sheet. ...
Range/Microwave Service4/18/2010
  Q: I am in the process of moving a range and microwave(also is convection) from my home to a villa. ...
  A: Code allows for the cooktop and oven (two separate appliances) to be on the same circuit. It sounds ...
two wires "leftover" from dishwasher installation4/17/2010
  Q: I received a late model used dishwasher in excellent condition from a reputable source which ...
  A: Power from the timer runs to a float switch (over flow protection) then to the fill valve. If the ...
load calculation4/17/2010
  Q: our control panel shows different amp in different phases, I mean R shows 60amp, y shows 40amp and b ...
  A: Three phase calculations are not easy because there are many variables. Such as the actual measured ...
double wide mobile home electric problem4/15/2010
  Q: we have a 2001 double wide mobile home lived here for 4 years, one morning we wake up to half of the ...
  A: It sounds like you have a gfci circuit(s) tripped or half of your main breaker is tripped or not ...
noisy outlet4/15/2010
  Q: I am an audio engineer and do a lot of work out of my house. i recently moved to a pre war building ...
  A: Noise is usually a tough one to solve with electronic equipment. It could be caused by a ground that ...
Disconnect Switch4/15/2010
  Q: Am I required to have a disconnect switch on my home AC unit if my main panel is in the line of site ...
  A: Installing a disconnect here would be a courtesy to the HVAC tech so they would not have to lock ...
electrical entance cable4/14/2010
  Q: My home has a cable from the meter to the fuse box. I am told it is a #4 copper. The electrician is ...
  A: It sounds like you have a legitimate concern. Normally a job like this requires a permit and ...
found air compressor with 230volts4/12/2010
  Q: today i found a air compressor that some one was throwing out it is 230 volts and has a three prong ...
  A: It is doubtful that your fuse box is 220 watts. But now that you said that I need more information ...
Garage Door4/11/2010
  Q: My Automatic garage door has stopped working. The power point is getting power but the garage door ...
  A: If you have power at the outlet feeding the opener, the next logical place to look is the fuse. ...
electrical interference on tv4/8/2010
  Q: We built a new home 10 yrs ago. the electrician said there was an electrical bleed or seepage or ...
  A: I think you should have an electrician isolate what is causing this and repair it. A line may have ...
socket popping sound4/7/2010
  Q: I'm looking at buying a house. When I tried to put my portable printer plug into 4 sockets in the ...
  A: If you tried all the outlets and only four acted like that I would have to guess that maybe those ...
Why did this wire fry?4/5/2010
  Q: I have an old house. When the electric Dryer was installed, the electrician had to put it on the ...
  A: You really, really, need to get another line ran to either your dryer or WH and put them on separate ...
Amp to Watt Calculation4/5/2010
  Q: I just read your post about the dryer and the amps on both legs were about equal. What if I am ...
  A: (60a x 240v) = 14400 VA (23a x 120v) = 2760 VA Total VA = 17160 or 17.16 KVA This means ...
Circuit Breaker4/4/2010
  Q: My son was vacuuming today in the living room and when he turned the vacuum on all power was lost in ...
  A: Take a voltmeter and check the power coming from each breaker to make sure you are getting the ...
outdoor floodlights burn out quickly4/3/2010
  Q: Recently acquired a rental house. Tenant says outdoor floodlights burn out quickly. Former owner ...
  A: I believe cheaper fixtures are the number one cause. If the connection at the base is not made real ...
receptacle placement4/2/2010
  Q: contactors installed a new vanity in my bathroom, it is 5 inches higher than my old one. The plug ...
  A: As long as you can access the outlet, meaning you can replace it. But, you do not want it even with ...
continuing 3 way switch and light3/31/2010
  Q: Greg, Thanks for getting back to me so quick and here is how the light is wired. The poser comes ...
  A: Something does not sound correct. Maybe I am misunderstanding you. Where are the two wires (black ...
Wire and breaker size for hot water heater3/31/2010
  Q: I am converting from gas to electric.Will 10/3 wire work for my hot water heater ? Also do i need a ...
  A: 10/2 with a ground is sufficient, but 10/3 will work. You just do not use the neutral(white). You ...
3 way switch3/30/2010
  Q: I have a regular wired 3 way switchs, one at each end of the stairs, but the light is at the ...
  A: Your options depend on how your circuit is currently wired. I need to know at what point does the ...
electric water heater malfunction3/28/2010
  Q: According to my neighbor during the last storm some of her electrical appliances quit working due to ...
  A: Let me preface this answer by saying this is not legal advise and it is simply my opinion, which ...
Trouble shooting3/28/2010
  Q: If I'm sure that my pressure switch for the well is wired up right, and I'm still not geting any ...
  A: 1) Your motor might not be working 2) You might not get the correct voltage to the motor 3) Your ...
How to make the proper connections3/27/2010
  Q: A year ago, We sarted renovating our home and had an electrician run the wiring for a future light ...
  A: It is rare to find a black and red (in that size) without a white along with it. However, I am not ...
random power outages3/26/2010
  Q: I moved into my house about 4 years ago and up until about 8 months ago i didn't have any problems. ...
  A: It does sound like the main breaker is failing or the panel has become pitted. It seems like a ...
Dead outlets and ceiling light3/25/2010
  Q: "I have two outlets and a light in my ceiling all located in the same room which I cannot get any ...
  A: Most homes are wired in a way that the least amount of romex has to be ran. Which means each house ...
Adding a 30a 240 volt circuit3/24/2010
  Q: I am going to add a 30a 240 volt circuit for a compressor to the electric panel at my home. The ...
  A: The type of breakers accepted by that panel should be listed inside the panel. Take that info to ...
Moving electric service to side of house3/24/2010
  Q: I currrently have the main electric service coming into the house from the back. it is mounted on ...
  A: 1. As far as you want. 2. There has to be some sort of disconnect close to the meter and marked as ...
Dead outlets and ceiling light3/23/2010
  Q: "I have two outlets and a light in my ceiling all located in the same room which I cannot get any ...
  A: You will need a good voltmeter to start checking where you lost power. Normally, a room has all the ...
conduit3/23/2010
  Q: I would like to upgrade my power going into my detatched garage. I have pvc conduit running ...
  A: The "2 versus ...3 wire" refers to whether it is 120 volts or 220 volts, and yes it does change. ...
Detached Garage Sub-Panel3/22/2010
  Q: Background: Attached 1/2" away to my outdoor Duke Energy meter box is a sub-panel fed from the ...
  A: 1) You can use the 50 amp breaker. 2) They should of ran a ground, however; If they did not need a ...
Detached Garage Sub-Panel3/22/2010
  Q: Background: Attached 1/2" away to my outdoor Duke Energy meter box is a sub-panel fed from the ...
  A: Yes, you can use that subpanel. A subpanel does not have the ground and neutral bonded. Meaning that ...
electrical outlets3/19/2010
  Q: I have about 6 outlets in my bedroom. The top one on every outlet does not have power. No circuit ...
  A: It sounds like they are tied into the switch on the wall. Each outlet has a tab that can be broken ...
wiring baseboard heater3/19/2010
  Q: when connecting a 120V baseboard heater without a terminal on the heater for the neutral wire, where ...
  A: Something is not right with this picture you painted. If it is 120 volt, not 220 volt, then it ...
pump circuit3/18/2010
  Q: I am installing a mechanically timed 220v pool pump and salt generator system. The pump circuit ...
  A: I believe you should go with a 20 amp circuit because if your pump runs for 3 hours (plus if the ...
HVAC sub trips & takes Main with it !3/18/2010
  Q: Triple socket Main Service. Original problem=Old red colored 125A main breaker (old Murray's?) ...
  A: Replace the main panel and upgrade to a 200 amp service panel. That will solve a lot of your ...
non-ic rating3/17/2010
  Q: Is it possible to install a non-ic rated troffer fluorescent light in a insulated ceiling if you ...
  A: As far as I know the answer is yes. I have seen it many times and this is what happens when flush ...
installing ceiling fan3/16/2010
  Q: i am installing a ceiling fan to a switch that uses a outlet with just the basic wiring black,white ...
  A: What wires are available at the switch? You would remove the wires from the switch and wirenut them ...
Extending a 220V outlet3/14/2010
  Q: I need to move my A/C condenser unit to a new location outside my house but the new location ...
  A: You just replace the old disconnect with a junction box and run the wires from it to the new ...
reverse polarity3/13/2010
  Q: I recently bought a log home that has had an addition built on to it. All of the outlets in the ...
  A: First start by checking your grounds. A poor or nonexistent egc can cause this reading on those ...
electrical3/13/2010
  Q: how many duplex outlets can you have on a 15 amp breaker
  A: Commercial it is 180VA per outlet so you can do the math. Residential it is, well let me say this ...
Kitchen remodel - new subpanel3/12/2010
  Q: I have gutted my kitchen, and in the process found some (usual?) surprises, with lights and ...
  A: It looks like you could use a 60 amp subpanel. But you need room for at least 8 circuits. If you ...
main panel issue3/12/2010
  Q: Greg, Hello. My friend is having as issue at his panel. He hears sizzling and he changed out some ...
  A: The first place to look is behind or underneath the breakers. The bar that the breaker connects to ...
dimming of light3/11/2010
  Q: I plugged in the vacum in the same outlet as the light and noticed the lamp dims a little. It is ...
  A: Most motors draw more amps when starting then when running. A properly sized circuit should not dim ...
dimming of light3/11/2010
  Q: I plugged in the vacum in the same outlet as the light and noticed the lamp dims a little. It is ...
  A: It is worth looking into the situation. First, make sure your fixture is for a 100 watt bulb and ...
Find covered floor receptacle.3/10/2010
  Q: When my home was built (~15 years ago) I had a receptacle placed on my family room floor because it ...
  A: There are devices to locate this outlet. If it is live you can use a voltage detector, if it is not ...
Sauna installation-home amperage3/10/2010
  Q: I am interested in adding a sauna to my home. My house has a 150 AMP main breaker that is maxed out ...
  A: You can start with your utility company and have them see if you can upgrade your system with their ...
electrical wiring in home3/9/2010
  Q: I bought my home about 4 years ago. It is about 20 years old. Since moving, I have had 3 light ...
  A: Do mean the glass shattered or the filament burnt out? Two things to look for immediately is the ...
Replace 3 wire Dryer Cord with 4 Wire Cord3/8/2010
  Q: I have a Sears Kenmore electric dryer model # 110.66902692 There are 3 terminals at the terminal ...
  A: Here is an image of what it should like. What you are doing is not bonding the neutral and ground. ...
recess lighting3/7/2010
  Q: I am trying to install Recess lights in our basement, we have a 2 inch gap between the top of the ...
  A: I do not understand the 2" gap but that is not important for your question. The answer is to use a ...
wiring ? red black and white ?? WTF3/6/2010
  Q: So I tried to change a basement light . I open it and take it apart then realize that there is two ...
  A: This is why it is so important to mark the wires and write down where everything goes BEFORE taking ...
outlets not working3/5/2010
  Q: 1 in living room the 2nd in dining room and 3rd in sons room up stairs.Ihave replaced all of them ...
  A: The best place always to begin is the service panel and check the breakers with a volt meter. A ...
GE Touch Auto-Shut off timer3/5/2010
  Q: Just bought a touch timer to replace an existing single pole switch which is an "end-line" switch. ...
  A: If this is an end of the line switch you have no neutral so no need to mark it as such. An end of ...
hot ground reversed3/4/2010
  Q: I had an entire circuit quit working a couple days ago. The outage is a microhood, light over the ...
  A: Probably a broken wire somewhere. It could be in the wall, in the panel, junction box, attic, etc. ...
Can lights in first floor ceiling3/3/2010
  Q: I want to put some 4" can lights in the ceiling of my foyer (1971 2 story w/ AL wiring). I've ...
  A: Do you not have attic access? How are you running the wire to the switch and then up to the ceiling? ...
hot ground reversed3/3/2010
  Q: I had an entire circuit quit working a couple days ago. The outage is a microhood, light over the ...
  A: Hot - ground reversed on those indicators usually means that some one has created a reverse polarity ...
Humming Sound from New Coffee Maker2/26/2010
  Q: I'm not sure if this is a small appliance question or an electrical issue: I just bought a Mr. ...
  A: From my experience I will take an educated guess, but remember I am not looking at the unit so it is ...
Brain teaser2/25/2010
  Q: Two buildings, a house and a barn have a walk way between them that is illumnated with two lights, ...
  A: You have to tell me how many wires are at each switch and the fixture and the colors. There has to ...
Brain teaser2/25/2010
  Q: Two buildings, a house and a barn have a walk way between them that is illumnated with two lights, ...
  A: It appears that you want to know simply because it is a riddle to you. You implied that I needed to ...
installing a chandelier2/25/2010
  Q: my daughter's room does not have a ceiling light and I would like to install a chandelier. The only ...
  A: I do not know if you know what "wiremold" is but you can look it up online or at your local home ...
installing a chandelier2/24/2010
  Q: my daughter's room does not have a ceiling light and I would like to install a chandelier. The only ...
  A: It depends how the ceiling is vaulted and if there is blocking between the joists. You can run the ...
switch not wking2/24/2010
  Q: I have a kitchen two kitchen switches one operating the main light in the center of the kitchen the ...
  A: Try checking your gfci outlets to see if one tripped. It is not common to find the lights on the ...
swapping metal halide for cfl2/23/2010
  Q: I have a Utilitech Dusk to Dawn light that uses a 70-Watt metal halide lamp (medium base). The ...
  A: You need to check with the manufacture if you want to be safe. Fixtures are designed for certain ...
new resi construction2/21/2010
  Q: We are building a new home in an are where it is permissible to do your own electrical wiring, ...
  A: Wiring can be ran under the house. You could install a subpanel on the kitchen side and then you ...
110 to a 125V2/20/2010
  Q: I have an RV hook up that is 30 am 125v I have a suna I want to hook up to that which is 110v ...
  A: If you do not know for sure if it is 110 or 220 then you need to use a voltmeter to determine before ...
follow up on a question2/19/2010
  Q: http://en.allexperts.com/q/Electrical-Wiring-Home-1734/Wiring-Exhaust-Fan.htm My dad also has a ...
  A: I could not find a diagram for the ---S1 but I did find one for the ----S2 and I have attached it. ...
Electronic timer and dimmer control on same circuit2/18/2010
  Q: I have a bathroom light/fan combination. Currently it has a screw-in fluorescent bulb in it. I ...
  A: Try replacing the cfl with the bulb the manufacture stated to use and if that does not work, put ...
Neutral load2/17/2010
  Q: I have an alluminion wire rated for 60Amps to a basement appartment. The total load is 59Amps, ...
  A: No, that number is not an indication of reasonable use at any given moment in time, only over a ...
convection oven2/17/2010
  Q: We just purchased a convection oven, this is used in a kitchen that we do a veterans breakfast once ...
  A: First, thank you for honoring our vets! Each leg is rated for 30 amps with both the breaker and 10 ...
Neutral load2/16/2010
  Q: I have an alluminion wire rated for 60Amps to a basement appartment. The total load is 59Amps, ...
  A: Okay, so you have not actually measured the total amps but are going by a load calculation, which is ...
Split receptacle2/16/2010
  Q: I have a split receptacle in the kitchen that controls the garbage disposal; the other half is ...
  A: First you have to make sure the total amps will not exceed that of the circuit. What will be your ...
wet electrical wiring2/14/2010
  Q: I live in Michigan where the winters can get rather cold. Last March (2009) I remodeled a family ...
  A: Having moved from Southern California to the Adirondacks I can relate to this story. It only took me ...
wires with no colors2/14/2010
  Q: I have a light fixture I want to install but it does not have COLORED wires no black or white only ...
  A: If you have a multimeter you can tell with it set on ohms. With the meter set to ohms you place one ...
garage door openers code2/13/2010
  Q: By code can i put 2 receptacles on the same circuits for 2 different garage door openers. If you ...
  A: You can have as many outlets as you want as long the total wattage does not exceed the circuit. This ...
220v2/12/2010
  Q: what is the approx. max distance from a 220 outlet can i run a small welder
  A: You could make a big cord out of large wire and run it around the block if you wanted. You are ...
Re-installing a gas cooktop2/12/2010
  Q: I had a licensed electrician convert a 220 electric cooktop to 110 for gas about a year ago. ...
  A: I would not assume anything here. In the breaker panel you will see the wires and you should be able ...
Interior low voltage wiring2/10/2010
  Q: afetr searching for 2 hrs. on interior low voltage wiring I found you...please help. I am remodeling ...
  A: Why the NEC of course. One problem you will have with that xfmr is the location needs to be ...
Interior low voltage wiring2/9/2010
  Q: afetr searching for 2 hrs. on interior low voltage wiring I found you...please help. I am remodeling ...
  A: No, you have to treat it like it was 120 volts. Check out "Article 411.4" actually just read Article ...
chevelle427rat@yahoo.com2/8/2010
  Q: I'm trying to put a flourescent light in my shed and I ran the wire from an outlet to a light switch ...
  A: It sounds like you are wiring it so there is a direct short. Take the black (hot) from the outlet ...
funny smell2/8/2010
  Q: I installed a new waterheater. it was exactly the same as the old other than being 50gal. instead of ...
  A: Replace the breaker and check all the connections. Physically make sure they are tight. Make sure ...
Installing new receptacle, wiring into crowded box.2/7/2010
  Q: I'm preparing to install a [URL="http://www.panamax.com/Products/In-Wall/MIW-SURGE.aspx"]Panamax MIW ...
  A: A sawzall is good for many applications but there is a tool that vibrates instead of recip action. A ...
Installing new receptacle, wiring into crowded box.2/7/2010
  Q: I'm preparing to install a [URL="http://www.panamax.com/Products/In-Wall/MIW-SURGE.aspx"]Panamax MIW ...
  A: A) Good idea. It is okay here in Calif just put a blank plate over it. B) You just cut the box out ...
Pool Lights2/7/2010
  Q: My friend has a pool and the breaker keeps tripping. He went to Home Depot, they told him to change ...
  A: Any time you have a pool breaker tripping you should immediately call a qualified electrician with ...
combination electric switch2/5/2010
  Q: My kitchen ceiling light will not shut off using the switch (the only switch, it is not duel ...
  A: This is one reason you should check with a digital voltmeter instead of a light bulb. The glowing ...
repairing wiring inside dishwasher2/5/2010
  Q: My dishwasher is not filling with water or heating during the dry cycle, and I traced the problem to ...
  A: Trace the wires under the dishwasher and cut them under the dishwasher. Connect the new wires and ...
My circuit has too much on it2/4/2010
  Q: I have 2 circuits that feed the second story of my 60 yr. old home. I have updated the wiring to ...
  A: It depends on many factors, such as; why type of attic space, the type of walls, is there a basement ...
Spike in Electric Usage following Electrical Work2/4/2010
  Q: We recently had electrical work completed in our home - a ballast box was replaced in our laundry ...
  A: Lets start with the ballast. Make sure the new ballast is the electronic type and not the old ...
calculating watts for an electric dryer2/3/2010
  Q: I have measured the amps on both 120 volt lines running to my dryer. I have 23amps on 1 and 22amps ...
  A: This is real easy. Take a voltmeter set on "AC" and measure the voltage at the circuit breaker from ...
converting a wall outlet2/3/2010
  Q: I have a wall outlet that is controlled by a switch on the wall. If I turn the switch off at the ...
  A: Take the cover off of the switch that controls the outlet, and with the power off at the breaker ...
converting a wall outlet2/3/2010
  Q: I have a wall outlet that is controlled by a switch on the wall. If I turn the switch off at the ...
  A: You would take the two wires on the switch, controlling the outlet, and remove them from the switch ...
Main panel to sub panel with existing 2 conductor and gnd.2/2/2010
  Q: I am finishing my basement and as such I would like to run more circuits. I currently have a 6AWG, ...
  A: Why not just use the existing breaker? I believe your loads will be too close or exceed the 30 ...
calculating watts for an electric dryer2/2/2010
  Q: I have measured the amps on both 120 volt lines running to my dryer. I have 23amps on 1 and 22amps ...
  A: Watts in a purely resistive circuit are determined differently than a capacitive or inductive ...
Main panel to sub panel with existing 2 conductor and gnd.2/2/2010
  Q: I am finishing my basement and as such I would like to run more circuits. I currently have a 6AWG, ...
  A: In the Service Panel, the 6 gauge (black or black stripe) would get wired directly to the breaker ...
Installing a NuTone Ceiling Fan Light M736RLN1/31/2010
  Q: This is a replacement installation for an older Ceiling Fan Light My existing home wiring has a ...
  A: I went to Nutone's website and they indicate that no such model exists. Recheck your model number ...
Electric Heat1/30/2010
  Q: Greg: I have electric baseboard heat in my home. Each room is controlled by its own thermostat. ...
  A: Make sure the breaker is off and then look at all the wiring inside the t-stat box. Write down where ...
Outdoor Lighing - Multiple Motion Sensors1/29/2010
  Q: Greg, I would like to install multiple motion sensor light fixtures in my front yard, approximately ...
  A: I understand now what you are trying to do. Wiring it is easy to do that but I am not sure what ...
Ceiling fan switch.1/29/2010
  Q: I'm trying to wire an existing ceiling fan/light to a wall switch. The wall switch I bought was a ...
  A: Since you ran 14/3 this is not a problem and is pretty easy. At the fan you wire your power coming ...
appropriate amount of recessed lights for living room1/28/2010
  Q: I am planning to install recessed lighting in my living room, where there currently isn't any ...
  A: There is no "pat" answer to this question. Lighting involves many factors and a lighting designer ...
I need to replace my old 3 way house light switches1/28/2010
  Q: The switches are stamped 5A 250V 10A 125V. I tried replacing them with newer 15A 120V but they ...
  A: It is not a problem with the amperage of the switch that you are experiencing. Those markings are ...
3 way light switch1/27/2010
  Q: I have a hall light that has one bad switch on a three way switch. It is a 15 amp switch as is the ...
  A: If you are asking if you need a 20 amp switch, then the answer is no if this is a residence with ...
Disconnecting a Light Switch1/27/2010
  Q: This may be a pretty simple question but I am not 100% sure if what I'd like to do is the correct ...
  A: You do realize that code requires a switch at the top and bottom of the stairs controlling that ...
electrical1/26/2010
  Q: Five electrical wall outlets in my house lost power over night . I think that they are all on the ...
  A: It sounds like the EC was lazy and put all the gfci's on a common circuit. So you need to look for ...
residential surges.. bad neutral in base??1/25/2010
  Q: hoo boy!! a old customer who i've been doing a lot of pro bono work for over the years has been ...
  A: I am not sure what to tell you that you do not already know and I am not sure if there is a ...
Extension behind Sofa1/25/2010
  Q: I have following 4 small instruments hooked onto an extension cord. - Internet Cable Modem - ...
  A: It sounds like you have a power strip that the devices are plugged into, which is a good idea but a ...
heater won't quit blowing1/24/2010
  Q: We live in a mobile home in Texas and the heater will not turn off. Everything was fine till last ...
  A: I am not sure how much troubleshooting you are able and willing to do on this. It will require you ...
HAVIN PROBLEMS WITH ELECTRICAL1/24/2010
  Q: I AM HAVING A PROBLEM HOOKIN UP A THE OVER HEAD LIGHT AND THE GARBAGE DISPOSEL WHAT I HAVE DONE SO ...
  A: I will try to help but you have to turn off your Cap Lock on the keyboard. The power going to the ...
gfci outlets1/23/2010
  Q: I have a two wire system (no ground) Can I install gfcis to protect a complete circuit? ANSWER: ...
  A: It depends on how you wire it, but remember that your protection is very limited. This is no ...
low voltage street address sign not working1/23/2010
  Q: I cant figure this out the transformer seems good as it is also connected to the door bell which ...
  A: Measuring to ground is rarely helpful. You need to read the voltage across the two wires feeding the ...
dimmers on three way line1/22/2010
  Q: I just installed 5 recessed lights in my hallway with the power going to the first light and then ...
  A: Your three-way switches need three wires not including the ground. What you need is 3 wire with a ...
Wiring a two speed blower1/21/2010
  Q: I have a squirrel cage blower that I am turning into a wood shop air filter. Depending on how it is ...
  A: You do not want a ceiling fan switch for this application. You want either a rotary type switch or a ...
codes1/21/2010
  Q: my wife and I are buying a house built in the forties and are doing some rewiring. Can we leave some ...
  A: Your concerns are codes and safety. There are some issues here that require an electrician to ...
A question on high voltage wiring1/20/2010
  Q: I've never used this service before so please forgive me if I'm asking the wrong person. I bought an ...
  A: Wire is generally rated for voltage and amperage. There are other factors in wire rating that ...
water heater timer1/19/2010
  Q: how do i disconnect the water heater timer? i do not use it and it has become very noisy like an old ...
  A: Does this have a manual switch to bypass the timer? If so, put the timer into manual mode and ...
Electric Range Installation1/19/2010
  Q: Just moved into a new house and will be installing a new slide in on the floor electric range. It ...
  A: In my opinion, the wire should be replaced with #6 copper, with a 50 amp breaker. Plus, the range ...
Adding Convience Outlets in Basement1/17/2010
  Q: I'd like to install two outlets in my finished basement. On the inside wall, is it permissible to ...
  A: Any wires exposed would need to be in conduit. Any wires inside the drywall or paneling could be ...
grounding question1/15/2010
  Q: I have noticed on my washing machine and fan/lite combo installations, that the appliance ground is ...
  A: The ground wire is suppose to go to ground, not neutral. Sure it works until you get voltage on the ...
Breaker to Subpanel Wire Gauge Step Downing...1/15/2010
  Q: IT, and Automotive repair Technician; And have taken on the task of Rewiring some of my home... My ...
  A: You need to hire an electrician because you have many code and safety issues here. Some electricians ...
3 switches to Motion1/14/2010
  Q: I Have a hall way with 3 switches in it. I want to change them out to motion sensor switches there ...
  A: Your 3-way switches have two travellers and one common per switch. Your new motion sensors should ...
Re-routing wires or re-wiring house.1/14/2010
  Q: I have a house that was built in the 60's. Anytime I have to do a wiring project in the home I ...
  A: The kitchen: Two circuits for counter outlets (GFCI protected). One for the Ref. One for the garbage ...
HOW TO INCREASE AMPERAGE IN SPECIFIC ROOMS1/14/2010
  Q: Hughes. The breaker switch for my master bedroom and my second bedroom which I use as a home office ...
  A: This is a common problem as we add more and more loads to our circuits. The solution is to run more ...
low voltage at 2 different circuits1/13/2010
  Q: I woke up this morning to find that two outlets in my house have stopped working.I traced the wiring ...
  A: Check the voltage at the main panel. You want to check from each leg to each leg. This should read ...
estate washer1/12/2010
  Q: my machine will not spin all the way clothes are still to wet
  A: It could be several things but the first thing you should check before calling a technician out is ...
Electrical Breaker1/12/2010
  Q: A little over a year ago I had my air conditioner and furnace replaced and the new furnace requires ...
  A: No, you cannot put a 60 amp breaker on a 6 awg line. The 6 awg (rated for 50 amps) will most likely ...
Portable genset and transfer switch1/12/2010
  Q: I will be installing a 15KW portable generator with a 50 amp plugs and cord and a Power center ...
  A: As long as your TS is service rated you do not need a service disconnect before it. If it is ...
240V on 110 leg, bad neutral or ground?1/11/2010
  Q: I changed an old 100A federal pacific panel at a friends mothers house. The basement had been under ...
  A: If your only ground is to the water pipe then you need a ground rod. You cannot depend on the water ...
Portable genset and transfer switch1/11/2010
  Q: I will be installing a 15KW portable generator with a 50 amp plugs and cord and a Power center ...
  A: The generator and TS needs to be grounded, however; with a switched neutral, bonding is required in ...
14/3 feeding 2 circuita1/11/2010
  Q: I read a reply that i wanted to get clarification on ... here is it is. It is a Code violation to ...
  A: You need to confirm if your panel has each phase on each row, or if they alternate down the row. If ...
wiring a light fixture1/10/2010
  Q: Good morning- I’m in an old house with some “funky” wiring… I’m looking to hang a new light ...
  A: Before disconnecting a fixture it is prudent to mark the wires that are attached to the fixture or ...
undercounter water heater1/10/2010
  Q: I have a 1 year old electric hot water heater under my counter it is 110 ac. I installed it a year ...
  A: Go to the breaker and measure your voltage there. If it is good, you can wire a load right there ...
residential wiring1/9/2010
  Q: When I turn off any light in the house, the other lights dim. This just recently started. Is the ...
  A: It sounds like you have a common neutral between two circuits or a three way circuit with a loose or ...
Rewiring Russian Samovar1/9/2010
  Q: Is it possible to rewire an electrical russian Samovar (Tea Urn) with an american plug and cord and ...
  A: It should have a plug with two pins which usually means it is 220 volts with no neutral. Your home ...
14/3 feeding 2 circuita1/9/2010
  Q: I read a reply that i wanted to get clarification on ... here is it is. It is a Code violation to ...
  A: You use a double pole breaker, with the link. The double pole breaker causes the two circuits to be ...
light switch1/3/2010
  Q: i have a problem with a light switch, the electrical box for the switch had a dimmer switch in it ...
  A: Again, it is wise to write down and mark the wires before disconnecting anything. Even taking a ...
Central Heating keeps flipping breaker.1/2/2010
  Q: I have a central heat & air unit. We've been using the AC for months and haven't had any problems. ...
  A: You should have a HVAC tech check out your system. If it has not been serviced you need at least ...
Pull cord switch1/1/2010
  Q: Greg I live in Australia so not sure whether you will be able to respond or not. I have a pull cord ...
  A: The best thing to do, no matter how simple it looks, is to mark the wires before disconnecting them. ...
240V Wiring12/31/2009
  Q: Good Morning Greg. A couple of years ago, I ran power from my main breaker panel in my basement to ...
  A: You should of ran four wires, unless you have a ground rod at the garage, from the main to the sub ...
heater12/30/2009
  Q: I recently picked up a 208v 60Hz single phase wall heater from a demo. Can I wire this in my home ...
  A: Yes, but it has to be on a dedicated 25 or 30 amp circuit. In the U.S. we have anywhere from 208 to ...
For a Project, Want to light a bulb using the wires and battery when the correct answer selected.12/29/2009
  Q: For my project at school, I want to know how to do the wiring to light a bulb when the correct ...
  A: The subject of electricity and how it works is way too deep for me to explain it in this type of ...
Smoke detectors12/28/2009
  Q: I am installing 7 hardwired replacement smoke detectors as our existing ones are 12 years old. I ...
  A: A tester with a light is only good to see if voltage is present. It does not tell you how many volts ...
3 way switches to 2 way12/28/2009
  Q: Here is my dilemma. I have a 3 way switch in the bathroom and a 3 way switch in the bedroom. Both ...
  A: This will most likely require running more wires. I will attach diagrams of how 3-way switches can ...
Ceiling fan wiring12/27/2009
  Q: I am replacing an existing ceiling fan and have a question regarding wiring connections. The ...
  A: It is common to have two separate switches on the wall, one controlling the light and one ...
240V Thermostat Connection12/27/2009
  Q: Greg, I installed 240V electric baseboard heaters connected to a 20 amp breaker. I have three ...
  A: You are too close to the 20 amps to start with and if you used 12 gauge you need to go with 10 ...
Installing a new light fixture12/27/2009
  Q: I just purchased a small track lighting that has a warning on the box that says, " Caution- risk of ...
  A: They are trying to ensure that their product is used appropriately. Wire is rated in several ways; ...
disposal12/26/2009
  Q: I am installing a dishwasher and garbage disposal and I added an outlet GFI under the sink, for both ...
  A: The disposal and dishwasher are not normally on a gfci outlet. Where did you pull power for these ...
instant hot water heater12/25/2009
  Q: I have solar domestic hot water. As water exits the solar tank hot it flows thru an instaneous hot ...
  A: The only way to give it less amps is to change the voltage. So when it attempts to heat the water it ...
Old wiring for a Ceiling fan12/24/2009
  Q: My husband and I are changing a out a ceiling light to a ceiling fan with the lights. When he took ...
  A: You need a tester to see which wire is hot. It works both ways because we use Alternating Current. ...
Aluminum to copper @ cooktop12/23/2009
  Q: I am replacing a cooktop.When I removed the wire nuts on old wires I realized I have aluminum ...
  A: To be the safest you should run copper. If you absolutely do not want to do that the next safest is ...
Aluminum to copper @ cooktop12/22/2009
  Q: I am replacing a cooktop.When I removed the wire nuts on old wires I realized I have aluminum ...
  A: Imho, it is always better to have copper wire. However, it is not always cost practical. The problem ...
Locate white wire for circuit breaker12/21/2009
  Q: I need to replace a breaker with AFCI breaker for my basement remodel. I know how do replace a ...
  A: You can disconnect the black and white and then connect them together, or you can place a jumper ...
Locate white wire for circuit breaker12/21/2009
  Q: I need to replace a breaker with AFCI breaker for my basement remodel. I know how do replace a ...
  A: Yeah, that is really not the right way to do it. The two best ways are to either use a "ringer" ...
Residential - Fluorescent lamp - blinking12/20/2009
  Q: I have a 48"-2 tubes fluorescent lamp in the kitchen. The old GE tubes (40watts F40RES) had a few ...
  A: and Merry Christmas to you. Try an electronic ballast, and if you do have one try replacing it. ...
GFIC breaker for hot tube12/20/2009
  Q: I recently replaced a 50 Amp GFIC on a hot tub. The old breaker tripped as soon as it was turned on. ...
  A: The ground is normally bare and only becomes a problem if you have a nicked hot wire in the conduit ...
Installing a new meter/disconnect/panel12/19/2009
  Q: Just want to make sure I have this right before I call for an inspection. I do know local codes vary ...
  A: In my neck of the woods, any electrical wire on the outside needs to be in conduit to protect it ...
Installing a new meter/disconnect/panel12/18/2009
  Q: Just want to make sure I have this right before I call for an inspection. I do know local codes vary ...
  A: The inspector may call for some additional things such as bonding hot to cold at the water heater, ...
Power off, Breaker not Tripped12/18/2009
  Q: Power to two rooms (Bath and Bedroom) shuts off on its own and sometimes when I throw any switch. ...
  A: You should be concerned. You need to put a gfci outlet back in the bathroom. When the power goes ...
Outdoor Receptacle Issue12/18/2009
  Q: I have 2 outdoor receptacles without any GFI. The house is about 20 yrs old and I have owned it ...
  A: This is odd because 20 years ago outside receptacles were put on gfci circuits. So either someone ...
water closet (toilet room) receptacle12/17/2009
  Q: I ordered a bidet toilet seat for my husband (you don't want the details, I'm sure). The toilet in ...
  A: I do not know of any distance requirements in a wc that apply to the separate toilet room. Obviously ...
wireing exterior outlet12/17/2009
  Q: what is the best way to fish a new circuit from an attic down an exterior wall to a new exterior ...
  A: Actually getting through the insulation is the toughest. If you are not careful you can remove too ...
wireing exterior outlet12/16/2009
  Q: what is the best way to fish a new circuit from an attic down an exterior wall to a new exterior ...
  A: You have three options: 1. You run down the outside of the house in conduit. 2. You run down the ...
aprilaire12/16/2009
  Q: can i wire my aprilaire to come on when the humidistat senses the need for water without the "call ...
  A: You could wire it many different ways but you should contact the manufacture to see what they ...
GCFI outlet12/15/2009
  Q: A GCFI outlet suddenly stopped working. It gets its power from another GCFI outlet which is working ...
  A: A gfci being fed from a gfci should be getting it's power from the line terminals, not the load so ...
Outlets not working but getting voltage readings12/15/2009
  Q: A few days ago we lost power in our bedroom and bathroom which I thought was just an overload and a ...
  A: Sounds like you have a loose or broken neutral wire. The place to start is at the panel, however it ...
electrical wiring - slight shock & spark when cleaning off stove12/14/2009
  Q: I rent my house which was built in 1952. There is one wall plug for the refrigerator, stove/oven ...
  A: An electrician needs to come fix the problems. Simply changing a two-prong outlet to a 3-prong ...
volt problem12/14/2009
  Q: I tried cookin a pizza today and noticed that the oven would not get hot. I thought the stove was ...
  A: It sounds like you lost one leg of your power coming in. Take your voltmeter and measure the ...
themostat, alarm, telephone wiring12/13/2009
  Q: I hope you don't mind that I included several questions. They're all related to the same problem... ...
  A: You are right, low voltage codes are different. However, you would be best off by calling the phone ...
UF inside walls?12/12/2009
  Q: I've got 3 rolls of 'normal' 12/2 w/g wire. I ALSO have 300' of left over 12/2 UF wire that I 'need ...
  A: As far as I know it can. It usually isn't used indoors like that because it costs more than normal ...
Heated base for poultry water heater12/12/2009
  Q: I have a thermostatically controlled heated water base for poultry that the mice have chewed on the ...
  A: The important thing is to get the ground wires connected properly. You want the ground from the ...
electical short in heat pump12/11/2009
  Q: Everything in my home is electric there is no gas. About 4 years ago in the winter my heat stopped ...
  A: This is strange. What is the use of a heat pump if you are told not to use it. I would need to know ...
3 way switches12/11/2009
  Q: I have a stairway with 2 switches, one at the top the other at the bottom, and they both turn on and ...
  A: There are motion sensor 3-way switches. What you need to know is the "common" at each switch. The ...
Outlet issue12/10/2009
  Q: I recently noticed a 20amp outlet wired with 2 hot wires. Each hot wire is coming from a different ...
  A: This sounds like a 220 volt outlet. These are typically used for window air conditioners, but can ...
Repairing a suspected "short" in a light fixture12/10/2009
  Q: "I'm assisting a friend and resolved one problem, yet caused another (sound familiar?). I was ...
  A: Start with the circuit breaker and if it is okay look at the switch. If you have the correct power ...
Light fixture12/9/2009
  Q: My kitchen ceiling light fixture recently stopped working. I removed the light fixture from the ...
  A: Ah, the disappearing voltage. It is usually the white wire that has become loose, but it could be ...
electrical problem12/9/2009
  Q: I have a strange problem with the kitchen lights. All ceiling lights have stopped working - ...
  A: Does the fan above the oven work? It could be a switch quit working or a wire came loose at the ...
exhaust fan12/8/2009
  Q: I have a bathroom exhaust fan that is controlled by the light switch[light switch controls overhead ...
  A: If the fan has a safe place to mount a pull chain I do not see why you could not do that. If the fan ...
table lamp socket wiring??????12/8/2009
  Q: purchased on ebay, was DOA...Disassembled. There is an in line switch. Smooth (hot) cut, and ribbed ...
  A: This is interesting because you are describing the base of one being hot and the threads of the ...
Dayton G7312/8/2009
  Q: I had a Dayton G73 heater installed in my garage. When running on the "High" setting there doesn't ...
  A: The first thing to check is to make sure it has been wired correctly for 208/240 volts. It is ...
electric ceiling heat - covering thermostat12/7/2009
  Q: We have electric ceiling heat and the dining room thermostat control is in the middle of the only ...
  A: A thermostat measures the air around it and then tells the heat to turn on or off accordingly. If ...
Dryer receptacle to subpanel?12/7/2009
  Q: I need another circuit on the far side of our house for Christmas lights. Our house (built in 2006) ...
  A: You do have the option of installing two 20 amp circuits from this circuit. What you need to do is ...
residential wiring - power failure12/7/2009
  Q: I just replaced an outlet that kept blowing the breaker (original outlet from 1971 wiring - it was ...
  A: Look for a loose connection at the outlet you replaced. If that is not the problem you need to ...
Installing new breaker box12/6/2009
  Q: I am going to replace the old fuse box in my small woodworking shop with a new breaker box. I built ...
  A: You need to know the wire size to your shop. If you cannot read the writing you have a couple of ...
circuit breaker12/6/2009
  Q: I noticed in my circuit breaker box that a 15 amp breaker is being used to service 12/3 wire. I ...
  A: First, and most important. If you have two breakers sharing the same neutral (which is the case with ...
20A 250V commercial outlet12/6/2009
  Q: I have a 20A 250V commercial outlet in my house, best guess is that it might have been used for a ...
  A: You need to open the breaker panel and remove the breaker cover. Figure out which double pole ...
Killing electrical switch and Outlet12/5/2009
  Q: I am in the process of renovating my guest bedroom built in 1949. I have a door into the garage ...
  A: You have a couple of choices. Since you are removing the drywall I would suggest (with the power ...
Second service panel12/5/2009
  Q: I would like to install a second 200 amp service panel to accommodate the load of a 10kw electric ...
  A: This will require the utility company and the local AHJ, which means inspections and permits. Go to ...
recessed lighting12/4/2009
  Q: I have some low voltage recessed lights that need the pigtail changed. Can I pull the "can" down ...
  A: If they are remodel cans then you should be able to pull them down. You can tell by looking in the ...
Installing a new service meter, disconnect and panel12/4/2009
  Q: I'm looking at moving my meter box to the other side of my house. Along with this I'm going to put ...
  A: These are all great questions. Since you are pulling a permit for this, which I assume you have to, ...
Load Estimation12/3/2009
  Q: I am doing a remodel on my basement (house is a split foyer style), and I am in process of doing a ...
  A: Something being a "hassle" should never be the reason to do not do something smart. This is a ...
changing water heaters12/3/2009
  Q: I'm changing from a gas water heater to an electric one and the new one is 220 but the outlet for ...
  A: You cannot convert it unless the wire gauge is large enough to handle the wattage of the heater. ...
Vanity light12/3/2009
  Q: I put a new vanity light in my one and only bathroom. Now the lights stay on with the switch off. ...
  A: If the old one worked correctly it is doubtful that you wired the new one exactly like the old one. ...
colors of 240v wires12/2/2009
  Q: I am installing a sun mite infrared heater 240v to a circuit breaker and I need to know what the ...
  A: I would need to look at the installation instructions or a wiring diagram of the specific unit. ...
Natural Gas Furnace12/2/2009
  Q: Mr Hughes, I live in NJ and have a natural gas forced hot air furnace and the emergency red plate ...
  A: I am not familiar with the NAC, but oil furnaces are suppose to have a shut off switch as you enter ...
CFL use in chandelier12/1/2009
  Q: I have a 7 lamp chandelier with 2 lamps in the bottom "dome" and 5 up top. Tried using CFLs but only ...
  A: Have you tried incandescent bulbs? Do your CFL bulbs all come with their own ballast? Do the ballast ...
Electric Stove Burner11/30/2009
  Q: I recently had a reputable repair company out to replace the main 8"and another 8" burner on my ...
  A: Something could be miswired, or the wrong burner put in. If it is a reputable company they will come ...
Circuit Breaker11/29/2009
  Q: All of a sudden one of the circuits keeps blowing and immediately shuts off upon powering on,even ...
  A: If you remove the wire from the breaker (when it is in the off position) and it trips when you turn ...
30 amp11/28/2009
  Q: I have a camper with a 30 amp breaker box, can I put on a male 20 amp plug so I can run a drop ...
  A: Camping supply stores and many home centers sell all kind of adapters for trailers and campers. ...
Adding An Additional Breaker Panel11/28/2009
  Q: Our home has a 100 amp breaker panel. We had a heat pump installed two years ago and decided to use ...
  A: Do you have lack of room in the panel or lack of capacity? There is a difference. If you have lack ...
Sub Panel11/24/2009
  Q: I have a 200 AMP panel box electrical service on a pole. There is presently nothing connect to the ...
  A: I know that RVs can run very close to the 30 amps so the question is what will be the total max load ...
wiring a stacked 3way switch11/24/2009
  Q: Is there a place to find a schematic for wiring a combination two switches 3-way, side wire (a ...
  A: You break off the tab at the switch that has two different commons. If the other switch has a common ...
208 volts for a cooktop11/23/2009
  Q: I really need some expert advice. I had a Maytag stove/oven combination that was purchased in 1989. ...
  A: The cooktop, and most electric cooktops in the U.S., are rated at 208/240 volts. Which means the ...
3 pole dimmer11/22/2009
  Q: I purchased two 3 pole dimmers and wired them as per the instructions found in the packaging but for ...
  A: New 3-ways are wired differently than older ones. Now you will need to find the two commons (not ...
MY lights went out when changing a light bulb.11/21/2009
  Q: I have a lampficture in my kitchen that has about 8 small light bulbs. There were only 3 light bulbs ...
  A: It is possible that part of the old bulb is still in the socket and creating a dead short. With the ...
direct wiring a european model waterheater11/20/2009
  Q: i purchased an under the sink instant water heater, little did i know it was a european model unit, ...
  A: You will need a dedicated line from the breaker panel to that outlet under the sink. If your outlet ...
Old Breakers11/20/2009
  Q: I was wondering if HACR breakers were necessary years ago. While I was looking online at older ...
  A: HACR breakers react differently than the older standard breakers. Even fuses for HVAC equipment act ...
Testing low volt transformer11/19/2009
  Q: New home. Five years old. My low voltage lights don't work in my bath and I tried replacing the ...
  A: First you test the high voltage being supplied to the transformer. Since a transformer merely takes ...
romex to knob and tube switch leg in wall11/18/2009
  Q: ..I'm try to abandon knob and tube in the attic...will run 12/2 romex from new panel..should i use ...
  A: In my experience some of the most dangerous incidents of k and t is in the wall so I hope you are ...
kitchen circuits11/18/2009
  Q: i am updating my kitchen which has 15 amp circuits, do I have to upgrade existing circuits to 20 ...
  A: If you are pulling permits for this job you will have to follow what the AHJ dictates. So you will ...
220 V 2 pole Breaker11/17/2009
  Q: I have a motor that I am running an outlet for. The motor is 230 V 14 amp and comes with a 30 amp ...
  A: In the U.S.A this is how we would do it: If you buy 10-2 with a ground you will connect the ground ...
Ceiling fan lighting issue11/16/2009
  Q: I have an issue with my ceiling fan light kit. The first kit capacitor blew and Hunter sent me a new ...
  A: Voltage in Japan is 100 volts, ungrounded, and either 50 hz or 60 hz depending on what area you are ...
Is replacing the entire subpanel overkill?11/15/2009
  Q: After inspecting our home built in 1965, an electrician recommended that we replace the subpanel in ...
  A: If you have a certain type of panel then I would say yes you need to update it. That panel is over ...
Eletrical line problem11/15/2009
  Q: We got a heater of 1500 watts and plugged in. But it went off and when we checked further we ...
  A: You are talking about two things, fuses and tripped circuits. Fuses blow and are not resettable and ...
220 breaker on a dryer11/14/2009
  Q: i have a new dryer.everytime i use it it trips the breaker. i got a new breaker (20) and it still ...
  A: Electric dryers require a double-pole 30 amp breaker and at least 10 awg wire. After you make sure ...
Bathroom exhaust fans11/13/2009
  Q: I own a rental house with a small (5x8) bathroom with a very old exhaust fan (about 40 years old, ...
  A: Any electrical fixture above the shower or tub area needs to be on a gfci circuit. Doubtful your ...
capacitors11/13/2009
  Q: I have a capacitor gone in a motor,its a 400v 50hz 36uf with push on lugs at top for connection. Ive ...
  A: Caps wired in parallel are added together because you have increased the plate size. It is like ...
Generator hookup11/11/2009
  Q: I am installing a Generac 10kw propane standby generator. Pre-wired harness is 30 feet long. I may ...
  A: There are splicing blocks available but you have to wrap (insulate) them well. I would splice in the ...
electrical11/11/2009
  Q: my kitchen lights quit working as well as the fan and light on our hood vent, and in the living ...
  A: Without a voltmeter you are just guessing. And you should never touch electrical wires without ...
Centering a chandelier11/10/2009
  Q: The chandelier is slightly off center due to the ceiling joist. The electrical box is attached to ...
  A: The ceiling joists are rarely found in the center of a room so you will need to have attic access. ...
Size &t ype11/10/2009
  Q: I have a new detached garage 150 ft from main box. I want 220& 110 underground (no conduit)type ...
  A: What you need to know is how many amps you plan on using. Add up your lighting, your air compressor, ...
Range Outlet11/9/2009
  Q: I have a question regarding moving the outlet for my range. I am doing some rearranging of my ...
  A: You should test the outlet for power after you turn off the breaker and before you disconnect it, ...
Four Way Switch11/7/2009
  Q: I recently switched an existing four way switch to a white one and since then the whole system ...
  A: If it worked before you changed the switch it means you have miswired the new switch. The new ...
switch for blower11/7/2009
  Q: Im replacing a dimmer switch for wood stove the old switch has a blk and white wires the new has 2 ...
  A: They are different because they were made at different times, perhaps from a different company, both ...
adding ceiling light in existing room11/6/2009
  Q: Is there a technique for running the wire (romex) in a finished wall and ceiling without tearing up ...
  A: Pulling wires is partly technical and partly an art form. Having the right tools makes all the ...
Shop Wiring11/6/2009
  Q: I recently built a shop and need to get power to it. An electrician suggesting taping my main power ...
  A: The amount of lighting will depend on several factors. One is your age, another is what type of ...
gfci switch wiring11/5/2009
  Q: I plan on wiring a switch to an outdoor lantern using power from my gfci load out. I have run my ...
  A: Hot from the load terminal will go to the switch. Neutral from the load terminal goes to the switch ...
Shop Wiring11/5/2009
  Q: I recently built a shop and need to get power to it. An electrician suggesting taping my main power ...
  A: The attic is better than a ditch. I do not like aluminum so I always suggest copper. The size of the ...
Shutting off when hot11/4/2009
  Q: I live in a older home and my kitchen and bath overhead lights are on the same circuit. I also have ...
  A: The first things to look for are wrong wattage bulbs and wrong type of bulbs. Each light is built ...
12/311/4/2009
  Q: Good afternoon, We just ran 3000 ft of 12/3 and have a power converter (for a lack of better words) ...
  A: At 3000 feet you are going to have major voltage drop issues. What type of voltage and wattage do ...
Multiple outlets stopped working11/3/2009
  Q: After reading thru many question and answers, I believe I know what at least what to check. Anyway I ...
  A: First, throw the tester with lights in your drawer and get a digital voltmeter (they are less than ...
1930's school clock11/3/2009
  Q: I have a 1930's school clock. It has 3 wires. Black, White, Red. The lable says 24 VDC. Does that ...
  A: How the schools kept all the clocks running at the same time, which is very important when you have ...
Installing Appliances11/2/2009
  Q: I will be installing a dishwasher in my mobile home tomorrow and have a few questions. 1) Am I able ...
  A: I am not familiar with local codes for your area and you may need a permit for what you are doing. ...
only getting 52 volts from 110 volts11/2/2009
  Q: I have a wire going to light sconces where I am reading about 52 volts. This wire is connected in a ...
  A: How I would troubleshoot this is to check all the connections in the switch box (with the power off) ...
Hot tub circuit10/31/2009
  Q: I have a hot tub that requires a 40amp circuit. Here is how I have installed it. There is a GFI ...
  A: The wire at that length is rated for a 40 amp breaker. It would be 50 amps if it was under 100' in ...
Short cirucit?10/31/2009
  Q: House electrical to separate building (Studio). Problem: Low voltage 20-30V on the studio side. On ...
  A: The wires could of been nicked originally and the conduit leaks somewhere. Once the ground became ...
Short cirucit?10/30/2009
  Q: House electrical to separate building (Studio). Problem: Low voltage 20-30V on the studio side. On ...
  A: You say you have 110 volts at a double pole breaker but you should be getting 220 volts across them. ...
Freaked-out Smoke Detector10/29/2009
  Q: We have a ceiling fan and smoke detector in one of our bedrooms. Whenever the ceiling fan is turned ...
  A: I have seen lower-grade ceiling fans get so hot when they are on that you cannot touch the base and ...
Capping electrical outlet (plug)10/29/2009
  Q: I have several outlets I want to cap, with blank plates, what is the safest way to do this?
  A: With the power off, disconnect the wires from the outlet and put wire nuts on them and then wrap ...
GFCI outlet10/28/2009
  Q: I am also on the board, in roofing and ventilation. I am remodeling a bathroom on my home. One ...
  A: If this circuit goes on to feed other outlets outside of the bathroom that are not normally gfci ...
6+ wires in Ceiling Light10/26/2009
  Q: I am trying to replace an existing ceiling light that for some reason has 3 black, 3 white and a few ...
  A: It sounds like you should wire it the same as the old one. I am not sure what you mean when you say ...
SMOKE COMING FROM ELECTRCAL OUTLET10/25/2009
  Q: THEN NOTICED SMOKE AT THE RECEPTACLE. WE QUICKLY TURNED OFF UNIT AND UNPLUGGED. WATCHED AND WE DID ...
  A: If the unit was running at the appropriate amp draw then it may be that you had a loose connection ...
Open Circuit ?10/22/2009
  Q: In my home some outlets and switches on a circuit work and some do not. This includes a light switch ...
  A: Look for gfci outlet(s) that could of tripped. If that is not it start checking each circuit at the ...
fused 120 volt outlet10/22/2009
  Q: Is their such a thing as a fused 120 volt switch or outlet?
  A: The difference between a fuse and breaker is that the fuse blows and is not resettable, whereas the ...
Switch Leg Issue10/21/2009
  Q: I have a new construction switch leg question. My basement has 8 blue box pull string light fixtures ...
  A: You really should have two separate circuits for the lights and outlets. I always recommend putting ...
Fuses10/20/2009
  Q: I have two rooms next to each other. Each time I turn on the heater and the TV in one of the room, ...
  A: Check the wattage of the heater and see if you are drawing more amps with that and the T.V. on at ...
220 line problem10/19/2009
  Q: I have a problem...Each time I run my electrical dryer, I blow a circuit. At firs, I thought it was ...
  A: One option is to have the factory service come and look at the new dryer to establish that the dryer ...
220 line problem10/19/2009
  Q: I have a problem...Each time I run my electrical dryer, I blow a circuit. At firs, I thought it was ...
  A: What needs to happen is an amp meter put on the circuit and watched while the dryer is running. If ...
resident wiring10/18/2009
  Q: I visited my mother and she had six wall outlets that when I put a volt meter on them I got a ...
  A: The only time a broken ground would affect your reading is if you are testing to ground. If your ...
oven bake element10/18/2009
  Q: I need to replace my bake element that burned out I took the old one out and thought that there was ...
  A: At this point you should look at the schematic. But, normally the two black wires go together while ...
connecting cook top to stove10/17/2009
  Q: the cook top have 4 wires black,red,white, and a ground new wall mount stove has three black,red,and ...
  A: Usually the red and black are the two hot legs, white is neutral, and green is ground. You could ...
Oven and Microwave Electric Supply10/16/2009
  Q: Doing a kitchen makeover. I just removed a built in double oven. It had a plug/socket 240V supply, ...
  A: If the two are one unit all you do is wire it to the existing wire and check to make sure you have ...
long distance wiring10/16/2009
  Q: i have a 200 amp service pole about 300 feet away from the main panel of my home. what size wire and ...
  A: The rule of thumb is for every 100' over 100' you go to the next bigger size for copper wire. The ...
question regarding sub panel10/15/2009
  Q: I am looking to update the sub panel located in my garage (main panel in house). The main panel has ...
  A: First you need to establish how many amps you need for your house and that will tell you the ...
kitchen wiring - countertop and dishwasher/disposal10/14/2009
  Q: I am doing a complete remodel of my kitchen, down to the studs. Everything is exposed, and I'm ...
  A: As far as I know you can install as many outlets you want on the counter, as long as a 24" cord can ...
220 dryer plug10/13/2009
  Q: i had to change the plug to fit dads old dryer(dryer plug to range plug),we decided to get a new ...
  A: At this point you need to take a voltmeter and verify which wires are supplying the 220 volts and ...
240V double pole fuse amperage10/12/2009
  Q: I have a simple question that I've had people give me different answers. I have fuse box with a ...
  A: Two 30 amp fuses. You have up to 30 amps flowing through the two fuses so if you have 15 amp fuses ...
Replaced bathroom switch, now GFI trips10/12/2009
  Q: Bathroom, separate light and fan controlled by a pair of SPST switches with a common terminal on one ...
  A: You need to find out if you have reversed polarity, meaning the white is hot and the black is ...
new LG 240v. 18,000 ac wall unit10/11/2009
  Q: installed this unit 10/09/2009, i have a new 200 amp service, used a 20 amp 2 pole breaker switch, ...
  A: What do you get when you measure from hot prong to hot prong? You mentioned 123 at each prong but we ...
New Construction Recessed Lighting with no access10/11/2009
  Q: As I understand the NEC code, all junction boxes must be accessible without removing ...
  A: Lets use some good old common sense for this situation. If you install new construction in an area ...
short9/24/2009
  Q: I have an issue with one side of my mobile home losing electricity occasionally, actually off more ...
  A: It sounds more like an "open" rather than "short". I strongly recommend hiring an electrician ...
service panel in exterior wall9/22/2009
  Q: I am putting a service panel in an exterior 2x6 wall in my new garage due to the short length of the ...
  A: If the vapor is a major concern I would just run my conduit up from the box, on the outside, and ...
wireing diogonogistics9/22/2009
  Q: how can i trace the problem in an apt bldg on 2nd floor apt whenever they turned on the shower they ...
  A: Take a volt measurement between the showerhead and a reference ground that you know is really ...
OPEN GROUND9/21/2009
  Q: When installing a new outlet, tester showed an open ground....When I tested all of the outlets in ...
  A: It is possible that your house is old enough to not have ground wires. That was common in older ...
electric9/21/2009
  Q: I am replacing a combination switch outlet with a combination switch/gfci (Shock Sentry) I have a ...
  A: Your terminology is a little confusing. By "two wire system" do you mean two wires in one ...
Question9/20/2009
  Q: Is it normal to hear a buzzing sound coming from the electrical panel when the A/C comes on? Thanks
  A: It depends on where the buzzing is coming from. It can be a sign of a weak or loose breaker, loose ...
Ceiling fan w light9/18/2009
  Q: I'm wiring a ceiling fan and light is not working. situation....hot wire comes into switch ...
  A: When you installed the light kit make sure the quick-connect connection is tight. Have you tried the ...
Thermostat for fan control9/18/2009
  Q: I'm trying to get ventilation into a root cellar to cool it with night air during our hot summers ...
  A: Let me see if I understand, you want the cellar fan to come on when the outside air is less than 55 ...
Electrical Outlet problem9/17/2009
  Q: My daughter has an older home with an electrical outlet that has a 6 plug expander box plugged into ...
  A: Check the rating of the expander to make sure it can handle the amps of the dishwasher. Current ...
shed wiring9/17/2009
  Q: I can bring power to my 10x10 shed directly from my meter box whioh has breaker switch capability. ...
  A: You can use romex but that is hard to pull through the conduit. Look for wire with a THHN rating ...
Dead breaker?9/16/2009
  Q: I will start at the beginning; last winter, we had an electrical issue with our lights dimming, then ...
  A: There are a couple of possibilities and all are easier to verify when the problem exists. You did ...
wiring a shed9/15/2009
  Q: I can bring power to my 10x10 shed directly from my meter box whioh has breaker switch capability. ...
  A: I like PVC conduit in the ground for protection of the wire. You can go directly from a breaker to ...
Electrical Panels9/14/2009
  Q: I converted by home to a square D 200 AMP Sub panel with 30 breakers. I need to know which Square D ...
  A: If I understand correctly you installed the 200 amp subpanel and now what to upgrade your main. If ...
hot tub9/13/2009
  Q: i was advised to use 6 gauge wire to 50 amp breaker box, do i need to run 6 gauge from outside ...
  A: Your hot tub should have a GFCI disconnect and if it is on a 50 amp breaker then yes, you would use ...
Upgrading 200 Amp Residential Load Center to 400 Amp9/10/2009
  Q: Just a bit over 25 years ago I was a lic. cert. electrician, HVAC, B1 contractor in LA County, CA. ...
  A: Yes, but at least you get to live in Florida. This upgrade to 400 amps is not going to be cheap, ...
Upgrading 200 Amp Residential Load Center to 400 Amp9/9/2009
  Q: Just a bit over 25 years ago I was a lic. cert. electrician, HVAC, B1 contractor in LA County, CA. ...
  A: You will need to get the utility company and the local AHJ involved in this. The utility company ...
tapping off a 220 circuit for a new GFI Circuit9/9/2009
  Q: I built a shed 150 feet from my home. I ran 14/2 underground wire ( bk, wht, gnd) in gray PVC to the ...
  A: You probably should of asked for advise before this project began. The 14/2 is undersized. You ...
48v at box with power off9/8/2009
  Q: I was attempting to replace a builder installed fan in a master bed room. With fan removed, and ...
  A: This is why a person should always, always check for voltage before working on wires. Do you just ...
tube and knob wiring9/8/2009
  Q: isit easy to determine if electricity is stii activein a old house.we want to blow insulation in the ...
  A: Yes, it is easy to determine if electrical wires are live. An inspector would have you remove old ...
sub panel on a detached garage9/6/2009
  Q: I was reading one of your responses on allexperts.com and I was curious about a situation I'm having ...
  A: Two grounding rods are okay as long as they follow code when installing them. This is not the normal ...
Power fluctuating up and down9/5/2009
  Q: The power and my home kept cutting off so I called an electriction to fix the problem. The guy said ...
  A: If your 15 amp circuit has any wire smaller than 10 gauge there is now a fire hazard by installing ...
double switch outlet9/4/2009
  Q: i am trying to replace a double switch outlet that turns two different lights on and off. each with ...
  A: Let me make sure I understand. You have a switched outlet that both the upper and lower prongs are ...
electrical outlet9/3/2009
  Q: I changed the light bulb. The breaker never shut off and the outlet now won't work as well as ...
  A: Look for a gfci outlet that may have tripped. If that is not the problem you will need a voltmeter ...
wire size for oven9/3/2009
  Q: What size of wire do I need for a 50 foot span of wire to a 240V double wall oven Total Connected ...
  A: According to the math that would be a 40 amp circuit so the wire size would be #8 awg copper. But ...
Wiring two fixtures to one switch9/2/2009
  Q: I have two exterior fixtures that need to be controlled by one switch. I know how to do this where ...
  A: At the switch you should have 2 sets of 3 wires (black,white,ground) already there and now you will ...
220V outlets9/2/2009
  Q: I live in a small mobile home and both the stove and the refrigerator spaces are the same size. I ...
  A: Are you saying you want to swap where the stove and refrig are or remove the refrig and install a ...
ceiling light8/31/2009
  Q: I changed a ceiling light but didn't connect the ground wire to anything. There was a bare (I ...
  A: You should have a bare copper wire in the ceiling box and a bare wire from the fixture. They get ...
AC Fan Motor Wiring8/31/2009
  Q: The fan in my air conditioner unit does is not turning on. I have confirmed that the motor is ...
  A: You did not say but it sounds like this is the outdoor fan motor. Normally the outdoor fan is not ...
Covering over house wiring8/30/2009
  Q: I'm adding storage flooring using 4X8 sheets of osb on top of the bottom of my roof trusses. Some ...
  A: Wiring ran across joists rather than beside are suppose to have firring ran along so people do not ...
SubPanel Followup Question8/30/2009
  Q: I will take your advice and install the subpanel however have a couple of followup questions. Can I ...
  A: I am assuming you are pulling a permit for this and it will be inspected before being energized. It ...
No power in one circuit.8/29/2009
  Q: I accidently threw a switch and 2 live wires in a light fixture shorted a circuit. The house was ...
  A: You may have blown that switch or another switch in the circuit. However, if the whole circuit is ...
question8/26/2009
  Q: I found out a 30A breaker is being used to power outlets and light fixtures. I have a few questions ...
  A: I will answer backwards. The general length were voltage drop becomes an issue is 100'. The 15 amp ...
proper bonding of CSST8/26/2009
  Q: There is mixed info about a proprietary method to properly bond CSST gas feed pipe. Can you clear it ...
  A: The manufacture, the National Fuel Gas Code, the National Mechanical Code, and the NEC, all have ...
Figuring Amps8/25/2009
  Q: I have a hair dryer that has 1875 watts written on it and I was trying to figure the amps. It has ...
  A: In your equation P/E = I P = watts E = voltage I = amps The wattage rating of 1875 is if you have ...
Replacing GFI Receptacle8/24/2009
  Q: I have a GFI receptacle in the bathroom of my mobile home. At the opposite end of the house there is ...
  A: You should not replace the GFI with a switch. Instead, hire an electrician to find out why your GFI ...
Electrical circuit breakers8/23/2009
  Q: I have allot of appliances on one 15 amp circuit breaker that pops or breakers if 3 out of 5 of them ...
  A: If the wire is 14 gauge you cannot install a 20 amp breaker on that circuit. The wires could heat up ...
6 outlets dead8/22/2009
  Q: Six kitchen outlets are dead. Not sure how or what did it. I assumed it was the GFI outlet. I ...
  A: The 15-20 amp outlet is not an issue. So let's move on. Normally in a kitchen you have several ...
Remote Lighting Circuit - Riding Arena8/22/2009
  Q: I want to run 2 20amp circuits to a new riding arena we are building. One circuit is for general ...
  A: Your voltage drop for 400 feet is significant. With 12/2 at 400 feet you approx. have a voltage drop ...
Flickering clock display on stove8/21/2009
  Q: I bought a new electric glasstop range a month ago, and the digital clock and display have a subtle ...
  A: It sounds like how a traffic signal works. An object disrupts the field (buried under the pavement) ...
Flickering clock display on stove8/21/2009
  Q: I bought a new electric glasstop range a month ago, and the digital clock and display have a subtle ...
  A: That would be amazing if you did have some super power that allowed you to turn off electrical ...
Adding a Sub-Panel on 110V Service8/20/2009
  Q: Adding a Sub-Panel on 110V Service I’m in the process of remodeling a small house in Mexico and the ...
  A: You said 40v, but I think you meant 40 amps. I am not familiar with codes in Mexico. Here in the ...
3 way switches8/20/2009
  Q: Is there any difference in the continuity of 3 way switches from the 40's? One of mine started ...
  A: Yes, the new 3-way switches are different than the older ones. This is what you need to do: 1. ...
outdoor photo cell8/17/2009
  Q: I am trying to hook up and out door photo cell for 2 lights on the front porch. Says hook blk wirt ...
  A: Are these two separate light fixtures working off of one photocell or one light fixture with two ...
2 Bulb Outdoor Flood Day/Night8/16/2009
  Q: Checked wiring black to black and white to white. Lamps bulbs ok. Socket...center contact - how do ...
  A: Checking the center socket can be tricky and dangerous because the very bottom center is hot and the ...
Electrical Outlets in two bathrooms and outside have stopped working.8/13/2009
  Q: All the outlets in two of our bathrooms and outside have stopped working. The rest of the house is ...
  A: You can turn the breakers all the way off and then turn them back on. If one of them does not feel ...
110 or 220 volts8/11/2009
  Q: i am preparing to replace 2 winow ac units for my mother. my father was an electrician and installed ...
  A: You cannot direct wire a window A/C unless you have a disconnect switch nearby. In other words, you ...
Jacuzzi8/10/2009
  Q: I recently installed a used jacuzzi. The new location is about 200 feet if not a little more from ...
  A: The rule of thumb is every 100' you need to go up one size in wire to adapt for the voltage drop. ...
electrical short?8/10/2009
  Q: As new homeowners my husband removed an old ceiling fan and installed the new one in our livingroom. ...
  A: Tripped breakers must be fully turned off before they will reset in the on position. If the breaker ...
installing new electrical oven8/7/2009
  Q: I have some knowledge of wiring basic things, But I'm ready to install a new elec wall oven.The ...
  A: The first thing you need to do is determine what the amperage rating is for the oven. If it does not ...
Knob and tube wiring7/31/2009
  Q: I live in a two family house. I live in the main part and the back was built on. Some of my wirers ...
  A: It sounds like you want the service split so both parties have a meter and pay separate bills. If ...
Distance/height above roof7/31/2009
  Q: I've looked all over the web trying to find what the NEC code says about electric feed wires from a ...
  A: This sounds more like a local problem rather than a NEC, but I cannot tell for sure without seeing ...
replacing old bathroom fixture7/30/2009
  Q: i recently replaced the vanity and mirror in my bathroom. Now the hole in the wall where the wires ...
  A: At one time, people ran the wires down to the light fixture without a box for termination and ...
grounding conductor size7/29/2009
  Q: I'm rewiring a home that was built in 1953. In the service panel , there is no grounding bus. I've ...
  A: Normally a 1/2 inch grounding rod is sufficient for a 100 amp panel. However, inspectors can ask for ...
Ceiling fan has ground wire7/29/2009
  Q: I'm putting in a ceiling fan and it has a light wire, a fan wire, a neutral wire and a ground wire. ...
  A: There should be a ground wire in the ceiling box. It may be shoved way up or sometimes they took the ...
GFCI7/28/2009
  Q: Will a GFCI work on an old two wire system with no ground wire? Is there a special type of GFCI for ...
  A: You can install a gfci on a two-wire circuit you just need to use the little sticker that comes with ...
400a service7/28/2009
  Q: I'm changing out my 200a service with a 400a service in my home and need to know what size and type ...
  A: I recommend calling your building inspector because they are going to be the ones that inspect and ...
baseboard locations7/27/2009
  Q: Does an electric (240V) baseboard heater HAVE to be under a window on an external wall, or can I ...
  A: The main reasons for heaters being placed under windows and on external walls is that those are main ...
Rewiring my outside light7/27/2009
  Q: My front outside light went out and I want to replace it with a Security light. Inside my front door ...
  A: You may or may not be able to pull that wire because it may have been stapled to a stud. If you are ...
double ovens7/26/2009
  Q: what size breaker should my new double wall oven be connected to the current breaker is a double ...
  A: The size of the wire from your breaker to the oven will determine what size breaker can be ...
AC and Dryer on same ganged ciruit breaker7/26/2009
  Q: I recently had my AC go out and the AC tech came out and said my AC was fine so I called my ...
  A: I have a feeling you should of trusted the AC tech because they make more money by selling you a new ...
Heat Pump7/25/2009
  Q: My wife and I just bought our first house and we are going to need a new furnace come winter as our ...
  A: Congrats on your new home ownership! A heat pump is an air conditioner that has a reversing valve ...
100 amp service - adequate?7/24/2009
  Q: I'm a homeowner in Philadelphia, PA, and would like to do a load calculation to determine if I can ...
  A: He is referring to 31,800 watts or 31.8 kilowatts. He is saying that the main panel will allow you ...
power out in only 3 rooms7/24/2009
  Q: my daughter plugged in and turned on the vacuum in the living room. This caused the power to go out ...
  A: If you do sell her who will do the vacuuming? It was not your daughter's fault so please do not sell ...
RSK-2 switch for swamp cooler7/23/2009
  Q: I am installing an RSK-2 speed switch for swamp cooler which calls for 2 black, 1 red, and one "hot" ...
  A: Use a tester to find out which wire is "hot". Leave the whites alone. With the breaker off; You ...
fuse pull-outs7/21/2009
  Q: I have a 100 amp square d fuse panel. I would like to hook up an electric drier. I have a spare fuse ...
  A: It is not just the size of the fuses you have consider; you must consider the wire size that is ...
problems with 3 way switch wiring7/21/2009
  Q: I changed two 3 way switches out. One upstairs, one down stairs. The down stairs switch has to be ...
  A: You have miswired the new three way switches. Often the new ones need to be wired differently than ...
100 amp service7/20/2009
  Q: I have a small cabin (850 Square Feet) in north georgia. I have 100 amp service to the cabin and I ...
  A: There is a load calculation sheet that is used to determine what the service should be. Rarely ...
codes7/18/2009
  Q: I live in central Illinois and had a tree fall on my house tearing away the meter base and wiring ...
  A: I am not aware of that code. It is my understanding that if you are simply changing out or upgrading ...
Switched/unswitched outlet7/17/2009
  Q: Greg, Under my kitchen sink is a single receptacle with 2 outlets. They both turn on and off with a ...
  A: You do need to run more romex because the outlet is being fed power from the switch. The wire is ...
codes7/17/2009
  Q: I live in central Illinois and had a tree fall on my house tearing away the meter base and wiring ...
  A: You have the NEC and you have state codes and you have local codes. When you say the wiring has to ...
Plugs and Switeches not working7/16/2009
  Q: We recently had a new roof installed and we had them replace the turtle back electric fans and ...
  A: If you believe someone caused a problem why not have them back out to fix it? If the problem ...
Stove Plug Wiring7/16/2009
  Q: My son just purchased a new stove that came with a 3 prong plug. The previous owner took the plug ...
  A: If he did wire incorrectly you have a dangerous situation. It means the chassis is now energized ...
dryer wiring7/14/2009
  Q: I am trying to hook up a dryer in my home. The previous outlet was left hanging under the house and ...
  A: The old way of wiring 220 volt outlets was to use black and white as hot and bare wire as ...
A/C Circuit Breaker7/13/2009
  Q: We are trying to replace our A/C circuit breaker. According to the front it is a Challenger 4 pole ...
  A: You will most likely need to put in a 20a double pole with a tiebar. It may be that the two circuits ...
Wiring a new garbage disposal7/12/2009
  Q: I want to install a new garbage disposal in a 40 year home that never had one. The source of power ...
  A: Technically the washer should be on it's own circuit, the kitchen outlets on their own circuit, and ...
Window ACs trip breaker7/10/2009
  Q: I live in a double wide mobile home with three window ACs. One in the back, the front, and in the ...
  A: You will need to hire an electrician to examine your circuits and perhaps run one or two new ...
cook top wiring7/10/2009
  Q: I have a two wire coming out of the wall with ground. The cook top, which is a Jenn_Air Model ...
  A: The two wires coming out of the wall sound like they are supplying 220 volts which means that each ...
a/c condenser fan motor7/10/2009
  Q: The fan motor went out at the house,so I purchase a new one but it has 4 wires and the old one had ...
  A: You need to look at the schematic of the A/C and the one that is on the new motor. It is probably ...
pool filter gfci breaker tripping7/9/2009
  Q: I had an above ground pool installed last year and the electrical line for the filter was run about ...
  A: This problem is not common. All of your fittings should be water-tight as well as the outlet. You ...
Ground Problem7/8/2009
  Q: I live in an apartment and I recently plug a surgeprotector and the "line fault" led lit. So I ...
  A: There are several ways you can get this type of reading. The ground could be getting power from the ...
Problems wiring a dimmer to outlet7/7/2009
  Q: I am trying to create a "light control box" Essentally its a portable box that allows me to plug a ...
  A: Your power cord that is going into this box should have the hot wire connected to the dimmer switch. ...
installing a gfci7/6/2009
  Q: The electrician installed the wiring in boxes for me to complete with gfci outlets. In the first ...
  A: When wiring gfci outlets you only want to use the "load" terminals when you want the gfci to control ...
connecting three bulb sockets7/6/2009
  Q: I'm trying to make my own photography studio lighting as cheaply as possible. So far i have ...
  A: You will need to add up the wattage of the bulbs and then divide by your voltage (108-120) to get ...
HVAC7/4/2009
  Q: I HAVE A 230VOLT3 PHASE AC UNIT FROM A CONSTRUCTION JOB LOOKING TO INSTALL IT IN MY HOME. HOW DO I ...
  A: Yes you can but it is expensive. Unless this used A/C is worth a lot of money it would cost more ...
Missing Electric Heaters in Older FL Home7/4/2009
  Q: A friend just bought a 1962 house in Florida. No central heat or cooling. There are ...
  A: Check the ceilings. You probably have radiant ceiling heat. It was very popular for awhile. Because ...
doorbell wiring7/2/2009
  Q: Hey Greg, I think my doorbell is haunted. I recently purchased a home and two months after I moved ...
  A: Answering your questions backwards; There may be a ghost in your doorbell but you would need a ...
transformer plug- in hot7/1/2009
  Q: I recently had a digital cable tv receiver box hooked up; the receiver itself isn't hot but the ...
  A: Terms like "hot" and "warm" are subjective and really serve little or no help to me in this line of ...
GFIC7/1/2009
  Q: Can I install a switch in front of a GFIC so I can turn the device on and off with out unplugging ...
  A: Some GFCI outlets trip when power is taken away, so that is the one you would avoid if you want to ...
transformer plug- in hot6/30/2009
  Q: I recently had a digital cable tv receiver box hooked up; the receiver itself isn't hot but the ...
  A: Almost all newer electronic equipment is energized to some degree when it is plugged in. There are ...
Timer switch6/28/2009
  Q: My outside lights are switvhed on bmo an day-night switch. Can I install a switch that will just ...
  A: The simplest thing to do is install a timer inline and set the turn-on to be on early in the ...
GFCI in Bathroom6/28/2009
  Q: I Greg, I have a roughed bathroom with light and fan on one circuit and I have another 20 amp ...
  A: According to the NEC, your bath outlet(s) should be on their own circuit. If you have only one ...
2nd Electrical meter base6/27/2009
  Q: I am adding a rental unit tomy existing home. I am putting in a 2nd electrical 200 amp service ...
  A: Cities can be different in their requirements so you will need to contact your local building ...
3 Light Series6/26/2009
  Q: Greg, I just bought my first home (built in 1958) and am attempting to replace the light fixtures ...
  A: What you have is a 3-way circuit. It is not wired like a regular 1-switch circuit. The red wires ...
Can't get new ceiling fan to work6/25/2009
  Q: I have been trying to install a new ceiling fan and am having a bit of trouble. In the ceiling box ...
  A: The guessing game is no fun so you will need to either purchase a voltmeter or hire an electrician ...
Window AC Question6/24/2009
  Q: Can I safely use a 15amp 125v plug with an converter on a grounded 20amp 250v outlet? The AC is ...
  A: If the outlet is wired for 240 volts it means both prongs are hot and if you plug a 120 volt A/C ...
grounding wire6/23/2009
  Q: I live in 100 year old home and recently upgraded our box to 200 amp and our grounding wire is also ...
  A: If they laid the grounding rod down at the proper depth you should be able to pour over the rod. The ...
Induction range - how to check amperage?6/23/2009
  Q: I live in a condo that does not have any gas lines anywhere in the building, but I cook a lot so I'm ...
  A: If you go to your circuit breaker panel you should find several "double" breakers, meaning they are ...
new ceiling fan6/22/2009
  Q: I installed a ceiling fan in my master bedroom. I tapped into an existing hot wire that runs into ...
  A: If the circuit can handle a ceiling fan then you need a hot wire going to the switch and then from ...
line of mini pendants not working6/22/2009
  Q: We have a line of 3 mini pendant lights above our kitchen counter/bar. They are attached to a ...
  A: It sounds like when the light blew it shorted out and caused the dimmer to quit working. Turn off ...
pool motor failures6/21/2009
  Q: I have had 5 pool motors fail in 2 years (7/07, 1/08, 7/08,12/08, 2/08, 6/08). The 7/07 replacement ...
  A: If I was going to inspect this I would start by examining all of the wires to see if they are ...
old electrical wiring6/21/2009
  Q: i want to install a windwo a/c unit in my garage. i want to use a on/off switch in the house, run ...
  A: First you need to determine whether that circuit can handle the additional load of the A/C. If it ...
stove top and oven breaker and wire size6/20/2009
  Q: I know and electrician and asked him what size breaker to use for a stove top and oven. He said 30 ...
  A: 30 amp sounds too small for a stove top and oven together. You should go with the larger one. Look ...
How to connect 6/2 W/G Nmb Cable6/20/2009
  Q: Previous home owner pull a 6/2 W/G Nmb Cable from the main service panel to a subpanel in the ...
  A: It sounds like they thought about getting 220 volts after they ran the wire, which should of been ...
Circuit reads 60 volts inplace of 120 volts6/16/2009
  Q: 120 volt circuit with GFCI and 6 outlets reads only 60 volts at each outlet & GFCI. Disconnect ...
  A: Check each outlet by turning off the breaker and pulling the outlet far enough out of the box to ...
Whole house surge suppressor/protection6/15/2009
  Q: I'm trying to protect the new computer (and two old computers) and a new 26" HDTV from electrical ...
  A: If you are going to install 3-prong outlets you will need to run a ground to each outlet. Yes, I do ...
120v cicuit on 240v breaker6/14/2009
  Q: would a 240v double pole, single throw breaker interupt correctly if overloaded when its wired 120v ...
  A: Breakers are rated in amps, not volts. What determines the voltage is whether they are single or ...
120v cicuit on 240v breaker6/13/2009
  Q: would a 240v double pole, single throw breaker interupt correctly if overloaded when its wired 120v ...
  A: A double pole 240v breaker has a 120 volts on each pole, hence the 240 volts. Both poles are suppose ...
bathroom/dining lighting doesn't work6/13/2009
  Q: Our bathroom on the main floor (half bath), dining room, and porch lights are not working. We ...
  A: Look for a gfci outlet that may be tripped. It could be located outside or in the bathroom. Also, ...
reconnecting a repaired ceil fan motor6/10/2009
  Q: when connecting green with green black with black and then white with white a high pitched noise ...
  A: Did you remove the shipping blocks that keep the motor from turning during shipping and installing? ...
200Amp Temp. Power Pole undergound to House Sub Panel6/9/2009
  Q: I have a 200 Amp temp. Power Pole that will feed a Sub Panel on an existing House approx. 100' from ...
  A: 1. 2/0 copper 2. I prefer conduit but either will do as long as local codes allow it. I would run ...
Electric Panel6/9/2009
  Q: While at a home inspection for a client the breaker box was hot to touch on one breaker and it ...
  A: Was the hot breaker for the A/C? If so, an A/C works hardest in the afternoon and if the sun hits ...
Non-grounded subpanels6/8/2009
  Q: I'm upgrading a '60s house that has a 200a old main panel, feeding two 100 amp subpanels--the house ...
  A: Regardless of the stove you want your subpanels grounded. With a 100 amp panel you can run #6 for a ...
voltage surge?6/8/2009
  Q: 3 years ago we have our apartment rewired and all lights have been changed to energy saving bulbs or ...
  A: I am not familiar with the codes and voltages with your country. I suspect that voltage spikes and ...
Electric meter6/6/2009
  Q: How can I find someone besides our electric provider to check the calibration of our meter. Our ...
  A: We can all expect higher bills due to our new administration. But with politics aside, there are ...
Outside Floodlights mounted on wall of house not working6/5/2009
  Q: I have twin floodlights mounted on either side of my house on the wall in the backyard. The switch ...
  A: The switches should of had two wires to each and the two wires at each switch can be reversed. It ...
electrical outlet6/4/2009
  Q: I have an outlet located beneath my sink for the disposal and dishwasher. The outlet burnt out, so I ...
  A: The white should go on the side with the biggest prong. The other side has a tab that needs to be ...
old wiring problems6/3/2009
  Q: Jimmy, I am installing a light fixture into a ceiling with no pre-existing fixture at that ...
  A: The cable with power would be the one coming in and splits and goes to each switch. And that same ...
nothing 240 works in the whole house.all outlets read 120 each side.6/3/2009
  Q: I have 240 volts @ each element of the waterheater on new elements but no hot water. same with the ...
  A: The subject says you have 120 volts on each side but then your question says you have 240 volts ...
2 in 1 light switch/power socket6/2/2009
  Q: Could you help me connect a light switch and power socket (a 2 in 1 device)to my residential power ...
  A: For an outlet to work you need a hot wire and a neutral. Some switch boxes only have a hot coming in ...
Breaker 40 Amp Air Conditioner 15 Amps5/31/2009
  Q: Can I put a 15 amps air conditioner on a breaker that is 40 amps. I know I have to change the ...
  A: Can you? It is physically possible. Should you? That is another question. If your A/C is rated for a ...
does wiring a motor to 22 increase it's performance5/29/2009
  Q: Greg, I bought a Rigid Table saw that has the capability of being wired for 220v. I have been ...
  A: The main advantage is that the amps are reduced and you can run a smaller wire size to it and hence ...
30A5/27/2009
  Q: I have a 30A double breaker feeding my detached garage. I would like to replace the fuse box with a ...
  A: You did not mention where the fuse box is but it sounds like the 30 amp breaker is feeding a fuse ...
Electric motor5/27/2009
  Q: My fan on my AC unit starts up but runs slow. The paperwork with the unit says it should pull 1 ...
  A: The first thing to check is the voltage. You should have between 208 and 240 volts being supplied to ...
changing dihwasher from hardwire to pluggin5/26/2009
  Q: is there a anything wrong with me changing my dishwasher from hardwire to cord wire plugin im using ...
  A: Technically, yes with each connection you run a greater risk of a loose connection. However, your ...
Tankless water heater5/25/2009
  Q: Most of the specifications for tankless water heaters indicate 240v and up to 100w for proper ...
  A: Do you mean 100 amps? 100w = 100 watts and that does not sound right. If your home is electric, ...
240v outlet5/25/2009
  Q: How do I determine if my air compressor will require a 3 or 4 wire 240v circuit? can power tools ...
  A: Good question. The requirements should be on a metal tag attached to the compressor. If it calls for ...
new light and outlet5/24/2009
  Q: I would like to add a light and an outlet to a circuit. I would like to run the wire from the ...
  A: Lets go backwards in your questions. You are not suppose to have two different size wires in the ...
installing double oven5/24/2009
  Q: We are installing a ge monogram double wall oven, ZET2SMSS the specs of the metal plaque are as ...
  A: When the engineers build ovens they face the dilemma that each house may have a different voltage ...
Air Conditioning5/22/2009
  Q: We got Central Air installed the beginning of last summer. It's a BRYANT. We turned it on a few days ...
  A: The most typical causes of what you explained are low air flow due to one or more of the following; ...
exhaust fan5/20/2009
  Q: I added an exhaust fan to my washroom and connected the wiring to the existing light switch. The ...
  A: Frank, The white from the fan needs to be connected to a neutral wire, not to the switch. What you ...
second panel for shop5/20/2009
  Q: I have a 200 amp service to my house panel. I am putting a 100 amp panel in a backyard shop, 160 ...
  A: I am curious why you are coming off the meter box instead of main panel, but it does not matter for ...
220v socket to 110v5/19/2009
  Q: Let me start by telling what happened first. I had an older a/c that uses a 220v socket which was ...
  A: As you are aware, you hooked 220 volts to your 110 volt A/C. I am surprised it lasted for 2 days. ...
Flood light fixture switch5/18/2009
  Q: Are you aware of any off/on switch that will screw into one of the three threaded holes that exist ...
  A: The main thing to overcome are the 1/2" threads and the switch needs to be waterproof if this is ...
bathroom outlets5/17/2009
  Q: We recently moved into a relatively new house (built 2006). It has 5 1/2 bathrooms on 4 levels. ...
  A: What do all three have in common? They should all be on GFCI breakers and all require a good ground, ...
4 electrical things quit working5/17/2009
  Q: The other day, when I turned on an upstairs bathroom light switch the 5 light fixture over sink made ...
  A: Is it a "fuse box" or "breaker panel"? A tripped breaker can appear to be okay sometimes and the to ...
Should I upgrade from 100 to 200 Amp5/16/2009
  Q: I am in the process of renovating a house that my wife and I just bought. It was last renovated in ...
  A: Given that you are switching two big users of electricity to gas and hopefully installing a more ...
Sub panel and gounding rods5/15/2009
  Q: I'm getting ready to run a new sub panel and underground line to my detached garage. I'm going to ...
  A: This is an accepted method but check with the local building codes just to make sure before you run ...
wiring from home to camper / 30amp5/12/2009
  Q: I just purchased a travel trailer and I need to run a 30amp 70ft. I was just wondering what gauge ...
  A: I love it when you guys say "I have limited funds for this.." What is that suppose to mean to me? ...
electric to a camper5/12/2009
  Q: i recently bought a camper and put it 500ft from my mothers house in attempt to save for a house. ...
  A: The money it is going to cost you to run sufficient wire will be significant. I do not know what ...
Private water pump occassionaly trips circuit5/11/2009
  Q: I have been having a problem lately with our water well. It started when our pressure switch of 15 ...
  A: Clint, It is most likely a problem with the motor or the motor controller, or both. You should have ...
outdoor wiring to backyard and building5/11/2009
  Q: ...I have run romex wire to two locations in my back yard in 1/2" elect conduit, one two plug outlet ...
  A: Alan, There are a couple of things I believe are wrong with this picture and I probably need some ...
Stanley Vemco Garage Door Capacitor Removed.. Is this dangerous?5/10/2009
  Q: I have a Stanley Vemco garage door opener that began to stop going up and down intermittently ~ it ...
  A: You may end up burning your motor so I would recommend you replace the capacitor. I believe it is a ...
Loosing Power5/8/2009
  Q: I have a bedroom that is intermittently losing power. I have identified the breaker that controls ...
  A: Most likely they are tied together either in a junction box or an outlet box. They may also be tied ...
12/3 split (2/20 breakers)5/7/2009
  Q: I have an outdoor cooking center and am leveraging a 12/3 line that was no longer used and blanked ...
  A: You should never put a refrigerator on a gfci protected outlet. You can have a dedicated outlet ...
Electrical hum5/7/2009
  Q: I have a visual horizontal line running through my tv when plugged into down stairs outlets. If I ...
  A: It does not have to be on the same circuit breaker to cause noise. Your neighbor a few doors down ...
AFI breakers and GFI outlets5/6/2009
  Q: I have a AFI protected circuit and every time i put GFI on this circuit the GFI trips am i doing ...
  A: It sounds like your GFI outlet is not wired correctly or you have reverse polarity. Some of the new ...
Electrical hum5/5/2009
  Q: I have a visual horizontal line running through my tv when plugged into down stairs outlets. If I ...
  A: Find out what happens after in 7pm in your house and the house connected to you. It may that your ...
Running extension from light fixture to create outlet in adjacent closet5/5/2009
  Q: Is it OK to just plug two prong extension cord to the light socket outlet adapter ...
  A: Looking at that picture I am not sure that light is up to code in that cupboard. Extension cords ...
old wiring spark and dead receptacle...related?5/4/2009
  Q: while installing a ceiling fan with a light, there was a spark, when pulling wires through 1st ...
  A: The first thing is why are you working on this with the circuit breaker on? Turn it OFF before you ...
Wires to light both hot5/4/2009
  Q: I am doing some electrical work in a home I purchased that was originally built in the early 1900's. ...
  A: I need to know where you touched the probes to get this reading, and I recommend getting a digital ...
wiring basic porcelain incandescent fixtures5/3/2009
  Q: I am putting simple porcelain fixtures for standard incandescent bulbs (obviously compact ...
  A: Check to make sure the black coming in to the fixture with the switch is hot, and not the white. It ...
electrical service for aeration5/2/2009
  Q: Greg, I want to run an underground service line from my home approx. 600ft to my pond.All this line ...
  A: The first thing you need to know is the amp draw because that will determine the initial wire size. ...
Light switches5/2/2009
  Q: I have 3 light switches controling one light.Two of the switches work fine,the third,works only if ...
  A: Most likely it is wired wrong or you have the wrong type of switches. If it is wired correctly and ...
60 amp breaker5/1/2009
  Q: i have to add a 60amp breaker for my pool heat pump. and there is no openings in the 200amp box, ...
  A: Piggy back is dangerous and against code. What you need is a subpanel and then feed from that back ...
GFCI outlets4/30/2009
  Q: I have a circuit in my house with 2 GFCI outlets on it. Is there any reason to have 2 on the same ...
  A: It is true that if the line ends with a GFCI that last outlet will be protected by that GFCI. The ...
ceiling lights wiring4/22/2009
  Q: I bought 4 light ceiling kit. There is no wiring scheme how to connect the rest of ceiling lights. I ...
  A: It sounds like you are wiring it correct, the blacks go together and the whites go together and the ...
European wiring to U.S. codes4/22/2009
  Q: I have a chandelier that I bought when stationed overseas in Germany. I thought I wired it ...
  A: Normally in Germany you are right with the color code. Two things; 1. Make sure that the lamp is ...
Copeland Scroll Compressor4/21/2009
  Q: I have a 54,000 btu Copeland Scroll compressor, R47K3-PFV-235, in my heat pump which draws 12 amps ...
  A: Your compressor draws 12 amps, but what about the fan motors? Is that 12 amps including those ...
Plug powered by light switch4/21/2009
  Q: I recently replaced a plug that was controlled by a light switch in my spare bedroom. I was told to ...
  A: If the switch originally controlled both halves of the outlet then you would not break or remove the ...
Frigidaire Pro Series Stove - glass cooktop - burner quit working4/20/2009
  Q: We have the Frigidaire Pro Series Model PLEF398CCA Stainless steel with black glass flat surface ...
  A: The element is about $150.00 and I am not aware of any programming that is needed, but a quick call ...
microwave hood range4/19/2009
  Q: simple question i guess may sound stupid but where do you put the plug outlet for a microwave hood ...
  A: The plug is usually fed up on the right side and above so you can unplug it. The plug has to be ...
Wiring a pool system4/17/2009
  Q: Is there a safety risk if I use the kitchen range wiring (8 Gage) from my main service panel to ...
  A: What you are talking about is not safe and is not to code. The only way you could follow code and ...
ground rod installation4/16/2009
  Q: I am about to upgrade from a 75amp panel to a 200amp panel and need to install a 10' ground rod as ...
  A: The inspectors in the area I live want the ground rod to stick up above the cement enough so they ...
AFCI breakers tripping when it rains4/16/2009
  Q: About a month ago, the two AFCI circuit breakers (15 amps each) for my bedrooms in my electrical ...
  A: AFCI breakers can become weaker (more sensitive) over time, just like regular breakers. And the more ...
30 amp thermostat for radiant heater.4/15/2009
  Q: I was hoping to find out about replacing a thermostat. Right now i have radiant heating in the ...
  A: Turn off the breaker and look inside your t-stat for info on what the amperage rating is. It sounds ...
dryer not heating after re-wire4/15/2009
  Q: We installed a new electrical panel and changed everything to match what was there. everything ...
  A: The electric dryer requires 120 volts for the motor to run, but requires 220 volts for the elements ...
Electric Baseboard Heat Issue4/14/2009
  Q: I recently had an issue with my living room heating where the heat would constantly stay on, ...
  A: We normally say 220 volts or 240 volts but it is what ever the power company actually gives you. And ...
wire type4/14/2009
  Q: I just wanted to double check that the wiring in my home is copper wiring. My house was built in the ...
  A: The best way to find out what type of wire you have throughout the house is to remove the breaker ...
Electric Baseboard Heat Issue4/13/2009
  Q: I recently had an issue with my living room heating where the heat would constantly stay on, ...
  A: The first place I would start is the circuit breakers and make sure you do not have one that is ...
Wiring a timer switch4/13/2009
  Q: I bought a Intermatic FD60MWC Auto Shut-Off Timer ( http://www.rewci.com/infd60inspwo.html ). This ...
  A: Jason, I clicked on that link and read, quote "These timers are designed to replace any standard ...
Circuit with hot to ground reverse4/12/2009
  Q: I have a circuit that has worked fine for 4 years. Recently it quit working. The circuit is in a ...
  A: It sounds like a loose connection or partially tripped breaker. Start at the breaker panel and make ...
Generator Transfer4/12/2009
  Q: I have several questions about installing my own manual transfer switch. I have a 3kw Honda with ...
  A: It sounds like you are installing a subpanel type of TS, and if so then you need a double-pole ...
Generator Transfer4/11/2009
  Q: I have several questions about installing my own manual transfer switch. I have a 3kw Honda with ...
  A: Kent, Great question. With the current threats to our power grids and the horrible storms across ...
power gone4/9/2009
  Q: In the kitchen, I have the main overhead lights on a dual dimmer. One on one side of the kitchen ...
  A: What you have are two 3-way switches feeding the kitchen lights. If you do not have power at one ...
250 receptacle4/8/2009
  Q: i bought a welding machine, it requires 250 volts(or 225) to use in my garage, can i re-wire a ...
  A: To the best of my knowledge you have the same type of voltage and frequency as here in the U.S. ...
Wiring standalone garage4/6/2009
  Q: I want to run power from the panel in my house to a panel in a stand alone garage I am building. I ...
  A: Your 10 awg is what we call 10 gauge and it carries 30 amps if the distance is less than 100 feet. ...
Ground Fault Breaker4/6/2009
  Q: I have a double pole 50 amp Sq. D GFCI breaker that services my hot tub. It now trips off right ...
  A: I found one hot tub that had a light right above the control board and it was slowly dripping water ...
connecting a portable generator to a house4/5/2009
  Q: I have a 5000w portable generator. I would like to use it during outages. I understand the need for ...
  A: Your transfer switch should come with a wiring diagram. Basically you are feeding your whole main ...
100amp to 200amp service upgrade4/3/2009
  Q: I recently purchased an older farm home said to be about 100 yrs old. This house is currently ...
  A: If the "post and line" is the old "knob and tube" (which I suspect it is) then my suggestion would ...
home power keeps tripping more and more regular4/2/2009
  Q: I live in India so I’m not surprised that I have finally got an electricity issue, however it sounds ...
  A: Every time the breaker trips it loses tolerance so it will trip easier the next time. If you have a ...
Adding Ground Wire4/1/2009
  Q: I am going to be moving into an 82 year old house. The house has an upgraded circuit breaker box ...
  A: It would probably be better to drive a ground rod near the panel and ground the main panel. Then ...
can lights4/1/2009
  Q: The situation is there are 3 rooms, in feet 13 x 7 10 x 12 8 x 10 Installing 6-inch can (or ...
  A: Randy, Can lights can be very useful and attractive if used correctly. Here is the problem with ...
outlet plugs3/31/2009
  Q: I just moved into a house--in 1 bedroom a ceiling fan has been added. The light is control by the ...
  A: That switch use to control one of the outlets and someone made it control the fan. Does the switch ...
Oven Element3/31/2009
  Q: I have an old GE wall oven (guessing 1960-70 model) and one of the elements went out. I ordered an ...
  A: I cannot find that model number. I do not believe you can get the exact element anymore. The white ...
wiring ceiling fan between 2 switches3/29/2009
  Q: I am installing a ceiling fan, with remote, in family room. House is fairly new and has box set up ...
  A: Either someone miswired the switches or they are not meant to work together as a 3-way. Are you ...
Lights and Outlets3/28/2009
  Q: Recently the light in my bathroom went out, I figured it was a burnt out bulb so replaced, no light, ...
  A: First check for a gfci outlet. It has a little reset and test button on it. It could be in the ...
Electrical Plug for Water Well3/28/2009
  Q: I currently have a new home under construction. I have a brand new water well/pump ready to go but ...
  A: You could use a 220 volt 20 amp plug and outlet. Yes you can use the 250 volt outlet. You will wire ...
troubleshooting outdoor light fixture3/27/2009
  Q: Maybe you will be able to give me some more advice. My husband just replaced the outdoor light by ...
  A: Did you buy the exact same light to replace the one that was not working correctly? It is possible ...
ground fault breaker/plug3/27/2009
  Q: We live along the coast-Hurricane Ike put 8' of water in our downstairs--covering all the electrical ...
  A: All the boxes and junction boxes need to be checked. Water can leave a mineral trail that electrons ...
Removal of electrical outlet and light switch3/26/2009
  Q: I need to remove a two-plug electrical outlet and single switch light in order to accomodate new ...
  A: At the outlet your black wires will get connected together (wire nut), the white wires together, and ...
wiring for 9kw sauna heater3/24/2009
  Q: I have installed a 9kw sauna heater. The house was set up with 10-3 wire to a 30 amp breaker. When ...
  A: If it takes 220 volts, the heater draws about 40 amps so you need to go up to 50 amps. This will ...
Outdoor number sign not working3/23/2009
  Q: Need to know how to what setting my multimeter should be on and where to probe and what readings ...
  A: If it is A/C voltage you should set it to 700 volts A/C and touch where the two prongs of the bulb ...
comes and goes3/23/2009
  Q: We have a 200 amp electrical system. The electricity in one area of our basement and part of our ...
  A: It is possible that you are losing one leg of your power and the oven is back-feeding. The question ...
Split Dual Breaker3/21/2009
  Q: Electrician installed a dual 30amp breaker just in case we use an electric drier but instead we ...
  A: Your electrician should of ran 10/3 instead of 10/2. This mistake will only allow you to run one ...
Dimming, brightening lights3/21/2009
  Q: My lights and TV and fan dim then brighten, dim and brighten. It is often and is bad, but ...
  A: Has the landlord seen the lights flickering? Did the electric company see it? Did the electrician ...
HQI aquarium lighting troubles...........3/20/2009
  Q: For about the past year I have noticed drastic change sin the brightness, color temp, and longevity ...
  A: Did you check voltage with no load or loaded? First check it unloaded. Where did you check the ...
Electric dryer wiring3/19/2009
  Q: I have a used dryer that i just purchased.The plug on the dryer is a 30Amp 125v/250v 4 prong plug.In ...
  A: Two choices: 1. Install a 3-prong 30 amp dryer outlet and replace the 4-prong cord with a 3-prong ...
broken connection3/19/2009
  Q: I am having a problem in a mobile home with the wiring. I plugged in a lamp, turned it on and it ...
  A: Look for a GFCI outlet, usually the bathroom, kitchen, or outside, and see if it tripped. Hit the ...
lights flickering3/18/2009
  Q: Several of my lights at home started to flicker very frequently and I have a couple UPS started to ...
  A: It is possible that your circuit is overloaded, and it is possible that another circuit is causing ...
240v tablesaw swapout from 120/240v dryer3/18/2009
  Q: Hughes, Just purchased a 1988 home in Houston,,,Has an existing 120/240v 30A clothes dryer on the ...
  A: You are on the right track. The 10/2 is actually better than the 12/2 in this case. The 6-15 is for ...
Lights Come On With Dryer.3/17/2009
  Q: So today perfectly normal average day sitting in the living room with my son when the power goes ...
  A: This sounds like a main breaker issue with one leg bad and your dryer back-fed the other leg. If ...
Installing motion sensor light3/16/2009
  Q: Iam tring to install a motion sensor light. I have already installed a double switch so that one ...
  A: You need a hot wire and neutral. A hot goes to the switch and then from the switch to the ...
arc fault interrupter tripping3/15/2009
  Q: my wife was vacuuming a few rooms with a kenmore upright when it shuts off. apparently, some kind ...
  A: Jay, The AFCI has not been perfected, but many would argue that it is better than nothing. Unlike ...
electric range install3/14/2009
  Q: I just removed a 35 year old electric range that was hard wired. Coming from the wall is a Black ...
  A: In a 2 wire plus ground configuration for 220 volts the black is hot, the white is hot, and the ...
converting 4 prong dryer to 3 prong3/13/2009
  Q: we converted the dryer to a 3 prong. dryer runs but no heat is producing. is there such thing that ...
  A: It is possible that you have energized the chassis of the dryer and extreme caution should be taken. ...
Pullout disconnect3/11/2009
  Q: I have a outside condensor unit AC that is rated at 15 amps. I have a 2-pole breaker feeding this ...
  A: You have three choices. One, you can install a disconnect that has an arm on the outside. Two, you ...
Tankless Hot Water Heater amperage3/6/2009
  Q: I have a couple of questions I guess. I want to install a tankless hot water heater in my house to ...
  A: I have a couple of answers I guess. First, which one is best depends on how many people occupy the ...
Replacing a light with a loop3/6/2009
  Q: I recently bought a new light to put in my daughters room. When I removed the standard light, there ...
  A: The old light should of had two wires coming from it (hot and neutral) to the wires in the box. When ...
dryer and stove receptacles3/5/2009
  Q: what is the difference between a dryer and stove outlet? We have 4 prong outlets for both, but the ...
  A: The reason they are different is one is rated for 30 amps and the other for 50 amps. They are ...
Electric Baseboard Heaters Relay3/3/2009
  Q: I have 3 baseboards all on 1 circuit breaker (kitchen, liv room & hall)that continue to run full ...
  A: Are these baseboard electric or baseboard hydronic heat? Since each heater is in a different room, ...
Breaker Box2/26/2009
  Q: I just finished instaling a new thermastat. I cutoff all the power when I'm doing any electrical ...
  A: Pull the dryer plug out of the outlet and try turning the breakers all the way off and then turn ...
dryer outlet/welding outlet2/25/2009
  Q: Ive read a lot of posts where people are using their dryer outlet for their welder. I would like to ...
  A: If this is brand new, the manual should tell you the required breaker size. Look at the requirement ...
dryer outlet/welding outlet2/25/2009
  Q: Ive read a lot of posts where people are using their dryer outlet for their welder. I would like to ...
  A: I like the idea of changing your dryer to 4-prong because this will separate the ground and neutral ...
dryer outlet/welding outlet2/24/2009
  Q: Ive read a lot of posts where people are using their dryer outlet for their welder. I would like to ...
  A: In a garage the NEC allows for one 220 volt circuit used for multiple devices with the understanding ...
size wire2/24/2009
  Q: running a new line from an old meter to a new barn; I would like to know what size wire to use and ...
  A: The first thing you need to establish is how many amps are you going to want/need out at the barn ...
Outdoor GFCI & lamp post light2/23/2009
  Q: My outdoor lamp post light recently stopped working. I replaced the photo eye sensor & actual light ...
  A: Think of a gfci outlet as a breaker. So all the power on the way to the outlet can be on but ...
breaker keeps tripping2/22/2009
  Q: About to install a can light in laundry room and discovered 4 separate 12/2 lines going to old ...
  A: Your homecenter store most likely sells wire markers that electricians use to put on wires so they ...
dryer wire hook up2/21/2009
  Q: we have a dryer and the wires are red black and white, our plug in wires are yellow blue and white. ...
  A: You should use a voltmeter to verify which wires are hot and which is neutral. On your dryer; red ...
3/phase air compressor2/21/2009
  Q: How to tell the difference between 3/phase and 220v? There is a 3 prong twist plug on the ...
  A: 3 phase is how many phases you have and 220v is the measure of voltage. This question is like can ...
shower fan install location2/20/2009
  Q: I'm planning a bathroom in the basement and my location doesn't lend itself to placing my exhaust ...
  A: There isn't room in the joists to place the fan outside of the shower and run the duct through the ...
cooktop wiring2/19/2009
  Q: i am installing a cooktop (240). it is a 30 amp circuit (10 guage wire) i have 10/2 with ground to ...
  A: The installation manual should be clear on this, but if it is not then you can figure if the cooktop ...
Sub Panel Installation2/19/2009
  Q: Greg, I recently had a sub panel put in by my electrician. I am adding a circuit, and happened to be ...
  A: The neutral and ground are on the same bar at the main service panel. In other words, they are ...
Sub Panel?2/18/2009
  Q: I will be finishing a 1158 sq. ft. basement (home theater, rec room, home office) in a 7 year old ...
  A: You could run everything from the main. However, you need to weigh the cost and trouble of running ...
subpanel wiring2/18/2009
  Q: im rewiring my home and i have a utility room where my washer/dryer, elec water heater, and few ...
  A: If your dryer, water heater, and washer all ran at the same time it would probably be too much for ...
wire type and capacity for downline service2/16/2009
  Q: I want to know the correct wire type and size for an 80 foot run from a current load center to a new ...
  A: If you are only running 120v you could use copper #4, 2 wire with ground. If you are not using ...
Dryer stopped working2/16/2009
  Q: I had a leak in my laundry room last week from the washer drain. I went in there barefoot while the ...
  A: This is a perfect example of why the NEC was changed so the chassis has its own ground separate from ...
Heat pump pulling tomuch amperage2/14/2009
  Q: We had a Kenmore heat pump installed recently and received a whopper of an electric bill. Had an ...
  A: It sounds like your electric back up heat is turning on. There could be several causes but let me ...
waterheater2/13/2009
  Q: I would like to make my water heater quicker to recover. Why can't I wire another 30 amp circuit to ...
  A: You would have to check with the manufacture of the heater to see if it is designed to handle that, ...
Running a Treadmill in Europe2/13/2009
  Q: I have a Nordic Track treadmill that runs on 110 (I think it is uses 1100 Watts). Can I use it in ...
  A: A step-down transformer takes the incoming voltage and lowers it. Sometimes it is cheaper/easier ...
Install Split Aircon2/12/2009
  Q: I am installing a 24k BTU A/C with #10-3 w/Grd and 25 amp C/B. I intend to install a disconnect ...
  A: Let me explain how a split system is wired. The indoor unit (air handler) has a either a 220volt or ...
knob and tube2/12/2009
  Q: I am currently planning on replacing all the knt in my two story cape cod bungalow. I am adequatly ...
  A: It depends on how your power is ran to your house. And it also depends on local codes. For ...
knob and tube2/11/2009
  Q: I am currently planning on replacing all the knt in my two story cape cod bungalow. I am adequatly ...
  A: Whatever the service panel is rated for you will need to run wire (including the ground) that is ...
wellpump pressure switch2/10/2009
  Q: Pressure switch has 2 different wires coming to switch ,each separate wire has a black wire ,a ...
  A: If this is a 220 volt pump the switch should be double pole. If it is then there should be two sides ...
15 Amp AFI Trips2/9/2009
  Q: Two questions: I think I've got too many appliances and outlets running to my 15 Amp AFI breaker. ...
  A: It is possible that you have the circuit loaded to the point that it is ready to trip. Each time a ...
dehumidistat wall switch2/9/2009
  Q: I have an existing bath fan controlled by a wall switch (line voltage) that I would like to replace ...
  A: It sounds like you want the fan to come on when steam builds up in the bathroom and then turn itself ...
electric outlet near gas line2/8/2009
  Q: Is there a code problem with installing electrical box ON the wall near the incoming line for a gas ...
  A: Most gas stoves require an outlet for 110 volts. It is never recommended to use an extension cord so ...
Direct Box Old Electric Dryer2/8/2009
  Q: Is this acceptable? There is an old dryer in the home that I am renting and it is directly hooked ...
  A: In all my years I have never seen a dryer direct wired to a box. All appliances that are ...
thermostat replacement2/7/2009
  Q: I have a seven wire thermostat that is connected to Nordyne air conditioner/heat pump. The manual ...
  A: It looks like you may be able use it. But with a heatpump it can get pretty complicated and it ...
ELectrical problem2/6/2009
  Q: I replaced a single electrical switch to a bedroom that was only controlling the light in that room. ...
  A: It sounds like the power to the other two room are fed from this box. You should have three sets ...
knob and tube2/6/2009
  Q: I am currently planning on replacing all the knt in my two story cape cod bungalow. I am adequatly ...
  A: Finding the neutral for a hot in the panel is very easy. I am not sure exactly what you are doing ...
electric in bathroom2/5/2009
  Q: recentley we added high hats in the kitchen, which is directly under one of our bathroom tub/shower. ...
  A: If there is a stream of water hitting electricity the current can easily flow through that stream ...
GFCI wiring2/3/2009
  Q: I am trying to change an outlet in my bathroom and update it to a GFCI outlet. The box with the ...
  A: You did not mention the ground wire. Some GFCI outlets require a ground wire connected to a good ...
Lights get brighter2/3/2009
  Q: In my 30 year old house, I recently replaced 2 overhead lights, (2) 2-way & (2) single pole switches ...
  A: It sounds like it may be time for a service upgrade and redistributing some loads. We have much ...
dimmer light fan2/2/2009
  Q: I am trying to connect a dimmer fan/light combo to my current fan with light. I have some prior ...
  A: This should be pretty easy. It sounds like the wires at the bottom go to your outlets, one of the ...
new switch2/1/2009
  Q: I just put in a new island in my kitchen and have 2 outlets and a switch for the garbage disposal ...
  A: It sounds like you either wired the switch wrong or the outlet. The switch is a 4-way switch? If ...
OUTLET PROBLEM1/31/2009
  Q: I had a microwave plugged into an outlet for a while. This outlet is being supplied by an outlet ...
  A: This outlet may be on a gfci breaker or being fed from a gfci outlet. That is the first place to ...
Wiring a fluorescent fixture as a plug-in lamp1/31/2009
  Q: The fixture has a ground wire but the zip wire (with 2 prong plug) doesn't. My outlet is 2-prong, ...
  A: I cannot tell you to disregard the ground wire that came with the fixture. If it comes with one then ...
Fluorescent Lights in Garage - Take Two1/30/2009
  Q: I was informed the lights are to be wired in parallel. I hope this is not a dumb question. The ...
  A: Parallel simply means that each light is being fed from the source. Normally the power gets ran to ...
main breaker1/29/2009
  Q: my main breaker keeps blowing. the watertank has its own circit but it sems like if i run any ...
  A: Probably the best thing to do is have an electrician take a look at your system and see what the ...
wiring a oven range1/27/2009
  Q: we have just pull out our old cook top and wall oven and bought a new oven range slide in. and our ...
  A: Your house was built during the time the NEC allowed for 3-wire connections (two hots and a ...
installing outdoor outlet1/27/2009
  Q: First want to thank you for your time helping others here. My question, i'll be installing an ...
  A: If this was new construction or remodeling the outdoor outlet would not be on the same circuit as ...
Space Heater1/26/2009
  Q: I am replaceing a baseboard electric heater with a built in thermostat. I did not take the old won ...
  A: It sounds like you bypassed the switch. Yes, there is no neutral in your heater because it is ...
Safety1/25/2009
  Q: I'm hoping you'd be willing to answer the following question about safety/code: Is it o.k. for the ...
  A: If the sub panel is rated for 125 amps then you need to run wire that is appropriate for 125 amps, ...
front door sconces -- wiring1/25/2009
  Q: A friend of mine called me to take a look at this: she is having work done on her house (not ...
  A: I need to know how you are measuring power, exactly how you did it and what type of voltmeter did ...
Sub Panel Wire Size1/24/2009
  Q: I have a few questions regarding sub panels. Is the amp rating of a sub panel supposed to be higher ...
  A: The wire running to a subpanel has to be rated for whatever that panel is rated for. No matter what ...
Electrical Panel1/24/2009
  Q: I have a 100 amp service fuse panel (amalgamated electric) that is full. Some 14/2 wire has been ...
  A: Where did you read that about the dryer? The concern I have is if you are overtaxing the 100 amp ...
oven malfunction1/23/2009
  Q: I have a frigidaire pro gas range #plgf659ec. It is only 16 months old. The "Bake" mode has failed. ...
  A: The first thing to check is that you are not in "time bake" mode. If you have verified that all the ...
electrical1/22/2009
  Q: I installed a programmable light switch for my outside lights, beside 2 other switches (3 switches ...
  A: All the switches should have the tabs snug against the box. If they are not, then yes you probably ...
dryer throwing the main breaker1/22/2009
  Q: I have a 5 yr. old Roper dryer. It runs on it's own 30 amp breaker. Recently, when the dryer is ...
  A: You could have a short in the motor or heating element(s). An amp-meter can be used to find out the ...
Safety1/21/2009
  Q: I'm hoping you'd be willing to answer the following question about safety/code: Is it o.k. for the ...
  A: You can have junction boxes or subpanels between the main breaker and the device. I am not sure ...
3 way switch gang box1/20/2009
  Q: I am working with a new lighting installation in my basement and have never wired 3 way switches but ...
  A: First, if it is a 20 amp circuit you will need to run 12 gauge all the way through. Do not make the ...
oven wire splicing1/19/2009
  Q: I have an in cabinet, 96 Kenmore micro-oven combo #665.4433452. The wiring harness had a loose wire ...
  A: Excellent question. The answer depends on if you feel like you ever need to separate the wires ...
GFI/Circuit breaker1/18/2009
  Q: We did a bathroom remodel and a friend added a few gfi outlets, a light and an exhaust fan with a ...
  A: If this is the only bathroom, the lights and outlets can be on the same circuit. Otherwise they need ...
old home wiring1/17/2009
  Q: I am remodeling my kitchen. For 30 years the fridge has been on a circuit with 2 other receptacles ...
  A: Your new microwave will need its own circuit (20 amps). The refrigerator should be on its own ...
Lamps and Bulbs.1/17/2009
  Q: Is it ok to use a regular 60 watt bulb in a lamp that says requires a 3 way 150 watt incandescent ...
  A: The "type A" is the shape and size of the base of the bulb so you have to follow that. If the ...
wiring bathroom fan/heater1/16/2009
  Q: I want to put a timer switch on my bathroom heater. Currently I have wiring coming into a two ...
  A: It sounds like the black/white/ground is the source power. To verify, disconnect all wires and make ...
Wire size1/15/2009
  Q: I am running 60 amp panel to the garage ,from my 100 amp house panel . It is approx 180 ft of wire . ...
  A: #6 is very, very close to the max voltage drop allowed by the NEC. Note the words "max allowed" ...
2 outlets not working1/12/2009
  Q: This is the previous question I sent: Boyfriend installed a new big computer monitor which blew the ...
  A: Yes, we do have secrets but unfortunately if I tell you what they are they cease to be secrets. j/k. ...
installing 220 vlt outlet1/10/2009
  Q: I am trying to put a 220 volt outlet in my basement for my dryer. The wiring is already there I ...
  A: The two hots get connected to the two straight prongs and the neutral gets connected to the the "L" ...
Burnt component smell at disconnect breaker1/9/2009
  Q: Overjoyed to have found this resource, thanks in advance for any insight. Basic Issue: ...
  A: You do not add the two phases together, so your 95 amps is incorrect. However, your 47 and 46 amps ...
voltage in outlets1/8/2009
  Q: Some of our home outlets read 145-150 volts when we checked them. Is this a problem? How do we ...
  A: You did not say, but I will assume you are in the U.S. This could be a problem for some loads and ...
Electrical Fluctuation1/7/2009
  Q: The electricity in my house fluctuates whenever anything is turned on. The strange thing is if you ...
  A: It sounds like there is a circuit that is wired from two different sources and perhaps shares a ...
Thermostat will not follow commands1/7/2009
  Q: I have a hot water baseboard heating system and I changed from a conventional thermostat to a seven ...
  A: I could not locate the model for the White Rodgers. But at this point you need to find out what ...
electrical wiring12/16/2008
  Q: 1 - in the bathroom there is a combo light switch/single outlet recepticle. The light switch works ...
  A: The outlet could have a broken or loose connection in the box, or the outlet itself is worn out. Do ...
Breaker?12/15/2008
  Q: Tonight, our kitchen, garage, and living room lights went out. This has happened a few times in the ...
  A: That is an awful lot to be on one breaker. The breaker has probably been overloaded for too long and ...
AFCI Breaker12/14/2008
  Q: I have a question, is it possible in a circuit with a AFCI Breaker that some of the outlets will ...
  A: Are AFCI breakers required in garages in your part of the country? It seems like they would be a ...
Very low power12/13/2008
  Q: I live in a duplex and each unit has separate meters. One night around midnight our lights were ...
  A: There are too many possibilities for you to be expected to fix this problem. You need a good ...
electrical panel12/13/2008
  Q: I am from Ontario Canada and I'm considering moving my bathroom to a much larger room. The problem ...
  A: I am not familiar with codes in Canada, but I would not recommend having the panel inside the ...
ceiling fan with light with remote and three way switches12/12/2008
  Q: I am replacing a hallway light with a remote controlled ceiling fan with a light. The light is in ...
  A: You should of connected the black and white marked line to the same wires that the old light was ...
AC wiring12/12/2008
  Q: We are selling our house and the buyer's home inspector identified a double tapped circuit breaker ...
  A: Placing two wires under the same breaker is not allowed. It sounds like someone took one leg of your ...
exterior christmas lights12/10/2008
  Q: I am running christmas lights on my property. It is a fairly short run using a 9' extension cord to ...
  A: This is a very good question. Technically the correct answer is no, however; Christmas lights ...
trip breaker12/10/2008
  Q: I installed some new sconces, new electrical wiring and new light switches. I used new 12 guage ...
  A: It sounds like you have the switches bypassing the lights so when you turn them on you have a direct ...
Bathroom outlet suddenly not working.12/6/2008
  Q: ..this morning I noticed the outlet in the bathroom was not working -- I have my cats water ...
  A: This should be on a gfci breaker or outlet. The gfci outlet could be located in that bathroom, ...
Circuit goes dead when controlling Circuit Breaker is 'ON12/5/2008
  Q: An answer to yourThanks for answering this if you can. I have a 15 amp gfi breaker which controls ...
  A: Feel free to ask as many questions as you like. What you should have is two 3-way switches and one ...
Circuit goes dead when controlling Circuit Breaker is 'ON"12/5/2008
  Q: An answer to yourThanks for answering this if you can. I have a 15 amp gfi breaker which controls ...
  A: It is most likely a loose connection and I have never seen a loose connection tighten itself. In ...
Moving an existing electrical outlet to another room12/3/2008
  Q: My garage is finished with drywall and one electrical outlet (with the exception of the garage door ...
  A: If you have an AFCI breaker for the bedroom this would not work well. Even if you do not have AFCI ...
Wiring Honeywell truesteam humidifier12/2/2008
  Q: I am installing a Honeywell steam humidifier to a Lennox dual fuel heat pump/gas furnace. The ...
  A: When I said four wires to the humidistat, I meant to say four wires to the humidifier. Your two ...
electrical problem at home12/1/2008
  Q: we had the washing machine, dishwasher,tv, and also the blowdryer on in our small 2 bedroom house ...
  A: Normally your dishwasher and garbage disposal are not on a gfci, and they are not a circuit together ...
Wiring Honeywell truesteam humidifier11/29/2008
  Q: I am installing a Honeywell steam humidifier to a Lennox dual fuel heat pump/gas furnace. The ...
  A: All you are doing is breaking the "G" circuit (which is the fan) and supplying an "R" and "C" ...
electric11/29/2008
  Q: An outside outlet is dead, tested it with both a meter and a lamp. Switched out the 3 wire unit ...
  A: If you pulled out the outlet and there was no power to the wires then replacing it would not be the ...
Wiring Honeywell truesteam humidifier11/27/2008
  Q: I am installing a Honeywell steam humidifier to a Lennox dual fuel heat pump/gas furnace. The ...
  A: Scan the diagrams for me. Normally you would have the humidifier turn on when the heat is called ...
dryer plug11/26/2008
  Q: turned on my dryer smelt burning,red wire was melted a bit in outlet,turned off breaker and the red ...
  A: With the circuit breaker off; Strip the wire back and cut off burnt part. Reattach firmly to outlet ...
Plugging In Dryer Caused Loud Pop11/26/2008
  Q: First, thanks in advance for your help! My problem is that my tenant just purchased a washer and ...
  A: The dryer should be on its own fuse or breaker, so it should not affect any other circuits. If it ...
Help me!11/25/2008
  Q: I am wiring a ceiling fan that has a variable speed and dimmer light the wiring coming out of the ...
  A: Okay, what I need you to do is tell me where power is at (hot and neutral) and you will need a ...
partial power outage and surging in mobile home11/23/2008
  Q: Sometimes when it goes out if flickers many times and other times it just goes out and sometimes ...
  A: It sounds like either a main breaker is going bad, a few breakers are going bad, the panel is pitted ...
Circuit breaker problem?11/21/2008
  Q: My wife was drying her hair in the master bath when the dryer shut off. No breakers tripped - yet ...
  A: It sounds exactly like a gfci outlet or breaker tripped. You should go to the main panel and check ...
House lost neutral11/21/2008
  Q: An electrical crew cut the neutral going to my house form the street (underground utilities). Most ...
  A: This is very serious! It sounds like they may have cut through the cable and shorted the wires ...
home wiring11/20/2008
  Q: While replacing the light fixture in the stairway to the basement, i fount that it uses the old knob ...
  A: It is possible that they are using the same neutral and you have reversed polarity. It is easy to do ...
Electric Heating Relays11/20/2008
  Q: A friend of mine has 3 - 2000 watt fan forced electric heaters installed in his living room and they ...
  A: So that is 4 - 2000 watt heaters you want on one t-stat? The first thing you need to establish is ...
Dryer Plug Issue11/19/2008
  Q: I put my dryer in storage when I moved into my folks home after they passed away. Their old dryer ...
  A: Kay, Your dryer has a 30 amp cord on it, which is correct. Your parents have a 50 amp outlet and ...
apartment wiring11/19/2008
  Q: i am currently renting an apartment where my roomate and i have to constantly reset the breaker ...
  A: Typically the lighting and outlets are put on separate circuits. A breaker that continues to trip is ...
WIRES11/18/2008
  Q: hi my partner tried to put up a new light fitting he also replaced the old switches with dimmer ...
  A: It sounds like either a breaker tripped or the dimmer switch is no longer working. I would start by ...
Electrical Amperage in our home11/18/2008
  Q: We have a 3200 Sq.ft home in Cypress, Texas. (near HOuston) When the air conditioning comes on the ...
  A: The size of the main depends on a load calculation that is usually required by the city or county ...
adding a dishwasher11/15/2008
  Q: I just purchased an older home and it doesn't have a dishwasher.There is a wire ran for under ...
  A: Your dishwasher uses enough watts to need its own circuit. The dishwasher should not be on the ...
lighting switch- radio controlled11/14/2008
  Q: I am looking for a lighting switch that can control 1000W of lighting. The circuit is structured as ...
  A: The same voltage drop to the switch still applies to the wire going to the lights so the wire size ...
German Dryer Not Hot Enough11/13/2008
  Q: I bought a German Brand dryer (Bosch) n the States and it's not getting hot enough to dry ...
  A: In your first question you said you had fuses, now you say you have breakers. Do you have a breaker ...
Electrical box for a florescent fixture11/12/2008
  Q: I am trying to install a florescent light fixture in my laundry room. The electrical box that held ...
  A: Some florescent light fixtures do not require a separate box for the wiring. You can do the wiring ...
wiring11/9/2008
  Q: I have my refridge on a 20 amp circuit as well as 3 other outlets is there any way to make sure the ...
  A: If you really want to know for sure you will have to open each outlet and trace the wire around the ...
esb avalon16 residential tanning bed electrical help11/7/2008
  Q: We have a esb avalon16 bed that has always worked great but now shuts off automatically every couple ...
  A: Call a qualified electrician before you start a fire. Unplug the unit until you can get an ...
Non-working receptacles11/6/2008
  Q: where a "master electrician" once lived. Apparently this guy loved outlets, because my house if ...
  A: I love Cape Cod homes. However, a custom job by a homeowner or handyman is an electricians worst ...
Garage GFCI Tripping11/4/2008
  Q: I have four florescent light fixtures each with two 4' long 40 watt bulbs in them hanging in my ...
  A: You should keep the GFCI in the garage because of code. However, the lights do not need to be on a ...
open ground fault11/2/2008
  Q: I am wiring a basement and am having a problem with the last three of four outlets, two boxes of two ...
  A: Each outlet needs it own ground wire connected to it. In the first box you will take the incoming ...
Electric heat 4 wire thermostat question ...10/28/2008
  Q: I tried another expert, but they are not familiar with electric heat - thank you so much for your ...
  A: Without looking at your wiring I cannot tell you if you have created a dangerous situation or not. ...
Hot tub wiring10/27/2008
  Q: i am wiring a hot tub that requires 220 #6 4 wire 3 + ground my panel currently has 5 i belive 220 ...
  A: It sounds like you have an electric oven and maybe a separate cooktop, water heater, dryer, and your ...
recessed lighting10/26/2008
  Q: I am instaling four 5 inch can lights in my living room. I have a spare dedicated gfi outlet that I ...
  A: Technically you cannot add 12 gauge to the end of 10 gauge. I would just go ahead and feed the ...
installing a new pull switch on ceiling fan/light10/25/2008
  Q: I am installing a new pull switch on my ceiling fan. Prior to installing the switch and with the ...
  A: Did you remove the ceiling fan to replace the pull switch or did you leave it in place? The pull ...
bathroom GFCI circuits10/25/2008
  Q: I have rewired many baths, and usually have all switches (to lites, exhaust, etc) protected by the ...
  A: No, not according to the NEC. The light over the sink and the fan are usually not on the same ...
wiring10/24/2008
  Q: i turned the power off to my bathroom from my breaker box when i was unscrewing the wires the and ...
  A: It sounds like the breakers are not marked correctly. Remember that the bathroom light is most ...
power to my shop10/23/2008
  Q: I've decided to get some power to my shop.Outlets,lights to run saws, sanders ,small ...
  A: If you bury the wires in conduit you do not need direct burial wire. Of course you can run direct ...
Wire from my home to my shop10/21/2008
  Q: I just bought a home that has 6 awg al xlpe 600 volts wire running from the home to a shop 200 ft ...
  A: Your 6 awg is effectively 10 awg at that distance which is good for 30 amps. So your 100 amp panel ...
TRAVEL TRAILER HOOK UP AT HOME10/19/2008
  Q: I AM TRYING TO HOOK UP ELECTRIC TO MY CAMPER.I GOT A SEPERATE BREAKER BOX. DISTANCE FROM MAIN BOX AT ...
  A: This is a common problem with campers. You need to know your amperage needs and voltage needs. If ...
1 second delay when turning on lights10/17/2008
  Q: 2 days ago I noticed a 1 second delay when switching my daughters room light on. Then yesterday the ...
  A: The switches most likely need to be changed. They are both probably the same age and get about the ...
nameplate10/16/2008
  Q: Does a nameplate on equipment tell you if you need a neutral wire?I know ac uses 220 and doesn't ...
  A: If the equipment uses 120 and 220 volts it needs 3 or 4 wires. An electric dryer uses 220v for the ...
main amperage requirements in resi10/16/2008
  Q: I own an apartment with 60amp service... How do I determine the amount of main service I need... I ...
  A: You could do a load calculation to find out the service you need. Simply adding your loads is not ...
a.m. radio noise from house wiring10/15/2008
  Q: M. radio at my house. I notice that when I turn on an outside light the noise gets dramatically ...
  A: There are many factors that can contribute to the disturbance of Amplitude Modulation (A.M.), which ...
ceiling fan/ light problem10/14/2008
  Q: I replaced a broken double switch that controlled a ceiling fan and its light. I wired it exactly ...
  A: Does the switch have two screws on both sides? If so, then you have wired the hot and the fan to ...
4 wire drier plug10/9/2008
  Q: would the ground and nuetral be hooked on the same post at drier?
  A: On a three prong dryer the ground and neutral are bonded together. The ground is attached to the ...
Remodeling kitchen adding wall oven and cooktop10/7/2008
  Q: Our home was constructed in 2000. Currently we have an electric 4 burner range with a self cleaning ...
  A: The NEC allows both the cooktop and oven to be on the same breaker, as long as the breaker can ...
200 vs 100 amp service10/6/2008
  Q: We moved from a house with a 200 amp service to one with 100 amp service. Our electric blanket ...
  A: A quick test would be to use a voltmeter in the same outlet as the one the blanket is plugged into. ...
House Main Breaker10/5/2008
  Q: Our apt. has only one breaker between the meter , and the Apt, upstairs. I cannot determine the amp ...
  A: Two 20 amp breakers with single lever is called a 20amp double pole breaker and it is rated at 20 ...
Sub Panel10/3/2008
  Q: question is ... I am running a 125 subpanel around 125 feet from the main panel ... what size feeder ...
  A: Normally a 125 amp panel requires #2 copper. However, your long distance means that you need to go ...
Dayton G73 Electric Heater10/3/2008
  Q: In reference to the Murray/Alex Napier exchange regarding the above. To review - the Dayton Heater ...
  A: This sounds like a pure 220volt heater, meaning that is does not require 120volts. If so, black from ...
wiring mobile home10/1/2008
  Q: We just put a pole outside for new electric service. The electrician we got put a 200amp breaker on ...
  A: There are too many unknowns for me to tell you if it safe or not. You should of pulled a permit for ...
Re-wiring a pump10/1/2008
  Q: I recently replaced my submersible well pump when I had a new well drilled on my property. The old ...
  A: Get a voltmeter and determine the voltage of the pump and which wires are carrying what volts. ...
two or more undercabinet lights in series9/30/2008
  Q: I am wiring two halogen under cabinet lights, with each having it's own switch. Do I need a fourth, ...
  A: If you are using the built in switches then you need to run one black, one white, and one ground to ...
adding new wiring9/30/2008
  Q: The load-bearing walls are cinder blocks with wire metal lath and plaster. The non-load-bearing ...
  A: There is a product called "Wiremold" that goes on the outside of the wall. This may be what you will ...
Trane shop heater wiring9/29/2008
  Q: Old, hanging Trane shop heater, natural gas, 115v. Fan motor went bad, ordered a replacement from ...
  A: The four wires indicate that it is either multispeed or requires a capacitor. The wiring diagram on ...
two or more undercabinet lights in series9/28/2008
  Q: I am wiring two halogen under cabinet lights, with each having it's own switch. Do I need a fourth, ...
  A: You will have black from the outlet go to each switch. From the other side of the switch you will ...
Dryer wiring problem9/27/2008
  Q: I just remodeled an old cabin and put 10-2 wire in for the dryer instead of 10-3. The walls have ...
  A: Mark, There is product called Wiremold that you can run on the outside of the wall. What you need ...
wiring multiple outlets9/26/2008
  Q: How would i wire multiple outlets or do they have to be home runs?
  A: This depends on the application. For example, bathroom outlets need to be on their own "home run", ...
220V Single Phase machine with Three phase socket?9/25/2008
  Q: I have an espresso machine that requires single phase 20amp power at 60hz...now I have an outlet ...
  A: You need to change the outlet to match the plug on the espresso machine. Typically you have two flat ...
electricity goes out and later comes back9/24/2008
  Q: I would be grateful if you can help me with the following problem. On a regular basis (weekly, ...
  A: When the power goes out you will need to trace the circuit and check each junction box and fixture ...
hvac9/24/2008
  Q: I have a heat pump that is about 23 years.American standard, I am in the process of changing from ...
  A: You will need to physically look at which wire goes to the reversing valve, which wire goes to the ...
3-way rocker switch9/22/2008
  Q: I have the same problem in all areas with a 3-way. I am using leviton Decora switches. My house is ...
  A: The new 3-way switches are wired differently than some of the old ones. If you replace it wire for ...
wiring in our new house melted our dryer9/21/2008
  Q: Greg, Hello! Help! We just moved to a new (old) house and the first few days when I was doing ...
  A: The two causes that I can think of are the outlet is wired wrong and you got 220 volts on the ...
service entrance9/21/2008
  Q: My entrance coming in behind the meter goes in to a cylinder fused square d switch box rated at 100 ...
  A: It sounds like you need an electrician to inspect your wiring and you may need to pull a permit. ...
Upstairs lighting circuit not working ?9/18/2008
  Q: The problem is that the bathroom light was switched on which in turn blew the bulb, the bulb was ...
  A: The voltage pen tester only detects if voltage is present, not if you have a good circuit. If you ...
220v line ?9/18/2008
  Q: is there any way i can run a 220v line split off of my stove for a dryer,i know that it wont be ...
  A: You can do that for a stove and oven, and you can do it in the garage for loads that will not be ...
Upstairs lighting circuit not working ?9/17/2008
  Q: The problem is that the bathroom light was switched on which in turn blew the bulb, the bulb was ...
  A: Three ways to approach this problem: Start at the main power and work your way towards the light. ...
Hit Electric Wire in Ceiling with Drill9/15/2008
  Q: We were installing large hanging hooks in our garage ceiling and used a regular stud finder, which ...
  A: I am glad to hear you are getting an electrician out there. The danger depends on several aspects. ...
Electric furnace wiring9/13/2008
  Q: Greg I'm installing a 20kw electric furnace and have worked out the min circuit breaker should be ...
  A: Go with the 2 gauge. A two-pole breaker connects to both legs so you can get 240 volts between the ...
Ceiling fan wiring9/11/2008
  Q: I'm replacing a light fixture controlled by a wall switch with a ceiling fan/light. Present wiring ...
  A: Do not worry, this is not a stupid question. Are the two lines present at the switch box or light ...
Two Switches 1 Live Line9/11/2008
  Q: Currently I have 1 switch at the top of the stairs and it turns on the lights to the Rec Room. It is ...
  A: If that switch only has two wires coming to it then it sounds like the power goes to the light box ...
Lights9/10/2008
  Q: My husband moved a window unit from one window to another. It had been working fine all day. Then ...
  A: The unit is plugged into a circuit that cannot properly support it. You will need to either place ...
Questionable wiring9/7/2008
  Q: I recently discovered some 14 gauge wiring on a 20 amp circuit in my house. The 14 gauge seems to ...
  A: If the lights were added on, it should not be too difficult to change the wire. With the power off, ...
Home Sauna Wiring8/31/2008
  Q: I'm building a sauna in a shed behind my house (120 feet from the main electirical panel). The ...
  A: You are very close on this one. The max length, given the voltage drop, is 119 feet with #8. If ...
How to replace an receptacle?8/31/2008
  Q: I found an old 3-prong socket (with one connection) in my new home that appears to be an old socket ...
  A: First you should find out if it is 220 volt or 110 volt. This will help you if you decide to use the ...
wiring outside the house8/30/2008
  Q: Is there any way to reconnect to a short line coming through the basement wall? Our old well pump ...
  A: I guess that is why they are plumbers and not electricians. You are going to need to find where the ...
subpanel8/30/2008
  Q: the subpanel in my detached garage did not pass inspection because the main breaker did not have a ...
  A: You gave me the model of the subpanel, which does not have a main breaker. I believe you are ...
WELDER HOOK UP8/29/2008
  Q: I NEED TO RUN A 240 V CIRCUIT TO A SYNCROWAVE 200 WELDER. ITS RATED OUTPUT IS 150 AMPS AT 26 ...
  A: The voltage drop should not be a concern for 60 feet. I would recommend #4 gauge and a 60 amp ...
Lennox start capacitor not grounded8/29/2008
  Q: I believe - red, yellow, green wires) recently burned out on my 10+ old Lennox outside air unit. A ...
  A: Start caps have a tolerance whereas run caps do not. The start cap should have a % of tolerance ...
wiring three way to outlets!8/28/2008
  Q: I'm Currently working on renovating my house, In my upstairs bedroom i want to have my recepticals ...
  A: Here are the different ways to wire it according to where the power comes in and if the light is ...
wire length in main panel8/27/2008
  Q: I am wiring a new 125 Amp Murray main lug panel. I was taught in an electrical course 20 years ago ...
  A: You can have a wire nut in the panel. Two schools of thought; you get to pick which one. Bring the ...
washer and dryer grounding???8/27/2008
  Q: ..I just got an old washer and dryer and I'm wondering if the green wire hanging from the back of ...
  A: The middle one should be the neutral, which is white on the dryer. Remember to bond the neutral ...
washer and dryer grounding???8/26/2008
  Q: ..I just got an old washer and dryer and I'm wondering if the green wire hanging from the back of ...
  A: That green wire gets connected to your cold water line. It is most likely that the people who owned ...
electrical problem8/26/2008
  Q: the other day while vacuuming my breaker tripped. I unplugged the vacuum and went to the breaker ...
  A: If the bathroom outlets are on the same circuit and have power then it would not be a circuit ...
electric thermostat8/25/2008
  Q: I want to move my thermostat from the electric heater to a wall mount. I have run 12-2 wire to the ...
  A: It depends on whether the t-stat is single or double pole. And, are you sure the 12-2 is big enough? ...
wiring in a ceiling fan8/25/2008
  Q: Greg, I am looking to install a ceiling fan in a bedroom that has no ceiling fixture. There is a ...
  A: The way I told you to wire it would make the outlet hot on both upper and lower prongs. If you are ...
wiring in a ceiling fan8/24/2008
  Q: Greg, I am looking to install a ceiling fan in a bedroom that has no ceiling fixture. There is a ...
  A: I would suggest running wires from your switch to the attic and across to where you want your fan to ...
Replacing Furnce8/23/2008
  Q: We are replacing a 15yo furnace with more efficient model. Terrible time deciding which brand. ...
  A: Having been factory trained by Carrier, worked for factory authorized Lennox - Trane & Carrier; And ...
Capacitor8/22/2008
  Q: If a blower motor (for an air handler) asks for a 5mF/370V cap, would it be a big deal to connect a ...
  A: Run caps need to be exactly what the motor calls for or else you will have premature burn out of the ...
need home generator connection to house help8/21/2008
  Q: I have a 5500 watt gas electric generator. I have not had time to get an electrician to install the ...
  A: "Do you think that will work as a temp fix thru this storm?" All indications that I have seen you ...
Hard wire do wall plug8/20/2008
  Q: I bought a range hood that was supposed to have a plug but that instead has 2 wires coming out of it ...
  A: I take it that you are not replacing an existing hood, but adding a new one that never had any ...
Plugs not working8/18/2008
  Q: The plugs in my two back rooms don't seem to work. I have tried flipping the switch at the circuit ...
  A: The testers that light up merely tell that there is voltage present, but not how much. It also ...
One Circuit two breakers8/17/2008
  Q: My garbage disposal circuit requires that I turn off two separate breakers and siimultaneously to ...
  A: No, this is not normal. Somehow you have that tied into another circuit. You will need to back track ...
New switch8/17/2008
  Q: I want to add a switch and an outlet to an existing line of outlets. However, I only want the ...
  A: Yes it is possible. With the power off, run your romex (12/2) from the switch to the outlet. You ...
Outside Garage Lights8/16/2008
  Q: Have a problem with outside garage light pair, standard builders’ grade fixtures from Lowes: Both ...
  A: Mike, This is an old trick that sometimes works. We usually do not reveal it because it is ...
Shed feeder question8/15/2008
  Q: Hughes: I just built a 12 x 16 shed and pulled my electrical permit to wire it up. I have a ...
  A: I am surprised that the inspector is allowing you to put in a 100 amp service panel on #4 wire. This ...
Outdoor GFCI got wet8/14/2008
  Q: Greg, My father and I installed a GFCI line outside for my new pool. Over the past 3+ weeks, it has ...
  A: If the pump was plugged in and the cover was open to accommodate the plug then it is very possible ...
Circuit out8/13/2008
  Q: After a recent storm, the main switch activated. On turning it back on, the switch activated again. ...
  A: Bill, That is a good way to troubleshoot. If the breaker trips with no load on the transformer you ...
GFI Outlet8/12/2008
  Q: I have just replaced a GFI outlet in my kitchen. I believe i have everything connected correctly ...
  A: You should have the hot wire connected to "Line-Hot" or "Line-Black", the neutral to "Line-Neutral" ...
Running wiring to the shed8/11/2008
  Q: I'd like to run 20amp wiring from the breaker box, through the basement and outside - then running ...
  A: Many cities allow a home owner to do an electrical upgrade under builder-owner as long as a permit ...
Running wiring to the shed8/10/2008
  Q: I'd like to run 20amp wiring from the breaker box, through the basement and outside - then running ...
  A: Greg, Here are some things to think about: 1. Is the pump 110 volts or 220 volts? 2. Do you think ...
208 VAC8/9/2008
  Q: We are a non-profit that just received a donation of a forklift and battery charger for our ...
  A: 1.The diagram was scanned at too low of resolution for me to read. I can see that it is telling us ...
Dimmer and Recessed Light8/8/2008
  Q: I installed nine (9) recessed lights in our living room. The wire used is Romex 12 Gauge (Yellow ...
  A: The actual wattage drawn is a result of the actual voltage supplied. The resistance of the filament ...
24v supply for humidifier8/8/2008
  Q: I am (re)installing an Aprilaire 700M humidifier on my Bryant 350MAV furnace. (The old one, an ...
  A: The "HUM" is for your humidifier connection. This is only energized when the furnace in is the heat ...
Grounding strap concern8/6/2008
  Q: The original DirecTV installer did not use exactly one of the points in an article "Grounding ...
  A: I do not enough information from that picture to give you advise. You need to find out how ...
three-way switch wiring issue8/5/2008
  Q: have three way switch circuit that is giving me a problem. Situation: I have a three switch to ...
  A: Newer three-way switches are wired differently than older three-way switches. If you replace an ...
mobile home8/5/2008
  Q: Hughes, How difficult is it to change the aluminum wiring in a mobile home to copper wiring. Also I ...
  A: Aluminum wire expands and contracts more than copper does, so it is more prone to become loose and ...
TV turns off when Stove is turned on8/4/2008
  Q: This is a problem that has happened to me in two separate apartments. It only started after I ...
  A: It sounds like your surge-protector is doing it's job. An A/C draws a lot of power when it turns on ...
MOBILE HOME ELECTRICAL8/3/2008
  Q: LOST POWER TO A 220 AC UNIT, AND ALSO REFRIGE AND FREEZER, AND OTHER SPOTS AROUND THE HOUSE, WHAT IS ...
  A: The first place I would look is in the main panel. It sounds like either a main breaker going bad or ...
replacing a receptacle8/3/2008
  Q: before replacement, when the light switch was in the off position, the receptacles had power to only ...
  A: There is a small metal tab on the side of the outlet where the screws are that needs to be broken. ...
installing new ceiling fan8/2/2008
  Q: I am trying to install a new ceiling fan/light combo. The existing fan uses the pull chains to ...
  A: This means that power is most likely being supplied at the light fixture and the two wires to the ...
swamp cooler motor8/2/2008
  Q: I bought a 1 yr old cooler this summer from a friend who I guess left it undrained last winter, so I ...
  A: The first thing to check is the voltage supplied to the motor. If that is okay then you did the ...
Residential remodel wiring8/1/2008
  Q: I have recently bought an older home that had some older updates, including the electrical. We had ...
  A: It will probably be better to isolate the bedroom outlets like you are thinking. This will also ...
expanding from one outlet to three7/30/2008
  Q: I am renovating my bathroom. I have one standard outlet on the opposite wall from the sink. I want ...
  A: The first thing you want to check is if this outlet is on a GFCI breaker, or fed from another GFCI ...
Stackable W/D7/29/2008
  Q: My husband pulled out a stackable washer/dryer unit to replace the dryer vent. After it was done, he ...
  A: Interesting problem. It sounds like a wire came loose, or the plug is not making good contact in the ...
Garage Door Opener (GDO)7/29/2008
  Q: I had a motor "start" capacitor blown on my 20 year old model 2200 Stanley GDO. A replacement ...
  A: This sounds like a start capacitor. A run capacitor has an exact micro f. rating. A start capacitor ...
Need subpanel for new A/C system7/27/2008
  Q: I have an 8.5-yr old house with a 3.5 ton Goodman A/C system going bad. I have 2400 sq. feet and 2 ...
  A: Without seeing the job there is no way for me to estimate a cost. There are too many variables. ...
no power along one wall in garage7/26/2008
  Q: I have NO experience in wiring. I was working in my gagrage last week when I noticed that I had no ...
  A: It sounds like there is a good chance the breaker needs to be replaced. But the outlets need to be ...
Ground rods, GFI & Arc-Fault breaker questions7/24/2008
  Q: I am building a 24x60 (with 14x60 second floor) workshop next to my house and it is wiring time. I ...
  A: Ken, For the ground rods you should consult your local building inspector because each area can ...
Vent Pipe Shock7/24/2008
  Q: I am a journeyman electrician with years of troubleshooting experience. Recently a customer was ...
  A: What were the two vents for? Are the vents well grounded? Is one well grounded and the other not? ...
Wire capacities7/23/2008
  Q: Need a direct answer. After asking several electricians I am confused. I am installing a sub-panel ...
  A: If local codes are stricter than the NEC, the local codes supercede the NEC. Which is why it is good ...
Wire capacities7/23/2008
  Q: Need a direct answer. After asking several electricians I am confused. I am installing a sub-panel ...
  A: What is the subpanel rated for? You need to run the wire size that is appropriate for the rating of ...
Running electricity to an outside brick shed7/22/2008
  Q: i have just moved into a new house and have a brick shed which is about 3 feet from the main ...
  A: Drilling the holes is okay but you would need to run conduit. Anytime you have electrical wires on ...
Electrical Wiring problem7/21/2008
  Q: Not a home wiring issue but this is the closest I could find. Hope you can help. My neighbor has a ...
  A: It is possible that you have a loose or broken ground wire. Try plugging the motorhome into a ...
bad recptacle7/21/2008
  Q: I have a circuit in my house that that covers three rooms. Two rooms receptacles and lights work ...
  A: It is a good idea to have the bathroom outlet on it's own gfci circuit. However, it sounds like you ...
Breaker question & kiln7/20/2008
  Q: Greetings! I hired a professional electrician to add a 50 amp circuit breaker to my home service ...
  A: How long does the kiln run at (basically) 50 amps? If the kiln runs at 50 amps for 3 hours or more ...
220V electric shower7/20/2008
  Q: I will appreciate very much if you can help me with this problem : I´m a resident in a ...
  A: I looked at the manual, but I do not understand the language, and it appears that there are two ...
A problem I don't understand....7/17/2008
  Q: I removed all my basement lights and decded to install new ones. I installed new boxes and wire from ...
  A: Ground wires can have voltage due to voltage coming up from the earth through the ground rod, from ...
Moving ceiling light fixture7/17/2008
  Q: My current ceiling light fixture is not centered to our living room. I'd like to move it ...
  A: If you have good attic access then this is not difficult. You will need to run the romex from the ...
garbage disp and dishwasher7/16/2008
  Q: our switch for the garbage disp has been sticky latly and you have to really push hard to get it to ...
  A: It is possible that he tripped a gfci outlet or breaker. Check the kitchen and bathroom for a gfci ...
Switched outlet7/15/2008
  Q: I have an outlet with 4 receptacles, and power feeding the outlet box. one black, one white, one ...
  A: First you want to establish if the wires from the switch are hot or not. And you want to establish ...
Toggle switch connection to existing outlet7/15/2008
  Q: I have installed an exhaust fan under the eave of my house to vent kitchen smoke via existing ...
  A: You could replace the outlet with an outlet that has a switch, or you can install a cut-in box near ...
electrical - sockets and lights not working7/14/2008
  Q: Can you please help? In the bedroom: Lights for the closet and above the sinks will not come on. ...
  A: Were you experiencing a problem that caused you to mess with the electrical panel? Mosts likely a ...
circuit box7/13/2008
  Q: dryer not working - tried flipping switches in circuit box - 2 for kitchen had white test buttons - ...
  A: Yes, if the test button is on the circuit breaker it will trip the breaker. If a breaker trips for ...
circuit box7/13/2008
  Q: dryer not working - tried flipping switches in circuit box - 2 for kitchen had white test buttons - ...
  A: There should be a reset button for the two. If the reset button does not allow you to turn the ...
Lighting System for church outdoor Poster7/12/2008
  Q: Our Local church is planing to light up an advertising poster fixed on the outside part of the ...
  A: Wow, a lot to answer here. First I would suggest using a photocell instead of a timer. This way you ...
CEILING LIGHTS7/11/2008
  Q: I HAVE TO SAY I DO NOT KNOW MUCH ABOUT ELECTRIC. BUT I TURNED MY BREAKER OFF AND CHANGED FIVE LIGHTS ...
  A: Yes, ground can actually be hot. Which is why electricians are taught to use a voltmeter before ...
electrical panel7/9/2008
  Q: my 30 year old house had an old heater that had its own small box with two 220v circuits. I ...
  A: You will need to run it to the main panel. The existing 220v circuit has been broken down into two ...
Confused about wiring my new kenmore H2 Dryer7/8/2008
  Q: The dryer came with the standard three prong cord. Delivery guys said i had to buy the three prong ...
  A: Good question and I am glad you asked. The 4-prong is the way the National Electrical Code wants us ...
all home air fan7/8/2008
  Q: the fan is a few months old turns on, will run and then after a while shuts off, ckt breaker does ...
  A: Is it a "whole house" fan that takes air from the house and blows it into the attic, or an "attic" ...
Fixing a someone elses Mistake7/7/2008
  Q: Hey I was installing a new panel box in my 1938 home when I noticed something odd. I have a 220v ...
  A: You should check local codes because you probably do not have to have the 50a gfi disconnect fed ...
house wiring7/7/2008
  Q: have a 4" box with a three wire that controls my light on my stair landing also from this box comes ...
  A: Let me see if I understand this correctly. It sounds like your 3-wire switch is a 3-way switch that ...
Main breaker in subpanel keeps tripping5/28/2008
  Q: I have a lot of info to give so I will give the question first. The 2 hot bars in a breaker box ...
  A: When you rewired your house you should of updated the panel to 200 amp service. To answer your ...
loose neutral5/28/2008
  Q: The lights in my master bedroom dim and stay there when a small appliance such as an iron is ...
  A: It is not uncommon on older homes to have the lights dim when a clothes iron is plugged in on the ...
combo switch5/27/2008
  Q: "I am having trouble installing a new combo outlet...the outlet is a combo switch/outlet..I have ...
  A: You will need a voltmeter to do this correctly. Simply trying wire configurations is dangerous. If ...
Location of Breaker Box5/26/2008
  Q: I an currently living in Colorado and my wife and I are searching for a home. I've have noticed ...
  A: Charles, Where I live all main breaker boxes are mounted on the outside. We have no basements. ...
Oversizing electrical wire5/25/2008
  Q: I ran 10g wire for a Reiker Heater ceiling fan, designed to give out 5,000 btu of heat. Ten guage ...
  A: The 10 gauge wire is okay. The circuit breaker is there to keep the device from running at too high ...
Wiring a new receptacle from single-pole switch5/25/2008
  Q: I am trying to add a receptacle near a new work box that currently has a single-pole switch in it ...
  A: You will need to find out which black wire is the "hot" wire and which one feeds the light. Turn ...
Wall Switch on celing Fan5/24/2008
  Q: This gives me the option of speeds from "blow you away"...to "pleasant breeze". I'm the nervous ...
  A: A dimmer switch generates heat because it acts like a resistor in series with the fan. How much ...
Electrical Outlet Problem5/24/2008
  Q: I can not get a plug pulled out from an outlet. It is an outlet outside that my pool pump is ...
  A: Jen, It is possible that the prongs have fused themselves to the inside of the outlet, or they have ...
"Strange" Electical problems in my mobile home5/23/2008
  Q: I have the strangest thing going on here in my mobile home. On several occasions within the past ...
  A: John, it sounds like your problems are all related in some way. This really sounds like you should ...
Tankless Water Heater Wiring5/22/2008
  Q: I just bought an electric tankless water heater. The instructions say to run two separate 8/2 wires ...
  A: At 200 feet (100 feet each) you are at the limit for 8/2 so you cannot go to 10/2. If anything you ...
cooktop5/21/2008
  Q: I have a three prong 250V outlet for my old cooktop and just bought a new one that came with a four ...
  A: The NEC is trying to get us away from the old 3 prong system and converted over to the 4 prong ...
Switches & Receptacles5/21/2008
  Q: I am building a room in my son's basement and want to know how many receptacles & switches can I put ...
  A: Good question. Technically the outlets and lights should be on separate circuits. The number of ...
bathroom fan5/20/2008
  Q: i am trying to install a bathroom fan.The bathroom has two sets of lights operated by one ...
  A: You need to determine if the power is first going to the switch or to the light. If power is going ...