Recent Electrical Questions and Answers

Summary: Here is the listing of the most recent Home Electrical Questions and Answers that I have been working with.

New and Updated

recent electrical wiring

Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repair Questions

Replace a Light Switch with a Programmable Switch

Emily in Texas asks: We are trying to replace our front porch light switch with a Honeywell programmable wall switch, model RPLS540A. We have a ground wire attached to the current light switch with a screw.

Adding an Outlet to a Wall Switch

Steve in Illinois asks: My kitchen has an exterior wall with a door that goes out onto a patio, with a switch inside near the door going outside that is the only one controlling an overhead kitchen light. I drilled a hole through the brick to add an outlet outside, piggybacking off the kitchen light switch.

Wiring a Wemo Light Switch on a 3-way switch

Jim in Virginia asks: I’m installing a Wemo 3way WiFi Switch replacing an existing 3-way switch.

I Would Like To Run Power Out To My Shed

Bryan in New York asks: I would like to run power out to my shed which sits about 150 feet back from house. I’m thinking direct bury UF from home panel box.

How Many Receptacles and Lights does the Code Allow

Ian in Canada asks: How many receptacles and lights does the code allow per 15 amp circuit?

Installing 220Volt Wiring for a Solar Power Monitor

James in California asks: Is it code compliant to run two separate 12-2 Romex cables instead of one 12-3 for 220volt?

Replace MR16 Bulbs with MR16 LED Bulbs in a Track Light

Lee in Virginia asks: I am looking to buy MR16 LED bulbs to replace the existing halogen MR16 in some track lighting. However, I noticed the existing halogen (6) bulbs are 24 volt, not the typical 12 volt.

Electrical Wiring Problem with a GFCI Outlet

David in Pennsylvania asks: I went to plug my extension cord into the ground fault and it tripped and could not be reset. I stretched the cord into the living room and plugged it into a receptacle which I could smell wires burning.

Access over 3100 Home Electrical Questions and Answers

« Glossary of Terms Related to Frequencies

Electrical Wiring for a Ceiling Fan »

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «

Here's How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book
Great for any Home Wiring Project.

See How to Wire it Right!

Learn more about Residential House Wiring

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students and Electricians
Includes:
Home Electrical Wiring - Upgrade Electrical Wiring
Wiring 120 Volt Circuits
Wiring 240 Volt Circuits
Wiring Multi-Wired Circuits
Wiring Methods for Installing Home Electrical Circuit Wiring
Electrical Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
Electrical Troubleshooting and Repairs
....and much more.
» Click here to learn more about Home Electrical Wiring «


	Residential Wiring Book

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right
	The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
	The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring! The Plug-In Outlet Tester This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.
	Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire! The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.