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Frequently Asked Questions about Home Wiring
Recent Articles about Home Wiring
Follow the Links below to the Complete Resource Page
Static From Electronic Light Fixture Ballast
I installed a new electronic ballast in fluorescent fixture. My radio now has static on it. How can I stop it?
more at: Static From Electronic Light Fixture Ballast
Installing Workshop Wiring
I am about to start wiring my steel frame shop building for my 240 V air compressor, welders, and auto lift, plus assorted lights and outlets for power tools. Do I need to run all of the wiring through conduit or can I use Romex?
more at: Installing Workshop Wiring
Appreciation for Help From Ask-The-Electrician.com
Big thank to you-Dave Rongey-for sharing technical knowledge with others. You know I must humbly admit, I have a lot to learn from you being a beginner in the world of electrical installation.
more at: APPRECIATION for Help From Ask-The-Electrician.com
Wiring Outlets Controlled by a Switch
Mark, from Leawood, Kansas asks:
I want to wire a switch to control two outlets. Can you explain the process for me?
more at: Wiring Outlets Controlled by a Switch
Replacing Multi-Wire Kitchen Outlets
Chris, from Winnipeg, Canada asks:
Dave,
I have 4 standard 120V 15A outlet plugs in my kitchen that I recently wanted to replace. So I went to Home Depot and bought some new plugs and installed them. When I turned on the breaker switch, I saw a spark behind the breaker and it flipped back to the off position.
I consulted with an electrician and he asked me if I had broken off the tabs on the hot side of the outlets. I didn't. So I went back and sure enough the old plugs were missing the tabs. I removed the tabs on the new outlets and now everything works fine.
My question is why did this happen and have I done any damage to the breaker or new outlets that I should be concerned about?
Thank You.
Chris
more at: Replacing Multi-Wire Kitchen Outlets
Electrical Terminal Block for a Kitchen Cook top
My electric 4 burner kitchen cook top just fried due to careless installation causing stripped wiring and has melted the terminal block. The existing terminal block is 40 amp. After 3 days I still cant locate a 40 amp replacement connector. Can I use a 30 amp connector in its place?
more at: Electrical Terminal Block for a Kitchen Cook top
Power for a Garage Electrical Panel
Michael, from Polson, Montana asks:
I have a Cutler Hammer main electrical panel. I want to add another 100A breaker for my garage panel. There doesn't seem to be a space in the panel to plug in another breaker. Am I going to have to replace the panel, or am I missing something?
more at: Power for a Garage Electrical Panel
Converting Bedroom Switched Outlets to Ceiling Fixtures or Fans
Jon, from Hull, Iowa asks:
I would like to change my switched outlets in my bedrooms to switched ceiling lights, or possible ceiling fans. I have the main power with 14-2 wire coming into my master bedroom single pole switch; it proceeds to an outlet nearby. The same master bedroom switch proceeds to another bedroom switch where it also feeds a nearby outlet. The second bedroom single pole switch then goes to the 3rd bedroom where it also feeds one switched outlet. All the whites in line were tied together. I have already run a 14-2 wire to the center of each room down to the switch area. This is where I have a question; How do I wire the switch for possible ceiling fans, or ceiling lights; Do I need a double gang box; and can the outlet still be used without turning a switch on?
more at: Converting Bedroom Switched Outlets to Ceiling Fixtures or Fans
Caution When Replacing Kitchen Outlets
Walt from New York asks:
So I'm changing all the outlets in my house. I'm stuck on the kitchen. I copied the wire configuration from old to new, but when I turn the power back on it keeps tripping the circuit breaker. I didn't use GFCI's, but I will purchase some since reading some posts on this site saying that it is the electrical code, even so I don't understand why the breaker keeps tripping. I live in a old house and the previous outlets weren't GFCI's either but they worked fine. What is it that i'm missing?
more at: Caution When Replacing Kitchen Outlets
Light Fixture Circuit Wiring
How to Make Electrical Wiring Connections for Home Light Fixtures: Typical Wiring Mistake with Light Fixture and How to Fix It.
Electrical Power Design for a Garage Workshop
I am planning a workshop in my garage where I will have 220 volt equipment: How to Install Wiring for a Garage Workshop.
Troubleshooting Half Power At The Electrical Panel
The breaker panel in my house will only let every other breaker work…
Wiring a Dimmer Switch for New Lights
How can I wire a dimmer switch for light fixtures? How to make the Electrical Connections when Wiring a Dimmer Switch.
Wiring Receptacles and a Light Switch
How do I wire a single pole switch, one light, and two receptacles for a bedroom? How to Install Electrical Wiring for Receptacles and Light Switches.
Troubleshooting Light Switch Wiring
I just changed a light switch and lost power to my outlets, what did I do wrong? How to Check Light Switch Wiring Connections, Common Light Switch Wiring Problem and Solution.
See more at the Electrical Questions Category Listing.
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