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Electrical Wire and Cable


What to do if Your Lights Flicker

Flickering lights is an indication that requires attention, here’s where to start.


Home Electrical Wiring Video

How to Wire a GFCI Outlet
without a Ground Wire

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Flickering Lights and Power Problems

[ad#block]Question: We purchased our home as a foreclosure so no history was provided, bought as is, it is 10 years old. Periodically when either the furnace kicks in, or if another appliance is turned on the lights will flicker. This morning a repair tech was here to fix our central air conditioner and he was concerned that the basement lights flickered quite a bit after the central air kicked on after he fixed it (finished basement with recessed lights). Is this something we should get checked out and should we be concerned about it?

This electrical question came from: Lucinda, from Randolph, Minnesota

See more about Home Wiring for Minnesota

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Lucinda
Home Electrical Service
Lucinda, when lights flicker badly enough for your service technician to notice, and this seems to be an on going problem, then I would make sure to have your electrical service checked.
Contacting The Electrical Utility Company
Contact your local electrical utility provider and explain the problems that you are experiencing, and request that they check your electrical service. If the utility side of the home electrical service checks out ok, then it is time to contact a qualified electrical contractor who can make a series of voltage checks to determine the problem. This is important because the problem could get worse and lead to a very costly electrical repair.

The Following links will assist you with your electrical question:

Using Testers to help with Electrical Repairs
digital-tester

Testers that help with Electrical Repairs


The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

» 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.
  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.


Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
with my Online Video Course:
Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example


Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

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.


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