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Electrical Wire and Cable


Why an Electric Power Surge Can Cause Problems

Why are my electrical devices burning up instead of tripping the circuit breaker? Possible Causes of Power Surges and Spikes, How to Avoid Damage to Electrical Devices Caused by Voltage Surges or Spikes.


Home Electrical Wiring Video

How to Wire a GFCI Outlet
without a Ground Wire

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Burning Up Electric Devices
Electrical Question:Why are my electrical devices burning up instead of tripping the circuit breaker?

Additional Comments: I just searched and found this because I was trying to fix my electrical problem once and for all because I’m tired of paying a bill and not being able to use anything for fear of it being fried.

Background: James, a Homeowner from Clay City, Kentucky.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question James.

Power Surges and Voltage Spikes

Application: Evaluating a Home Electric Service Panel for Causes of Power Spikes and Surges.
Skill Level: Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and Voltage Tester and amp meter or load recorder.
Estimated Time: Depends on the type and age of the electric service panel and the access to the circuits to be evaluated.
Precaution:  Working in an electric panel is dangerous due to arc flash hazards and the possibility of electric shock.
Notice: Making changes to the Home Electrical Service Panel should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.

How to Avoid Damage to Electrical Devices Caused by Power Surges or Voltage Spikes

More about Power Surges and Electrical Circuit Wiring

Power Surge Conditioning for Power Quality
Power Conditioning for Power Quality Means Protection for Your Valuable Home Electrical and Electronic Devices.

RV Electrical
RV Electrical

RV Electrical Wiring Topics

Electrician Answers Questions about Mobile Home electrical circuit, RV main breaker trips and wiring RV outlets.

Electrical Circuit Breakers
2-pole-circuit-breaker

Home Electrical Circuit Breakers

A guide to home electrical circuit breakers and how they work to protect your electrical wiring. When properly installed, your home electrical wiring is protected by a circuit protection device.

Using Testers to Identify Electrical Problems
digital-tester

Testers to Help Solve Electrical Problems

Troubleshooting Electrical Wiring


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.


More articles about Electrical, Power Quality and Home Electrical Wiring:
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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

2 Responses to “Why an Electric Power Surge Can Cause Problems”
  1. charles fulks says:

    The power in one part of my house dies down and the other side surges at the same time,is it something in my breaker box or the transformer outside.

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Charles,
    This sounds like the electrical system has a problem where one connection may be lost.
    I would first contact the electrical utility company so they can check their side of your electrical service.
    Please see the following information:
    Lost or Partial Home Electrical Power.

    Why Outlets do Not Have Full Power.

    If the electrical utility service is OK then I would contact a licensed electrical contractor who can identify and repair the problem.
    Dave