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Electrical Wiring in the Home/Expert Profile
Expertise
Just about any home wiring question. (not appliance repair) I have done all kinds of home wiring for myself, including adding a new breaker box, etc. Please, questions from North America only. Please be specific with details. Please note that I am a homeowner who is self-taught. I know a lot, but I am not an electrician. I always base my answers on following the rules. If you are asking me how to jury-rig something, you probably won't like my answer.
Something controversial or provocative about this subject
Please note that you should never disconnect all wires in a junction box. If you are replacing something, do not uncap wires that go to each other. If you do, no one will be able to help you on line. You will need to get an electrician with testing and diagnostic tools to trace every wire to put them back.
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K = Knowledgeability C = Clarity of Response T = Timeliness P = Politeness| User | Date | K | C | T | P | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robert | 11/22/09 | 10 | 7 | 10 | 10 | Your first paragraph was unclear. As I ..... |
| John | 11/21/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thanks. Good to know you are there ..... |
| Jane | 11/21/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you for you quick response! I ..... |
| Sal | 11/20/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | |
| Matt | 11/19/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Hi Bob, Thanks so much for your ..... |
Recent Answers from Bob Sponaugle
2009-11-22 Converting 240 wire to TWO 120 plugs.:
Hi. If the wire is very thick, it will be hard to connect it to the smaller breakers (You should use a double pole 20 amp breaker), and to the outlets. Also, you need both a ground and a neutral
2009-11-21 Water heater keeps tripping.:
Hi. The main parts are two thermostats and two elements, so if you replace everything, all that is left is the wire between them. I don't know if you saw this, it is very helpful: http://www.wikihow
2009-11-21 Circuit Breker keeps tripping:
Hi. You may need to replace both the dryer cord and the wall outlet for the dryer. Sometimes it does not make good contact, and arcs and overheats. Once it overheats, then both devices are ruined
2009-11-21 Switched row of lights:
Hi. The only way you can connect the switch at the end of the circuit is to use 3 conductor (plus ground) wire. This may cost more, and will be more work than just running the 2 conductor wire from
2009-11-21 Wiring 3-wire countdown timer (no neutral) to bathroom exhaust fan works, but is there a risk?:
Hi. You don't have a neutral, so you can't use a timer that requires one without running another wire to the switch from the fan. The 3 wire timer may be for incandescent lights only. Check and
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