By Dave Rongey Summary:
Electrical Lighting Question: In the basement of my house there is a electrical circuit with a 15 amp circuit breaker and 14/2 wire which powers four lights, a deep freeze, a heat exchanger and four other outlets.
In the basement of my house there is a electrical circuit with a 15 amp circuit breaker and 14/2 wire which powers four lights, a deep freeze, a heat exchanger and four other outlets.
The four other outlets are not in use. Occasionally, the lights will go dim.
What could be causing this problem?
Thanks, Eric S.
Hi Eric - Great Electrical Repair Question! Because the circuit is only 15 amps and you have a few considerable loads which include the compressor of the deep freeze, I would suspect that the dim lights that are being experienced due to the freezer compressor cycling on, especially if the heat exchanger is running. This can also be due to other major loads which are on the same buss back at the panel.
You may want to consider installing a separate circuit for these two devices, especially you ever plan to add any additional loads to this circuit.
From: Eric S.
Thanks so much for your quick reply. I will certainly take your advice and put these devices on a separate circuit.
I do have another Question:
I just installed two split receptacles on a switch for the use of my lamps in my recreation room. As always I tested these receptacles and discovered on one tied to the switch, that when the switch is in the off position a faint light comes on my tester. This doesn't happen on the other receptacle The top of these receptacles are fine. I checked the situation and found the ground wasn't tied to the receptacle. Once I connected the ground and retested there was no light on my tester. Why would leaving the ground of the receptacle allow a little voltage on the switch side of the outlet when the switch is in the off position?
Thanks again, Eric
Many times when you get a dim light this indicates a feedback, usually through the neutral. I'm not sure which tester you are using, possibly and induction type where it uses an internal coil and not electronic logic, so this will produce that reading with a feedback which is indicating a lower voltage. I would check your circuit.
Make sure the ground is bonded at the panel circuit source and that this bond is continued at all junction box locations. At the location of the circuit it's a good idea to separate the incoming circuit, verify the readings, polarity etc. Then verify that none of the load side wiring is crossed up as to maintain correct polarity.
Where half-hot switched outlets are used the neutrals can be bonded through so there is no need to break the neutral tie bar or jumper on the outlet as long as the circuit is the same source for both sides of the outlet.
Dave Rongey, Licensed Electrical Contractor, Assisting with Home Electrical Troubleshooting and Electrical Repairs
Home Electrical Wiring
Wire a GFCI Outlet without a Ground Wire
Helping You Wire it Right
NOTE: A List of All my Helpful Videos Will Display at the End of This Video So Keep Watching So I Can Help You Wire it Right!
Be sure to get your copy of my BIG Book: Perfect for Homeowners, Students and Electricians Includes:
Home Electrical Wiring - Room by Room
120 Volt Circuits
240 Volt Circuits
Multi-Wired Circuits
Wiring Methods for Installing Home Electrical Circuit Wiring
Electrical Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.
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.
What would causes my lights to dim? How to Identify the Cause of Dim Lights, Electrical Questions and Answers about Dim Light Problems. Top of List DIY Home Electrical Wiring Projects
What would cause lights to flicker and go dim then brighter? Common Problems that Cause Dim and Flickering Lights. Top of List DIY Home Electrical Wiring Projects
How to Know What Causes Lights to Not Work - Installing high watt lamps that are not specified for the track light head. Each light head or compatible light fixture attached to the track light has a bulb size, type and watt limitation Top of List DIY Home Electrical Wiring Projects
Basic Electrical Circuits and the Causes of Lost Power - Electrical wires can produce a certain amount of heat when there is a load on the circuit. If there is an electrical splice that is beginning to fail, it will produce more heat due to small amounts of arcing that takes place. Top of List DIY Home Electrical Wiring Projects
How to Solve Electrical Power Quality Problems: It is probable that there is a problem with the main incoming power from the electrical provider. Top of List DIY Home Electrical Wiring Projects
How can I use a voltage tester to check a light switch? The Most Common Methods for Testing a Light Switch, Testing a Switch with a Continuity Tester, Testing a Switch with a Voltage Tester. Top of List DIY Home Electrical Wiring Projects
Why does our house have partial power, is there a problem with our panel? Electrical storms, or changing an outlet that shorts out and causes sparks can cause a number of problems with the home electrical system. Top of List DIY Home Electrical Wiring Projects
Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter.
Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area. Precaution:
Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Important:
Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
