Home Wiring

dave@ask-the-electrician (Dave Rongey) — Sun, 01 May 2011 05:30:47 -08:00

The Home Wiring and Home Electrical Wiring Resource for Installing and Repairing Electrical Wiring the Right Way

Static From Electronic Light Fixture Ballast

dave@ask-the-electrician (Dave Rongey) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 02:09:01 -08:00

I installed a new electronic ballast in fluorescent fixture. My radio now has static on it. How can I stop it?

Installing Workshop Wiring

dave@ask-the-electrician (Dave Rongey) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 01:19:18 -08:00

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?

Appreciation for Help From Ask-The-Electrician.com

dave@ask-the-electrician (Dave Rongey) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 01:14:28 -08:00

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.

Wiring Outlets Controlled by a Switch

dave@ask-the-electrician (Dave Rongey) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 11:33:30 -08:00

Mark, from Leawood, Kansas asks: I want to wire a switch to control two outlets. Can you explain the process for me?

Replacing Multi-Wire Kitchen Outlets

dave@ask-the-electrician (Dave Rongey) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:33:52 -08:00

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

Electrical Terminal Block for a Kitchen Cooktop

dave@ask-the-electrician (Dave Rongey) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 05:13:46 -08:00

My electric 4 burner kitchen cooktop 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?

Caution When Replacing Kitchen Outlets

dave@ask-the-electrician (Dave Rongey) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 09:56:54 -08:00

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?

Converting Bedroom Switched Outlets to Ceiling Fixtures or Fans

dave@ask-the-electrician (Dave Rongey) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 10:18:31 -08:00

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?

Power for a Garage Electrical Panel

dave@ask-the-electrician (Dave Rongey) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 10:59:51 -08:00

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?