Home Lighting and Electric (Questions)

Unanswered Questions

These questions don't have answers yet. Can you help them out? ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom.

Intermediate Electrical Issue?Had an outlet arc. Now no power in 2 rooms. Both have new 2 pole type QP breakers. On one side are base broad heaters on ground side of breaker they work. The outlets and lights do not work I've check almost everything wires, switches, GFCI's but still no power. What else should I try.

Answer

Problem Wiring New Outlets?I used a voltage tester and it lights when I check the two wires coming in to the garage. After connecting to a gfci receptacle only, the voltage tested no longer lights.

Answer

Breakers Keep Tripping?A new electrician came to work on my light and they have been here for 3 days claiming they are rewiring some stuff in the attic. However, since they have been here, we have had problems with breakers tripping due to flipping a light switch.

Answer

Circuit Breaker Amperage for 2Hp Air Motor?For a 2Hp air motor how many amps does the circuit breaker have to be fitted when it works in 3 phase so that the motor can switch off when one phase of current is not coming?

Answer

Well Pump Wiring?I have a well pump that is currently on a 20 amp circuit and has 12 gauge wire. I want to add a light switch and receptacle in the pump house using 14 gauge wire.

Answer

How Can I Put an Emitter Sensor Inside a Flagpole?Can some one give me advice regarding a project I am doing about a flag pole with sensor for football? I want some advice of how I can put the emitter sensor inside the flag pole.

Answer

More Unanswered

Browse Questions

Electric Out?I live in apartment complex. The electric went off during the night. Went down to main box in communal, keypad showing what I have left in box so that's fine. Nothing tripped and nothing will go back on when I reset trip box in apartment? Nothing's loose and no obvious signs of burn out of a fuse. I phoned the NIE electric and they said they will send out engineer but still waiting. Any sparks on here know what it could be?

3 Answers Answer

Circuit Breaker Issues?I'm planning on opening a bakery in my garage so I've bought a single phase oven and a proofer. I've put a separate circuit breaker for those appliances.

6 Answers Answer

Breaker Box Not Working?I have 250 volts of power from my meter box to my workshop breaker box but nothing is working (lights, outlets, etc.)! Someone please help me with this, I do not know!

4 Answers Answer

Wiring a 20 Amp Ceiling Fan onto a 15 Amp Circuit?Can a ceiling fan rated for 20a be used with a 15a circuit?

3 Answers Answer

Proper Electrical Wiring Based on Amps?I have an appliance rated at 17.6 amps. What type of plug, receptacle, wire, and breaker is required?

4 Answers Answer

Correct Method for Wiring 220V Receptacle to a Fuse Box?I am installing a new electric hot water heater in an old wood frame house that was built in 1936. It has a conventional fuse box, not a circuit breaker panel. I ran a 10 gauge 3 wire from the water heater to a new 220V receptacle where it plugs into the connecting wire, then to the fuse box and connected it exactly as the 220V stove is connected.

4 Answers Answer

Inserting a Bayonet Style Bulb into Socket?When I put the bayonet style bulb with the two lead lumps at the bottom and two small locking pins sticking out the side into the pigtail slot made for the locking pins and then give it the clockwise turn to lock it in place, they don't connect with the two terminals in the socket.

2 Answers Answer

Lamp Wattage Limits for Different Type Bulbs?I bought a lamp under the impession that it's maximum wattage was 25W. But it has different limits for different types of bulbs: 25W for regular, 9W for LED, and 18W for halogen. I never knew that was possible. So I have also ordered a 11W LED bulb (equiv. of 55W), but I wonder whether I can use it.

2 Answers Answer

Adding an Electrical Plug to Outdoor Light Fixture?I would like to add string lights along my fencing and chainlink fence. I don't have an electrical outlet out back, but do have a light right at the door to go in. Is there a way that I can switch that light out and include on that an outlet in order to plug in my string of lights?

7 Answers Answer

Wiring for Ceiling Fan and Light Fixtures?I took over a condo and I am installing ceiling light and fan fixtures in each of the rooms. The wires are present, however they are inactive. There is no power (voltage of ~14V instead of 110V), the wires are cut, never used, not capped.

1 Answer Answer

Circuit Breaker Box Information?I bought a house in December of 2014, the seller replaced the breaker box due to rust. When I was having someone install a ceiling fan the other night, we discovered my whole first floor: 5 rooms are connected to one circuit breaker. Can this be legal?

1 Answer Answer

No Ground Wire on Nightlight?I bought a photocell nightlight that you install into a junction box. It was from a thrift store but new in the packaging. The instructions say it should have 3 wires, but it only has 2. The white and the black. There is no ground wire. Can I still use this night light without a ground wire?

1 Answer Answer

Installing a New Circuit Breaker?I have a double wide trailer. On the pole outside I have a breaker with a double 60 amp breaker that is hooked up to everything in the trailer. I would like to know if there is any way to put a bigger breaker in there like 100 amp or maybe even 120 amp? Please someone help me.

1 Answer Answer

Wiring a Sub Panel?I have added a sub panel box to a detached shed from the main house. I installed a 4 circuit sub panel receiving power from 2 - 50amp circuits in the main house panel. I added a separate ground bar and isolated the neutral bar inside the sub panel. When I turn the power back on the the shed I blow light bulbs.

1 Answer Answer

Replacing a Circuit Breaker?I bought a 20 amp 115 volt welder for the garage. The circuit breaker in the main box is a 15 double pull breaker. Can I put a 20 amp double pull breaker in its place without running new wires?

1 Answer Answer

Installing a New Circuit Breaker?I installed a new 20 amp breaker and hooked wires to it, ground, black and white. I put it in the breaker box and flipped the switch and it trips the breaker. The other end of the wire is hooked to nothing. I am obviously doing something wrong in the breaker box.

3 Answers Answer

Can't Find Which Circuit a Light is On?I'm adding some light fixtures to a utility room in the basement that has one light bulb right now. I've tried turning all the breakers off to find the source of the power in that room, but nothing on the main electrical panel turns that light off.

2 Answers Answer

Battery Wall Light Sconces?Have you used battery powered light sconces in your bathroom vanity? Wondering if two of them; one on each side of the wall would give me enough light for putting on makeup, etc. Don't want to hire an electrician and my current light is in the ceiling.

1 Answer Answer

Light fixture with central mount and two chain mounted globes.

Ideas for Updating a Vanity Light?Can anyone give me suggestions on how to change the look of my bathroom vanity light without having to call in an electrician? It's an ugly ceiling mount over my sink. The lighting itself is good because it hangs down near the walls on each side.

3 Answers Answer

Can Breaker Tripping Make Electric Bill Go Up?If my breaker keeps tripping; would that make my electrical bill go up, since I had to turn it off, then turn it back on? Wouldn't that take up a lot more power?

1 Answer Answer

What do I do? Breakers Keep TrippingI recently started renting a two bedroom house with my buddy. When we moved in half the house didn't have power. The land lord called a electrician and got that fixed but failed to fix the light in my bedroom.

2 Answers Answer

Turning Off a 220 Outlet Without Flipping Breaker?My dryer control panel stays warm when not in use. I am unplugging it when done with laundry as the breaker is outside. Can I get a switch put in next to it to turn it off?

1 Answer Answer

20 AMP Breaker Keeps Tripping?I am working on my basement. I've installed new lights on a breaker, laundry room lights on the second breaker, the third breaker has four outlets, and the fourth breaker has three outlets.

1 Answer Answer

Changing a 15 Amp Outlet to 20 Amps?I need to change one of my 15 amp outlets to a 20 amp outlet. I checked my fuse/breaker panel and all the breakers are 20 amp breakers. Can I just switch out the outlets and be OK?

2 Answers Answer

Shopping for Cool Craft Lighting?I do lots of hand sewing and it is necessary that I use a very bright lite. My problem is the heat it puts out. I can hardly stand it any longer. Are there craft lights available for close work that stay cool? I would appreciate any input. Thanks.

2 Answers Answer

Circuit Breaker Broke While Being Turned On?I had to change the outlet in the bedroom because it almost burned. I put in the new outlet then went to turn on the main circuit breaker. It was so hard it to move that it broke off.

2 Answers Answer

Wiring a Service Disconnect?How do you wire a 30amp disconnect switch box to #6 overhead wire? I am running 12-2 from the switch box to the #6 coming into the building. Do you connect the black 12-2 wire to one of the #6 wires and the white 12-2 wire to the other #6 wire?

2 Answers Answer

Ideas for a Unique Lamp Post for Front Yard?Anyone have an idea for making a unique lamp post in front of the house? I am so tired of looking at all the identical 3 inch metal poles or 4x4 wooden posts.

4 Answers Answer

Wiring a Bathroom Ceiling Light and Fan Combination?I would like to replace a bathroom ceiling recessed light with a timed fan/light. The fan has 3 connections, live, neutral, and switched live. The old light has just 2, live and neutral. Where do I get the unswitched live from?Thanks.

1 Answer Answer

Wiring a 4 in. Octagon Box?How many #12 wires does the NEC allow in a standard 4 in octagon box?

1 Answer Answer

GFI Isn't Resetting Outlets?I have three outlets on one breaker. One in a master closet and two in a bathroom. The closet is the GFI that resets them, the two in the bathroom have stopped working, and resetting does not help. Any suggestions?

1 Answer Answer

How Do I Wire a 220 Dryer Plug?How do I wire a 4 wire 220 dryer plug?

4 Answers Answer

What is the Best Lightening for a Craft Room?What is the best room lighting, that mimics natural sunlight, for a craft room?

1 Answer Answer

Installing a Remote Control for a Ceiling Light?I would like my husband to install a remote control on one of our ceiling lights. We are not sure how to go about it. I purchased a ceiling fan remote control but it isn't adaptable to our ceiling light. Thanks for any help you can give us.

Answer

Power Lines in Front of a Window?There are electrical power wires outside the upstairs window of our rental. Our tenant is concerned if he ever needed to jump out of the window in a fire. They have been there for 20 years. What can we do?

5 Answers Answer

Trouble Shooting a Trip Fuse Problem?I have an electrical outlet that runs all my outside and garage outlets, about 9 outlets all together. It has a trip fuse on it and it keeps tripping.

2 Answers Answer

Connecting 15 Amp Washer to 20 Amp Breaker Wired with 12-2?I am hooking up a washer that is rated as a 15amp. appliance. The outlet I am plugging it into is pre-wired with 12-2 gauge wire and has a 20 amp. circuit breaker. Will this cause problems (too big a breaker for the appliance, not trip when it is supposed to, etc.)?

2 Answers Answer

Trouble With a GFI Switch?I replaced an electrical outlet with a GFI switch. I plugged in a small fountain pump and it blew the fountain pump twice. Any thoughts on how to fix the electrical issue?

1 Answer Answer

Disconnecting a Beeping Smoke Detector Above the Drop Ceiling?I have read several threads discussing this topic and I understand the need to maintain home safety. However, my problem adds a new twist. I had a room added in the back of my lower level and the contractor put in a dropped plaster ceiling and covered up one of the smoke detectors.

1 Answer Answer

Problems with Switch Receptacle Combination?My bathroom outlet only works when attached light switch is in the off position. When I plugged in a drill, and turned it on, the lights went on. How come?

Answer

Wiring a Two Pole Breaker For a Generator?I would like to run a 2pole 20amp breaker separate from the other breakers to a portable generator. It would be in the off position unless there was an emergency to start the generator. Can this be done?

3 Answers Answer

Wood Stove Blowers Aren't Working?I just got a new wood stove with two blowers on it. I had to put the thing together myself. I wired it up like the instructions said and even added a new grounded outlet. But every time I plug it in it trips the breaker.

3 Answers Answer

Determining the Correct Breaker Amperage to Use?What should 20 amp breakers be used for? 15 amp? And so on.

Answer

Installing an Oven Outlet?What kind of an outlet does an oven using 20V, approximately 60 Hz, and 14 Amps require? This is a double oven; the bottom is gas and the top electric. Thanks.

Answer

Changing From a 15 amp to 20 amp Breaker?If a #12 wire is connected to a 15 amp breaker, can I assume that it is safe to replace the 15 amp breaker with a 20 amp breaker?

2 Answers Answer

What Causes a Circuit Breaker to Go Bad?What causes a breaker to go bad?

2 Answers Answer

Wiring Requirements for a Nema 5-20r Plug?I am a weekend warrior musician and I just acquired a power amp that has a Nema 5-20r plug on it. Could someone tell me how to wire an outlet for it? How can I tell if my current wiring will handle it? At gigs I will run a pig tail with a 20 amp breaker to the breaker box.

1 Answer Answer

How Many Amps Can a 20 Amp Circuit Handle?I was wondering actually how many amps can a 20 amp circuit breaker hold before it pops? I have an amp meter on it and it says 19.8. Somebody told me they can actually hold up to 21 amps?

6 Answers Answer

Dimmer Switch Tripped Breaker?I recently made the 3 lights that I had in the basement into 10 can lights. I also added a dimmer switch to that, which made the GFI in the garage permanently tripped. Therefore the outlets outside do not work at all because there is only one breaker. What should I do?

1 Answer Answer

Removing Broken Light Bulbs?I would like to know how to remove broken light bulb.

7 Answers Answer

Lighting for a Recreation Room?I need ideas on installing lights in a room that is 40'x40' with a 13' ceiling. The room is for kids to play basketball, dodgeball, etc. so I do not want anything in the ceiling, due to damage from playing. Any ideas?

1 Answer Answer

Color Advice for Exterior Light Fixtures?How do I choose what color exterior wall light should be used for an all white house? Do I use brass, white, pewter, silver, etc. The door is also white. Should the door locks match the light?

3 Answers Answer

Choosing Ceiling Light Fixtures?I need to replace ceiling light fixtures. Would anyone please guide me on how to choose new ones? Our house is very traditional. The current fixtures are brass and glass. I understand that brass is a traditional look, but I'm seeing lots of silver ones and dark brown ones.

3 Answers Answer

Light Fixtures That Replace a Light Bulb?I am in need of a way to inexpensively change the poor lighting in my modular home's front room. Currently I have one single bulb ceiling light.

6 Answers Answer

Wiring Requirements for a 30 Amp Dryer Circuit?Which gauge electrical wire should I use for 220 volt 30 amp? It is about 35 feet from the switch box to the plug for the dryer?

4 Answers Answer

Connecting New Wiring to a 20 Amp Breaker?I have a very old house with the original porcelain wiring. It has been updated through the years. How many outlets with new wiring can be connected to a 20 amp breaker?

2 Answers Answer

Fixing Electrical Wiring?I need to know how to fix hot/ground reverse on electrical wiring for home.

3 Answers Answer

Installing Grounded Electrical Outlets?I'm having this debate with my husband about how to install grounded electrical outlets. Should the 2 prong slots be on the top or bottom? I was told that when installed it should look like a smiley face with the round hole on the bottom. Does it make any difference?

4 Answers Answer

Help Wiring Outlet Replacing Baseboard Heater?Hi, While renovating a room I removed two baseboard heaters and have installed an electrical outlet to replace one of them.

2 Answers Answer

Tying a New Electrical Outlet into Existing Power Source?A friend has asked me to help install a 15 amp 110 volt outlet in a landscape area. The area is bounded by a driveway so running a wire will be very difficult.

Answer

Outdoor Light Using Electricity When Turned Off?I have a high electric bill so I was looking into reasons why. Someone said to check out our outside lights. Come to find out one of the light posts had electricity going into the ground around the posts. If you stuck a meter into the ground near the post it read 110 amps.

3 Answers Answer

Installing a Large Amp Circuit Breaker?I have a a question about installing a bigger amp circuit breaker. During Christmas, after putting the lights up the C/B keeps tripping after 15 minutes. I heard that I could put a bigger amp C/B in, I think they are all 15 amp breakers now, how big can or should I go?

4 Answers Answer

Adding More Outlets and Fuses?I have an older home with a fuse box and I need to add outlets in the basement. I also need to up the fuses to at least 20 from 15 so I can run my saw. How do I do this?

2 Answers Answer

Can I Change a 15 Amp Breaker to a 20?Is it possible to change a 15 amp breaker to a 20 to accommodate additional outlets?

3 Answers Answer

How Do Bugs Get Into Light Covers?Does anyone know how bugs get into a light globe or cover?

3 Answers Answer

Removing Paint From Electrical Outlets?I have been painting and have managed to get paint on the plug in receptacles. How can I get the dried paint off of these without shocking myself and messing up the outlets?

5 Answers Answer

Adding An Outlet Outside?I have an outdoor BBQ island coming and I will need to plug in the refrigerator and get power to the on board outlet that is built into the island to run the blender for drinks. My one and only backyard outlet is over 20 feet away from where I am planning to put the BBQ.

1 Answer Answer

Adapter for 20 Amp Power Strips?I purchased a few 20 amp multi-strips. The plugs are different than normal plugs and do not fit into the wall outlet. Is there an adapter I can buy to convert the plug?

1 Answer Answer

Changing A 30 Amp Outlet and Circuit Breaker to a 20 Amp Circuit?I am changing a 30 amp outlet and circuit breaker to a 20 amp. I am installing a new air conditioner that is rated for 20 amps. My old air conditioner is a 30 amp.

7 Answers Answer

Lights Dimming?I am experiencing the electricity dimming and changing consistency frequently. I have contacted the Electric Company and they did an analysis by setting up some sort of measuring meter. As far as they know, it's not coming from their outside lines, therefore is coming from inside the house. What should I look into? How can I approach the problem to test it out? I just want to have as much knowledge so I don't get ripped off.

8 Answers Answer

Only Half of Electrical Circuit Works?We recently purchased an old home (105 years old) and one day half of the lights on a circuit stopped working. They stopped when I turned on a sconce and it shorted and blew the circuit breaker. Half the lights on the circuit went out, not to be seen again.

3 Answers Answer

Problem Replacing Outlets in my Bathroom?I decided to replace the outlets in my bathroom to GFCI. I made sure to follow the installing instructions very carefully. However, after my installation, the outlet is not providing power. I checked the power line and it is receiving power. But when I plug in a device in the outlet it does not work.

3 Answers Answer

Adding a New Electrical Outlet?I am wondering how to add a new indoor electrical outlet for track lighting? Is it feasible?

1 Answer Answer

Smell Coming From Main Breaker?There is a hot smell coming from my breaker box and the surface around the main breaker is hot to the touch when the smell is present. I have taken the cover off of the box and the main wire coming in from outside is very hot to the touch.

10 Answers Answer

Changing a Fluorescent Light Ballast?Where can I find information on changing a ballast? I've tried www.google.com and typed in the appropriate words. No luck! Until now, I hope!

7 Answers Answer

15 Amp Outlets Running off 20 Amp Breakers?I recently replaced an outlet in my kitchen and realized that all my 15 amp outlets etc. seem to be running off of 20 amp breakers. I don't know how to tell what size the wires are. Are the 20 amp breakers something to be concerned about? Should they be 15? Brian

8 Answers Answer

Problem with 220 Line?I am in the process of installing a subpanel using a pre-existing 220 line that is not being used now, but was used for a water heater. The problem is, measuring accross the hot wire and ground I get a normal reading of 115. Measuring across the neutral and ground I get a reading of 94v. at the main panel, both lines read correctly, 110-115. The cable from the main to the subpanel is short, not more than 3 feet. Both boxes are the old edison type fuses and have been converted to s type. Any input would be appreciated. thanks. Randy

3 Answers Answer

Breaker Question - 20 Amp Breaker, 14 wire?I recently purchased a house, and it is clear that the previous owner had not always done things correctly. My present concern is that there seems to be 14 gauge wire running off a 20 AMP breaker.

11 Answers Answer

Help Replacing a Fluorescent Light?I have taken down a fluorescent light in my house and lost my wiring diagram. There are 4 wires inside 2 brown (I expect to be live), 1 blue (newtr) 1 purple (don't know) also it should be earthed. Help me please. Baz

2 Answers Answer

Help With Wiring A New Light?I've just fitted a new pendant light fitting using the existing electrical source. However, when I turn the main power on, the lights are on even though the light switch is off. When I put the light switch on, it blows the fuse!

1 Answer Answer

How Can I Confirm Electrical Problems?I have many outlets but only one outlet is out. I thought I would just replace the one so I got a free estimate and they want over 4 grand saying the whole house needed to be rewired. It's scary because I don't want a fire. How does one know if this is true, are there other signs to look for so I can make sure that this really needs to be done before I spend 4 grand? Chris

8 Answers Answer

Home Lighting and Electric (Questions)Ask a Question Follow

Unanswered Questions

Browse Questions

Home Lighting and Electric (Questions)Ask a Question
Follow