Questions tagged [electrical]
Distribution and use of electricity throughout the home. Electrical standards vary greatly worldwide, so you need to provide your location in your question or profile to ensure you get answers that are relevant to you. Posting photographs of wiring junctions or drawing a wiring diagram and posting it is also highly recommended.
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Can I convert ceiling mounted octagon box to electrical receptacle?
I've installed a number of strip lights in my garage to replace the single incandescent fixture on the ceiling. They all use a 3-prong plug, not hardwired. I want to replace the incandescent fixture ...
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Why are my downlights constantly blowing?
I have a strip of 3 downlights in my living room, and I am constantly changing globes.
Usually two of the globes blow in the first day or two of use, but the third globe will last much longer (at ...
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How do I test circuit breakers?
Suppose I need new circuit breakers and buy some at a local shop. How do I test them to be sure they haven't been damaged on their way from factory and will do their job when time comes?
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Light fixture inside knee-wall storage
We framed knee walls in our attic and want to use the areas behind them for storage. These areas are triangular in cross-section, about 3' high at the knee wall, and of course the ceiling hits the ...
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Large voltage swing on incoming main hot line- definitely outside?
So for much of last fall, I had an issue of flickering lights in my house (half of the house seemed to flicker in unison). Back in December, I called the electric company, who came out, and claimed ...
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oven not igniting
(Updated.)
I have a gas stove and oven with no pilot light (so they ignite using electricity). The stove and broiler (at the top of the oven cavity) are lighting fine, but the oven is not (at the ...
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Humming Ceiling Fans
I have two Harbor Breeze 52in. Builders Series Ceiling Fans. Under normal operation these fans are smooth and quiet. However, during power outages like we've had recently, I use a Devilbiss 6000 ...
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What types of flooring can be used with electric radiant heat?
I am considering converting an old enclosed sleeping porch into a usable room year round (in Ohio). Currently the floor is a big slope to allow for drainage when it was still open, obviously I want ...
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DIYer to skilled tradesperson
What is the process a DIYer has to go through to become a skilled tradesperson? Are the only options apprenticeships, or are there other paths to follow to learn a trade/become licensed?
What type ...
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What is the silver on the end of copper wire?
I am connecting a power cable to my dishwasher and I noticed the end of the copper wire looks like it has been dipped in solder. It is silver and very stiff. Should I be putting the wire nut on over ...
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electric main rings of the house
How do I know if my two floor house has one or two electric rings, one downstairs and one upstairs, or just one for all the house.
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How do I connect two 220V devices each with 12/2 wire to a 220V 12/3 feed?
I have a two devices I need to connect to a 220V feed on 12/3 wire.
Previously there was/is 1 device connected but the connections from the feed to the 12/2 wire was done inside a ball of tape buried ...
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Is it "OK" to have my pool heater and pump share a circuit?
I replaced a rusted out millivolt natural gas pool heater with a new model, but forgot to note that it needs an electrical connection as well (for vent,etc).
I have a 240V line run out there for the ...
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What are some of your previous owner nightmares you have inherited?
Things like picket fences that are screwed and to end and to trees with no posts. Or where there are posts they are sunk 4 inches into the ground with concrete around the top.
Or plumbing done with ...
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Does a fridge thermostat need a ground connection?
I've recently replaced the thermostat in my fridge with a new unit with a much higher temperature range (this unit specifically).
The unit I took out had a ground connector & the original wiring ...
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