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Electrical Wiring
Ask questions here about proper wiring and electrical installation here.
4,935 Questions
How do you run a split circuit 15amps?
Split receptacles
Split receptacle installations can be found in kitchen counter receptacles. These types of receptacles are fed with a #14 three wire from a two pole 15 amp breaker. The top part of the duplex receptacle is isolated from the bottom half of the duplex receptacle by removing the brass coloured tie bar that joins the two halves together. The top part of the receptacle is fed with a full 15 amp capacity by using the black and white wires of the three wire cable and the bottom half is fed with a full 15 amp capacity by using the red and the same white wire of the three wire cable. This allows two appliances to be plugged in to the same receptacle.
SAFETY ADVICE
Before you do any work yourself,
on electrical circuits, equipment or appliances,
always use a test meter to ensure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized
IF YOU ARE NOT REALLY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB
SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY
REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.
If this is an extension cord or an appliance cord with molded-on ends, don't rely on the color! I have seen cords where the colors were not correct. If the manufacturer accidently uses the white for the hot, as long as both ends are the same, the cord will work. But if you cut into the cord, say, to put on a new end, and you use white for neutral, and the other end uses it for hot, someone willl get hurt. Best to use a continuity tester or multimeter to make sure which color is wired to the neutral prong. But yes, normally white (in the US) is used for neutral. IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB
SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY
REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS. If you do this work yourself, always turn off the power at the breaker box/fuse panel BEFORE you attempt to do any work AND always use a meter or voltage indicator
to insure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.
What is a safe distance between 110V electrical wire and coax cable when installing inside drywall?
A safe distance between a 110V electrical wire and a coax cable when installing inside drywall is a minimum of 2 inches, to reduce the risk of interference and potential electrical hazards. It is also recommended to use separate drill holes or protective conduit to further ensure safety and proper functionality of both the electrical and coaxial systems. Consulting with a professional electrician or installer is advisable for specific guidance and compliance with local building codes.
A one switch is called a toggle switch. It is a simple mechanical device that can be flipped or toggled between two positions to control the flow of electricity in a circuit.
How do you convert a 240V outlet to run 120V?
=== === == == === === Most homes and businesses are already wired for 240V at the main incoming supply breaker panel.
You just need to have a licensed electrician install an new 240V circuit, including the proper sized wiring and breakers. This would handle larger current loads and be much safer for you and anyone else in your household to use - and for anyone else after you have moved out. <><><>
The best advice anyone should give you is to call a licensed electrician to install a new 240 volt power outlet for you.
He will use the correct size of wire for the 240 volt appliance you want to use -- A water heater? A clothes drier? A kitchen range? -- and connect it to the correct sizes of circuit breakers on the main panel and also a GFCI safety device to protect users from electrocution if the room is likely to be damp or have water spray or wet floors, walls or ceiling, such as a laundry room or a kitchen.
Then you would be able to use a 240 volt appliance safely in the room in question. If you do this work yourself, always turn off the power
at the breaker box/fuse panel BEFORE you attempt to do any work
AND
always use a meter or voltage indicator
to insure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized. IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB
SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY
REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.
How do you attach a 4 wire power cord to electric dryer?
in back of dryer u should have a block with three wires 2 blacks 1 green the one u are trying to wire up should have 2 black 1 green 1 white the white and green wire go in the midle post of the block on the dryer and the other 2 wires go to the out side posts of the block
What is the use of neutral wire?
The neutral wire is a return wire for the current in an electrical circuit. Do not confuse for the ground wire which is also a return wire but is used in the event the connected appliance shorts to protect the user from electrical shock. The neutral is actually very similar to the ground, though. In a residence the neutral comes from the power plant, whereas the ground comes from a ground rod below the meter. In most older homes the ground and neutral were connected to the same bar in the breaker box. In newer homes they now have separate bars. Here is something interesting about the neutral wire. If you are testing a live circuit using a static checker, the neutral will not show a charge, only the hot wire will. However, if you had a circuit controlling some device (maybe a light fixture) and the light fixture was in the on position, but the neutral was cut you would notice the two wires slightly sparking when you touch them together. If you were to complete this circuit with your body you will get shocked or electrocuted. If the device were in the off position you would be safe, but don't take any chances when working with electricity. Turn off the power first.
What is the wire coming out of the electric meter?
If you have a copper wire coming out it would be a"ground." This wire is there in case there is crossed wires inside the meter. It allows the electricity to seek the shortest route to the ground through the wire instead of through something dangerous or distructive.
What are the colors in american electric cords?
If you are talking about electric extension cords they come in a variety of colours. Black, blue, yellow, red, and orange to name a few. Usually the colour is associated with a particular manufacturer.
For more detailed information about the colors of the wiring inside the cords, see the answer to the Related question shown below.
What is maximum distance 10-2 wire can be run to a dryer?
NO!
Obviously you can attempt to do this but it is NOT SAFE to do it!
You could drive on the wrong side of the road but it is NOT SAFE to do it!
You could put your hand into a fire but it is NOT SAFE to do it!
A dryet outlet is only safe to use for one purpose: to power a dryer.
For more information please see the Related Questions shown below.
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As always, if you are in doubt about what to do, the best advice anyone should give you is to call a licensed electrician to advise what work is needed.
Before you do any work yourself,
on electrical circuits, equipment or appliances,
always use a test meter to ensure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.
IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB
SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY
REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.
Does a shunt trip breaker work from a dry set of contacts?
Yes, but you need a power source, for the shunt trip coil voltage, in the circuit.
Is there still current in the overhead wires that lead to a house when the house electricity is off?
Assuming there is not a "power outage" to all houses in the area (otherwise known as a "power cut") then the answer is:
Yes, the potential (voltage) is still in the overhead wires that lead to a house when the house electricity is only turned off at its own main switch inside the main breaker box.
The line side of a switch is the?
The line side is where the source of the voltage is connected. The load side is where the device being switched is attached. In the case of a light switch the line side would connect to the house power and the load side would be the bulb.
The switch is usually inserted in the line carrying the load (or black wires). As it it common to use 12-2 wiring to run from the device being switched to a switch on the wall, the return wire can be colored white. A electrician places an identification on the wire to signal that it is a "hot wire" even though it is white. Typically the electrician will wrap the white wire with black tape for about 1 inch to indicate this. A white wire is normally considered to be neutral if it is not identified as a "hot or load wire".
Can you have 2 3-phase sockets off the same supply?
yes you can.
for example in a 380V 3 wire system the 4th wire or neutral gives 220 volts against each of the 3 phases so you can have 3phase 380 volt plugs as well as 220 V single phase plugs.
ah and by the way you can have as many 3 phase plugs as you like or as the power supply can support ampere wise.
Sounds as though your saw is a 220 volt saw. If so then yes if you run a 2 conductor BX cable you will employ the black and white conductors in the cable as the two "hot" conductors. So just wire black to black, and red to white. However, you should be running a 3 conductor cable to provide a ground to your saw.
Can a 277 unit heater be supplied with 240 volts?
No, a 277-volt heater cannot be safely operated with a 240-volt power supply. Matching the correct voltage is essential for the safe operation of electrical devices. Using a lower voltage than the device is rated for can lead to insufficient performance and potential damage.
How do I wire a 220v-4 wire breaker box connection to a 3 wire piece of equipment?
The only place that white neutrals should be connected to the ground wires is upstream of all branch circuit breakers at the ground bus bar inside the main breaker panel.
The answer given below gives DANGEROUS ADVICE because it fails to explain exactly what a separate ground wire does.
Where they are provided in a circuit - such as in 4-wire 240 volt outlets - the green or bare copper ground wires must be kept separate from the neutral (white) wires everywhere except in the main breaker panel at a single point upstream of all circuit breakers.
The whole purpose of providing a ground wire in a circuit is for it to be connected directly to any the internal metal frame and external metal casings of all appliances which it supplies with power.
Then, if an accident occurs which causes physical damage to the appliance (or its connecting cord or plug) - or if some electrical insulation fails or some other kind of breakdown occurs, which could make the appliance catch on fire or electrocute the user - the ground wire is there as a safety wire to "ground" the fault condition.
The result is: before any further damage is caused to users or their home, the heavy fault current the ground wire takes will make the circuit breaker trip to cut off the electricity.
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In normal households in North America and other countries which use the same 60 Hz supply service -
4 wires are Red (Hot), Black (Hot), White (Neutral) and Bare (Ground)
3 Wires are Red (Hot), Black (Hot), Green (Neutral/Ground) - generally not used for 220-240V - or may be Black (Hot), Red (Hot) and Bare (Ground) or Black (Hot), White (Hot), Bare (Ground).
The following advice is dangerous and should not be followed:
There is NO difference between the White, Green, or Bare wires. They all get connected to the same place in the breaker box - the neutral strips on the sides of the box. Use of the bare ground is for personal safety only - however the white or green wire does the exact same job.
So to answer your question
(Breaker Wire : Appliance Wire)
Red : Red
Black : Black
White : Green
Bare - connects to the frame or case of the outlet/box you're wiring into.
<><><>
As always, if you are in doubt about what to do, the best advice anyone should give you is to call a licensed electrician to advise what work is needed.
Before you do any work yourself,
on electrical circuits, equipment or appliances,
always use a test meter to ensure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.
IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB
SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY
REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.
How many outlets can go on one breaker?
The number of outlets on a 15 or 20 amp circuit depends entirely on what you will plugging into those outlets. If you are plugging in an appliance that will pull 10 amps then you cannot also plug in another one taking 15 amps!
Many different combinations are possible, for example a 15 amp circuit may have 15 outlets but only 2 are being used at any one time, such as a floor lamp and a TV.
Generally speaking, most homes have 8 to 10 outlets per a 15 amp circuit. Not all outlets are used at the same time, a lamp here, a TV there, not too much. Regarding lights, you need to add up all the amps pulled by all fixtures on that circuit. The total amps pulled should not exceed 80% of the circuit breaker's maximum amperage.
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There is an allowance of 180 watts per outlet for 120 volt convenience outlets.
It is required that a continuous load [operating over 4 hours] be served such that the circuit is not loaded past 80% of its capacity, which would allow a continuous 16 amp load on a 20 amp circuit. If there were 2 loads planned, the combined continuous load could not exceed 16 amps between both devices.
See NEC [NFPA 70, 2005 edition - National Electrical Code (c)] Article 210, sections 210.20, 210.21 and 210.23.
<><><>
As always, if you are in doubt about what to do, the best advice anyone should give you is to call a licensed electrician to advise what work is needed.
Before you do any work yourself,
on electrical circuits, equipment or appliances,
always use a test meter to ensure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.
IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB
SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY
REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS
You cannot run a three phase motor on single phase power. You'll burn the motor up within minutes. By the way, I've never seen or heard of a 380 volt motor. Do you mean a 480 volt motor? If so, the only way you can power it is with the correct full voltage and a 3 phase power supply.
Why can't I turn my ceiling fan off with pull chain which is stuck?
The chain operates a switch inside the fan's casing.
It is most likely that switch is stuck in the "on" position" and less likely that the chain itself is stuck in the casing somehow.
Ask someone who knows how to work safely on electrical appliances to check that switch to find out if it can be fixed or if you will need to buy a new switch and have it fitted.
<><><>
As always, if you are in doubt about what to do, the best advice anyone should give you is to call a licensed electrician to advise what work is needed.
Before you do any work yourself,
on electrical circuits, equipment or appliances,
always use a test meter to ensure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.
IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB
SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY
REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.
You are getting 110 volts after the circuit breaker but only 50 volts at breaker why?
This could indicate a voltage drop in the circuit due to poor connections, damaged wiring, or a faulty breaker. Check for loose connections, damaged wires, or a malfunctioning breaker as possible causes of the voltage drop. It's important to address this issue promptly to ensure safety and proper electrical function.
Is it safe to use both 14-2 and 12-2 wires on a 15A circuit?
(LIFE SAFETY WARNING! [disclaimer]
Electricity is dangerous!
You can be injured or killed!
Improper installations can cause fire, injury and death!
Should you be doing this yourself?)
This is one of those questions - if you know this little, you shouldn't be doing what you are planning...
No disrespect intended, but this is SO basic that it suggests you have not studied the subject at all!
There are many good reference books and course books to study from.
According to the NEC, you can utilize any conductor with suitable insulation for any application for which the conductor is rated for the use.
The limitation to the gauge size of conductor is that it be AT LEAST as large as that called for in the conductor tables, based on current, ambient temperature and conductor grouping!
ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL WIRING SAFETY OFFICE BEFORE YOU ATTEMPT TO CHANGE ANYTHING ON POWER MAINS OUTLETS
IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB
SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY
REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.
If you do this work yourself, always turn off the power
at the breaker box/fuse panel BEFORE you attempt to do any work
AND
always use an electricians test meter having metal-tipped probes
(not a simple proximity voltage indicator)
to insure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.
Is it legal to have a 220 volt branch circuit?
The answer will depend on where in the world you live and the local adopted electrical code.
In the US, generally yes, 220V branch circuits are legal. Most electric ranges, electric water heaters and house air conditioning units require 220 (actually nominal 240) volts, and are fed from a branch circuit.
There are limitations and exceptions. For instance, the NEC ( 210.6(A) ) limits the following branch circuits to 120 volts nominal:
In dwelling units, guest rooms or guest suites of hotels, motels and similar occupancies, the voltage shall not exceed 120 volts, nominal, between conductors that supply the terminals of the following: 1. Luminaires (lighting fixtures) 2. cord-and-plug connected loads 1440 volt-amperes, nominal, or less or less than 1/4hp.
NEC (2005) article 210.6 covers branch circuit voltage limitations.
