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Modification of Old Electrical Work
Electrical and building codes have changed over time and new methods proscribed for safety. Converting the old to the new leads to lots of questions.
4,592 Questions
What is a 200 amp four lug panel?
A 200 amp four lug panel is an electrical distribution panel that can handle up to 200 amps of electricity. The "four lug" designation means that it has four terminals for connecting wires or circuits. This type of panel is commonly used in residential and commercial buildings to distribute electricity to different circuits.
How do you wire a new light with an on off switch using wires coming from another light?
If you have unswitched supply from a light you need to route the supply through the new switch to the new light. You want to switch the black wire and just connect the white wires together with a wirenut and connect the bare ground wires together by a separate wirenut.
You can convert your 2-wire ungrounding outlets to 3-wire grounding outlets by installing a GFCI receptacle in place of the 2-wire receptacle. The GFCI will be a 3-wire receptacle. In addition, if you replace the first receptacle in a series with a GFCI, you can protect all receptacles downstream of the first one by wiring them on the LOAD side of the GFCI. Once this is done, the 2-wire receptacles downstream may legally be replaced with 3-wire receptacles. They must be marked "No equipment ground", and there may not be an actual grounding conductor installed between the GFCI and the protected devices. You can easily convert a 2 prong to a 3 prong by just replacing the outlet. This will not give you the protection of a grounded outlet as there is no ground wire to connect. I know it is expensive but if you plan on staying in this home, have it rewired, for the safety of your family. The first thing u need to know is which wire is the neutral. If u know which is the neutral u can use that one for the ground also, consequently making a 2 prong into a 3 prong. I seen an electrician do this. Get a "neon tester." This is a neon bulb with two wires coming out of it. Take the screw that holds the cover plate onto the outlet off, and set it to the side. Then plug one wire from the tester into the right-side slot on one of the outlets, and one wire into the left-side slot. The tester should light up. (We did this to make sure the tester works. Sometimes they don't.) If it does, pull the wire out of the left-side slot and stick it into the screwhole. If it didn't light up, stick the wire back in the left-side slot then pull the wire out of the right-side slot and stick it in the screwhole. If it lit up on either occasion, you have a ground going to the box, and you can legally put a three-prong outlet in without rewiring. I tell you this because at one time, they used to wire houses this way--in places like the kitchen and bathroom you needed three-prong outlets, but in bedrooms you only need two-prong, so they'd use outlets and wiring that grounded the center screw. If you really NEEDED a grounded outlet, you bought one of those little 2-prong to 3-prong adapters and ran the screw through the tab to ground it. If you don't get a light on either position, don't put a grounded outlet there.
What if you don't hook a 4 wire cord up properly to a 3 wire dryer?
A 3-wire dryer consists of 2 hot wires (240v between) and 1 neutral wire....By utilizing the neutral and either of the phase wires, 120 volts is developed....This provides 120 volts AC to operate motor, controls, etc....The 4th wire is used as an equipment safety ground....In that the main power panel NORMALLY contains both a neutral bar and a ground bar (bonded together), it follows that they are one and the same....Often the white (neutral) and the green (ground) are connected together forming the 3rd wire of the connection....This type connection (at last reading) does not comply with the recommended National Electrical Code method, but it is safe....
Can a 30 amp double pole breaker be used to supply 15 amp breakers?
No, the number on the handle of the breaker is the maximum amount of amperage the breaker will handle before it trips. A two pole breaker is handling 240 volts. A single pole breaker handles 120 volts. Each of the "hot" wires from the two pole breaker has a potential of 120 volts to the neutral wire, but 240 volts from one "hot" wire to the other "hot" wire.
What size breaker should you use for a unit that draws 58 running amps?
To determine the correct size breaker, you need to ensure that it is rated higher than the running amps of the unit. For a unit drawing 58 running amps, a breaker that is rated for at least 70 amps would be appropriate to provide a safety margin and prevent tripping due to overload.
Is it essential to have a 3 prong cord on a heater?
most likely a big fork LOL
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The third prong is for your protection. The appliance will operate just fine without it, assuming there aren't any wiring faults within the appliance. The third wire, the ground wire, assures the breaker or fuse trips if there is a fault that occurs internally.
Metal parts within or on the outside of the heater that are not intended to carry the electric current, if they become energized for any reason, can be dangerous and deadly without a properly connected ground.
How do you re-wire a 230 volt 15 amp air-compressor motor with the twist-lock cord end missing?
Obtain a plug body matched to the receptacle being used to supply power.
In all probability, you have a 3 conductor cord, 2 line conductors and a ground. Color of the line conductors may be black/red or black/white. Green is always ground. Connect the line conductors to the line terminals (orientation is irrelevant), and the ground.
If a 4 conductor cord, black, red, white, and green conductors. black/red will be line, white neutral (probably unneeded) and green ground.
Other variables may be considered if the question were expanded to include more information.
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The cap end that you are looking for is a classification of 2 pole 3 wire grounding, 250 volt. Its designation is a L6-15P. The 230 volt supply goes across the terminals X and Y with the green ground wire going on the G terminal.
Is there a danger if you mix up ground wire and common wire when wiring a light switch?
Power out of a switch is not negative. It is still the "hot" conductor. The ground wire in a switch junction box in home wiring is the bare wire. It is nearly impossible to mix these two wires up. Most likely if the "hot" supply comes into the switch box the neutral wire will be with it. Just wire nut the two white wires together, incoming and outgoing. The two black wires will be connected to the switch to operate the light fixture.
How do you wire a switch outlet combo circuit to an existing 3 way light switch?
A switch is just a break in your hot wire. Your incoming power is usually on the bottom of the switch. Hook that one up to the hot side(gold in color) of the receptical and either pull the other wire out or snip the end off that is exposed and put a wire nut on it. Now you have to have a neutral wire(white). If there's one in there that was not hooked to the top of the switch then hook it to the silver screw of the recep. If one is not in there you'll have to bring one to it and you'll be good to go.
Can you run a 15 amp mig welder on 10 amps?
No, you should not run a 15 amp MIG welder on a 10 amp circuit. The welder requires a 15 amp circuit to operate safely and effectively. Running it on a lower amperage circuit can result in overheating, tripping the circuit breaker, or damaging the welder. It's important to use the appropriate power source for your welding equipment to prevent accidents and equipment damage.
Can you plug a 120volt 30 amp cook-top into a regular plug?
The typical electric stove (range) operates on a plug that supplies 220 volts AC to the stove. Some parts of the stove operate on 110 volts AC. The oven light for instance. The standard range plug consist of two separate 110 volt lines, which add up to 220 volts. It also has a third line that is referred to as the "common" line. It won't work without it. You could open the plug, attach a wire to one of the 110 volt lines and another from the common to a standard 110 volt plug. This however is dangerous and you should be well aware of what you are doing. Most modern wiring also has another wire which is usually a bare conductor which is called a "ground", therefore the 3 prongs on a standard 110 volt plug. It is safest to have the third wire in place otherwise electric shock and injury may occur. Kill the power before attempting any of the above as electricity properly grounded through you could kill you. The heating elements on the stove will not work on 110 volts so if you are looking to save power you are right because it won't use any. The stove simply will not work, which would be a savings.
For safety, you will also need to disconnect the two stove conductors at the distribution panel breaker and replace it with a 15-Amp or 20-Amp breaker to protect the 110 outlet and any devices plugged into it.
With some effort, you couldFirst, I assume you're comfortable working around electrical panels. If you're not, PLEASE get an electrician to do this!There are two things that really need to be done to make this work.
First is at the panel. Right now, there is a double-pole 50-amp breaker serving that outlet. It is connected to the outlet with 6/3 AWG wire--6 gauge, 3 conductors and a ground. No 110-volt outlet in the world can deal with 50 amps of current. Turn off the main breaker, open your panel and replace that 50-amp double-pole breaker with two 20-amp single breakers. Close up the panel, and you're done.
Next is at the outlet. You will need: two 20-amp duplex receptacles, the deepest two-gang old work box they've got at the store, some nice fat wire nuts, a two-gang cover plate, and some 10-gauge solid wire: a foot of red, a foot of black, two feet of white and two feet of uninsulated. You have to pigtail 10 AWG (American Wire Gauge--how solid wire is sized) to the present 6 AWG because 6 AWG won't fit in a 20-amp receptacle. You have to twist the wires together to make the connections, and there's only one good way to do it--hold two wires parallel to each other, lock them together with vise grips and twist them with another pair of pliers. Anyway, put single pigtails on the red and black, and double pigtails on the white and bare. Hook them to your receptacles and seal the box up.
You now have a pair of outlets that won't ever give you trouble.
What wire size for 125 vdc battery to feed a 200 amp main breaker?
For a 125 VDC battery feeding a 200 amp main breaker, you should use at least 2/0 AWG wire size to ensure proper current carrying capacity and safety precautions. Larger wire sizes could be used if the distance between the battery and breaker is substantial to minimize voltage drop.
Can a single pole switch replace a starter in a fluorescent lamp?
No, a single pole switch cannot replace a starter in a fluorescent lamp. The starter is required to initiate the flow of current through the tube, which a switch alone cannot accomplish. The switch is used for turning the lamp on and off once the starter has activated the lamp.
What gauge of wire do you need from a 20 amp breaker?
For a 20 amp breaker, you typically need to use 12-gauge wire. This wire size is capable of handling the current load without overheating or causing a fire hazard. It is important to always follow local electrical codes and regulations when determining wire size for a specific amperage.
Are plug in circuit breakers still legal?
Yes, plug-in circuit breakers are still legal and commonly used in residential and commercial electrical systems. They provide a convenient way to protect circuits from overloads and short circuits. However, they must meet safety standards and installation requirements to ensure proper functioning.
What size wire for 25 amp 110 volt for 75 feet?
For a 25 amp load at 110 volts over a distance of 75 feet, it is recommended to use a minimum of 10 gauge wire to ensure proper conductivity and safety. Using a wire gauge smaller than 10 may result in voltage drop and overheating of the wire.
What is the comm wire on a ballast?
The common wire on a ballast is used to supply power to the entire lighting fixture. It is typically connected to the incoming power source and distributes power to the individual lamp holders. The common wire ensures that the ballast functions properly and all lamps receive the necessary electricity to produce light.
Which wire is hot with two black wires and one green on extension cord?
How do you install a swag kit with two wires to a light with three wires?
You will first need to determine which wire is the hot wire in the ceiling box. Connect the swag kit's two wires to the hot wire and the neutral wire in the ceiling box, leaving the third wire unconnected. Ensure all connections are secure and insulated. You may need to consult a professional electrician if you are unsure about the wiring.
What is the hot wire white black or green?
The hot wire on a lamp cord will be the the side that has the more narrow prong on the plug-in. Or you can look at the cord and whichever side is smooth, (not ribbed but smooth), is your hot wire.
Can the electrical sub panel be over stairs?
It is not recommended to place an electrical sub panel over stairs as it can create safety hazards. If possible, try to find an alternative location that is easily accessible and not obstructing any pathways. If it must be above stairs, make sure it is properly mounted and securely fastened to prevent any accidents.
Look on the data plate on the hairdryer. There you will find the manufacturers specifications as to the wattage of the dryer and the voltage range it has been designed to run on.
So the answer is that a hairdryer can be plugged into a 120 volt receptacle if it was designed for use on that voltage.
If you want to know the current it takes, you can calculate it by dividing the wattage by the voltage. The answer will be in amps.
If the hairdryer is a type that was designed to run only on 230 volts - such as are made for home use in Europe and elsewhere,where they use that voltage as standard - then don't try to use it on 120 volts because you will not get enough heat from it!
Is neutral wire same size as hot in 200 amp panel?
Yes, in a residential 200 amp panel, the neutral wire is typically the same size as the hot wires. This is to ensure that the neutral wire can safely carry the same current as the hot wires and maintain proper balance in the electrical system. Always consult the National Electrical Code or a qualified electrician for specific requirements.
How many branch circuits can be attached to the screw of a single pole 15 amp breaker?
Your question presumes that each connected wire would be a separate circuit. They are not.
However, you may place as many as 2 wires on a breaker, provided they are the same size and both either stranded or solid. Do not mix solid and stranded or different size conductors as this makes it likely that one wire will not be as tight as the other.
It is better practice, and in some local jurisdictions is required, to put only one wire on the breaker, run it to a junction box outside the panel, and branch from there. It eliminates confusion and the look of poor workmanship inside the panel, and it meets the requirements of the jurisdictions that do not allow you to do otherwise.
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The Canadian electrical code only allows one wire to be connected under the breaker's screw termination. The reasoning for this is that the installer can keep track of the exact amount of devices on the circuit and what section of the home the circuit services. A good reason to keep the breaker to one circuit is when trouble shooting the circuit, two circuits are not disconnected when the breaker is shut off.
