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New Electrical Work
Electrical work ranges from the installation of new electrical components to the maintenance and repair of existing electrical infrastructure. It may also include wiring airplanes, ships and other mobile platforms.
4,938 Questions
How many watts is equal to 4.3 amps at 230 volts?
In normal simple circuits WATTS = VOLTS x AMPS
So if you use a 12V car battery 4 amps is 48 Watts
American 110V mains 4 amps = 440 Watts
English 240V mains 4 amps = 960 Watts
Can a 4500 watt hot water heater run on a 20 amp circuit?
Answer for USA, Canada and countries running a 60 Hz supply service.
It probably would but the 80% rule in the code requires you put this heater on a 30 amp 2 pole breaker with #10 AWG copper wire.
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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.
What is a 2.5kva generator power to watts?
A 2.5kVA generator is capable of producing 2,500 watts of power. This is because 1kVA is equivalent to 1,000 watts, so to convert kVA to watts you simply multiply by 1,000.
How do you get the hertz of a circuit breaker 200 amps?
All North American utility suppliers are set up for 60 Hz. As such, all breakers are designed for 60 Hz operation.
Although European electricity is 50 Hz, North American breakers would no doubt function well.
It is highly recommended that you employ the services of a qualified electrician for installation or modification of any electrical service.
How do you connect a 10 gauge wire to an 8 gauge wire?
Connecting different gauge wires are just like connecting wires of the same gauge. Connect the wires just as you normally would, and then once the you attach the wire nut, give the thinner wire a slight tug to make sure the wire is securely fastened. Usually when attaching fixtures, they are generally stranded wires. Be sure to twist the strands together before twisting them onto the solid wire. Then attach the nut onto them and tighten it securely. Connecting different gauge wires are just like connecting wires of the same gauge. Connect the wires just as you normally would, and then once the you attach the wire nut, give the thinner wire a slight tug to make sure the wire is securely fastened. Usually when attaching fixtures, they are generally stranded wires. Be sure to twist the strands together before twisting them onto the solid wire. Then attach the nut onto them and tighten it securely.
Is it possible to use a GFCI outlet in place of an older two-wire outlet?
Answer for USA, Canada and countries running a 60 Hz supply service.
Your question is, "Is it possible?" And yes, it is. It would work just fine as a 2 wire outlet. It will even provide GFCI protection, contrary to what many people believe.
However, it is a violation of code and highly ill advised to do so. Code requires that when replacing any 2 wire outlet that it be upgraded to a 3 wire circuit. I know hardware stores still sell 2 wire outlets but that is beside the point. The third wire, the ground wire, is there for your protection, or it should be installed. There is no way to properly install a 3 wire outlet, GFCI or not, on a 2 wire circuit.
The national Electric Code allows the replacement of two wire receptacles with three wire GFCI outlets refer to NEC section 406.4 for more clarity on the subject.
<><><>
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.
Why is 248 volts coming out the 220 volt circuit?
Answer for USA, Canada and countries running a 60 Hz supply service.
You need to call your power company and have them confirm they are supplying an acceptable voltage.
However, what most residents call 220v service is called 240v service in the code and most equipment can run on anything within 10% of that, or from 216v to 264v. Many power companies do not supply homes with more than 220v. You get a little less light out of light bulbs and electrical heating equipment provides a little less heat than the rated wattage. But equipment lasts longer and you have fewer power-related problems.
Likewise, the corresponding lower voltage of the same system is often called 110v but is actually 120v in the code and equipment can run on anything within 10% of that, or 108v to 132v.
There are other things that may be wrong but they require a competent electrician to check out.
<><><>
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.
What size wire is needed to run a 75 amp 240 volt circuit with 100 ft run?
For a 75 amp circuit with a 100 ft run, you would need a #4 AWG copper wire to ensure minimal voltage drop and to meet electrical code requirements. Using the correct wire size helps maintain the efficiency and safety of the circuit.
What gauge wire and amp breaker do you use on a stove dryer and hot water heater?
For a stove, use a 8 or 6 gauge wire with a 40 to 50 amp breaker. For a dryer, use a 10 or 8 gauge wire with a 30 amp breaker. For a hot water heater, use a 10 or 8 gauge wire with a 30 or 40 amp breaker. Be sure to consult local electrical codes and guidelines for specific requirements.
Connect the incoming power to the line side of the GFCi outlet. Now run another wire connected to the line side of the GFCI outlet from the GFCI outlet to the switches. Power one of the switches and use that switch to turn on the 2 lights. Run power from that switch to another switch and use that switch to send power to the fan. Mount both switches in a double pole switch box. If the light above the sink has an outlet on it then you will have to connect power going to that light on the load side of the GFCI outlet. If not then just connect it to the line side.
Answer for USA, Canada and countries running a 60 Hz supply service.
This is very common in commercial and industrial installations. You must be sure that your two breakers are fed from different phases or legs of your electrical service. Having both circuits fed from the same phase or leg might cause the neutral to melt and cause a fire without tripping any breakers.
<><><>
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.
Yes, you can do this, but there are a few rules to follow. The white wire(neutral) should be solidly made at all device boxes in other words do not use the receptacle terminals, make all the joints solid and pigtail to the receptacle. The breakers need to be adjacent to each other in the panel, side by side on opposite buss bars. If you put them on the same buss you will overload the neutral. Use a handle tie on the breakers.
I am sorry. It was the wrong question. The question really should have been: Can you wire two separate 20 amp circuits using one single romex 12-3 w/ground. Each circuit would have it's own 20 amp breaker. The Red wire would be landed on one breaker. The Black wire would be landed on another breaker. Only one #12 white wire would be available for neutral. My theory is: If you were to load both circuits to say 19 amps each, you would have 38 amps being used. The problem lies in the single white neutral's ability to handle 38 amps on it's own. Wouldn't this be a problem? Would this configuration pass in spection? You can do this with 12/3, you still have to make up your neutrals at device boxes. the neutral would not have to handle 38 amps as long as you use opposite 110volt buss. the current on the neutral if both breakers were drawing 16 amps each would be "0". The neutral only has to carry the imbalance of the two circuits. If one breaker draws 16 amps and the other 8 the current on the neutral would be 8 amps. Breakers have to be on opposite buss! for this to work. Yes, it should pass inspection.
If you're ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN that the breaker is off... no problem. Cut them all at once if you like.
However, just as many people have been shot with an "unloaded gun", many people have been electrocuted by a circuit that was shut off.
If you use lineman pliers that have an insulated handle, (don't touch the metal part) and the somehow the breaker DIDN'T get shut off, you'll be startled, the lineman pliers will be destroyed and there will be a puff of smoke to let you know that it was the"other" breaker.
As always, if you don't know exactly what you're doing, hire a professional.
What are the standard size disconnects safety switch up to 600 amps?
The standard sizes for disconnect safety switches up to 600 amps are typically available in 30A, 60A, 100A, 200A, 400A, and 600A options. These sizes cover a range of applications from residential to industrial settings, providing appropriate levels of power protection and safety. It is important to select the correct size based on the specific electrical requirements of the equipment or machinery being connected.
Can 10-2 wire carry 220 volts?
Yes, 10-2 wire can carry 220 volts. The 10-2 wire refers to the wire gauge and number of conductors, which is suitable for carrying 220 volts in residential electrical wiring applications. Make sure to follow local electrical codes and consult with a licensed electrician for proper installation.
In a very real sense, a "ground fault" cannot come from the neutral side, since, if your wiring is performing as designed, there should be little potential between the neutral and ground. A ground fault is said to occur when the current OUT, through the "hot" side is not equal to the current BACK, through the neutral, meaning that current is leaking to somewhere else... such as through your body.
Having said all that, it is certainly possible that you could cause a GFCI to trip by introducing current to the neutral from a circuit that does not go through the GFCI breaker; but that would involve non-standard wiring practices.
If you will notice, your individual breakers add up to much more than 100amps. So it is entirely possible not to trip an individual breaker but still draw more than 100amps, which would cause the main to trip.
If you haven't had this problem in the past, I wouldn't worry about it unless it happens again. If it does, you need to upgrade your service to more amps.
It is entirely possible your main breaker has malfunctioned but that is not easy to test. If it is replaceable, and if you have further problems, you can consider replacing the main breaker to see if that fixes the problem. That is much less expensive than upgrading the service.
How many 50 Watt track lights can you hook up to a 20 amp circuit?
Answer for USA, Canada and countries running a 60 Hz supply service.
If your circuit is 120v, you can put 38 50W lights on a 20 amp circuit. I know that sounds like a lot, but these 38 lights will draw just under 16 amps which is within code requirements.
<><><>
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.
What size amp circuit breaker should be used for a home entertainment system?
You use the correct size breaker depending on the size wire in the circuit. If the circuit is wired with AWG #12 wire use a 20 amp breaker. If it is wired with AWG #14 wire then use a 15 amp breaker.
Why light fixture has red and white wire instead of white and black?
In the US (and others?) black is hot and white is neutral. The two are never connected together. However, the code allows a white conductor to be switched hot if the ends are properly identified, such as by wrapping with color identifier (usually black) tape. Before you make any changes, however, look at the entire circuit. If an error has been made in one part, it is often that a "correcting" error was made in another.
Can you connect black wire to red wire?
In some cases in residential wiring you do. From a light fixture junction box to a switch box, the cable is a two wire, black and white. To connect the switch into the circuit at the fixture box, the "hot" conductor is connected to the white wire that goes down to the switch. The switched "hot" comes back on the black wire and this is then connected to the fixtures black wire. The white (neutral) is picked up in the fixtures junction box and connected to the fixtures white wire.
Is it safe to substitute a 45 watt halogen bulb for a use 40 watt or less type G bulb?
The base of the bulb obviously determines where it can fit and for most home fixture cases determines the voltage (Unfortunately there are many speciality bulbs where the base can fit different voltage situations and you have to be more careful). Light fixtures are rated for a maximum wattage. Bulbs have both a wattage and voltage rating. So if the halogen fits the base, is the same voltage and the fixture is rated for 45 watts or better, then you are good to go.
What to do if there is no ground wire in the ceiling box but the new light has one?
for USA, Canada and other countries running a 60 Hz supply service.
Always ask your local town's Building Standards office if a permit is required for this kind of work.
First thing to check carefully is this: do the wires already going to the light switch include a ground wire, and, if so, is it actually grounded?
If the answer is no then you can wire the switch as described in the manufacturer's instructions and just omit the ground wire step. This does not make the light switch any less safe than it was but it is not the preferred option. It can sometimes be done legally under the National Electrical Code (NEC) when using valid exceptions and/or any subsequent local jurisdictional approval.
If the answer is no and you want to add the ground, that is the preferred method of repair. You will need to pull new set of wires including a ground. If this is a single household fixture on a 15 amp breaker and you are replacing it with a 15/20 amp switch, use 14/2 romex and you should be good. If not get the advice of an electrician to help you.
<><><>
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.
What size ground wire is needed for 20 amp?
A #14 wire will do fine for grounding a 20 amp device. That is the size of the ground wire in a 2 conductor # 12 wire building cable.
How to wire a house with cinder block exterior?
There are several options:
First, you can install conduit into the block as the house is being built and cut out for the outlet boxes.
Second, you can use furring strips to create a space between the block and the drywall of the inside surface.
Third (if you aren't so concerned about appearance) you can surface mount conduit and outlet boxes on the block.
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Answer for USA, Canada and countries running a 60 Hz supply service.
In addition to the suggestions made above I add the following considerations:
Running conduit in the block is the way commercial and industrial installations are often made. This takes some cooperation with the block layers because they generally will not run the conduit for you and you have to be cooperative with him/her on how much conduit to add at any one time as the wall is built.
If a wall is already built and if it is not slugged (filled with mortar) you can add wiring by running the wire overhead (above ceiling) and into the wall through holes made in the block above the location of devices.
The code allows required outlets to be placed in the floor within 18 inches of the wall. You may place outlets anywhere you need them, but only the ones within this distance will count for satisfying the code for required outlets. This is not preferable, putting outlets in the floor, but it is allowed by the NEC.
There are various products on the market designed specifically for surface mounting in finished installations, such as homes or offices. The most common brand name is Wiremold, and though this is a brand name, the term wiremold is often used as meaning any of these products.
Any surface mounted installation, whether conduit or wiremold, can be painted to help it blend into the decor of the room.
Of all the options discussed here I like the furring option the best. It seems to be the least troublesome and simplest option given.
