Welcome-Electrical Answers-Questions man

Electrical Services- “We are here to help as you build, but we are not retired”

We will strive to answer your questions in general here on this site. We are licensed electrical contractors. We are always striving to be  a helpful Service electrical contractor.

We will strive to provide quality electrical questions and answers as we find the time. This may help you with your electrical project.
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Planning consists of the following:
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Therefore, teamwork and attention to detail have become our driving force.

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Please feel free to ask questions considering your Home or Business electrical systems or needs. We are here to help. Explain all your information concerning your electrical needs. We can help you plan out the services needed.  Nashville Tn, Brentwood Tn, Franklin Tn, Huntsville Al, Birmingham Al, Montgomery Al. electrical questions and answers about your electrical systems. Home electrical wiring answers.

44 Responses to “Welcome-Electrical Answers-Questions man”

  • ALLEN:

    I HAVE A NUMBER 12 COPPER COATED WIRE FROM PANEL IN HOUSE WITCH IS 120 VOLTS IT GOSE 300 FEET TO GARAGE IT IS TO SUPPLIE POWER TO A 1200 WATT SAW WHAT WOULD BE MY APPROXIMATE VOLTAGE TO THE SAW

  • Electrical Answer Man:

    Voltage will drop 3-5% every one hundred feet.

  • Sean Richardson:

    Message:
    A house has voltage in 230v, 6*100w lights, 2*2kw hobs and 1*9.8kw
    shower. 1) what is the total kw? 2) what is the total amp? 3) what
    size cable will be used for each circuit. (twin pvc/pvc). 4) what is
    the cpc size of the hob supply? 5) what is the current use of each
    circuit? 6) are there any allowances for deversity on the shower
    circuit?

  • Alan:

    Message:
    I replaced two flourescent fittings in my kitchen a year ago 9 months
    later one of them stopped working so I got it replaced now that
    fitting has stopped working 3 weeks after I got it replaced. Do you
    have any suggestions why this is happening.

    Answer:
    without being there and taking a closer look, it would not be possible to answer.

  • Tim Tyler:

    Message:
    Is it legal to mount a lighting panel above its transformer? Can i
    mount a 150A panel directly above a 35 kva transformer? All i see in
    the NEC is rules on working space and nothing about mounting. Pleas
    help.

    Answer:
    That working space rule follows invisible plane to floor. You must have clear working space approx six foot high to floor to be in compliance. This is a very common question. Thanks

    Question:
    So can I mount a panel above a transformer?

    Answer:
    No, you have to leave the working clearance as stated.

  • Vikram Shenoy:

    Message:
    what is a transformer soak pit/transformer oil soak pit?

    Answer:
    This would be more an industrial question. A very high voltage transformer vault, underground transformer that holds non-conductive cooling oil.

  • Manuela:

    Message:
    I recently bought a computer and UPS to protect the computer and
    peripherals from surges and allow to safely turn off the computer when
    there is a power outage. The UPS (APC brand) has a softare whic
    monitors the AC voltage turns off the computer if the voltage is low
    or higher than a range of voltage (92 – 139 V). In some evenings, the
    voltage where the APC is connected is more than 139 V and
    consequently, the computer is turned. At the same time, in another
    room, the light flickered.
    What could have caused the overvoltage?

    Answer:
    It most likely has a voltage setting. Try that if it has one. 130v would be a good voltage setting.

  • Leslie Baskett:

    Message:
    Hi I just installed 4 fence post lights. They are hard wired from a 20
    amp fuse. One of the light bulbs keeps blowing out.Do I have a short
    somewhere?

    Answer:
    most likely.

  • Bibinraj:

    Message:
    in an three phase line using 15 hp induction motor without no load the
    capacitor connected in the line taken large amount of current in
    no load it takes more than 5 ampere current per each line give me the
    solution

    Answer:
    Do you have the wire sized properly? no answer can be provided without more information.

  • Randy Gulley:

    Message:
    What exactly is a Street L?

    Answer:
    A conduit body used for quick corners. The inside can be accessed through cover plate. It is a pulling point for wire.

  • Richie Coker:

    Message:
    current generator under repair, i’m hooking a portable generator up
    and i have taken leads to generator and hooked up to portable
    generator. I used nuckles to splice together temp. and taped up very
    good. What does nec code say about a temp hook up?

    Answer:
    not enough info.

  • Terry Desjardins:

    Message:
    My florescent light stopped working, there was no flickering. I
    figured the ballast went so I changed out the fixture with a standard
    light fixture. All the wiring is correct. The reading on my multimeter
    is 0 Volts with the breaker on or off. Could the breaker be bad even
    though it never tripped? The breaker is 16 yrs old

    Answer:
    check your light switch. There is no way you would have power if in off position if breaker is good. Change breaker too.

  • Richard:

    Message:
    On a remodel, a dedicated kitchen circuit will have 4 receptacles
    (counter top). The first one downstream from the panel is GFCI, the
    next 2 are regular rec off the load side of the GFCI, and the last is
    an outdoor convenience rec also GFCI. Is this correct? The homeowner
    wants all GFCI. Also, do they have to be 24″ apart? Thanks, richard

    Answer:
    They are connected correctly. But you cannot move one outside. They all have to be dedicated to the kitchen counters. 24 inches is good.

  • Steve Lane:

    Message:
    Can I use a Square D QO type panel and breakers for a European
    230/400V 50hz system,

    Answer:
    As long as you do not go over the listed rating on the breaker and panel. It will be stamped on the components.

  • Sangvar:

    Message:
    kitchen light turn on, only if i turn on the range knob, if i turn off
    the knob the kitchen turn off as well.

    Answer:
    sounds like you have a couple of bad switches and a wiring problem. you need to call a licensed electrician.

  • Raymond:

    Message:
    i recently purchased a home. attached to the bottom of the outdoor
    service panel is a triangle shaped device with wires going to the main
    breaker and no where else. can someone tell me what this is.

    Answer:
    sounds like a surge arrester.

  • Adam:

    Message:
    Hi

    I have a set of 4 strip lights in a small office which keep going off
    for no obvious reason. Only 2 have starters in so 2 stay dormant. All
    connections are sound and I’ve tried swapping the starters around to
    no avail. There’s no scorch marks or signs of overheating. Any
    suggestions?

    Answer:
    change light bulbs to the correct sizes. read ballast tag to get bulb info.

  • Jay:

    Message:
    Is it ok to use a 60 amp breaker at the panel and run number 6 wire
    from that breaker to a 50 amp breaker in a subpanel and then to a hot
    tub? Just asking because we are hooking up our hot tub and have the 60
    amp breaker left over from something previous. Rather than spend $100
    on a new 50 amp breaker for the panel was hoping to be able to use the
    60 amp. As long as it is bigger and not smaller then it is ok, isn’t
    it? Greatly appreciate any help you can give. Thanks.

    Answer:
    sounds like it will be ok.

  • Nick:

    Message:
    I have wires coming from the wall red,black, white, cooper the water
    heater has red and black what wires go where. Thanks

    Answer:
    If the existing wire is properly connected to a 220v breaker, then use the 2 hots (most likely red and black, but better use meter)

  • Jarad:

    Message:
    with 3 wire 4/0 direct burial aluminum wire it says it is good for 200
    amps.Is each hot leg good for 200 amps or is that the total for both
    hot legs?I am trying to determine what sizes of wire i need to put in
    certain meter cans etc 100 amp 200 amp etc…

    Answer:
    each hot leg is good for 200amps

  • Chris:

    Message:
    can a 12VDC LED strip light be connected to a 12VAC transformer using
    a rectifier. if so, would it be dimmable on the primary side of the
    transformer?

    if not, why?

    Answer:
    I never heard of 12vac, maybe 120vac is what you meant. A rectifier can change your voltage type AC to DC, but without properly sizing everything you may burn a few up. Why not just use a 120v step down transformer to 12vdc?

  • Chris:

    Message:
    I have a 200 amp service in my house. 120 volt single phase. I have a
    100 amp panel in my shop ran off a generator. I want to go from the
    house panel to the shop panel. It is about 325 feet of run. Can I run
    2/o Al without losing to much? Shop has air compressor (15 amp) lights
    and occasional power tool running but thats it.

    Answer:
    It should be ok. you will have a voltage drop of 3-5% per one hundred feet.

  • Don:

    Message:
    i have a 3 phase panel only 2 hots and ground from a to b i have 240v
    from a to ground i have 240v and from b to n i have 240v no 110v
    present

    Answer:
    sounds like you have a bad transformer.

  • Jm:

    Message:
    can i splice the wires from my ceiling fan to add an outlet in the
    ceiling for a projector? If so, is there a diagram to show me how?

    Answer:
    Yes, but your neutral and line hot needs to be in your ceiling fan box if you do not want to switch the new plug. If you do not mind the plug being switched, just wire nut onto your 2 ceiling fan wires to connect to your new plug.

  • Percy:

    Message:
    Hi I have a question, I need a little assistance answering, if someone
    could help me out it would be greatly appreciated…..

    A motor has a full-load current rating of 74.8 amperes. What is the
    minimum allowable ampacity of the branch-circuit conductors?

    Answer:
    if you are only connecting the motor to the branch circuit, the wire size can be #4 thhn copper, and you will need a starter and overloads sized to your motor at the nameplate.

  • Danilo:

    Message:
    McB Rated 50 Hz Can It Use In 60Hz Electrical System?

    Answer:
    no

  • Bee Bee:

    Message:
    I’m installing a new GE timer to control 3 outside lights. The old
    timer had a black wire connected to a black wire in the wall box and a
    white wire connected to two wall box wires, a red and a blue wire
    braided together. The red timer wire had a wire nut and not used. The
    same with the green ground wire. I tried to install the new GE timer
    the same way as the old one. But it doesn’t work. The GE timer calls
    for the red timer wire to be connected to a second black power wire
    from the wall box. But there is no second black wire. Only a red and
    blue wire along with the one black power wire. So my question is, what
    is the hookup? Do I connect red to red or red to blue? Do I connect
    white to red or white to blue? Do I connect red and white to braided
    red and blue?
    Thank you.

  • Larry:

    Message:
    Can 24 volt and 110 volt wires be run through the same switch box?

    Answer:
    yes, only in the box.

  • Julie:

    My husband and I heard a pop behind the headboard and then all the electricity in the bedroom went out. We pulled the bed away from the wall and the outlet was warm. While the circuit breaker was off, I removed the outlet plate and outlet. It was charred inside. The outlet was black where one of the black wires should be connected and the black wire was scorched. We have not turned the electric back on. How do I determine what the problem is? Outlet? Wiring?

    answer:
    please call an electrician to look at this!

  • Jim:

    Message:
    I have a rotary dimmer switch that stopped working after many years. I
    replaced it and it stopped working after about a week. I replaced it
    with another rotary dimmer and it stopped working after about an hour.
    A regular toggle switch seems to work fine. What could be the problem?

  • Electrical Answer Man:

    Do you have the correct wattage on your new dimmer?

  • Curtis:

    Message:
    I have a a light that has 9-60 watt bulbs it is connected thru a fan
    remote control that is rated at 300 watts Is this a problem?

  • Electrical Answer Man:

    9 times 60 is 540 watt plus 300 equals 840 watts. Your fan remote control module located in the fan housing needs to be looked at to see if the total wattage it is capable of handling IS 840 watts OR GREATER.

  • Electrical Answer Man:

    Please take note all answers are given without any guarantees or insurance. This is only a blog.

  • michael:

    I’m running new power to a well 180′ from service panel. using #10 thhn awg wire for 30 amp service. I also would like to have an additional GFI outlet and 1 light inside the new pump house. sense i’m already pulling (4) #10 wires thru conduit (hot/hot/neutral/ground)for the well pump, can i pull 1 addional wire thru conduit (hot) #12 thhn for a total of (5) wires and use the (neutral/ground) of the 30 amp service for the neutral/ground for the additional outlet/light circuit. the outlet & light circuit will have its own 20 amp breaker in the service panel?

    • Electrical Answer Man:

      no, since you already are sharing the neutral for the well pump circuits (2-total), you need to have another neutral to go with the additional hot to be up to code. Using the same ground wire is fine.

  • michael:

    thank you for your response!
    If i could ask your opinion once more, it would be appreciated!
    As an alternative to the above mentioned senerio. If i where to install a subpanel in the pump house that had only 1 split beaker ( breaker divided as follows: 15amp(single pull)/30amp (double pull)/15 amp (single pull)) would my current #10 stranded awg httn wire be suffiecent to carry both circut loads back to service panel? Or would i need to upgrade service wire to larger gauge to carry both loads?
    As of now i’ve invested in all the wire except the 2 additional #12 lines that i would need for the 20amp (outlet/light) ciruit. I was informed the best senario might be to place disconnects as close to service as possible, i.e – in pump house rather than service panel 180′ away.
    My intentions where to install a GFI outlet in pump house and pull a single leg off it to feed the light. Would the GFI suffice for safety reasons to protect that curcuit as power disconnect in the event a short shoud occur rather than having only the breaker 180′ away on the service panel? are both senarios ok? Thanks agian for your help!!!

    • Electrical Answer Man:

      Because of the number of NEC code rules you will need to follow, I would get some professional advice from a licensed electrician.

  • bri:

    The lights/electrical stop working when the the lights were turned off this morning in the top floor of our house. One light had been flickering the past few days in the bathroom. We have tried to flip the breaker throughout the day. What/where should we check for a problem. Electricity in the remainder of the house is still working.
    Thanks!

  • Stephen:

    I want to disconnect the power line going into a light switch and use it to create a new outlet to power a TV. The light switch powers a light in a closet that isn’t used. Is there any reason why this wouldn’t work?

  • kisha:

    I have a 3 phase 240v delta panel with a high leg and would like to install a 3 phase 120/208v panel out of it. What type of transformer do i need to install?

    • Electrical Answer Man:

      Do you mean a 3P/120V/240V/delta wound with high-leg of 208V transformer? If that is what you have intended to say, then you must use a panel rated for the same voltage or higher. Just look at the sticker on the panel door to see if it meets your needs. if you have 208V rated panel then the rating is lower than 2 legs on the transformer voltage so you are not allowed to use this panel.

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