Recent content by Johnny C

240-V Range Installation DO NOT install a 50 ampere breaker for a range that is listed to be used with a 30 ampere overcurrent device. Remember the wiring in the electric range is designed to be used with a 30 ampere overcurrent device, NOT 50 amps. This would be a violation of NEC Section...

Server tripping GFCI Eliminate the surge suppressors from the load side of the GFCI and install one on the line side of the GFCI.

Question for Electrical Guru Based on 2005 NEC. Based on the photo provided, there are a few Code violations. 1. Section 312.5 requires a connector or nipple with a bushing to proved protecion of the conductors feeding the panel. 2. Since this is a sub-panel on the load-side of the...

AC condenser and air-handling unit. This answer is based on the 2005 NEC. Secton 110.3(B) requires you to follow the listing and labeled installation instructions applicable to that particular unit. The instructions and namplate should provide the minimum conductor size, the maximum fuse or...

30 amps - No. 12 awg, cu. wire This answer is based on the 2005 NEC:Table 310.16, the table used to determine the current-carrying capability of copper or aluminum conductors in cables, conduit, or directly buried in earth is very often used incorrectly. No. 12 awg, cu conductors under the 60...

AFCI tripping Reading your first posting of the problem, you mention that a small refrigerator is plugged into one of the AFCI protected outlets. Most modern refrigerators have a timed cyle that energizes electric heaters to defrost the freezer coils. The electric heaters usually have leakage...

Turn the lights on and off in different room and notice if there is any change in brilliance either dimming or getting brighter, if this happens, it could be a faulty connection to the neutral conductor either at the panelboard, service drop at the house, or at service pole or transformer. What...

15 amp sw Yes you can install a 20 ampere switch on a 15 ampere circuit.

Section 404.14 requires snap switches to be used within their ratings as marked. See Section 404.14(A) through (D). The ampere rating of the switch is based on the type of switch, the load current that it is intended to interrupt, and the type of load, such as inductive, motor, or tungsten...

Sub-panel ??? The NEC uses the terminology "building or structure" in an installation where a fused or unfused disconnect or circuit breaker is mounted on a pole (structure) or building remote from the main building or structure served. Section 250.32(A) and (B) provided the requirements for...

Breaker didn't trip A faulty connection at the breaker terminal offers resistance to the flow of current thereby limiting the amount of current passing through the breaker. So the breaker doesn't trip due to high current. However, I have investigated instances where the heat generated by the...

30 A fusible disconnect with CU pipe. Installing copper pipe in place of proper fuses or fuse blanks is a Code violation of 110-3(B). Use of the disconnect sw with other than a product for which it was tested and listed by the testing laboratory. I will not say I haven't done this in an...

GFCI's To BEEKERC, You can install one GFCI receptacle feed other downstream receptacles from the load-side of the GFCI receptacle and they will be GFCI protected. You must place a label on the regular receptacles to indicate that they are GFCI protected.

prewired office furnishings First of all, NFPA does not write the NEC, it is written by the public at large by them submitting proposals for change. The Code Committees evaluate the proposed changes and vote on it, very democratic process.

Bulbs are Humming! How about a little humor: The bulbs are humming because the don't know the words, just like a transformer! An oldy but goody. Some of us old guy still have a sense of humor, we don't have much more.