Electrical Wiring Illustrated

Why Does My Hot Tub Stop Working

Hot Tub Tripping the Breaker [ad#block] Electrical Question: My Hot Tub is Tripping Off, is the Wire Size Right?

My hot tub breaker keeps opening. After a year of operation (with some breaker trips) the hot tub tech now says, I’m not getting enough power to the hot tub. The hot tub is 125′ from the panel and my exterior 2 pole 50amp circuit breaker is wired with #10 AWG direct burial wire. Do I…

Wiring for a Ceiling Fan Dimmer and Control Switch

Wiring a Ceiling Fan Dimmer & Control Switch [ad#block] Electrical Question: How is a Dimmer and Fan Control Switch wired for my Ceiling Fan?

Re: Hunter Breeze fan & light switch. Replacing with Hunter model 27182 dimmer & fan control switch. 4 wires come out of wall. 2 black 2 white.( with ground) Both white wires are connected together, leaving the black wires to be hooked up to the new switch.

How Much Power an Electric Panel Has Left

Electrical Panel Capacity [ad#block] Electrical Question: How can I find out the amount of amperage available in my 200 amp Panel?

I am trying to find out the amount of amperage that is available in my 200 amp Panel if any. I can see from my electric bill that the heaviest usage month in 2019 was 21189KW and 2184 KWH. If 240 (volts) divided into the 21189KW would be 88 amps does that mean that I…

Electrical Problem with GFCI Outlet in Kitchen

Problem with a GFCI Outlet [ad#block] Electrical Question: What would cause problems with outlets in the kitchen that would sporadically shut down and minutes later power would resume?

A friend of mine called me, said he was having problems with 2 outlets in kitchen that would sporadically shut down and minutes later power would resume, one was supplying fridge the other supplied counter outlet (…

Connecting an EV Charger in a Detached Garage

EV Car Charger Outlet [ad#block] Electrical Question: Can I plug my EV Car Charger cord into an apartment garage using an extension cord?

I just got a plug in hybrid car (2020 Toyota Prius Prime). The charging cable plugs into a normal outlet. However, I only have 1 outlet in my garage that’s being used by the garage door opener, and the door can’t be opened manually. I am not allowed to alter…

Wiring a 15amp 125volt Receptacle with Multiwire Configuration

Multi-Wire Duplex Receptacle Outlet [ad#block] Electrical Question: Is it permissible to connect a 15A, 125V duplex receptacle to both phase conductors of a 120 240V, single phase multiwire branch circuit by breaking out the tab connection between the two ‘hot’ terminal screws of the receptacle? I have seen this practice used in residential construction.

This electrical wiring question came from…

Cord Size for an Electric Log Splitter

Electric Log Splitter Cord [ad#block] Electrical Question: What size extension cord should I use for an electric log splitter?

I got a new 7 ton electric log splitter. I need to know what kind of extension cord to get to use about 25 feet from the nearest outlet. Pictures of nameplates attached. Thanks!

This electrical wiring question came from Scott, a Handyman in Olympia, Washington.

Additional…

How Should I Label Electric Service and Distribution Panels

Label Electric Panels [ad#block] Electrical Question: How should I label the Main Meter Service Panel and the Service Distribution Panel with all the breakers for the home?

On the exterior of the house we have the main meter service panel and also the service distribution panel with all the breakers for the home, in the meter service panel there is the service disconnect breaker and the main…

How to Wire a Replacement Water Heater

Wiring a Water Heater [ad#block] Electrical Question: How do I wire a new water heater when the wiring is differently than the old water heater?

The existing water heater is wired with 4 wires.the one I am replacing it with only has three wires can you still wire it so it works

This electrical wiring question came from Mark, a Homeowner in Payette, Idaho.

Dave’s Reply: Thanks for your electrical…

Why a Dryer Does Not Dry Clothes

Clothes Dryer Problem [ad#block] Electrical Question: Why did our  dryer quit blowing hot air?

Our dryer quit blowing hot air last weekend and we replaced with a refurbished one and it is having the same issue. We had an electrician check and the plug is getting appropriate electricity. Any idea what could cause two dryers to do this (all fuses thermostats etc show continuity).

This electrical…

Which Fuse for an HVAC Unit FLNR60 or FRN-R60

Replace a Blown HVAC Fuse [ad#block] Electrical Question: What is the difference between a FLNR 60 Fuse and a FRN-R 60 Fuse?

I found a blown fuse in my fuse Box for my HVAC unit. I am looking to find out the difference in the type of coding between FLNR 60 and FRN-R 60. From checking the product descriptions there does not seem to be a difference and the only thing I can figure is that it’s…

How to Replace an Outlet with a GFCI

 Replacing an Outlet [ad#block] Electrical Question: I’m trying to replace a kitchen outlet for a GFCI one. How do i hook up the new GFCI outlet?

I’m trying to replace a kitchen outlet for a GFCI one. When I pull put the old one it has no ground wire, 2 red wires( one is the hot) and a uncut white (neutral wire ) with some of the sheathing taken off and bent making a loop and connected to the…

Wiring a Light Fixture to a GFCI Outlet

Light Fixture and GFCI Outlet [ad#block] Electrical Question: I installed a spot light to an outside GFCI receptacle but now the light does not work, could the GFCI outlet be bad?

I added a spot light (hard wired) to an outside receptacle. I checked for voltage before closing up box and had it. I then turned off the breaker and put covers on. I turned the breaker back on, tested the receptacle…

Wiring a New Electric Range to an Old Circuit

Electric Range [ad#block] Electrical Question: Our kitchen range has died and we are purchasing a new electric range. Is our existing circuit wiring going to work?

I appreciate any information you can provide. Our kitchen electric range has died and we are purchasing a new electric range. The Installation Instructions indicate that the electrical connection can be connected by means of permanent…

Replaced a Ceiling Fan Now it is Not Working

Ceiling Fan and Light [ad#block] Electrical Question: My son and I replaced a ceiling fan in his bedroom. The fan and light were working prior to replacing.

My son and I replaced a ceiling fan in his bedroom. The fan and light were working prior to replacing. We hooked up the new fan – nothing works. Thinking we purchased a bad fan, we replaced the old fan. It doesn’t work either. I checked the…

Installing 220Volt for a Range and Dryer in a Basement

Wiring for 220Volt Circuits [ad#block] Electrical Question: I am installing new 220volt wiring for a range and dryer running through an exposed Basement ceiling. Does the wire need to be in conduit?

This electrical wiring question came from Sal, a General Contractor in Layton, Utah.

Sal, Thank You for Visiting Ask-the-Electrician! You were visiting this Electrical Wiring resource page.

Dave’s…

My Breaker Keeps Tripping as Soon as it is Reset

Tripping Circuit Breaker [ad#block] Electrical Question: My breaker keeps tripping as soon as its reset, and my home just got new siding and door frames.

This electrical wiring question came from Charles, a Homeowner in Cleveland, Ohio.

Additional Comments: Nice easy to navigate and straight to the point.

Charles, Thank You for Visiting Ask-the-Electrician! You were visiting this Electrical Wiring