Hello everyone!
New to this group and thought I would give it a try.
We are looking at a new house and I wanted to get an opinion on two things:
In one bathroom, the light switch is near the show. Is this dangerous? What can we do to correct this?
The house has a detached garage which has 110 and 220. The power is governed by one switch in the house. Is that safe? Again, what can we do to correct it?
Thanks a bunch, have a great day! Ryan
By "new house" I take it you mean new to you, not brand new construction.
See if there's a GFCI breaker feeding that switch. If there isn't, you probably should get one installed, but you may then run into that GFCI annoying you by tripping off if the area around the switch gets splashed with water.
If you would please describe that "switch" to us, we'd be in a better position to comment.
Jeff
Thanks for answering so quickly!
The switch looks like a regular light switch. It seems to cut all power to the attached garage. Not sure about the 220 though, we didn't test that.
Thanks again! Ryan
Near the shower is fine, in the shower is probably not the best location, and may be advisable to have it relocated to the opposite side of the wall from it's current location. (probably outside the bathroom)
Probably better to have an annoying ground fault tripping, then a potentially live switchplate with someone standing in the shower
Does that go for putting a penny in a fuse holder also? The least safe circuits are the ones that never trip the breaker.
Nope
If it is not tripping, it is most likely safe.
Get two different electricians to check it out and give an estimate to have it fixed if needed. Present this to the seller and tell them you want it fixed before you buy it.
It is possible and legal to have the 120v coming off the 240v circuit, in fact you could have two 120v circuits and also one 240v circuit from one 4 wire cable, disconnected with one two pole switch. It is the legal way to avoid a sub panel in ther garage (ground rods etc)
Only if someone in the shower while the shower is running tries to turn the light on or off. Would anyone do that?
I don't understand. I thougtht a GFCI tripped if there was no ground like there should be.
How would a GFI trip any more than a any breaker just because it got wet?
A GFCI trips if the current on one leg is not equal to the current on the other leg. This happens when current goes to ground thru another path, like your body. A GFCI doesn't need an "electrical source ground" to work.
They are often installed because there is not a grounding wire at the device.
Then there's the strange myth that a GFCI itself PROVIDES a grounding connection. It doesn't.
I've never heard that myth, and if it exists, it's wrong
Thanks. I get it.
Which show? Is it a movie theatre, or a big screen?
Yes, it's possible to switch 110 and 220 using the same switch.
I never heard it until I started reading this newsgroup (possibly it's confusion relating to the use of a GFCI for safety where there is no ground wire).
Common misunderstanding about 'grounds' and GFCIs. The so called GFCI shoul be better named! GFCIs operate (to disconnect and protect the circuit) when there is an unbalance in the current flowing in the live and neutral wires through the GFCI outlet. Such an unbalnce MAY be due to something grounding through, say a human body, etc. hence the requirment they be used in damp locations, such as the garden, bathrooms etc. BTW this thread doesn't seem to nbe too clear. Apparently it is not a NEW house??????? There is a switch in the bathroom near the shower? Either move it to the opposite side of the wall (hopefully just outside the bathroom door etc. and/or intercept the circuit somewhere BEFORE the switch and insert a GFCI in that wiring (or change the circuit breaker for that circuit to a GFCI type). There is some sort of switch controlling everything in the garage?????? Or everything that is 110 volts in the garage? he reference to 220 volts is unclear. Is that a 220 volt cocvket for say a dryer, or maybe a home welder owned by a previuos owner? It's all very vague.
have you had a home inspector check out the entire place.
its cheap insurance to avoid nasty surprises, can be used to negoiate lower price, and a person on location will have a better idea of whats up.
home inspectors are sellers worse nightmare, and buyer best friend
There is nothing wrong with the location of the light switch. There is no reason to lose a minute sleep over it.
There is not enough information to say, for sure, if the breaker for the garage is a problem. Nothing in the post would make me suspicious of the wiring.
I am sure we could make a long list of things that could be wrong, but I'm not.
Yes, but most home inspectors I've encountered are less than knowledgeable. They have opinions, not knowledge,
having been a seller, they were my biggest nightmare. find one who is acxcredited, and insured.
as a buyer they will sve you money
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