Electrical

What is the technical name for this circular 220v outlet?

I'm having a bit of a headache with my living room cooling situation. For the last few weeks, my air conditioner has be...

5 comments posted 1mo

posted by moss_hawk_1989

5 comments posted 1mo posted by moss_hawk_1989

Thoughts on why a direct short doesn't always trip the breaker?

My parents had a bit of a scare this morning while measuring for furniture. The metal tape slipped right behind a loose...

6 comments posted 1mo

posted by KeeperArrow

6 comments posted 1mo posted by KeeperArrow

Is it okay to leave this old fan circuit capped off like this?

I just finished pulling out my old downdraft fan because I'm switching over to a different hood setup above the stove....

6 comments posted 1mo

posted by EchoForge

6 comments posted 1mo posted by EchoForge

What exactly is this heavy-duty outlet in my garage supposed to be for?

I recently moved into a house built in 1986 and found a beefy-looking outlet sitting right next to the main breaker pan...

4 comments posted 1mo

posted by cliff_sage_1956

4 comments posted 1mo posted by cliff_sage_1956

Thoughts on what these old 6-20R outlets were actually intended for?

I ran across one of those single round 250-volt outlets at the shop today and it got me thinking. It's that NEMA 6-20R...

4 comments posted 1mo

posted by CopperAsh75

4 comments posted 1mo posted by CopperAsh75

Why is there a yellow wire buried just an inch deep in my backyard?

I was out back doing some planting earlier today and ran into a bit of a mystery. I hit a wire just a couple of inches...

4 comments posted 1mo

posted by ForgeEcho

4 comments posted 1mo posted by ForgeEcho

Why are these two 15A switches built so differently?

I'm standing in the hardware aisle looking at two Leviton single-pole switches and I'm honestly a bit stumped. Both are...

4 comments posted 1mo

posted by StoneLynx_1960

4 comments posted 1mo posted by StoneLynx_1960

How I finally solved loose conduit issues—steps that actually worked

Finding flexible metal conduit pulling away from your junction boxes is more than just an eyesore; it’s a legit safety...

3 comments posted 1mo

posted by FrostCrest239

3 comments posted 1mo posted by FrostCrest239

Tips for hanging ceiling fans that nobody talks about

You need to check if that metal box is actually fan-rated before you hang anything with a motor. Even a light 10lb fan...

4 comments posted 1mo

posted by Jake_Slate_1959

4 comments posted 1mo posted by Jake_Slate_1959

Just learned the hard way why watches and live circuits don't mix

I was working on the fan assembly in my truck today and got way too comfortable. I usually take off my watch before sti...

4 comments posted 1mo

posted by BearCliff

4 comments posted 1mo posted by BearCliff

Can I use an in-wall splice kit for a partially severed wire?

I was driving a structural screw into a stud for some garage storage and I managed to nick the yellow Romex running up...

5 comments posted 1mo

posted by NomadPike

5 comments posted 1mo posted by NomadPike

Finally settled the ground-up debate while finishing my kitchen remodel

I spent the better part of the morning getting a pair of new Leviton outlets into a double-gang box. The drywall was cu...

3 comments posted 1mo

posted by DuskDrift_1964

3 comments posted 1mo posted by DuskDrift_1964

Finally figured out that weird low-voltage switch in my 1970s living room

I spent the morning messing around with the wiring in my living room because I’m finally sick of the lamp life and want...

4 comments posted 1mo

posted by BasaltNomad670

4 comments posted 1mo posted by BasaltNomad670

Anyone else ever dealt with a rental that felt live?

I’ve been staying at this rental for a few days and kept getting this weird tingling sensation every time I touched the...

5 comments posted 1mo

posted by PikeCal95

5 comments posted 1mo posted by PikeCal95

Anyone else prefer induction lighting over modern LED?

I pulled a weird rectangular induction lamp out of a fixture at work today and forgot to check the label before it got...

5 comments posted 1mo

posted by LynxStorm

5 comments posted 1mo posted by LynxStorm