Recent content by Fred43

From my experiences all BX wire either had a double steal jacket or the this bare wire we used to back wrap arounf the cable to sit under the clamp and hold the anti-short in place. It was the only method of grounding in the 1930's to the 1980's. Thats when MC cable came into play with a...

The presure switch is the easiest point to check for pitted contacts, dirt, loose connections. If this does not solve the problem check the stater for the same types of problems. Check for loose wires !!!

Ramper, I have 47 years of Elec Contracting experience I definately would install a motor stater before the receptacle. The Motor heaters in the starter will protect your motor if it overheats for any reason and there are many ways it can overheat. It is required by code. There are insurance...

To All, Your evaluations of the code and operation and materials are all in line with installing motor overload heaters, whether in a motor rated double-pole switch or another approved starter. That is a good thing, but any motor 1 hp or larger is required by NEC code to have exterior heaters...

Sirsloop, I have fifty years as an electrician and 37 years as an Electrical Contractor - shop owner. Your reasoning may be correct in that the microwave might not draw enough to overload a 20 amp circuit. There are three other factors to consider beside common sense. It is in the NEC that any...

Hey Fellows, A 5 HP motor requires a switch or motor starter with heater elements to protect the motor. The compressor high and low limit switches will turn it on and off automatically and SAFELY. If you wire it to code requirements you would have less insurance liability if something went...

Joe, I suggest that you talk to someone that knows about wire size capacities. A #6 Copper is good for fifty (50) amps. Using the derating for length that would make it forty amps (40). A 4 circuit panel comes in 70 to 125 amp ratings. In a shop you will want something larger to separate the...

Scutt83, The 4th wire is not necessary if you DRIVE the 8' x 5/8" ground rod into solid ground. You should not lay it at the bottom of the trench in soft dirt. A protected #8 ground wire is accepted by code but I always used a #6 CU with brass clamps. The ground is very the most important...

Joe, I suggest that you talk to someone that knows about wire size capacities. A #6 Copper is good for fifty (50) amps. Using the derating for length that would make it forty amps (40). A 4 circuit panel comes in 70 to 125 amp ratings. In a shop you will want something larger to separate the...

hh76, Good points. I used to make a lot of money going out to check on HOME INSPECTOR's claims of poor wiring and equipment that need to be replaced. About 75% of the claims were bogus. The home inspectors take a 10 hour course in the five major trades and consider themselves experts. I used...

Hey, I've been doing this for almost 50 years and there is always something to learn. Sometimes from those new to the trade as well as those that pass on their yeas of knowledge. Snobbery is fine for fun but not to poke fun at a serious question. Yes QO Sq "D"'s are made for two wires...

Hi brtiterf150hd, I'm Fred43. Short Bio - 47 yrs in Elec Business From Apprts to Master / shop owner. 47years in Local 103 Boston. Have worked many pipe jobs with PVC, EMT, Steel conduit. I would suggest that you use strut and strut clips if you have parallel runs. Hang the North to South...

To eliminate RF caused by Fluoresent lights try geting your power for the radio fron a circuit unrelated to the lighting circuit. If the two items are in the same 2 wire or 3 wire cable you could get static on the radio. Also check the grounding of the ballast to the fixture can. Scrath the...

John, Basically what you describe is somewhat safe but not according to the National Electrical Codes (NEC). The wiring, if done properly is protected but the 3 hp, 240 v, 30 amp motor is left unprotected. A motor starter rated double pole safety switch with the appropriately sized heater...