Electrical Service Questions - Electrical Troubleshooting - Electrical Repair Questions & Answers

Electrical FAQs

The reason lights may dim when certain appliances are turned on is because the wire in that circuit now has to share its area with more current. The "in rush" current that is generated by turning something on can sometimes overwhelm a circuit, causing the lights to dim. The National Electrical Code requires a minimum of 14 gauge wiring for general purpose circuits. This wire is too small to handle in rush current. Therefore, SacElectrician.com uses 12 gauge wiring when necessary, eliminating this problem.

What is the difference between GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) and AFC (arc fault circuit interrupter)?

GFCI receptacles and breakers turn themselves off in the event of a ground fault. Meaning that if a path to ground exists other than the designed grounding system,(i.e. a person submerged in water, or holding a copper pipe) the circuit will turn off. An AFCI receptacle or breaker turns itself off in the event of an arc. Like if a person were to drive a nail into a wall damaging the wire inside of that wall. This type of protection prevents fires and is required by code in certain applications.

What if all the plugs in my house have only two slots instead of three?

Before revisions of the code, a separate ground was not required in most applications. Now, a separate ground is required by code. (the third slot in plugs) It is also much safer to have this type of plug. The plugs that have two slots can be changed out with new plugs with three holes, but a ground will not be present. The correct fix for this is to bring a seperate ground wire to the plug and change the plug out to a new style plug.

I have a circuit breaker that tripped. Is this dangerous?

Usually the problem is simply an overload and you only need to run fewer appliances on the circuit. However, if it is not overloaded and it keeps tripping, you should suspect a short. Also, look for a defective cord, socket or plug.

Should I attempt to work on simple electrical changes in my house or office myself?

Absolutely not! Except if you are sure of how to do it safely, and within current code regulations. If you are not confident with these things, you should call someone who is. Electricity is a complex beast who is easily controlled, but only if you know what you're doing. It is better that you don't take a chance!

I am installing a ceiling fan; do I need a special electrical box?

Yes, special saddle boxes are designed for hanging heavy fixtures-up to about 50 pounds. Since a ceiling fan moves, these boxes are good for about a 35-pound ceiling fan.

What is a ground fault interrupter?

It's a safety device that shuts off the power if a wire in an outlet develops a leak that could electrocute someone. This hazard is so serious that the National Electrical Code requires all new homes be equipped with them in the bathroom, kitchen, workroom, outdoor, basement, garage and swimming pool circuits.

I have some slots left on my circuit breaker box that do not have breakers in them. Can I add more circuits?

You need to see how many amps your box is rated for and then look at the existing circuits to see how many total amps are already being used. If you have not reached the maximum, it's possible to add more, but it's best to have a professional do the work inside the box unless you have the specific knowledge.

Can I add additional outlets to an existing circuit?

You need to figure the current circuit load in watts to see if it can handle additional use. The National Electric Code is 20 percent less than maximum. This means a 15-amp circuit has a safe capacity of 1,440 watts. A 20-amp circuit limit is 1,920 watts, a 25-amp circuit's limit is 2,400 watts and a 30-amp circuit has a safe limit of 2,880 watts.

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