Posted by
Elizabeth thode on
URL: https://www.es-forum.com/Electric-question-tp3691687p3692502.html
Good info...let's keep in mind that "blatant wiring errors" are more common
then people tend to think. Net current from having the electrical grounded
to water pipes is a common find, as it was standard operating procedure and
up until 2011, it was code. Yes, the electrical does have to be grounded-
AT the SERVICE ENTRANCE; which is at the main circuit box.
I would venture to say, that the two most common
wiring errors are that the older houses are two wired, not three. Its
not uncommon to find those "cheater" plates, with the three prong
outlets, this makes it LOOK like the wiring is properly grounded. But
when you remove that plate, (better yet, have an Electrician do this
if you are not trained)...often you find the outlet is only wired using
the two wired system.
Which means not grounded. Wasn't an issue 30 years ago..but it is NOW.
And in some houses, idiots did the wiring, and wired them REVERSE HOT.
You can test this for yourself, using a 3 dollar part called an "outlet tester"
where you plug this into your outlet, and it will light up, and there is a diagram
on the outlet tester, which will tell you what those lights mean.
Reverse HOT is not good. And I truly hope this isn't a common problem.
But in these cases, where the wiring is not wired properly, shuttting off
one circuit can create problems.
Lizzie
> To:
[hidden email]
> From:
[hidden email]
> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:14:52 -0700
> Subject: Re: [eSens] Electric question
>
> Turning off one breaker (or more) should not cause any other
> circuits to run hotter. The only risk I can think of is someone
> decides to turn it on without telling you. There are special lock-out
> breakers that would prevent that. Or you could have an electrician
> put in a blank instead.
>
> Many houses have certain types of wiring issues, like ganged neutrals (that
> should be fixed but can be hard to pin down in some cases).
> These should not create problems when turning off a breaker. If turning
> off one does cause issues, there is a more blatant wiring error, of a type
> that
> could lead to shock or fire hazard, and that an electrician is more used to
> fixing (not that the average electrician will be able to figure out the
> problem, but a smart one will).
> Having 150 Volts is a bit of a shocker (130 would not be surprising).
> Curious what caused that and how it was fixed...
>
> Romex usually just means normal unshielded wire (whether made by Romex Co.
> or not).
>
> On Thu, Jan 26, 2012 at 4:56 PM, Elizabeth thode <
[hidden email]>wrote:
>
> > **
> >
> >
> >
> > I'd have won that bet ...I bet your house IS wired correctly.
> > Which is why you can shut down one circuit without issues.
> > In a house not wired correctly, this can and does sometimes
> > create "issues".
> > Lizzie
> >
> >
> > To:
[hidden email]
> > From:
[hidden email]
> > Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:53:14 -0800
> > Subject: RE: [eSens] Electric question
> >
> >
> > > Is your whole house wired correctly?
> > > Three wiring and grounded?
> >
> > The outlets are all grounded and every outlet is
> > wired correctly according to the outlet tester.
> >
> > So our house is better than most. :-)
> >
> > Prior to our moving in, several outlets were not
> > wired correctly, and the some outlets had
> > unusually high voltage output (150v!).
> >
> > > Romex?
> >
> > No idea, so the answer is probably no.
> >
> > Marc
> >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> >
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
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