Recent content by mc5w

You could also have an open neutral in the dimmer unit or the feeder cable. Try connecting a 240 volts baseboard electric heater temporarily to to light cord and see what kind of voltage you get. Might need to do this 2 times with 2 different phases to get an intelligible result. A more...

Wiremold extension ring. Handybox extension ring. Worst case, cut and access opening on the back on a large box, line the edge with some type of edging material, attch with screws ( not nails ) over the old box. Actually, we one time cut a big rectangular hole in the front of a pull box with...

The use of 3-wire range and dryer receptacles has caused a lot of confusion and misapplication over the years. During World War 2 the War Materials Boards decided to allow TN-C ( Terra Neutral Common ) grounding of cooking and clothes drying equipment in wood frame dwellings. TN-C grounding uses...

Actually, a 100 amp service is only allowed to carry 80 amps continuously. However, U.S. National Electrical Code forgets to say that at ambient temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius and circuit breaker, fuse, or fusible switch can only carry 60% to 70% of its rating for standard rated devices...

I hope that all of that was not too long winded. My posts for what are really quite simple questions would be shorter. Mike Cole

The library closed at 8 PM last night so I was not able to finish my post. There is an out of print book titled Collier Electrician published by the British National Coal Board on how protection of high energy electrical cords works. What British National Coal Board and their American ( Mine...

The pilot pin is for automatic continuous monitoring of the equipment ground in both nonmining and mining applications. US NEC only requires this for 1,000-volt and greater cords for mobile equipment. Since I have helped set up the annual automotive show at International Exposition Center in...

Hi, My name is Michael Cole. I have a wide variety of electrical experience, a lot of industrial and some amount theatriccal related. When I was helping with the annual automotive show over at International Exposition Center in Cleveland, Ohio we usually had 1 booth that used almost 1/2...