Welcome to our Electrical Gallery & Information
The electrical system is arguably the most complex system found in a home. As conductors, components, fixtures, and how-to books are readily available from nearly any hardware store or home improvement center, many homeowners feel qualified to perform modifications to their electrical system. However, there is much more to electrical than black wire goes to the circuit breaker. The most prudent course of action to take is to hire a licensed electrical contractor to perform any modifications or corrective work.
There is a fair amount to see here. Take your time, look around, and learn something about us. We hope you enjoy our site and take a moment to drop us a line.
Panels
Electrical Splices
Electrical Splices
The dryer was connected to the electrical panel and the dead-front had been completely removed. While it seemed obvious to me that the dead-front should not be removed, this is apparently not universal.
Electrical Splices
Electrical Splices
Electrical Splices
I usually do not open junction boxes, but for some reason I had a feeling and opened this junction box under an electric cook-top in a kitchen. The wire nuts were melted, which could have resulting in a fire.
Attic Wiring
Electrical Splices
Attic Wiring
Electrical splices should be enclosed in a covered junction box. Often, boxes are left open or splices are even made without the benefit of a required box.
Fuses
Equipment Grounding
Attic Wiring
Fuses are actually very reliable. The problem is that fuses are not "goof-proof" and properly sized fuses are often replaced with fuses of a higher amperage, which can damage wiring and ignite fires. Basically, insurers don't like them and will typically require replacement with circuit breakers.
Equipment Grounding
Equipment Grounding
Equipment Grounding
Wiring in homes from the '40s-'60s typically used nonmetallic sheathed cable without an equipment grounding conductor. Occasonally, an ungrounded receptacle outlet will be faked by shunting between the neutral and grounding terminals. This is unsafe and should be addressed by a licensed electrical contractor.
Dangers of Arcing
Equipment Grounding
Equipment Grounding
This was found by a colleague of mine. I suspct the connection between the wire and the terminal was loose, resulting in a low-level arc tthat damaged the device. The owners were lucky that this did not result in a fire.