Home Repairs Tips & Trick

Thinking of learning a second trade

/u/Sparkhead148 — Sun, 17 Aug 2025 12:02:45 -0500

I'm a welder by trade and 29. I enjoy it well enough, but I'm concerned how my health will fare in the future due to the constant fumes and metal shavings. On top of that, with things becoming more expensive I'd like to have some job security.

I'm considering on picking up Electrician's trade school and joining a union. I'm looking to juggle both welding work once I have my own shop, and electrician gigs once I make it as a journeyman if I do go through with it.

Any opinions?

submitted by /u/Sparkhead148
[link] [comments]

Service Guys: do you carry portable adjustable power supplies with you for troubleshooting?

/u/snowycashflow — Sun, 17 Aug 2025 11:13:48 -0500

I’m working on a Mighty Mule Dual Gate 502 driveway gate that’s several hundred feet from the nearest power source. I’m not an electronics specialist, so I usually focus on fixing or supplying power to systems, not repairing electronics or appliances. However, I like to give troubleshooting a shot sometimes. The gate is designed to receive 120V, which a plug-in transformer converts to 12V for the PCB. The PCB then sends signals to the rest of the system, including charging a 12V SLA battery. From the manual, it seems the battery powers the gate arms, but it’s not entirely clear. The customer, who moved in 6 months ago, doesn’t know if the gate works. The house was previously raided due to illegal pot growing and power theft, and the gate was busted down with parts left scattered. I’m unsure if the system is functional at all. I’m wondering if I can test the gate arms directly to see if they extend and retract, as replacing them isn’t cheap. I was thinking an adjustable power supply to send 12V to the arms might help with troubleshooting, but I’m not sure if that’s a practical approach. I know I can test it properly by bringing 120 to the transformer but if the PCB doesn’t work, I won’t know if the arms are also fried. Does this make sense? Would an external power source (besides something like a Milwaukee battery power adapter) be useful for testing this kind of system? Any advice or suggestions for troubleshooting this gate setup would be greatly appreciated!

submitted by /u/snowycashflow
[link] [comments]

Just bought this , LMK if it was a steal

/u/Fluffy-Initiative131 — Sun, 17 Aug 2025 10:33:55 -0500

I bought it for 130$ with shipping

submitted by /u/Fluffy-Initiative131
[link] [comments]

PC

/u/No_Doughnut_3893 — Sun, 17 Aug 2025 10:31:28 -0500

Hey guys is it safe to plug my pc in a socket without grounding?

submitted by /u/No_Doughnut_3893
[link] [comments]

Certs and Licensure

/u/BarracudaNew5234 — Sun, 17 Aug 2025 09:10:57 -0500

What type of specialized certifications and Licensure are you guys obtaining after the master electrician/electrical contractor license? I'd like to keep working for myself, so certs/licensure focused on electrical specialization rather than management.

I hold a master electricians license and started my own company around 18 months ago, doing mostly residential service/remodel, with some light commercial as well. I've been getting more work than my apprentice and I can handle, so I started to hire. Well, so far it's been a nightmare - if I'm not leading the work in person, everything has gone to shit. Obviously I need to hire better candidates, but it's exhausting when I'm working in the field all day - I've got very little time.

So what advice do you guys have for maximizing profitability without hiring? I'd rather spend my limited free time on increasing my knowledge/worth than trying to manage employees.

submitted by /u/BarracudaNew5234
[link] [comments]

Trades in usa

/u/InterestingBall2181 — Sun, 17 Aug 2025 07:55:02 -0500

Which states have a good balance between salary and cost of living for blue collars? I heard the south is pretty bad

submitted by /u/InterestingBall2181
[link] [comments]

Someone has asked me to install a Level 2 EVSE. I have 2 questions since I don't do them on a regular basis.

/u/lectrician7 — Sun, 17 Aug 2025 07:35:37 -0500

Like the title says someone has asked me to install a car charger and I have 2 questions. The vehicle can only charge at a level 2 rate of 7.2 kw (32a)

Is there a charger that any of you who do these regularly prefer?
I know some chargers will ramp up/down depending on demand from the service for other appliances. Are these significantly more expensive? This is a feature they really like. I think they have a 100amp service and won't want a 200a upgrade.

submitted by /u/lectrician7
[link] [comments]

Master electrician.

/u/Intrepid-Wave-4301 — Sun, 17 Aug 2025 03:14:42 -0500

Has anyone ever received their Maryland master electrician license with a past criminal history? I test in two weeks and just want to make sure

submitted by /u/Intrepid-Wave-4301
[link] [comments]

Industrial isn’t resi, and a 3/8 drive for racking our breakers doesn’t need to be insulated.

/u/Jono89 — Sat, 16 Aug 2025 21:39:56 -0500

Do better. Stop commenting on shit you’ve never touched before.

submitted by /u/Jono89
[link] [comments]

What's the best way to cut soffit out for potlights?

/u/copperbeam17 — Sat, 16 Aug 2025 21:02:18 -0500

So I haven't done residential electrical work in 15+ years, I switched to industrial maintenance back in 2010, and at that time we used pot light cans and the drywallers/ soffit guys were responsible for cutting the holes out for them. I recently did a job for my mom and this seems to all be on the electrician now due to the new (to me) LED pot design. So are you guys cutting pot lights into soffit on new homes? Seems like an extra risk were taking doing this and for what? If it goes wrong its now a massive hassle to fix. What's everyone's thoughts? What's the best way to do it?

submitted by /u/copperbeam17
[link] [comments]

My tool haul

/u/PiggyMooshie0 — Sat, 16 Aug 2025 18:53:21 -0500

submitted by /u/PiggyMooshie0
[link] [comments]

Shortage of electricians in the USA, is that true?

/u/eter711 — Sat, 16 Aug 2025 17:08:21 -0500

https://preview.redd.it/7kep07j5ggjf1.png?width=602&format=png&auto=webp&s=9adcedc5d965a00139d1efe257056b83389a6455

Update: we found the pills

https://preview.redd.it/mta3jvv57ljf1.png?width=1536&format=png&auto=webp&s=20ab5a6807bbe14e385c686671dfcab40ecf69eb

submitted by /u/eter711
[link] [comments]

Let’s land some buckets, boys!

/u/Agreeable-Rip-401 — Sat, 16 Aug 2025 17:01:47 -0500

Racking some 480V Buckets for industrial applications

submitted by /u/Agreeable-Rip-401
[link] [comments]

What should I study?

/u/Dangerous-Leather487 — Sat, 16 Aug 2025 16:53:33 -0500

Just started my second year as a commercial electrician I was union for first 9 months then to non union. It doesn’t seem like my current employer will send me to school and if he doesn’t I will find a new job because it is very important to me. 21 M trying to figure out ways I can study on my own for now without being in school I have bought my own books but have no guidance on what to study and what will make me a better electrician. Any advice for what to study until I get into a school?

submitted by /u/Dangerous-Leather487
[link] [comments]

How do these roof racks work?

/u/guthryan — Sat, 16 Aug 2025 16:27:16 -0500

I just purchased ford transit connect that came with these roof racks, 1. How do I secure extension ladder without using romex, and 2. What are the black pieces sticking up used for , I know this is dumb question but I’m new to owning my own van

submitted by /u/guthryan
[link] [comments]

Glove recommendations?

/u/SingleSuggestion881 — Sat, 16 Aug 2025 16:04:28 -0500

Hey so iv been getting some pretty bad blisters on my hands from toeing corline conduit to rebar on slab. Can anyone give me some advice on better gloves I can Mabye buy? My company gives me basically thin gloves that don’t stop the blisters at all. Thanks!

submitted by /u/SingleSuggestion881
[link] [comments]

6 ton vs 12 ton crimper, please advise

/u/frogfartingaflamingo — Sat, 16 Aug 2025 14:38:56 -0500

Company is looking for crimpers with the work we are landing, wondering if we should go with the 12 tons or just the standard 6 ton? Doing a lot of 600 and 750 kcmill crimps

submitted by /u/frogfartingaflamingo
[link] [comments]

Near miss. Don’t be afraid to speak up

/u/mythrowaysthroway — Sat, 16 Aug 2025 12:30:07 -0500

I’m writing this both to hold myself accountable and to share in the hope that it keeps others safe.

I work with inverters that connect at 34.5kv on the AC side and 1.5kv on the DC side. Yesterday I accompanied an electrical crew while they LOTOed so that I could assist them in reconnecting a transformer. There were errors in their LOTO process in the way they disconnect power, type of meter used, level of arc flash protection, and testing location to verify it was dead. I had questioned their process, but when faced with an electrical foreman that was confidently wrong, his crew, and a process that had been established by their company, I second guessed myself. Fortunately someone less prone to falling into groupthink than me spoke up.

While it was, in fact, de-energized, if their error prone process had been allowed to continue, when the inverters get connected to the substation transformer there is a 100% chance they would have caused a fatality because they were locking out and testing in the wrong location. There are no second chances at 34.5kv.

It’s way too easy to follow the group and go along with something stupid. Trusting your gut and your knowledge and speaking up when something is wrong is hard, especially when you’re outnumbered and the people that should know better are confidently wrong.

This is a reminder to myself and to everyone in the trade to do better. To speak up. To make sure everyone goes home at the end of the day.

submitted by /u/mythrowaysthroway
[link] [comments]

Of Course, the most weather proof cable of all.

/u/Apprehensive-Dog-742 — Sat, 16 Aug 2025 12:24:18 -0500

submitted by /u/Apprehensive-Dog-742
[link] [comments]

How’d I do

/u/ballza11 — Sat, 16 Aug 2025 11:54:09 -0500

How’d I d

submitted by /u/ballza11
[link] [comments]

That’s one spicy ground.

/u/fuckwitsupreme — Sat, 16 Aug 2025 11:06:40 -0500

submitted by /u/fuckwitsupreme
[link] [comments]

Second year apprentice, how did I do?

/u/Alexhxrrera — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 21:25:23 -0500

submitted by /u/Alexhxrrera
[link] [comments]

1st year apprentice. How did I do?

/u/communistoutlaw — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 21:16:15 -0500

submitted by /u/communistoutlaw
[link] [comments]

FA JB

/u/evsincorporated — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 19:32:22 -0500

submitted by /u/evsincorporated
[link] [comments]

Props to you Resi guys

/u/R3353Fr4nkl1n — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 16:06:50 -0500

I just spent 90 minutes troubleshooting a living room ckt for a lady. She lost power to the entire room. So I break out every device. And it’s cloth Romex, all receptacles wired in series, shared neutrals all around, 2” of wire in each box, the list goes on.

Ended up being a receptacle on an adjoining wall, not even in the same room. I’ve only been doing this 5 years and mostly commercial stuff, so that being said.

Props to you guys that had/have to do this all the time. I’m glad we’ve gotten away from “the way we used to do it” because it’s a hot mess trying to troubleshoot lol

Edit: All of you are correct, the receptacles weren’t wired in series. My mistake. They were just not pigtailed. Thank you for catching that.

Also, gotta go back next week for a ceiling light in an old washroom turned closet that never goes off. The previous owner had put motion sensor bulbs in to keep it from running 24/7.

submitted by /u/R3353Fr4nkl1n
[link] [comments]

Kann mir einer helfen, wie die korrekte Bezeichnung hierfür ist?

/u/NewTwo3339 — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 07:08:59 -0500

Und kann mir jemand verraten wo ich dafür Ersatz herbekomme? Danke

submitted by /u/NewTwo3339
[link] [comments]

Drill comparison

/u/Vast-Landscape9670 — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 06:50:14 -0500

Hey yall, i’m pretty new to electrical (& construction as a whole), i’ve been an apprentice for just under 3 months in commercial and it’s finally time for me to stop using the company tools and get some of my own. I’m looking to buy a drill, and near me there are a couple good sales, but all for compact drills (dewalt DCD794 with the impact DCF809 and milwaukee 2607-20 with the impact 2656-20). I’ll be so real in that i don’t know much about tools, are either of these good options? should I get a regular drill and not a compact one? both of these kits (with the compact drill, the impact, 2 batteries and a charger) are on sale for approx $220CAD.

Thanks!

submitted by /u/Vast-Landscape9670
[link] [comments]

another day in the office

/u/roaming_b34r — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 06:44:20 -0500

submitted by /u/roaming_b34r
[link] [comments]

Fixing Tool

/u/AyeGelato — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 06:09:14 -0500

Had a tight work space and accidentally went phase to ground cutting wire with Kleins. It was my foreman’s and his father gave them to him 30 years ago, so there’s tremendous sentimental value in them.

To give an idea of the damage - the cutting part that got welded from the flash, it looks like it tried to cut through steel in one spot.

Wondering if a machining or tool shop would be able to repair them. I don’t care how much money it costs, just want to know if it’s worth my time. Thank you.

submitted by /u/AyeGelato
[link] [comments]

How many apprentices can an electrician have at once and can they be managed virtually and log hours that way? (In NC)

/u/colossuscollosal — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 06:00:13 -0500

submitted by /u/colossuscollosal
[link] [comments]

1914 old knob and tube thing

/u/space-ferret — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 05:58:19 -0500

Saw this under a property today, thought it was neat. No clue what it was for, dated 1914 on the ceramic.

submitted by /u/space-ferret
[link] [comments]

Tired

/u/OneIrishSOB — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 05:10:06 -0500

Was there a job that really got it you? Like, to the point to where you didn’t get frustrated/mad at new problems but, more and more tired?

submitted by /u/OneIrishSOB
[link] [comments]

Just got a 4 day paid trial, hoping to lead into an apprenticeship. Do you have any advice?

/u/ThatRandomAnimeGuy — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 01:51:53 -0500

I’m 19 and just finished my Certificate II in Electrotechnology. Is there anything I should do to stand out and make sure I secure an apprenticeship during this trial? Any advice at all will help, thank you!

submitted by /u/ThatRandomAnimeGuy
[link] [comments]

Bussing replacement

/u/harry-pair — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 22:48:18 -0500

Has anyone ever replaced Siemens bussing? I snapped the screw on this panel replacing the main breaker and was hoping to swap the bussing out.

submitted by /u/harry-pair
[link] [comments]

Bussing replacement

/u/harry-pair — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 22:47:22 -0500

Has anyone ever replaced Siemens bussing? I snapped the screw on this panel replacing the main breaker.

submitted by /u/harry-pair
[link] [comments]

What is the opinion on smart panels here?

/u/StrawberryGreat7463 — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 22:45:08 -0500

We are planning our new build right now. Going to have solar, backup generator, battery, and car charging. This will partially be a vacation home a few hours away as well.

Any brands in particular that stick out? I know a lot of these are fairly new but what is long term reliability expected to be?

submitted by /u/StrawberryGreat7463
[link] [comments]

Help me please

/u/Additional_Layer8655 — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 22:15:27 -0500

I need advice I’m trying to open like an equipment testing business. Ir testing and vfd testing and load testing. And I’m not sure where to even look if I need a journeyman/masters liscense to open the business or how that would fall under. I’m in Texas if that helps. Anything that can lead me the right way would be great.

submitted by /u/Additional_Layer8655
[link] [comments]

Generator advice

/u/J-steezy- — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 21:31:42 -0500

What size generator would you recommend for a simple food truck that serves primarily just sodas and stuff?

Loads-

Water heater- 2000W 2 fountain machines- 1000W each Fridge and freezer- 1000W each

The options for generators are 5KW, 6KW, or 7KW

Thanks

submitted by /u/J-steezy-
[link] [comments]

Dangit! I thought I had this circuit solved!

/u/EntrepreneurOne692 — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 21:19:23 -0500

I was doing a combination circuit that I simplified into this series circuit for this quiz on the Hayden Course. HOWEVER, I still failed despite being on the right track by using product over sum formula to condense the parallel resistors into their series equivalent, getting my total resistance of 12 ohms by adding each value up, and by getting my total current by of course dividing 90 V by 12 which got me 7.5.

Can someone who knows electrical theory at a higher level help me out here? I'm starting to feel like I messed up again to where I have to start all over like I did this morning.

submitted by /u/EntrepreneurOne692
[link] [comments]

Does this look right?

/u/Known-Conversation19 — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 20:32:57 -0500

We recently went over three days without power at my apartment building due after the electrical company disconnected for safety reasons. Does thus look legit?

submitted by /u/Known-Conversation19
[link] [comments]

Car recommendations for apprentice electrician

/u/pizzapilfernate — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 20:31:19 -0500

Hello! I’m an apprentice electrician and needing a new vehicle. I want to spend less than 7k on an above average mpg vehicle. I’d like to have awd or 4x4 for winter months and enough room to carry all the tools I need as I gain experience in the coming years. Other than that, above average reliability and lower than average maintenance are extremely important as well What are some good options for vehicles? Thanks!

submitted by /u/pizzapilfernate
[link] [comments]

What's the worst wire pull you guys have done?

/u/NMEE98J — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 19:49:52 -0500

My shop is about to try to yank (3) 3/0, (1) 2/0, and a #2 ground 1000 feet through 2". There are 8 LB/J boxes. Its a long story as to why.... Conduits were existing, upsizing wasn't part of the deal. All coppa.

What's your worst or most proud pull.
What's the most splices you have put on a crazy run like this?

submitted by /u/NMEE98J
[link] [comments]

Just failed my licensing test.

/u/Stevesie11 — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 19:20:13 -0500

Feeling pretty stupid, they hammered me with article 500 and I struggled to find anything in that section. I did manage to pass the Ohio business law test which I took before the electrical exam. I think if I could do it over again I would’ve scheduled them for different days because I was already feeling it after 2 hours of testing before I even started the electrical part… I guess at least I know what I’m up against for next time.

submitted by /u/Stevesie11
[link] [comments]

THANK YOU EVERYONE! I finally understand combo circuits and how to solve them

/u/EntrepreneurOne692 — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 19:13:41 -0500

I needed help with Module 10 of the Hayden course this morning as I woke up before school and tried to wrap my head around how to do the math behind it. I was bashing my head up against a wall and getting frustrated in general trying to understand what they were doing in the walkthrough video provided. However now I can do them without any help.

I just turned the combo circuits into series circuits by trying to condense them down to where they're in series with each other rather than parallel to each other. Then when I was done with the series, to check my answer I'd see if all values for the voltage of each branch were proportional to the applied voltage.

submitted by /u/EntrepreneurOne692
[link] [comments]

It's hard to complain with job site views like these

/u/Doahh — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 18:48:29 -0500

submitted by /u/Doahh
[link] [comments]

The plumbers are bigger than I thought

/u/LousyStew322 — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 18:44:28 -0500

submitted by /u/LousyStew322
[link] [comments]

Must have tools for residential rough in?

/u/ParticularYou8347 — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 17:36:46 -0500

What are some ideas of a new tool to spoil myself with ? I already have cordless hole hawg, Milwaukee stapler. I need a good wire dispenser for romex , anyone have any recommendations or other tools that make life easier?

submitted by /u/ParticularYou8347
[link] [comments]

Do you use power tools on set screw couplings, devices, trim screws, etc?

/u/HeDrinkMilk — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 17:12:37 -0500

I’m working with a guy who insists on using them on set screws. I was always taught not to, as to not strip them or send the screw too far and indent the inside of the pipe.

I’ll use an impact when I’m installing a receptacle on the 6-32 screws especially if they’re long but it takes a degree of discipline that only comes from stripping a bunch of screws over the years…. Never in a panel or lugs of any sort.

Anyways, this guy doesn’t just give it one ugga dugga. He drives that shit like he’s doing lugs on a wheel, alternates between the two screws. These are also phillips set screws, which bothers me even more because even if the threads don’t strip, the head will. He has corrected me a few times and told me to grab the impact because it’s faster but man, my old boss really hammered it into my head that impact = not always best. It’s been two weeks and I’ve already seen him strip two. He’s been doing this since 93 and seems really knowledgeable and good at everything else. This is bothering me to a silly degree.

submitted by /u/HeDrinkMilk
[link] [comments]

Am I doing this right?

/u/Background_Memory738 — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 16:44:03 -0500

18 yr old first year apprentice here, only a week in and still trying to figure stuff out, am I installing these outlets properly? I feel like the wires should be hidden behind inside the box but these are the only holes they fit in.

submitted by /u/Background_Memory738
[link] [comments]

$1.3 Million Meter Main

/u/SnuzeKnowAir — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 16:14:24 -0500

Labor & Materials: $6,500; Real Estate(Marin County, CA): $1,293,500

submitted by /u/SnuzeKnowAir
[link] [comments]