Home Repairs Tips & Trick

Can lights inside drywall boxes

/u/TheJG73 — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 19:59:52 -0500

Anyone come across this lately ? Can lights inside an attic in homemade boxes , must have not been allowed to touch the insulation

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Rip it to shreds

/u/senorsheep — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 19:57:20 -0500

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Electrician band?

/u/skramz_himself — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 19:54:32 -0500

This band has to be electricians, right?

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Company name. (Off-Grid Electric)

/u/rek_811 — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 19:49:51 -0500

What do you guys think of naming my electrical company Off-Grid Electric. We are primarily going to start off doing solar work for local ranches. We will branch out to do some electrical services along with residential and commercial work as well. Do you think that name will draw the non-solar customers away?

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Typical friday

/u/AnyBottle6683 — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 19:49:03 -0500

love finding green wires being used as a hot

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Span or not to span

/u/WTH_Who_Cares — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 18:17:13 -0500

https://www.span.io/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=120213780339240648&utm_id=120213780339240648_v2_s03_e6951&utm_content=120218338639370648&utm_term=120217857196810648

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Well it finally happened.

/u/Greatwhitebuffalo13 — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 18:06:21 -0500

I put my foot through someone’s ceiling for the first time today. On a Friday of all days. Customer was really cool about it and of course I am paying for the patch and paint. Was just moving too fast and not being as careful as I should have been. Hope everyone else had a Good Friday! Share some stories of yours to help ease my embarrassment

What’s with all the hate on wire nuts?

/u/grandbizkit — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 17:13:10 -0500

Every time I see a post on this subreddit where there are splices done up using wire nuts there have to be ten comments saying how crap they are and how wagos are the superior splicing method.

Millions of American homes and businesses, skyscrapers have them installed and they are not all burning down because we use wire nuts. They are 50 times more economical and in a country where I’m trying to keep costs as low as possible so I can pass that on to my clients I don’t understand the hate.

We all build a little different in different parts of the world. Let’s not shit on each others material choices. It most likely came down to budget. I’m sure 90% of American electricians would love to not get carpal tunnel from twisting wire nuts (or morrettes as I’ve heard my west coast colleagues call them) but sometimes it’s just what we gotta use.

No client is giving out my recommendation because of the kind of splices I have in his house or business. More that I tried to save him money in as many places as possible.

Americans don’t shit on your diy bring your own bus bar weird ass din rail panels.

I’ve even seen them used in cars with the gel inside and they work fine.

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Foundations program required for apprenticeship?

/u/ValuableBrief8443 — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 17:00:17 -0500

Been working as a carpenter for over three years on the west coast of Canada (no red seal) and am wanting to do an apprenticeship in electrical work. I’ve put a few applications out there and haven’t heard much back.

I’m wondering what my odds are of getting an apprenticeship sponsor without a foundations course.

I’ve got a construction operations certificate that gave me a pretty good understanding of the building process from a broader perspective and I’ve also got a good understanding of the basics of electrical.

I just don’t know how much value I would get out of those programs and am hesitant to pay out of pocket to learn stuff I most likely already know.

Any advice is really appreciated.

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600 amp service fed by 4/0 AL from POCO ?

/u/Cold-Routine8814 — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 14:50:21 -0500

4/0 Al rated for like 180 amps but it’s feeding our 600 amp 3 phase.

Am I crazy or is this wrong?

We are splicing onto the 4/0 aluminum with parallel 350’s to make it even more obviously weird.

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Anyone here left a stable job to start their own business? How did you handle the risk?

/u/Julian_mille6 — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 14:04:48 -0500

Leaving a stable job to start a business is a huge leap of faith. The security of a paycheck versus the uncertainty of running your own thing—it's a tough decision.

For those who’ve done it, how did you navigate the risks? Did you save up beforehand, start it as a side hustle first, or just go all in? What were the biggest challenges, and was it worth it in the end?

If you’re still thinking about making the jump, what’s holding you back?

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Dear Wheatland: please explain how this passed QC. Sincerely, a mildly inconvenienced sparky.

/u/yawaworhtyya — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 12:40:41 -0500

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Almost gave me a heart attack…

/u/Arhsn9 — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 12:31:46 -0500

Opened

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Help w/ debate…

/u/Aggravating_Cook_606 — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 11:40:29 -0500

Help settle this debate… someone tells you that you get one for free but have to use it the rest of your career… which one you taken

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Weather resistant multimeters?

/u/mrme1716194 — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 10:51:49 -0500

I’ve gone through about 8-10 fluke multimeters in the last two years because I often have to work in the rain. Are there any weather resistant testers out there?

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First time hanging a transformer

/u/jmorr_b — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 10:44:32 -0500

Any tips you guys got on this? I think it went pretty well, but always looking for improvement. I made the rack long because it calls for a 4” flex from the secondary to the disconnect which I’m gonna mount below it.

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Sanity Check needed

/u/Ok-Battle-5083 — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 10:11:18 -0500

This isn’t installed correctly, right?

Should sit flush underneath the surrounding shingles?

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Don’t forget to strut today gents

/u/TurboKid513 — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 07:24:07 -0500

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Roast me

/u/Ill_External7918 — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 21:56:21 -0500

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Well, I guess that's one way to use a beam clamp

/u/JetJaguarYouthClub — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 18:43:46 -0500

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Did I overreact?

/u/Longjumping-Ad-4606 — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 17:34:29 -0500

So I was landing wires in some panels for the HVAC guys today to start up mini splits. I opened up one of the panels and there was a drywall screw a couple inches away from the bus. I called the GC's foreman and told him about it. Not trying to get anyone in trouble, but as a heads up that their guys need to be more careful when patching the drywall cutout from the panel swaps. This is the third time I've seen a drywall screw on those top breakers in other panels on this same job. I just never said anything since it was a one/two time thing. But being the third I decided to say something.I don't want anyone getting hurt or having to redo work because of someone's negligence.

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These are my favourite jobs one day in and out / Incase someone has never seen a pole grapple - this is how we set poles up to 50’ (this is a 35’)

/u/FranksFarmstead — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 16:19:03 -0500

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Inspector

/u/Famous-Profession811 — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 16:00:28 -0500

So inspector said by the code its not supposed to be like this only run through trusses Question is it more safe to not cut through trusses in crawl space and use those brackets?

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Lead

/u/RyinJones — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 15:57:38 -0500

First time coming across lead-sheathed cable. Stay safe out there!

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Question about an electrician apprentice license (Texas)

/u/Briaza — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 15:56:44 -0500

I’m originally from California received my dui back in November (have already dealt with all the consequences) I get my DL license back in may, just moved here looking to join IEC they require me to get a apprentice license prior to applying with them however I’ve read online that TDLR can deny your request for one with a DUI? Any advice?

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Retired engineer looking for the best (electrician) training program

/u/Eastern_Cap_6541 — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 15:45:11 -0500

I’m not an electrician (yet), but I’m looking for on-line training programs that this group feels are worthwhile and would prepare me for work in the residential electrical area.

I know this is a bit strange, but I’m looking for a retirement activity and after thinking about it, the #1 thing I want to do is electrician training. Improving my understanding of code/physical implementation requirements of residential electrical work and eventually obtaining a license are important to me.

I live in the Los Angeles area and on-line programs that would allow me to progress at my own pace would be ideal with the end goal of eventually becoming a state/city approved electrician. Taking interesting classes I can look forward to is my primary goal, it’s equally as important to me as the eventual projects I would be able to complete. So high quality classes, teachers, and curriculum is a priority.

I’m already handy around the house (avid DIY-er) and I want to be able to legally complete projects around my home and my son’s home.

I’m not looking for eventual full time work, or anything that is extremely physically strenuous. I mostly want to have fun taking classes that I find interesting.

Does anyone have any on-line options they’d recommend?

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welp

/u/darling_7 — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 15:39:47 -0500

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In need of advice on mitsubishi UPS

/u/rgb101290 — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 15:19:01 -0500

I was doing thermal imagery on a mitsubishi 1100a. I pulled out the power converter module. System went into alarm. When I pushed the PCM back into its slot it wouldn't sync to the system. It shows 2 out of 3 synced. Could I of damaged the green bored on the PCM or is there a way to sync it through the parameters?

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M12 impact and drill vs m18

/u/Wise-Egg-9389 — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 14:42:01 -0500

Is the m12 worth it because it's more compact or should I just get the m18. Commercial electrical work

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100+ year old switches still around and working

/u/salc347 — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 14:15:54 -0500

SP & 3-Way, knob & Tube Wiring

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Looks good from my house

/u/zapke13 — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 13:50:27 -0500

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Vertical xfrmr clearance

/u/Hobbesman45 — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 12:56:31 -0500

I have a job where I have a pad mounted transformer and I need to mount another transformer on the wall above it but I'm having trouble finding anything about minimum vertical distance between them. I'm assuming for heating reasons they should be more than 150mm apart

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My original fuse box from my house built in 1958.

/u/suhdudeitsyahboi — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 11:56:33 -0500

As the title states, i believe this is original. The house is in the chicagoland area and therefore has conduit throughout. No issues yet but will be replacing as insurance companies don’t like these anymore.

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Nothing special but i’m still proud of it so i had to post it

/u/AnxietyFilledTechman — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 10:38:19 -0500

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Check out the nips in this boob

/u/wolf_of_walmart84 — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 09:59:07 -0500

Gonna save some data with that tata above my bed

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F-Straps. What say you?

/u/OkNetwork3988 — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 09:42:38 -0500

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Alright, who planted this flower?

/u/HighImpedence-AirGap — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 08:54:01 -0500

Was getting back in my car after grabbing breakfast, and legitimately did a double take. Thought it was a flower for a split second, before I realized…

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Something doesn’t seem right

/u/mnonny — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 07:15:37 -0500

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Following a coworker back to the shop the other day

/u/jthyroid — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 06:52:54 -0500

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Workmanship and Pride

/u/Right-Meet-7285 — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 04:25:40 -0500

When It takes (5) of your top installers to install a fixture that costs more than some people's homes.. You make sure you're not using the ROUGH-IN guys.

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Good job on the rough in boys.

/u/verboomer — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 21:43:28 -0500

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Home Depot for $22…

/u/reeksfamous — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 21:19:36 -0500

Grabbed this set because the price was too good. I just took it out the package and felt them (haven’t spliced anything yet), but they all feel great in the hand. For $22 on clearance @ Home Depot. This gonna be my back up stuff for now until I need a new anything.

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Fucked up

/u/BigChungus2102 — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 19:55:17 -0500

2nd year (commercial)apprentice. Tried replacing a ceiling fan in my friends house. House has old aluminum wiring. The box had 2 white & two blacks in it (??). Connected the two blacks & the black of the ceiling fan to eachother. Same with the whites. Turned on power & the panel started smoking & so did the outlets in the room. Fried the breaker, replaced the breaker. Turned on power & no power to the room at all now. Wtf did I do & how bad is it? Already contacted a licensed electrician I’m just worrying & want possible answers now. Do you think the wire got burned up somewhere between the panel & the room?

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knockout plugging

/u/PriceAggravating2124 — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 19:05:16 -0500

Been wondering if an empty fully screwed in (closed) NM cable clamp connector is good enough as a replacement for a knockout plug/seal? The hole that’s left is “so small”!

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Best insurance for side work.

/u/GGudMarty — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 18:33:24 -0500

Sup guys! Never really got into too much side work before I was at my current job. I kinda miss just doing normal electrical work too so I stay quite busy doing it these days..

What does everyone have for just a single guy pulling permits. It’s even crazy electrical work.

I’m not wiring 7000sq/ft mansions. Just doing some service upgrades/renovations/additions.

I’m from New England but generally for across the country anyone chime in.

Thanks guys!

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Would you run this

/u/that-guy_chris — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 17:54:27 -0500

Looks like a manufacturer defect, got told to run it anyways. Not really wanting it to be a hill I die on fighting management but am I right thinking this is not safe to run?

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What is the best way to prepare for this test ?

/u/Ok-Warthog1485 — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 17:35:40 -0500

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A 3 way relic

/u/TheAndersonator — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 16:17:33 -0500

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Wednesday work

/u/amribisha — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 15:53:15 -0500

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Headlines: We Have a Shortage of Electricians. IBEW: You are number 849 on the waiting list for an apprentice.

/u/Mia__Vilo — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 15:26:07 -0500

Headlines: We Have a Shortage of Electricians. IBEW: You are number 849 on the waiting list for an apprentice. Why is this? If there is such a shortage of electricians because the baby boomers are retiring, why is it so hard to get into the IBEW now? English test, Algebra, interview, wait of months or years, and this is for an electrician apprentice. Currently I am 8 months on the waiting list for Material Handler, was number 900 on the list, now 289. Even for this role there is such a long waiting list. I would appreciate your opinion. And do you think the job of Material Handler can really reduce the time on the waiting list for an apprentice and affect the second interview or is this an urban legend? Local 48 Portland, Oregon

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