In order to participate in the GunBroker Member forums, you must be logged in with your GunBroker.com account. Click the sign-in button at the top right of the forums page to get connected.
Options
electrical question
Ditch-Runner
Member Posts: 24,555 ✭✭✭✭
I think I already know the answer but here goes. I inherited the old family farm some years ago. One of the buildings was the origional house--only 24' X 16'. Over the years it was converted to a hen house and then to a machine shed. I'm in the process of making it into a hobby space for the wife (back to a "hen house"!). I've set up a 240V 20 amp main breaker and split that into two 120V circuits. Now the question: If either of these circuits exceeds 20 amps, the breaker will trip; right?, killing both circuits. The 200 amp 240V service that most of us have is really 400 amp, ie., 200 amps on each "leg" of the 240 volts? BTW: This old building is lathe and plaster, full 2" x 4" rough-cut studs on random spacing, and put together with the old square nails.
Comments
I was kind of stumped on this. I don't think it would but do any of you actually know for sure?
If it matters the actual application would be taking pipe to soil readings on a cathodic protection system where the ground is frozen as it is right now here.
My question is can one faulty outlet affect all on that circuit without tripping the breaker and if so how do I determine which outlet is at fault?
Was checking them today, and the ballast (2 per fixture) shows 277 volts, 60 HZ. My question is, are these standard 110 fixtures, or something special?
"Don't send flowers when I die. Send money now so I can buy more guns and ammo."
Circut breakers not tripped.
Outside bedroom exterior wall is an outside plug which had two heaters on it.
Where should I check first,the outlet itself or breaker?
If I put a load on the line like plunging in a saw have tried several so I know its not the saw the voltage will drop to zero or just a few volts no load 120 volts again .
I think I lost neutral maybe a break or a weak section in the line ? its a burred cable
any thoughts
rude comments or good advice all welcome [^]
Also, there is an exterior water faucet near where the HVAC unit is set. Is there a minimum distance to consider for the placement of the 220 AC disconnect from the exterior wall faucet in addition to the above distances?
Thanks for any help.
does not receive any direct heat from the furnace as the area is
unfinished. I noticed the plug was warm and the prongs we're hot
to the touch. I don't think this is normal. Thoughts?
Now I have to splice it. Any advise. The neighbor said wire nut it together, put it in a pvc sleeve, and seal both ends with silicone.
Another guy handed me some aluminium blocks with tighteners on em and said use these and wrap them in rubberized tape. That appears to be the wrong way. Won't the aluminium short it out. As you can see, I am not electrical wiz.
What say you guys?
"Save the Whalers, they need jobs too."
It goes on and off sometimes for 5-10 minutes. I can fix cars but I try to stay away from electrical crap.
power to the switch, or power to the ballast first?
The other outlets or light switches in the room are cold to the touch. The breaker is cool. All the outlets and switches work.
I notice when I unplug all the Christmas lights that one hot outlet cools off.
The outlet that is heating up doesn't have anything plugged in. The Christmas tree is plugged into a different outlet.
What you guys think? Would love a few opinions before I attempt to electrocute myself...
I don't get shocked, nor are shoes or bare feet a factor.
The fridge is next to the switch.
Any ideas?
Measure leg to leg. 240 v.
you could of dropped a main leg and even though you are getting 120 volts on all legs, the voltage is feeding thru a 240 volt breaker, thru motor windings, and appearing as though you have full voltage.
I see a lot of digging in my near future [:(][:(]
I have it disconnected , I learned a long time ago don't like being shocked
quote:Originally posted by grdad45
Open neutral. I've seen buried cable do that a lot of times. Could also be a bad connection in your meter base or panel, if you're lucky. This problem will "fry" your electronics, by the way.
240 to the panel each leg showing 120
quote:Originally posted by Chief Shaway
Measure from each leg to neutral or ground in the panel. 120 v.
Measure leg to leg. 240 v.
you could of dropped a main leg and even though you are getting 120 volts on all legs, the voltage is feeding thru a 240 volt breaker, thru motor windings, and appearing as though you have full voltage.
generator if I get desperate to saw [:D]
quote:Originally posted by select-fire
Get a hand saw. Drink a beer .
what I am thinking also
I see a lot of digging in my near future [:(][:(]
I have it disconnected , I learned a long time ago don't like being shocked
quote:Originally posted by grdad45
Open neutral. I've seen buried cable do that a lot of times. Could also be a bad connection in your meter base or panel, if you're lucky. This problem will "fry" your electronics, by the way.
When our underground line coming into the meter failed the power company was responsible for digging it up and repairing. Hopefully it's the same where your at. They did supply a nice transformer at the meter to get us up and running while we waited for them to get the underground line fixed.
On me ..about 25 years since I did it about 24 to 30 inches deep direct bury cable if I have to replace will run same type of wire but in conduit
if it was the house I am sure the power company would do it it's also buried
Isn't there anyway he can get a neutral local at his shop without pulling a new wire 240 feet? How about a 2:1 transformer and a ground?
if I put a meter I get a reading of 120 volts on both legs of a 220 panel
If I put a load on the line like plunging in a saw have tried several so I know its not the saw the voltage will drop to zero or just a few volts no load 120 volts again .
I think I lost neutral maybe a break or a weak section in the line ? its a burred cable
any thoughts
rude comments or good advice all welcome [^]
Maybe try grabbing one line in each hand and see if you get the same result.
And fiery auto crashes
Some will die in hot pursuit
While sifting through my ashes
Some will fall in love with life
And drink it from a fountain
That is pouring like an avalanche
Coming down the mountain
quote:Originally posted by Mr. Perfect
quote:Originally posted by Ditch-Runner
if I put a meter I get a reading of 120 volts on both legs of a 220 panel
If I put a load on the line like plunging in a saw have tried several so I know its not the saw the voltage will drop to zero or just a few volts no load 120 volts again .
I think I lost neutral maybe a break or a weak section in the line ? its a burred cable
any thoughts
rude comments or good advice all welcome [^]
Maybe try grabbing one line in each hand and see if you get the same result.
It will tell you for sure.
I dug up several sections I thought have been compromised one where my wife and kid cut it with a shovel 20+ some odd years ago but all the connections and repairs were good ( lucky day for both it took a chunk out of the shovel when they chopped thru all three lines at the same time )
I am renting a trencher Thursday night until Friday morning rain or shine I making a trench [:D]
I am also picking up conduit tomorrow ( I had already bought the wire ) decided to just replace it from the box to the breaker box in the garage start over stop chasing my tail adding a 1/4 nylon rope into the conduit that I hope I never need [;)]
quote:Originally posted by Chief Shaway
Test it with a megohmmeter.
It will tell you for sure.