I FINALLY got my opportunity to start as an electrician apprentice.. doing so much amazing shit.. working on an 18,000 SQ. Foot house here in Vegas! I love it.. was inspired by YOU .. you made me fall in love with this and it's changed my life, so thank you, Dustin. I will be forever in your debt. Joining the channel now.
These service call videos are my favorite to watch, never in a million years did I think I would find an entertainment source centered around electrical work. Thank you for what you do!
Amen! When I was 4 years old I liked to watch electricians and wanted to grow up to be one. After a long and varied career I ended up being a computational linguist and avid electronics hobbyist (author of dozens of magazine articles) but I still leave the house wiring to people with licenses -- and enjoy watching them do it!
I’m still a electrician apprentice and I enjoy doing service calls or troubleshooting because that’s usually where I gain more knowledge and put what I have learned to test. Your videos have helped me in certain aspects of the trade. Keep up the great videos
Same I haven’t gotten to the service calls points yet though. I’m just entering my second year. I can’t wait. Another apprentice told me the other day he spent the whole day changing out light bulbs haha this made me think of that.
I am not an electrician (unfortunately) but I love watching your videos. Job descriptions coupled with code is absolutely excellent. You are teaching code by working the jobs with us, your viewers. I remember taking my low voltage qualifier class/test, and if I hadn't worked in the space for years prior, and if I didn't play with electronics design/assembly/soldering for fun, I wouldn't understand and especially remember 70% of material. Working through the actual jobs with you kicks ass. Thanks dude.
Love the service call vids!!.. as a service technician myself serving Austin area I see lots of crazy things..love how u explain your work with the book..Big support man!!...keep em coming sir!
Ayy greetings from marble falls/Highland Lakes Area! I’m a wireless internet technician and network manager at 281 Internet out here. If you think Austin has some crazy building code violations you have NO idea. The country is absolutely wild about that shit. A whole lot of methed out DIYers and companies (such as ourselves) that have few enough employees to avoid OSHA penalties
Hey Dustin currently in Trade School getting a degree in electrical technology, just wanted to let you know these videos help me out a lot and I really enjoy how much you enjoy doing what you do.
I love your channel! I’ve been doing electrical for 5 years. Recently went from industrial to commercial / residential and your videos have taught me so much! Idc what anyone says nobody knows everything and it’s nice to see others work ethics and how they do things. Keep up the great work brotha!
It would have been good to see more detailed footage of the school job. See how you are pulling the grounds, how you are securing/attaching the flex, etc.
I was working in a movie theater, before all of the seats and everything were installed, so it's just a huge concrete room. And I was strapping MC cable along the wall, 25' off of the floor. The feet on my extension ladder had gotten wet and I didn't realize it, and I went down hard! Broke my knee and my face. I was off work for about two months. So...yeah. Safety is important.
You're 100% right about trusting your customer and what they're experiencing. It can be very frustrating doing diagnostics when you can't find any faults. I do HVAC and had a customer with heater that was failing to work intermittently. I've done two house calls already and cannot replicate the problem. I'm not calling her a liar and I'm not comfortable spending her money without a clear reason. Guessing can get expensive.
As someone who worked in the electrical trade and been a master electrician myself for many years i totally agree with the way you handled these service calls. I would have handled all of these exactly the same way myself.
@@MegaGsizzle goodluck as an apprentice myself I feel so far away from being a journeyman or even a master electrician but I know one day I’ll get there
I like your videos man. I started my career as an electrical apprentice but figured out quickly that I wanted out of the heat, cold, dirt and danger. I went into electrical sales working for a distributor. Now I'm a senior account manager handling multi million dollar projects. I can appreciate what you do but my knees and back are glad I took a different path.
I'm retired and slowly updating some electric problems.your videos are a big help as I'm not formally trained.thanks fr your explanations, much appreciated!
I've been a subscriber since you were beginning. I'm a JW, licensed in multiple states, College Degree in Construction Electricity, etc etc etc. You do a good job bro.
This is great! In my apprenticeship I only get a lot of new industrial construction jobs. Troubleshooting and service calls are a skill all on their own, awesome content to see!
Not an electrician… addicted to you channel. Found it when I was researching a remodel I was doing (yes I pulled permits and inspected with city). Just wanted to thank you for the high quality cited content.
> on the breaker, In the aircraft business, you get a code. you trace the whole circuit and power source And replace the push/pull breaker... Just letting yall know> I built/spark chased fighter jets for over 10 yrs/ lots'a paperwork and triple checking..... oB
Trouble shooting electrical in a 1999 mobike home...do you have videos..such as 3 lines of 14g coming out of a wall plug..1 tied to outlet other 2 capped..struggle is real...great video's
love seeing these videos. finishing up my senior year of highschool and want to start an apprenticeship as a sparky as soon as I'm out. one thing i am worried about is getting in to a company that specializes in one aspect of the trade (for example, maybe the one i work for only does residential and doesn't touch any commercial or service stuff) i want to get experience with both residential and commercial as well as the service aspect of both areas. I hope a lot of companies do a little of everything!
I'm 18 years in to the trade about your age and you know your shit man. Absolutely brilliant channel. I just had to fix someones dishwasher that was shocking them every time they grabbed the handle and were getting 50 volts on the frame. That was a fun one to chase down.
I hung drapery and window treatments, you would not believe how many people wanted me to put an extension ladder on a tarp,rug, cardboard, etc. Got all po'ed when I would say no, and try to explain that it was a safety issue.
my second week working in construction (carpentry then) someone needed a piece of 2x4 and pried up the one blocking the bottom on an extension ladder temped in while the stairs were being rebuilt. i got 2 steps down and it slid out fell against the wall and torn through the sheet rock almost all the way to the ground, saved me from slamming face first
The ceiling-support wires or ceiling grid and cables (power, signaling, or communications). However, independent support wires that are secured at both ends and provide secure support are permitted [300.11(A)].
If you insist. I ACTUALLY like these videos dude. As a matter of fact. I honestly LOVE watching your content. Planning on joining the 480v Club soon. Finishing up a few jobs, and going to smash that button!
I love your level headed mentally. I just subscribed to your channel and as an electrician I can relate a lot. We have all done some dumb shit before but I've never had to hang onto a second story window before 😆 Keep the good info and stories coming brother.
Really appreciate your videos and content man. They’re entertaining and I’m always learning something new. Wish more guys in the electrical trade took as much pride and care into their work and clients as you do.
Yes more service call vids. These are great becuase your always getting called for something different so theres alot of material to teach and talk about. Im a service electrician too and i like watching these. I like seeing how other guys do things and there thought process when working on the same things as me.
These in the field videos are awesome! I'm currently studying to become an automation tech/industrial Maintenance technician through a tech school and these are really interesting to watch for me.
I did the same thing with a ladder (maybe 8 ft up) on a rug on a wood floor. Started getting shorter, but I realized it quickly and got halfway down and jumped the rest of the way.
as one of the only service companies in my state for laundry appliances. people pay our travel time all the time from 3hrs away. we charge travel time there and back and mileage. $100/hr travel time and $1.00/mi people don't like to hear it until they realize that there is no other option other than replacing the whole unit.
Living vicariously through you has been quite the hysterical moment maker. The carpet is definitely an eye-opener, especially when you wake up face down on the floor and the other Hardcore reality is when you’re using a hole hog, improperly I might add, and your feet hit the ceiling… Eye-opening moments for sure!
Had a customer that would not believe me that my 36' extension ladder would not reach top of giant sign so I pissed him off by parking on his sidewalk and put 36' ladder against sign and told him told you so. Ask me what I needed . Told him a 60' bucket truck. He was too cheap to call for one.
These videos are great! I have roughly 3,500 more hours to go until I can attain my CR-11 license here in AZ. While the clock to starting my own electrical contracting biz winds down, I am learning as much as I can in the field, and researching EVERYTHING under the sun regarding electrical contractors. Your videos really help me understand electrical theory, good field practices, and even business ethics. Keep the videos coming, I love them!
Love your videos, man. I'm a first year apprentice and I'm currently working out as a construction electrician. I have a video suggestion for you (if you haven't already done it): How to tab your code book (you could probably include what to highlight and any sort of tips and tricks you do with your code book). Yours seem very well organized.
I love how you don't sugarcoat anything and tell it how it with pricing to jobs and being straight up I can respect a boss like that when they are honest about charging a lot compared to not charging anything. Any suggestion for studying the rcw and wac I'm a service electrician and 2 of our guys are gonna be ready to journey out
I don’t think this guys in Washington so he wouldn’t be working under the WAC, I would tell those guys to get the WAC fast finder for the JW test, helped me out a ton I’m a commercial 01 electrician in Seattle btw
I would not touch a Zinco or Federal Pacific panel or breaker. Would only recomend replacing the panel with a reliable brand due to liability concerns. It had been awhile since I checked prices on Zinco replacements at big box stores but they are overprised. We had a housing developement with Zincos installed back in the early 60's and had to replace a couple of their crap panels that buss burnt out in less then 10 years.
6:26 It may be common in rural areas, but Central Texas in particular the trades folk will take jobs but then noshow if they think the job isn't going to pay well. If it is something like HVAC and you didn't buy from the local shop, it pretty much burns the relationship with them permanently (even if they are booked solid for a year, they don't care). If you're a competent electrician or plumber, do some recon on rural areas. A healthy ethic could easily earn a good name for yourself.
Love the service call videos but would love to listen to the commentary over more actual work footage than just sitting at the desk footage. Looking forward to more!
First time I see your Chanel I've subscribed and hope to see more good videos of what you do I'm an electrician as well and hope to learn more of you Thanks bro !
Thanks for sharing. 25 year master electrician and service calls are still my favorite jobs. Good call on pulling new grounds for the HVAC equipment. Easy work and good payout. On that Zinsco breaker, I’m sure it was the issue, especially since she was losing power in the entire house. curious if you could have checked for voltage drop across the breaker while it was loaded or a quick scan with an IR camera to check for heat (high resistance) to confirm it was the problem?
Could have, didn't really need to. Also thermal camera for something this straight forward would have been a nice little cherry on top. But I didn't have it with me that day.
I worked at minutelube where all the concrete was covered in oil. A roofer did not take that into account when putting up a 20 foot extension ladder. He just barely grabbed the gutter and scrambled onto the roof as the feet of that ladder slid away from him. Be careful of the feet of your ladder. Make sure they are on stable surface. Even grass can be slick enough to slide on.
cannot wait for feb , missed the august test because i was 2 hrs away trying the railroad out always said an apprenticeship wouldve been my backup dream job if the rails didnt workout whether it was heavy equipment or electricians,emailed one of the higher ups at the JATC and asked when the next test was
I just started watching this channel as an IT professional with an interest in electrical since I find it fascinating, and I understand the catch of trying to diagnose a problem after the fact that you can't or is very difficult to replicate.
If using EMT in a metal structure, you will more than likely still have an equipment ground path even if a coupling has somehow completely separated. That pipe is still likely bonded via building steel or metal studs. Although it’s not intentionally grounded, and certainly should be, a short to ground would still trip the breaker. If they used LFMC as an EGC from the disconnect to the condensing unit, and did not pull a EGC, then that’s bad. You cannot use any type of metal flex as an EGC if it is being used on equipment that vibrates.
Climbed a ladder in a gym to fix a speaker. Ladder had to clear some shelves and was at a bit of a shallower angle than I'd usually like. The gym had rubber mats on the floor, so good traction there; just to be sure, I grabbed a couple hundred pounds of barbell plates and put 'em at the feet of the ladder. Most stable ladder I've ever climbed!
Bro, the moment you said you put an extension ladder on a rug I gasped. I've been cleaning windows for over 10 years and the guy that got me into it all those years ago did that exact thing except he was using a sectional ladder. I heard a noise and turn around in time to see him slide down the wall until the sections of the ladder came apart and he hits the ground, it happened really fast. His ankle got caught in one of the rungs and got messed up pretty bad. Your very lucky that move didn't end in a similar fashion. Glad your ok dude. Stay safe.
Great video love the details as well as code reference and safety tips but as an hvac technician it’s not an air compressor just compressor or condenser is fine.
Was short on work so I was helping a couple friends who specialized in exterior painting. Working on a 3 level with a basement patio facing the lake. We borrowed an extension ladder from their uncle that had 3 sections. They're running around spray painting because the trim, windows and stuff was done and taped. I got to take a regular brush up the ladder to paint the soffet. Nobody happened to mention the hornets nest around the corner of the house on the side that they'd not done yet. When I reached around the corner to paint what I could get of the fascia the hornets were not amused. I came halfway down the ladder fast then jumped for the lake. Everything was taped and tarp was on the concrete patio so only thing hurt was my pride.
I do pretty much the exact same thing as far as trip charge goes except generally a service charge for the first hour for closer calls pretty much 2 hour minimum.
Dustin, I understand if youre not comfortable due to oversharing but it would be really helpful to include rough pricing guidelines to help those that are also trying to find a pricing structure for service calls. For example, would love a rough revenue or profit figure for your day of 3 service calls. Especially for the school.
Just so you know, the ability to troubleshoot is right up there with the highest level of knowledge for any skill. I do not doubt you have mastered it.
Extension ladder on a rug... I just did that a few months ago at my own house... slid straight down for 10 feet... happens very very very fast, before I knew what happened I was on the ground.
Great safety tip, man! Sounds like a Charlie Chaplin skit. Glad you weren't hurt. Great instruction here for the homeowner and the curious and the professional. 5 Stars++
I AM LOSING MY SHIT laughing at your storytelling about sliding out from the rug. 😂🤣😂🤣 That was AMAZING. Well told story, and thanks for the safety tip! 😂🤣
Hey Dustin I try not to use any of my removable shaft drivers in a live panel, is that something you worry about at all? I've had them stick and pull out then fall down too many times.
Seeing that much exposed metal on the screwdriver is wild from a European view let alone non-latching bits being a concern like that! Have a look at the Wera Kraftform Kompakt VDE interchangeable sets for an example.
#1 problem early 1970 Zinsco Service Main. These panels usually have burnt busing due to loose contact point due to Aluminum busing. Best fix change and update
Not worth it just replace the main with a panel that has more circuits . If you do not you will have new equipment fed by questionable equipment . Not ideal……..
Hey I am a home inspector and am learning a lot from your videos thanks again. Looking at your video 1:20 I see the sub panel has the neutral and ground terminated in the same bus bar isn't that considered bonded and shouldn't be done that way?
Love these videos man. Any chance when you cover something like the whole sizing the grounds for your load you could cover how you went about it and what tables you used, what you based it on? Thank you.
The main breaker on my house went bad one time. And I traced it back to a loose leg on the power company side coming to the meter. They ended up coming out at 9:00 at night fixing their stuff so I could put a new main breaker in and then they gave me some 30,000 volt gloves.
Damn I'm a fourth year apprentice but I took a two year break to fuck around in my social appreciate your videos they're helping me get my head back in the game lol
I brought the M18 FUEL deep cut band saw with the dual batteries and charger, the box it comes with is huge, how do you lug it around and keep it on your truck, any recommended bags?? Although your tiny service truck… it wouldn’t even fit lol do you only use the tool for larger jobs??
I have Zinsco breakers. In the 14 years I've lived here, I've had to replace about 6 of them. They NEVER just trip, where I can reset them. They always BREAK and need to be replaced.
I FINALLY got my opportunity to start as an electrician apprentice.. doing so much amazing shit.. working on an 18,000 SQ. Foot house here in Vegas! I love it.. was inspired by YOU .. you made me fall in love with this and it's changed my life, so thank you, Dustin. I will be forever in your debt. Joining the channel now.
18k sqft??? That’s wild bro. I can only imagine that kind of house!. Props to you bro. I hope you learned all you could!
@@19993gtcongrats I hope you’re still loving it man
These service call videos are my favorite to watch, never in a million years did I think I would find an entertainment source centered around electrical work. Thank you for what you do!
Amen! When I was 4 years old I liked to watch electricians and wanted to grow up to be one. After a long and varied career I ended up being a computational linguist and avid electronics hobbyist (author of dozens of magazine articles) but I still leave the house wiring to people with licenses -- and enjoy watching them do it!
I’m still a electrician apprentice and I enjoy doing service calls or troubleshooting because that’s usually where I gain more knowledge and put what I have learned to test. Your videos have helped me in certain aspects of the trade. Keep up the great videos
Same I haven’t gotten to the service calls points yet though. I’m just entering my second year. I can’t wait. Another apprentice told me the other day he spent the whole day changing out light bulbs haha this made me think of that.
I am not an electrician (unfortunately) but I love watching your videos. Job descriptions coupled with code is absolutely excellent. You are teaching code by working the jobs with us, your viewers. I remember taking my low voltage qualifier class/test, and if I hadn't worked in the space for years prior, and if I didn't play with electronics design/assembly/soldering for fun, I wouldn't understand and especially remember 70% of material. Working through the actual jobs with you kicks ass. Thanks dude.
Love these “In the field” videos.
Love the service call vids!!.. as a service technician myself serving Austin area I see lots of crazy things..love how u explain your work with the book..Big support man!!...keep em coming sir!
Great video...keep up the great work.
Ayy greetings from marble falls/Highland Lakes Area! I’m a wireless internet technician and network manager at 281 Internet out here. If you think Austin has some crazy building code violations you have NO idea. The country is absolutely wild about that shit. A whole lot of methed out DIYers and companies (such as ourselves) that have few enough employees to avoid OSHA penalties
@@TheBootyWrangler hello
@@villarestolounge hello
@@villarestolounge hi
Hey Dustin currently in Trade School getting a degree in electrical technology, just wanted to let you know these videos help me out a lot and I really enjoy how much you enjoy doing what you do.
That's really nice to hear, thanks for watching!
Thanks!
I love your channel! I’ve been doing electrical for 5 years. Recently went from industrial to commercial / residential and your videos have taught me so much! Idc what anyone says nobody knows everything and it’s nice to see others work ethics and how they do things. Keep up the great work brotha!
Good points. All it takes is a willingness to listen and learn and we can learn so much from others.
It would have been good to see more detailed footage of the school job. See how you are pulling the grounds, how you are securing/attaching the flex, etc.
I'd like to see that too
I mean what's the difference than any other building.
It’s a school, good way to lose an account is to video. JMO
Agreed
Good idead I might just start doing that 🙇🏻♂️
I was working in a movie theater, before all of the seats and everything were installed, so it's just a huge concrete room. And I was strapping MC cable along the wall, 25' off of the floor. The feet on my extension ladder had gotten wet and I didn't realize it, and I went down hard! Broke my knee and my face. I was off work for about two months. So...yeah. Safety is important.
You're 100% right about trusting your customer and what they're experiencing. It can be very frustrating doing diagnostics when you can't find any faults. I do HVAC and had a customer with heater that was failing to work intermittently. I've done two house calls already and cannot replicate the problem. I'm not calling her a liar and I'm not comfortable spending her money without a clear reason. Guessing can get expensive.
Like seeing the service call videos. I'm also an electrician in Florida and like seeing how others tackle jobs. I personally enjoy service the most .
As someone who worked in the electrical trade and been a master electrician myself for many years i totally agree with the way you handled these service calls. I would have handled all of these exactly the same way myself.
Same here! Except I’m a journeyman electrician and I am wanting to test for masters license. I’m all set up with the state 🤞🏼
@@MegaGsizzle goodluck as an apprentice myself I feel so far away from being a journeyman or even a master electrician but I know one day I’ll get there
As an apprentice, thank you for your service! Just started back in May 2020 so your videos are entertaining and very educational!!
That's great to hear, thank you for watching!
I like your videos man. I started my career as an electrical apprentice but figured out quickly that I wanted out of the heat, cold, dirt and danger. I went into electrical sales working for a distributor. Now I'm a senior account manager handling multi million dollar projects. I can appreciate what you do but my knees and back are glad I took a different path.
Great content! I run a service truck myself. It’s nice to see how other guys do their work, never know may learn something new so thanks for posting!
Omg brother, safety time!!! That was hilarious and true keep that coming. I could fully follow even a series of shorts for those.
I'm retired and slowly updating some electric problems.your videos are a big help as I'm not formally trained.thanks fr your explanations, much appreciated!
OMG….. Love service calls. Love the new studio. Thanks again for your time producing this content.
I've been a subscriber since you were beginning. I'm a JW, licensed in multiple states, College Degree in Construction Electricity, etc etc etc. You do a good job bro.
This is great! In my apprenticeship I only get a lot of new industrial construction jobs. Troubleshooting and service calls are a skill all on their own, awesome content to see!
Not an electrician… addicted to you channel. Found it when I was researching a remodel I was doing (yes I pulled permits and inspected with city). Just wanted to thank you for the high quality cited content.
These service videos are really helpful. Building new stuff is way easier than trying to figure out why old stuff doesn't work.
I'm a recently retired electrical inspector with 25 years service 60'000 inspections under my belt
Love, Love, Love the service call videos.. As you share with us we get all follow along. Keep up the good work
> on the breaker, In the aircraft business, you get a code. you trace the whole circuit and power source And replace the push/pull breaker...
Just letting yall know> I built/spark chased fighter jets for over 10 yrs/ lots'a paperwork and triple checking..... oB
Trouble shooting electrical in a 1999 mobike home...do you have videos..such as 3 lines of 14g coming out of a wall plug..1 tied to outlet other 2 capped..struggle is real...great video's
Im actually really curious to hear how the rug story ended. Specifically, how you got down from the window sill.
Yea he really left us hanging there.
@@randybobandy6020 wow
love seeing these videos. finishing up my senior year of highschool and want to start an apprenticeship as a sparky as soon as I'm out. one thing i am worried about is getting in to a company that specializes in one aspect of the trade (for example, maybe the one i work for only does residential and doesn't touch any commercial or service stuff) i want to get experience with both residential and commercial as well as the service aspect of both areas. I hope a lot of companies do a little of everything!
Dude, keep the service call videos coming. Sooo much to learn!
Tool 10,000 days background!! I knew your channel was awesome, but being a fellow Tool fan, now your channel is just flat amazing... lol 1:44
I'm 18 years in to the trade about your age and you know your shit man. Absolutely brilliant channel. I just had to fix someones dishwasher that was shocking them every time they grabbed the handle and were getting 50 volts on the frame. That was a fun one to chase down.
Service calls are the best! Seeing the problem and hearing what is wrong and seeing you fix it correctly, that's the stuff!!!
I hung drapery and window treatments, you would not believe how many people wanted me to put an extension ladder on a tarp,rug, cardboard, etc. Got all po'ed when I would say no, and try to explain that it was a safety issue.
my second week working in construction (carpentry then) someone needed a piece of 2x4 and pried up the one blocking the bottom on an extension ladder temped in while the stairs were being rebuilt. i got 2 steps down and it slid out fell against the wall and torn through the sheet rock almost all the way to the ground, saved me from slamming face first
The ceiling-support wires or ceiling grid and cables (power, signaling, or communications). However, independent support wires that are secured at both ends and provide secure support are permitted [300.11(A)].
If you insist. I ACTUALLY like these videos dude. As a matter of fact. I honestly LOVE watching your content. Planning on joining the 480v Club soon. Finishing up a few jobs, and going to smash that button!
I love your level headed mentally. I just subscribed to your channel and as an electrician I can relate a lot. We have all done some dumb shit before but I've never had to hang onto a second story window before 😆
Keep the good info and stories coming brother.
Really appreciate your videos and content man. They’re entertaining and I’m always learning something new. Wish more guys in the electrical trade took as much pride and care into their work and clients as you do.
Yes more service call vids. These are great becuase your always getting called for something different so theres alot of material to teach and talk about. Im a service electrician too and i like watching these. I like seeing how other guys do things and there thought process when working on the same things as me.
These in the field videos are awesome!
I'm currently studying to become an automation tech/industrial Maintenance technician through a tech school and these are really interesting to watch for me.
I did the same thing with a ladder (maybe 8 ft up) on a rug on a wood floor. Started getting shorter, but I realized it quickly and got halfway down and jumped the rest of the way.
as one of the only service companies in my state for laundry appliances. people pay our travel time all the time from 3hrs away. we charge travel time there and back and mileage. $100/hr travel time and $1.00/mi people don't like to hear it until they realize that there is no other option other than replacing the whole unit.
Living vicariously through you has been quite the hysterical moment maker. The carpet is definitely an eye-opener, especially when you wake up face down on the floor and the other Hardcore reality is when you’re using a hole hog, improperly I might add, and your feet hit the ceiling…
Eye-opening moments for sure!
You are awesome!
I’m taking electric classes and you are really helpful
Had a customer that would not believe me that my 36' extension ladder would not reach top of giant sign so I pissed him off by parking on his sidewalk and put 36' ladder against sign and told him told you so. Ask me what I needed . Told him a 60' bucket truck. He was too cheap to call for one.
These videos are great! I have roughly 3,500 more hours to go until I can attain my CR-11 license here in AZ. While the clock to starting my own electrical contracting biz winds down, I am learning as much as I can in the field, and researching EVERYTHING under the sun regarding electrical contractors. Your videos really help me understand electrical theory, good field practices, and even business ethics. Keep the videos coming, I love them!
Love your videos, man. I'm a first year apprentice and I'm currently working out as a construction electrician.
I have a video suggestion for you (if you haven't already done it): How to tab your code book (you could probably include what to highlight and any sort of tips and tricks you do with your code book). Yours seem very well organized.
I love how you don't sugarcoat anything and tell it how it with pricing to jobs and being straight up I can respect a boss like that when they are honest about charging a lot compared to not charging anything. Any suggestion for studying the rcw and wac I'm a service electrician and 2 of our guys are gonna be ready to journey out
I don’t think this guys in Washington so he wouldn’t be working under the WAC, I would tell those guys to get the WAC fast finder for the JW test, helped me out a ton
I’m a commercial 01 electrician in Seattle btw
I would’ve put a ladder on a rug in a 4 million dollar house too. Lol
I love the videos man, I’m gonna start my apprenticeship soon and I’ve been watching a whole lot of your content, good stuff.
I would not touch a Zinco or Federal Pacific panel or breaker. Would only recomend replacing the panel with a reliable brand due to liability concerns. It had been awhile since I checked prices on Zinco replacements at big box stores but they are overprised. We had a housing developement with Zincos installed back in the early 60's and had to replace a couple of their crap panels that buss burnt out in less then 10 years.
I enjoy your videos! Thanks for putting the time in to do them.
6:26 It may be common in rural areas, but Central Texas in particular the trades folk will take jobs but then noshow if they think the job isn't going to pay well. If it is something like HVAC and you didn't buy from the local shop, it pretty much burns the relationship with them permanently (even if they are booked solid for a year, they don't care).
If you're a competent electrician or plumber, do some recon on rural areas. A healthy ethic could easily earn a good name for yourself.
I was cracking up when you mentioned the rug lol nice tip and thanks for so much in depth and informative information…you rock!
Love the service call videos but would love to listen to the commentary over more actual work footage than just sitting at the desk footage. Looking forward to more!
Keep this coming! Love this as a service tech this is gold!
Absolutely loving these videos. So excited when I saw the notification. Great job as always
How did you get down from the second floor window??!!
Side note, that’s some funny shit!!!!
What a cool revelation! Yes, I've made blunders too, and BTGOG, I survived. Great channel, Dustin!
First time I see your Chanel
I've subscribed and hope to see more good videos of what you do
I'm an electrician as well and hope to learn more of you
Thanks bro !
Thanks for sharing. 25 year master electrician and service calls are still my favorite jobs. Good call on pulling new grounds for the HVAC equipment. Easy work and good payout. On that Zinsco breaker, I’m sure it was the issue, especially since she was losing power in the entire house. curious if you could have checked for voltage drop across the breaker while it was loaded or a quick scan with an IR camera to check for heat (high resistance) to confirm it was the problem?
Could have, didn't really need to. Also thermal camera for something this straight forward would have been a nice little cherry on top. But I didn't have it with me that day.
I worked at minutelube where all the concrete was covered in oil. A roofer did not take that into account when putting up a 20 foot extension ladder. He just barely grabbed the gutter and scrambled onto the roof as the feet of that ladder slid away from him.
Be careful of the feet of your ladder. Make sure they are on stable surface. Even grass can be slick enough to slide on.
cannot wait for feb , missed the august test because i was 2 hrs away trying the railroad out always said an apprenticeship wouldve been my backup dream job if the rails didnt workout whether it was heavy equipment or electricians,emailed one of the higher ups at the JATC and asked when the next test was
Hvac tech here, at 7:16 you said air handler and air compressors lol, I’ve heard that a few times, also people like to confuse TXV and say THC
Service call videos are good to watch.
I just started watching this channel as an IT professional with an interest in electrical since I find it fascinating, and I understand the catch of trying to diagnose a problem after the fact that you can't or is very difficult to replicate.
If using EMT in a metal structure, you will more than likely still have an equipment ground path even if a coupling has somehow completely separated. That pipe is still likely bonded via building steel or metal studs. Although it’s not intentionally grounded, and certainly should be, a short to ground would still trip the breaker.
If they used LFMC as an EGC from the disconnect to the condensing unit, and did not pull a EGC, then that’s bad. You cannot use any type of metal flex as an EGC if it is being used on equipment that vibrates.
Climbed a ladder in a gym to fix a speaker. Ladder had to clear some shelves and was at a bit of a shallower angle than I'd usually like. The gym had rubber mats on the floor, so good traction there; just to be sure, I grabbed a couple hundred pounds of barbell plates and put 'em at the feet of the ladder. Most stable ladder I've ever climbed!
Bro, the moment you said you put an extension ladder on a rug I gasped. I've been cleaning windows for over 10 years and the guy that got me into it all those years ago did that exact thing except he was using a sectional ladder. I heard a noise and turn around in time to see him slide down the wall until the sections of the ladder came apart and he hits the ground, it happened really fast. His ankle got caught in one of the rungs and got messed up pretty bad. Your very lucky that move didn't end in a similar fashion. Glad your ok dude. Stay safe.
I love that tool backdrop. Very true about being detectives in the field.
Great video love the details as well as code reference and safety tips but as an hvac technician it’s not an air compressor just compressor or condenser is fine.
Was short on work so I was helping a couple friends who specialized in exterior painting. Working on a 3 level with a basement patio facing the lake. We borrowed an extension ladder from their uncle that had 3 sections. They're running around spray painting because the trim, windows and stuff was done and taped. I got to take a regular brush up the ladder to paint the soffet. Nobody happened to mention the hornets nest around the corner of the house on the side that they'd not done yet. When I reached around the corner to paint what I could get of the fascia the hornets were not amused. I came halfway down the ladder fast then jumped for the lake. Everything was taped and tarp was on the concrete patio so only thing hurt was my pride.
LOVE the Alex Grey background (on your monitor), Big TOOL fan here, Going to see them at the end of Feb!
I do pretty much the exact same thing as far as trip charge goes except generally a service charge for the first hour for closer calls pretty much 2 hour minimum.
Just changed one the other day, same issue, my was a Zepher breaker I believe, vintage 68 ish
Dustin,
I understand if youre not comfortable due to oversharing but it would be really helpful to include rough pricing guidelines to help those that are also trying to find a pricing structure for service calls. For example, would love a rough revenue or profit figure for your day of 3 service calls. Especially for the school.
Love your energy Dustin and I can tell you love your craft- keep the videos coming!!
Just so you know, the ability to troubleshoot is right up there with the highest level of knowledge for any skill. I do not doubt you have mastered it.
Extension ladder on a rug... I just did that a few months ago at my own house... slid straight down for 10 feet... happens very very very fast, before I knew what happened I was on the ground.
Great safety tip, man! Sounds like a Charlie Chaplin skit. Glad you weren't hurt. Great instruction here for the homeowner and the curious and the professional. 5 Stars++
I AM LOSING MY SHIT laughing at your storytelling about sliding out from the rug. 😂🤣😂🤣
That was AMAZING. Well told story, and thanks for the safety tip! 😂🤣
Hey Dustin I try not to use any of my removable shaft drivers in a live panel, is that something you worry about at all? I've had them stick and pull out then fall down too many times.
Smart man...
Seeing that much exposed metal on the screwdriver is wild from a European view let alone non-latching bits being a concern like that!
Have a look at the Wera Kraftform Kompakt VDE interchangeable sets for an example.
#1 problem early 1970 Zinsco Service Main. These panels usually have burnt busing due to loose contact point due to Aluminum busing. Best fix change and update
I have zinco old box can I bypass the breakers and put a sub panel . Can I also put main breaker . I’m a home owner . Nice work and video
Not worth it just replace the main with a panel that has more circuits . If you do not you will have new equipment fed by questionable equipment . Not ideal……..
Thanks I will do what yuo recommend. And thanks for replay.
Usually the state will call out for a separate conductor for equipment grounding
Hey I am a home inspector and am learning a lot from your videos thanks again. Looking at your video 1:20 I see the sub panel has the neutral and ground terminated in the same bus bar isn't that considered bonded and shouldn't be done that way?
u eft up big time! but u owned it and learned from it. . . thumbs up we all sckru up.
Love these videos man. Any chance when you cover something like the whole sizing the grounds for your load you could cover how you went about it and what tables you used, what you based it on? Thank you.
Going off what you said at 10:22 I'm really surprised conduit is still an allowable grounding conductor
The main breaker on my house went bad one time. And I traced it back to a loose leg on the power company side coming to the meter. They ended up coming out at 9:00 at night fixing their stuff so I could put a new main breaker in and then they gave me some 30,000 volt gloves.
Damn I'm a fourth year apprentice but I took a two year break to fuck around in my social appreciate your videos they're helping me get my head back in the game lol
The second call sounds like my 1903 built house, decades of remodels redos cobbled together plumbing and electrical
I brought the M18 FUEL deep cut band saw with the dual batteries and charger, the box it comes with is huge, how do you lug it around and keep it on your truck, any recommended bags?? Although your tiny service truck… it wouldn’t even fit lol do you only use the tool for larger jobs??
Anyone else notice at 1:25 - Who ever installed the power box for "Job 1" installed it upside down? The top of the breaker panel is on the bottom.
You know it's a small town when he says he showed up to a school, and it has a seniors center sign on it. gotta love it.
I have Zinsco breakers. In the 14 years I've lived here, I've had to replace about 6 of them. They NEVER just trip, where I can reset them. They always BREAK and need to be replaced.
The quality increase since I started watching your channel is shocking
Cool video man! Be safe out there, watch out for rugs!