As someone who lives in an apartment complex with questionable wiring, loose outlets, and a fly by night maintenance staff, this was incredibly informative and beneficial to help keep my family safe. Thanks so much for your videos Paul!
No offense intended but I am not a fan of pass through wiring from receptacle to receptacle (two in and two out). Consider pig tailing instead. (Some local codes specify this, in fact.) Pigtailing ensures downline receps are not rendered powerless if an upline recep fails. Imagine the scenario of a working, down line recep powering a medical device machine going dead in the pass through arrangement. Pigtailing ensures each recep on the circuit has continued power if an upline recep fails.
Just as an FYI, never assume that throwing a circuit breaker always shuts off the power. Never handle both wires at the same time, even with the power off. I have experienced brand new circuit breakers fail.
we have a circuit in our office that keeps power even when the remainder of the building and half the neighborhood loses power from an outside transformer failure.
I was always told to install with the ground up, that way if a plug was not all the way in and something fell on it, it would hit the ground not the the hot.
Paul Ricalde I gotcha, I'm not a professional, but I have worked a ton of construction, and/or electrical, just wanted to have your input on the subject. My argument was not all plugs are three prong so it wouldn't matter. I enjoy your videos, I'm always looking to learn new tricks.
Hi Corey, I have heard this numerous times and I have seen numerous discussions on this topic. The bottom line is both are code compliant. It really comes down to aesthetics. I have seen them up, down and on back splashes, they can even be sideways. You should follow the existing outlets in order to keep them consistent. I really appreciate your input and thank you for taking the time to watch and comment! Paul
I haven't needed to replace an outlet in years so I didn't know they now allow you to put a wire straight in as opposed to making those tight bends. Also, I like to add a layer of electrical tape around the outlet which gives me extra insurance against a wire or screw coming into contact with the box.
Excellent advice Brian! I always wrap my outlet with electrical tape when a metal box is in play. This is why I prefer plastic boxes. Unfortunately, commercial boxes have to be metal because commercial studs are metal. I just want to be clear that the I only use the holes when they can be tightened with screws. The regular push in locks are not good and will not pass code with aluminum wiring. Thanks and have a good night! paul
FYI, ground up on the outlet is marginally safer. Either way is acceptable, but ground up prevents anything from falling across the prongs of a plug that is partially out.
Hi Peter, That is good information and I appreciate you posting. I have seen it both ways and both are code compliant. I understand the argument, but there is no evidence of any case where it actually made a difference. If the ground is up, an object may fall and hit the ground and the hot side. I have even seen them mounted sideways, on back splashes and under windows that are low. I always advise people to follow the existing outlets, so they will be consistent. I try to relate things so I will remember, I say ground down so it will stick in my head. Kind of like Righty tighty, Leftey loosey. Thanks!
That is a great video Paul, full of good information and I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge before you kick the bucket. Thanks again my friend
Good video. You left a nice but minimal length of wire. I've seen 6" recommended, but that depends on the box and what's in it. I HATE changingdevices when someone has cut the wires too short, and if you break an end off, you have a mess or have to add a piece and try to get it all in there - can't say enough good for needle nosed pliers here.
Hi Mark, I am making a blog that will allow you to post pictures of your project. I will make it on my web site. Thank you for taking the time to comment! Paul
were I live all wire most be pig tailed by code and hate when people yous the push in connectors that the first plug was they are a service call in the waiting
I enjoyed the video and because I've done a lot of my own repairs and sub panels and all kinds of things including conduit I had no trouble following it. however I think it would be helpful for ordinary lay people to see a diagram on paper first so they see the power comes in from the power company to the main panel then goes on the branch and then I would describe the wires going into the outlets as the input wires feeding it and then the output you could also show several outlets wired together on the bench and just say okay here the power starts at jumps from this one to this one and so on. I would also recommend adding that the tester be plugged into an outlet that's good to verify that the lights work on it then go on and test the troubled areas. Also, I was wondering why the outlets were wired by the method of sticking the wire in the back vs using the screws or using pigtails which I realize takes up a lot of room.
Hi Paul, I am planning on showing just what you discussed. This is my 2nd video, but I will cover a decent amount of information in the future. I like the idea of drawing it out, wish I would have done that on my 1st video. Thank you for the great input and have a good night! Paul
No problem. Also, you made good use of picture in picture - showing the branch being switched off and your son at the outlet. I have been using Irfan view for years and I make heavy use of simple still photos and do a lot of voice overs on my videos. check out my channel for examples.
is that a standard US socket outlet? no shrouding on the terminals, it looks like some of the older sockets we occasionally still come across in the UK, but they are usually dating from the 1950's or 60's. electrical safety has moved on since then. Also quicker and easier tto install, if the socket is one piece, rather than with a separate cover plate like this.
another great video paul, i have 3 gfci's in my kitchen that have the red light on but they still have power but i can't test or reset but if i shut the breaker off and back on the light turns green and then back to red in a couple days any ideas would be appreciated.
Hi Carlos, GFCI outlets will go bad over time, I had to replace one in my bathroom a couple of years ago. That video can be found @ Paulstoolbox.com, it is at the top of my video page. I would try a new GFCI receptacle. Leviton makes a self testing GFCI that checks itself every 15 min.and cost less than 20.00. I really appreciate you watching and let me know if you have any problems. Thanks! Paul
Hi Carlos, Where are your GFCI's located? In my opinion, there is no advantage of having more than one GFCI on a single circuit. A GFCI outlet as the 1st receptacle will protect all of the outlets on that circuit. The other 2 could be held as spares or installed in other rooms for child safety. GFCI outlets cost about 10 times as much as 1 standard outlet. I am not questioning your electrician, but if I were you, I would check to see if they are wired correctly. They also sell plug in voltage testers that will let you know if you have a problem with the GFCI outlet. You can probably find them for around $20.00 Thanks!
Paul Ricalde i remodeled my kitchen but i hired out the electric part and code requires me to have GFCI outlets along the counter but im gonna buy the tester ur talking about to see if it will tell me which one is bad thanks paul
What I found helpful was reading the documentation that came with the GFI 3 or 4 times until you get a real good understanding of it. There should be a diagram with daisy-chained GFI outlets like you mentioned and you should follow that EXACTLY... even when it comes to grounding the receptacles. Having the three GFI receptacles is the right way to go according to the electrical code. Do not mix and match GFI's and standard duplex receptacles on the same circuit.
Hi Richard, Here is a GFCI video that I did a few years ago. th-cam.com/video/_fgOiVLz-n4/w-d-xo.html I will do an updated version in the near future and it will be 1 part of a full series of residential electricity videos that should give the DIY'er a good understanding of electricity in their home. Thank you! Paul
hey Paul just wanted to know I have a shed with plywood siding and was wondering can I use that white elastic mirror paint paint on the side to get a good seal so the wood doesn't rot down the road and by the way I love your videos very informative thank you
Paul, I love your videos and have learned from them all. BUT.......when it comes to electricity......I write checks!! I know just enough to kill myself or burn my house down! I'd rather have the pro do it for me.....and have a warranty! LOL Merry Christmas!!
I totally agree with you Frank, that is the smart way to handle it! I figure many people will not take on electrical challenges, but maybe they can get a better understanding if they ever have this problem. Merry Christmas my friend! Paul
Paul Ricalde .thank you sir for using all these precious spare time to shoot these valuable videos and for showing people not to be afraid to be the best of themselves.you are the best of the Bestses. months of watching your videos equals a college degree.thank you
Hi Cesar, Look at your outside outlets and see if they are GFCI outlets. A GFCI will have a reset button and it will trip if water gets in the outlet. If you do not see one outside, check the bathrooms. Sometimes the electrician will have the outside outlets on the same GFCI circuit as the bathrooms or kitchen. GFCI outlets have to be installed on any circuit that has the possibility of getting wet.The outside outlet has to be on a GFCI outlet or it would not pass code. Let me know if you can or cannot find it and I will do my best to help. Thanks! Paul
I am a Master Electrician what Paul said is correct look for GFCI's in those places as well as the garage and basement, also you may have a GFCI breaker it will have a test button on it make sure if you do that it stays reset when resetting it and the way to reset all breakers are turn it all the way off before turning it back on
As someone who lives in an apartment complex with questionable wiring, loose outlets, and a fly by night maintenance staff, this was incredibly informative and beneficial to help keep my family safe. Thanks so much for your videos Paul!
Hi, AJ,
I am the one who should be thanking you for watching and commenting!
Thank you and have a good night!
Good information Paul your one of the few I've seen that is on point, I'm a Master Electrician of 36 years and have seen it all. Keep up the good work
No offense intended but I am not a fan of pass through wiring from receptacle to receptacle (two in and two out). Consider pig tailing instead. (Some local codes specify this, in fact.) Pigtailing ensures downline receps are not rendered powerless if an upline recep fails. Imagine the scenario of a working, down line recep powering a medical device machine going dead in the pass through arrangement. Pigtailing ensures each recep on the circuit has continued power if an upline recep fails.
Your son is a lucky fella to have such a good mentor!
Hi Wayne,
I'm the lucky one, my boys are awesome and they are always willing to help and hang out with me! I really appreciate your comment!
Paul
Just as an FYI, never assume that throwing a circuit breaker always shuts off the power. Never handle both wires at the same time, even with the power off. I have experienced brand new circuit breakers fail.
Thanks, that is good information!
we have a circuit in our office that keeps power even when the remainder of the building and half the neighborhood loses power from an outside transformer failure.
I was always told to install with the ground up, that way if a plug was not all the way in and something fell on it, it would hit the ground not the the hot.
Paul Ricalde I gotcha, I'm not a professional, but I have worked a ton of construction, and/or electrical, just wanted to have your input on the subject. My argument was not all plugs are three prong so it wouldn't matter. I enjoy your videos, I'm always looking to learn new tricks.
Hi Corey,
I have heard this numerous times and I have seen numerous discussions on this topic. The bottom line is both are code compliant. It really comes down to aesthetics. I have seen them up, down and on back splashes, they can even be sideways. You should follow the existing outlets in order to keep them consistent. I really appreciate your input and thank you for taking the time to watch and comment!
Paul
I haven't needed to replace an outlet in years so I didn't know they now allow you to put a wire straight in as opposed to making those tight bends. Also, I like to add a layer of electrical tape around the outlet which gives me extra insurance against a wire or screw coming into contact with the box.
Excellent advice Brian! I always wrap my outlet with electrical tape when a metal box is in play. This is why I prefer plastic boxes. Unfortunately, commercial boxes have to be metal because commercial studs are metal. I just want to be clear that the I only use the holes when they can be tightened with screws. The regular push in locks are not good and will not pass code with aluminum wiring.
Thanks and have a good night!
paul
White to brite. Black to brass.
FYI, ground up on the outlet is marginally safer. Either way is acceptable, but ground up prevents anything from falling across the prongs of a plug that is partially out.
Hi Peter,
That is good information and I appreciate you posting. I have seen it both ways and both are code compliant. I understand the argument, but there is no evidence of any case where it actually made a difference. If the ground is up, an object may fall and hit the ground and the hot side. I have even seen them mounted sideways, on back splashes and under windows that are low. I always advise people to follow the existing outlets, so they will be consistent. I try to relate things so I will remember, I say ground down so it will stick in my head. Kind of like Righty tighty, Leftey loosey.
Thanks!
I like this guy. Very good information and well shown.
That is a great video Paul, full of good information and I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge before you kick the bucket. Thanks again my friend
Good video. You left a nice but minimal length of wire. I've seen 6" recommended, but that depends on the box and what's in it. I HATE changingdevices when someone has cut the wires too short, and if you break an end off, you have a mess or have to add a piece and try to get it all in there - can't say enough good for needle nosed pliers here.
Very informative, Paul, as always!
Hey Vernon,
It's good to hear from you and thanks for putting up with me!
Have a good night!
Awesome shirts. 'Merica.
Thanks Raymond, I really appreciate viewers like you!
Great video as always. I hit thumbs up right in the beginning just for the shirts y'all were wearing!
You are a good man Mike, thank you for your patriotism!
Paul
hi Paul.i just finish my fence.looks very nice.thankyou
Hi Mark,
I am making a blog that will allow you to post pictures of your project. I will make it on my web site. Thank you for taking the time to comment!
Paul
were I live all wire most be pig tailed by code and hate when people yous the push in connectors that the first plug was they are a service call in the waiting
I enjoyed the video and because I've done a lot of my own repairs and sub panels and all kinds of things including conduit I had no trouble following it. however I think it would be helpful for ordinary lay people to see a diagram on paper first so they see the power comes in from the power company to the main panel then goes on the branch and then I would describe the wires going into the outlets as the input wires feeding it and then the output you could also show several outlets wired together on the bench and just say okay here the power starts at jumps from this one to this one and so on. I would also recommend adding that the tester be plugged into an outlet that's good to verify that the lights work on it then go on and test the troubled areas. Also, I was wondering why the outlets were wired by the method of sticking the wire in the back vs using the screws or using pigtails which I realize takes up a lot of room.
Hi Paul,
I am planning on showing just what you discussed. This is my 2nd video, but I will cover a decent amount of information in the future. I like the idea of drawing it out, wish I would have done that on my 1st video. Thank you for the great input and have a good night!
Paul
No problem. Also, you made good use of picture in picture - showing the branch being switched off and your son at the outlet. I have been using Irfan view for years and I make heavy use of simple still photos and do a lot of voice overs on my videos. check out my channel for examples.
is that a standard US socket outlet? no shrouding on the terminals, it looks like some of the older sockets we occasionally still come across in the UK, but they are usually dating from the 1950's or 60's. electrical safety has moved on since then. Also quicker and easier tto install, if the socket is one piece, rather than with a separate cover plate like this.
Excellent!
Hi Ranger42, I really appreciate viewers like you!
Thanks!
Paul
another great video paul, i have 3 gfci's in my kitchen that have the red light on but they still have power but i can't test or reset but if i shut the breaker off and back on the light turns green and then back to red in a couple days any ideas would be appreciated.
Hi Carlos,
GFCI outlets will go bad over time, I had to replace one in my bathroom a couple of years ago. That video can be found @ Paulstoolbox.com, it is at the top of my video page. I would try a new GFCI receptacle. Leviton makes a self testing GFCI that checks itself every 15 min.and cost less than 20.00. I really appreciate you watching and let me know if you have any problems.
Thanks!
Paul
those 3 gfci's are brand new but i did notice that if i reset the breaker only 1 gfci keeps the red light on so will that cause the other 2 to trip
Hi Carlos,
Where are your GFCI's located? In my opinion, there is no advantage of having more than one GFCI on a single circuit. A GFCI outlet as the 1st receptacle will protect all of the outlets on that circuit. The other 2 could be held as spares or installed in other rooms for child safety. GFCI outlets cost about 10 times as much as 1 standard outlet. I am not questioning your electrician, but if I were you, I would check to see if they are wired correctly. They also sell plug in voltage testers that will let you know if you have a problem with the GFCI outlet. You can probably find them for around $20.00
Thanks!
Paul Ricalde i remodeled my kitchen but i hired out the electric part and code requires me to have GFCI outlets along the counter but im gonna buy the tester ur talking about to see if it will tell me which one is bad thanks paul
What I found helpful was reading the documentation that came with the GFI 3 or 4 times until you get a real good understanding of it. There should be a diagram with daisy-chained GFI outlets like you mentioned and you should follow that EXACTLY... even when it comes to grounding the receptacles. Having the three GFI receptacles is the right way to go according to the electrical code. Do not mix and match GFI's and standard duplex receptacles on the same circuit.
Thumbs up video. thanks.
Keep it coming love your vids.
Thanks Chavez, I really appreciate you watching!
Have a good night!
Paul
Will you upload a video on a gfci outlet installation?
Hi Richard,
Here is a GFCI video that I did a few years ago. th-cam.com/video/_fgOiVLz-n4/w-d-xo.html
I will do an updated version in the near future and it will be 1 part of a full series of residential electricity videos that should give the DIY'er a good understanding of electricity in their home.
Thank you!
Paul
Thank you
Anytime Richard, have a good day!
hey Paul just wanted to know I have a shed with plywood siding and was wondering can I use that white elastic mirror paint paint on the side to get a good seal so the wood doesn't rot down the road and by the way I love your videos very informative thank you
Paul, I love your videos and have learned from them all. BUT.......when it comes to electricity......I write checks!! I know just enough to kill myself or burn my house down! I'd rather have the pro do it for me.....and have a warranty! LOL Merry Christmas!!
I totally agree with you Frank, that is the smart way to handle it! I figure many people will not take on electrical challenges, but maybe they can get a better understanding if they ever have this problem. Merry Christmas my friend!
Paul
Paul Ricalde .thank you sir for using all these precious spare time to shoot these valuable videos and for showing people not to be afraid to be the best of themselves.you are the best of the Bestses. months of watching your videos equals a college degree.thank you
Thank you sir
You're welcome. Thank you for commenting! Paul
I have no power on the OUT side of my new house. All the fuses are fine
Hi Cesar,
Look at your outside outlets and see if they are GFCI outlets. A GFCI will have a reset button and it will trip if water gets in the outlet. If you do not see one outside, check the bathrooms. Sometimes the electrician will have the outside outlets on the same GFCI circuit as the bathrooms or kitchen. GFCI outlets have to be installed on any circuit that has the possibility of getting wet.The outside outlet has to be on a GFCI outlet or it would not pass code. Let me know if you can or cannot find it and I will do my best to help.
Thanks!
Paul
Paul Ricalde thanks Paul
And merry X-mas to you and yours brother
I am a Master Electrician what Paul said is correct look for GFCI's in those places as well as the garage and basement, also you may have a GFCI breaker it will have a test button on it make sure if you do that it stays reset when resetting it and the way to reset all breakers are turn it all the way off before turning it back on
where do i find that tape?
Hi Zach,
We just got on the shelves with Menards, but Amazon is where most people have to get them. Thanks you for asking and have a good night!
Paul