What are possible reasons that an offices wiring wouldn’t allow for the lights to be put on a dimmer? It’s a commercial building and not a very old one either ..read more

We are from Alberta, and I own an electrical company. I have been asked by a BC Mechanical P. Eng. to install an emergency STOP button at the man-door to the boiler room. It's intent is to 'halt' the operation of the boilers in the room should there be an emergency. He is demanding that I do this by de-energizing the main primary power feeding the power! Dumping the incoming power kills all the VFD's, and PLC's, and the CPU to the boiler! Why not control the boiler's control... Boiler Emergency Shut Down - In what manner ..read more

I came to know an electrician in my town who used to post here regularly. He’s a really good guy. He became an inspector and came to my job yesterday. I asked him how things were going and he said he has never been able to say it before but he loves his job. I love it when good things happen to good people ..read more

Sorry if this isn’t the right spot I’d appreciate your advice. Im 21 years old was in college. In another state and then moved to texas. I’ve been just doing side gigs like doordash and now trying to get my act together So I’ve applied to one of the union apprentice training programs and schooling. But I’d honestly rather just find a master electrician who would take me on as an apprentice. I have no construction experience though. And would need to be taught a lot. I’m currently reading a... Looking for entry level apprentice position austin texas ..read more

Can someone tell me if the above 2 gang meter can accept 150 Amps ? It’s going to be a 150 Amp service with TWO 100 amp panels . I understand that each meter socket is rated for 100 amps but nothing is mentioned in specs about max amperage I can use . Milbank U8032-XL-KK-BLG 1 Phase Ringless Meter Socket With Horn Bypass 4 Jaw 2 Position 100 Amp ..read more

We have a large single phase wood planer in our shop. We tried to replace the Electrical contactor in the switch housing, but Grainger sent the wrong contactor. I hired a couple of electricians, including one who works for a licensed company. He replaced the contactor with a simple 120V switch, something we had lying around from basic residential work. (We are GCs). But I think that that switch was only supposed to be for temporary, short term use. The switch recently stopped working. I... Switch for 2 phase Wood planer ..read more

I am just trying to know more about the product, why a panel originally labeled at 208V 3ph 4w would not work at 240V, 3ph 4w. All the breakers are 240V and main is 600V. I am struggling to get feedback from manufacturer. I understand that there might be a certification issue, but technically what would make it not suitable for 240V ..read more

NEW TO THIS FORUM ..read more

Hi All, Relatively new here. Typically read what's going on but rarely post. But couldn't find a topic on this and wanted to ask. But are others having issues with lead times on Gear? Been told recently for Square D that MV and LV stuff is ranging anywhere from 30-65 Weeks. LV MCCs are 30-55 weeks. Panelboards are 40-60 weeks and EZM Meters (From SQD) are 65-80 weeks. Then even breakers are running at like 14-26 weeks. I am just wondering if this is like a local issue to me? Or is it just... Switchgear Lead Time Question ..read more

Is this a regional thing maybe? I'm in the Southeast now and every motor on a new machine is getting a bond from the motor frame to the structure frame. I asked why and was told all motors always get this. I've never seen it done in my years in the West, Southwest or Midwest. It's superfluous to my mind seeing as how the motors are attached to the frame anyway and are all on VFD cables. Also, they are using anti-seize on the ground connections "to prevent rust", another new one on me. I... Grounding motor frames ..read more