Wiring

• Computer Solutions: Selecting a Laptop (Subscriber content)

  How to select the right laptop

   

• Notebook

  Liability for kids on the job site; builders selling Internet access with new homes; beetles plague California builder; growth control defeated in recent elections; more

   

• Q&A: Upgrading Two-Prong Outlets

  Q: How about upgrading old two-prong ungrounded outlets from the ’70s and back?

   

• Q&A: Should Older Wiring Be Updated?

  Q: When remodeling or adding to an older home, what are some things to look for that indicate the entire house’s wiring should be updated or replaced?

   
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  Q&A: Tying into Old Armored Cable

  Q: Can you keep old armored-cable circuits, or should you replace them? If you disconnect old circuits, what’s the rule around tearing out old wire versus leaving it buried?

   

• Q&A: Tying into Aluminum Wiring

  Q: Why not just tie into aluminum wiring?

   
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  Q&A: Concealed Splices in Remodels

  Q: What are the rules for dealing with old concealed splices?

   

• Q&A: Switching from 3-Wire to 4-Wire 240-Volt Appliance

  Q: How do you wire a four-wire 240-volt appliance (kitchen range or dryer) if there used to be a three-wire appliance there?

   
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  Q&A: Extending the Depth of An Outlet in Remodeling

  Q: When you add a new layer of finish, what is the easiest way to bring the electrical boxes flush to the new wall surface?

   
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  Q&A: Putting New Devices in Old Boxes

  Q: What are the choices for putting new switch and outlet boxes in old walls? Any hints for attaching the boxes?

   

• Q&A: Tips for Snaking Wires

  Q: Any tips for wire-snaking?

   

• Q&A: Wiring a Two-Pole GFCI

  Q: I have a 240-volt electric job-site heater, which is required by the NEC to be GFCI protected. Will a 120/240 two-pole GFCI breaker provide protection for a 240-volt load with no neutral? In what situations would a 120/240 two-pole GFCI breaker be recommended?

   

• High-Tech Home Wiring (Subscriber content)

  Because of its greater data capacity and reasonable cost, Category 5 wiring has replaced conventional bell wire in custom homes. Here’s what you need to know to install it correctly.

   

• Products

  Cheap live-current tester; underground electrical splice kit; new compact whole-house AC; ICF bolt holder; squeak-free floor fastener; ridge-vent installs with nailgun; undercabinet halogen lights; fancier thermostats

   

• Resources

  Electrical wiring guides

   
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  Electrical Code Update

  A veteran electrician gives you a leg up on your inspector with this summary of the latest NEC changes.

   

• Notebook

  Getting ready for the next economic downturn, Category 5 wiring, hurricane-resistant concrete houses, sun exposure warning

   

• Q&A: Electrical Fluctuations

  Q: I am having an electrical problem on a second-story addition I am currently building. The clients report that the lights dim periodically during the early morning hours, but that it’s not related to the refrigerator starting nor any other piece of electrical equipment in the house. I have tested...

   

• Kitchen and Bath: Upgrading Kitchen Wiring (Subscriber content)

  Estimating electrical work

   

• Toolbox: New 15 Gauge Finish Nailers (Subscriber content)

  New 15-gauge finish nailers