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Electrical questions, answered by experts

While you might not need to put lights and outlets on separate circuits, some local codes may require that you use separate circuits. Installing a separate circuit helps prevent total darkness in your home when your receptacle outlets take on too much power and blow a fuse or trip the breaker. It also costs less and is easier to simply install a new circuit.

Aluminum wiring can pose a fire risk as it can overheat, expand, and contract, leading to failing splices and loose connections. If your home has aluminum wiring, it requires careful maintenance and potential safety upgrades. The first step is to hire a licensed electrician to conduct a thorough inspection.

A complete replacement with copper wire is the safest option but can be very expensive and is not always necessary. Other safety measures and upgrades include:

  • Copper Pigtailing: A more budget-friendly option where a short section of copper wire is added to each end of the aluminum wire. This is only appropriate for certain homes.

  • Aluminum-Compatible Outlets: Installing outlets specifically designed for use with aluminum wiring.

  • Anti-Oxidant Paste: Applying this paste to connections to prevent oxidation.

Consulting with a qualified electrician is essential to assess the condition of your wiring and determine the most appropriate updates to meet current safety standards.

Just like apples in a bunch, one bad outlet can cause other outlets to stop working. This is especially true if the outlets are connected in a series on the same circuit. When one outlet develops a fault, it can spread to every outlet downstream of the original.

The standard copper wire gauge to use with any 30-amp circuit is a 10-gauge wire. The National Electric Code specifies a 10-gauge wire with appliances like water heaters running on 30 amps. If you try to use a smaller gauge wire, such as a 12 gauge, with a 30-amp breaker, you run the risk of the wire overheating and melting or causing a fire. Because of the safety hazards, the gauge of the wire is not an area to try to cut costs when connecting a 30-amp breaker to a water heater.

First, check the current electrical code in your area to ensure spaces you’re considering meet the requirements. After that, your outlet’s location is up to you. If you’re moving it to hide wiring, you may want to move it in a spot that will also be hidden from view, such as behind a media center or table. As long as you meet the spacing guidelines set by electrical codes, you should be able to pick any spot in your home for an outlet. 

The Fairfax, IA homeowners’ guide to electrical services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.