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Questions tagged [wire]

Questions about wires, usually seen in electrical applications. Questions with this tag are typically about sizing wires appropriately for the projected usage, but could also be about properties of or problems with a wire.

A wire is a long, thin piece of (insulated) metal used to carry electricity between two points. Questions with this tag are typically about sizing wires appropriately, but may also be about properties of wire or specific problems with a wire.

Consider some related tags instead or in addition to this one:

  • if your question is about installing wires
  • if your question is about electrical systems in general
  • or if your question is about electrical panels
  • if your question is about wire shelving
340 questions
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Is this exposed wire dangerous?

I have this wire some of the inner part of which is exposed. My friend claims that this is highly dangerous, but I don't think that touching it would be lethal, and in the worst case scenario there might be a short circuit, though the plug is…
Academiphile
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Can i connect 14-2 wire to the current 12-2 wire in this case?

i have already had 12-2 wire running through my garage. Now i have a small shed which is 50 feet away from the garage. My plan is to dismantle one of the outlet in the garage which is where the 12-2 wire ends. From there, i will: Install a switch…
Kiddo
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What kind of wire is this?

It's black, with white in the middle, and copper around the white. Any ideas? I have a picture but not sure how to add it...
Jennifer Garcia CPTSEXY
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Attaching Three Copper Wires Together Without Using A Wire Nut?

I am trying to splice a third copper wire to two currently present wires inside the electrical box of my switch I am trying to replace. Most resources online are telling me to use a wire nut to attach the third copper wire but perhaps I am just not…
Derek D
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Wiresize required for air conditioner of 1.5 tonne is 2.5 sq mm will work?

My home has copper wire of 2.5 sq mm fitted with 15 Ampere plugs for running appliance. All wires are connected to main electricity meter with max distance (i think it is required) of 40 foots/feets. The voltage is 220 volt which vary from say 180…
Kamal Deep Singh
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In Wire Gauges Is ga shorthand for awg?

Is GA shorthand for AWG (American Wire Gauge)? Someone seemed to use the terms interchangeably in this question and then never let me know if they were interchangeable terms.
leeand00
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1mm² wire load capacity

I have used a 1mm² wire to power my refrigerator and my ro water purifier? My electrician had set that up and he told me that he is using a 1.5mm² wire! so is 1mm² wire ok to power up my refrigerator and water purifier? Any harm? please advice.…
Dragon
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grounding wire from ceiling with no place to attach to the fixture?

I was took down my parents 45 year old kitchen light fixture to tighten a screw and when i went to put it back up i noticed that there was a grounding wire coming down from the ceiling but no place to attach it to on the fixture. was it safe to just…
vaytik
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Can I use flux core wire in a MIG welder that was designed to use argon gas?

My friend gave me a MIG welder that has normal wire with the Gas attachment. I was trying to get argon gas cylinder but had more trouble then expected. Now I'm thinking of just buying flux core wire and not connecting argon gas at all. Can I use…
Grasper
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Leaving a hot wire in the wall or ceiling

I am redoing a ceiling fan with new wiring. I have the walls open at the switch box. There is an old knob & tube hot wire coming in and then it goes out to the ceiling fan. I have run new wiring to the ceiling fan and have put an outlet right below…
john
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Different amp draw from breaker box

When I test for amperage on the hot wire at breaker, with 4 tower fans going, 3 lights, Christmas lights, a computer, a TV, an Xbox, a router and an air purifier it shows 0.45 on the universal AC setting, then when I switch it to the 20A setting it…
hello moto
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Wire with mysterious power

I am currently swapping out my switches with smart switches and one of the switches had different wire setup from the usual. Prior to taking out the switch I took picture of the "primary switch" I quated/ say that cause when removing switches wire…
RTarson
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hallway lights not working

ok to start with I was going to change my hall way lights but first was going to install a dimmer at the top of the stairs, well long story short when I pulled out the old switch and yes I did not turn off power and pop the circuit breaker, then I…
Robert Ganzenmuller
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What type and size conductors and conduit should I use to feed a detached workshop?

I'm planning to install a 100 amp sub panel in a new detached workshop in my backyard. I will run power from my home main 200 amp service panel which I have a dedicated 120/240v double pole 100 amp breaker already set up. Consumers in my workshop…
TBNG244
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100 amp sub panel for garage

Hi I am look to run 100 amp sub panel to my shop from my 200 amp panel in my basement. It about 175 ft in middle of both panel box . I was looking for someone help me out on wire size and what I would need to do it ?
Cjohnsonhvac
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