Reply To: Miscellaneous Electric Tips

Pashuteh Yid–

Unfortunately, enough knowledge to make the connection functional, without the knowledge to do it correctly and safely is not an uncommon combination.

To fix it properly, a fixture box should be installed, and the correct connector used to fasten the cable or conduit to the box.

1) This is not a new house (built in 1930’s). Was there ever a time when the code did not require a fixture box?

I can tell you that there are different code requirements even nowadays as far as cables and boxes, depending on where you are.

2) Can I install the box myself?

Yes, if you know what you are doing. The correct box and connector must be used, the box must be grounded, the box must be securely fastened, a bushing (a piece of plastic that protects the wire from fraying on the edge of the BX ) may be needed, etc.

The wire seems very short, I don’t know if the entire conduit line can be pulled so that there is more length, or if it is too short to go any more. ?

3) How would one splice conduit to make it longer, if necessary? ?

4) Is this common, that some guy will wire up something so dangerous, and just cover it up and hope nobody will ever find out. How did he get away with this. ?

5) Would you recommend an electrician to do all of what needs to be done, rather than doing it myself. I do not want to cut holes in ceiling and plaster and paint myself. ?

Based on what I perceive as your knowledge level and the fact that I can’t be 100% definitive without seeing your situation myself, I strongly recommend that you get a professional. Safety is the key here.

6) When I first bought the fixture, the guy in Lowes said they would install it, but would be 140 dollars. That is crazy expensive for a 6 dollar fixture, so I figured I would save big and do it myself. However, now that I see what a mess the previous installation is, what would you recommend? What do you think an electrician would charge to do all the necessary work here? ?

I recommend that a pro at least diagnose your situation before you try anything yourself.

ZeesKite–

No good reason I can think of.

Possibilities I can think of are:

-the foil is contacting the terminals of the outlets.

– the foil is contacting the uninsulated portion of the wire connecting to the terminals.

– there is a short in an ungrounded switch box, and the foil is now grounding that box and exposing the fact that the short exists.

All of the above situations are not good.

The person should ensure that the foil is clear of all outlets, after first cutting off the power to those outlets.

If after doing so there is still any hint of a problem, call an electrician.