what could go wrong?
I thought it would be easy to switch out a ceiling fan. I've done it before. It's not complicated.
But, our condo is in a 1928 building. Once I got the old fan down, I discovered a nest of jury-rigged-no-way-is-this-up-to-code wiring. I tried to "fix" it and ended up killing the power to the lights in two closets and an outlet I use all the time.
So, time to call an electrician, right? If only it was that simple. My wife and her 94-year-old dad decided they could figure things out.
My father-in-law is a retired scientist with a doctorate in chemical engineering. My wife has a master's in urban policy. How that adds up to "electrician" is a mystery for the ages.
But I guess this gives them a project to work on until they either succeed or allow me to call in an expert.
What could go wrong?
= new reply since forum marked as read
Oh, and good luck with that fan.
Here in shithole TN, they have "master" (IDIOT!) electricians.
Even if you have access to things.
You can get a handyman book on wiring at any hardware store, and they will have sound advice, but if you see old stuff like this:
Call for a pro. Rip out and replace, or you won't have a home for very long.
Some years ago, I was walking to my front door and saw some flashing in the neighbor's garage. Oh, they're welding. I knocked on their door and they were all watching TV, definitely not welding. So, we called the fire department and deployed our garden hoses in the meanwhile.
Old electrical stuff.
I searched for free electrical wiring books and this page came up.
https://electrical-engineering-portal.com/download-center/books-and-guides/electrical-engineering/electrical-wiring
Has a download link to a Black and Decker book, which looks like the real deal.
Says it's compliant with the code up to 2017, which is better than what you have.
And I suspect it's not entirely Kosher to share this way.
But if it saves a life or two, or a home, good.
Just make sure that the work is up to code. It's there for your safety.
Qualifications: Physics major, and former Third Class Electrician's Mate!
What can go wrong?
• Ground/Neutral wire is hot (They didn't have a third grounding wire in those days)
• Something got crossed, so powering on blows a fuse or breaker.
• There are still old wires in the branch, and insulation frayed (or critters ate it)
• A connection is not made properly, and gets loose over time and sparks.
• Aluminum and copper wires are joined without a magic connector to join dissimilar metals.
• Wire nuts are not properly done. An electrician who put in my generator said that the code had changed in terms of pre-twisting the wires.
• New codes require metal shields to prevent screws and nails from penetrating wires in the walls.
• Stapling/clamping wires improperly (ouch)
• Not being able to tell "silver" from "gold" on the switches, etc.
• Inconsistent color coding of the wires. (black/white/green, usually)
Most likely that the neutral wire ends up being hot, or that wire nuts/joints are not done right and tight. I'd put in that grounding wire and test like crazy.
And do check in from time to time!!
They ended up bringing in some extra help. Everything works. And I'm pretty sure we won't burn the the building down. 