2 Electrical Questions
#1
04-27-03, 07:00 PM
2 Electrical Questions
I am going to be doing some upgrades to my home.
1) I want to add a garbage diposal to my kitchen sink. I am familiar with attaching the wiring to the disposal unit but I just need some help connecting it to an electrical source. Right near my sink I have a light switch/wall outlet receptacle. What would be the easiest way to tap into this point and add a second switch to control the disposal?
2) In general are there any diagrams for adding to existing circuits. I am familiar with hot & neutral wires, but when you add that second hot wire I haven't been able to find much explaining it or its connections. Any help with the "traveler" wire would be very appreciated. I would like to add electrical outlets to my basement.
Thanks
1) I want to add a garbage diposal to my kitchen sink. I am familiar with attaching the wiring to the disposal unit but I just need some help connecting it to an electrical source. Right near my sink I have a light switch/wall outlet receptacle. What would be the easiest way to tap into this point and add a second switch to control the disposal?
2) In general are there any diagrams for adding to existing circuits. I am familiar with hot & neutral wires, but when you add that second hot wire I haven't been able to find much explaining it or its connections. Any help with the "traveler" wire would be very appreciated. I would like to add electrical outlets to my basement.
Thanks
#2
04-27-03, 07:08 PM
Member
Before beginning an implementation, we should ensure that you have a good and legal design.
1. A disposal uses a lot of power, especially the larger ones. Since you are going to tap another circuit, I suggest you restrain you appetite and limit yourself to a 1/2 HP one. You are not allowed to tap any circuit serving a kitchen countertop receptacle, nor any circuit serving a nook, dining room, or pantry receptacle. You may, however, tap into a lighting circuit if sufficient excess capacity exists. You may also add the disposal to the dishwasher circuit if your dishwasher currently has a dedicated 20-amp circuit. Regardless,it is essential that you determine everything that is on any circuit you plan to tap into.
2. Adding a receptacle and switch to an existing circuit is probably the most common DIY electrical project in the country. Any book on home wiring available at your local public library or home improvement center will show you how to add a receptacle. It will have diagrams and pictures that will be invaluable. Most important of all, it will contain the safety information you need to avoid killing yourself or burning your house down.
Traveler wires are only used in 3-way lighting circuits. Adding a receptacle that is unswitched, or switched at only one location, will never involve touching a traveler.
So first go read a book (or two or three). We can then help you with any aspect of the project that is still unclear to you.
1. A disposal uses a lot of power, especially the larger ones. Since you are going to tap another circuit, I suggest you restrain you appetite and limit yourself to a 1/2 HP one. You are not allowed to tap any circuit serving a kitchen countertop receptacle, nor any circuit serving a nook, dining room, or pantry receptacle. You may, however, tap into a lighting circuit if sufficient excess capacity exists. You may also add the disposal to the dishwasher circuit if your dishwasher currently has a dedicated 20-amp circuit. Regardless,it is essential that you determine everything that is on any circuit you plan to tap into.
2. Adding a receptacle and switch to an existing circuit is probably the most common DIY electrical project in the country. Any book on home wiring available at your local public library or home improvement center will show you how to add a receptacle. It will have diagrams and pictures that will be invaluable. Most important of all, it will contain the safety information you need to avoid killing yourself or burning your house down.
Traveler wires are only used in 3-way lighting circuits. Adding a receptacle that is unswitched, or switched at only one location, will never involve touching a traveler.
So first go read a book (or two or three). We can then help you with any aspect of the project that is still unclear to you.
