could someone explain how to go about checking (with a multimeter) for current leakage to the metal frame of, say a washer or dryer. If, for instance, a hot wire or a neutral came loose and contacted the metal case, would there be a way to test for voltage on that frame? I know to touch the red lead of the meter to the cabinet, but where would I find a ground reference? Also, how to verify, with a multimeter, that the EGC is actually attached to the frame. This is just for information only - not an actual problem. I was just wondering. Thanks

OK, I just removed a single light fixture box from the center of my kitchen and installed two recessed fixtures in that ceiling. I was hoping to use the existing hole from the original light box for one of the recessed lights. The benefit of this would have been that I could use the junction box attached to the recessed fixture to make my electrical connections. After cutting out the old box, I found that there were pipes directly above it. So, the recessed light can wouldn't fit in that spot. As you can imagine, the electrician who wired the original box trimmed the cables to size. Well, there isn't enough slack in any of the three cables to run to one of my recessed fixtures. So, my dilemma is...how to make my electrical connections. I can do it above the old hole using a metal box that I can attach the joist. However, I really can't do that because I need to make sure there is access to that box and my intention, of course, is to patch that hole. Any suggestions?