200A Main

I just bought a Lutron in-cord dimmer for a bedside lamp. The installation instructions specify that the dimmer can be installed only on SPT-2 cords, and not on SPT-1 or TPT. (BTW, Lutron does not mention this important fact anywhere on the package; one must rip open the package to read the instructions.) How can I tell what kind of cord my lamp has? I've had this lamp for years. I don't know the manufacturer (no visible name on the unit). Also, I see nothing on the cord or on the plug that would identify the cord as being SPT-2, SPT-1, TPT, or anything else. I called Lutron's "technical hotline", and all they could tell me was to take the lamp to an electrician to identify the type of cord; they said that any electrician would be able to tell from looking at the cord, but they could not explain what to look for over the phone. :mad: I'm hoping that I may be able to find some other way to identify this cord. TIA! kynnjo

I recently purchased an unfinished house from the bank. The builder apparently went bankrupt and abruptly disappeared. The house is only 3 years old and nearly complete, but still in need of light fixtures, outlets, switches, flooring and plumbing fixtures. So far I have had no problems finishing the house and I have installed all of the electrical outlets and switches myself. Now I have run into a problem I overlooked. There are two switches I installed that seem to do nothing. I tried tracing the wires before I turned on the power but could not figure out where they went. They do not seem to operate any obvious light fixtures or outlets. One switch is in a 3-switch box at the back door (the other 2 switches in this box operate porch lights and porch fans), and the other mystery switch is in a 3-switch box at the carport door (the other 2 switches here operate the garage lights and the entrance hallway light). Given their locations, I am almost certain that these switches must be for outdoor flood lights that were never installed. In the case of the front and backdoor porch lights, there were very obvious wires dangling out of the siding where they should be installed. But I have found no such external wires in areas where I would expect the flood lights to be installed (i.e. under eves around the garage). Am I even correct in my assumption that these switches are for potential outdoor security/floor lights? If so, how should I go about finding where the flood lights were meant to be installed? If not, any ideas on what these switches even operate or how I can determine where they go?