r/AskElectricians

Hi Everyone. This is the plug/outlet to my basement sump pump. Any idea what this yellow gel is? It feels pretty firm. Not sure if the area below is also from the plug or something else.

Installed a new video doorbell (after updating transformer to a higher amperage rating) and my chime suddenly started doing this. I know it’s not the transformer as I still had my old doorbell installed when I upgraded the transformer. Any idea what the heck is going on? Not sure why it gets stuck for like a second before springing back up to hit the metal and make the chime sound.

Hoping to use existing wires but upgrade breaker and socket to 14-50amp for ev charging (max 32amp). I see a cut ground that I would use to ground the box or front plate. How to find the wire size without cutting and unscrewing.

Stayed at a hotel recently with my four year old who puts his hands on everything and then discovered this guy hanging out. Made a stink about it at the front desk about how my kid could have touched it and possibly gotten shocked. Front desk tried to act casual about it and dismiss it as "not live" and "not even hazardous."

Did I overreact? Or was I right to be pissed?

Landed my first electrical panel from ground zero, would love to hear some constructive criticism on things I could do better, I already have a few I realized while I was completing the job lol.

Got a panel upgrade mostly because our inspector recommended the panel being flush against the drywall. Reached out to a reputable electrician and the person who came to give an estimate said that they can make it flush with drywall and it would be a longer panel. He indicated that they would need to cut drywall and elongate it inferiorly.

The new panel isn’t flush with drywall and they cut it superiorly. Can see the white outline of the old panel which is where I assume the top of the new panel should have been.

Also, the cover doesn’t fit so they have to come back with a new cover.

Don’t know much but seems like this is not what I requested? Is this easily fixable?

3rd picture is old panel.

EDIT: Looked up the installers. They are Electrical Apprentice's but their licenses expired in in 2025 and 2021.

I recently imported a machine from China to start a small home-based business in Toronto. The manufacturer converted it to 120V for North American use, but we’re running into power issues and wanted to get advice before doing anything unsafe.

The main machine is rated at 3,000W and there’s also an attached air compressor rated around 1,600W.

We tried to test it in our condo, but the breaker trips almost immediately. Our condo mainly has 15A circuits, so we understand we’re probably exceeding what the circuits can safely handle. We tested it a few times before stopping completely.

The only higher-amperage circuits we likely have access to are:
- Washing machine circuit (30A, difficult to access)
- Stove circuit (40A)

(Btw we’re renters, so installing a dedicated new line may not be realistic)

A few questions:
- Is it even feasible/safe to run something like this in a residential condo setup? Could I plug them in separate outlets (the machine in the 40A stove and the compressor in a different outlet close by?
- Would a dedicated 30A circuit theoretically handle this?
- Are there any temporary solutions for testing?
- Should we even consider a generator for something like this? If so, are there large enough battery/inverter generators that could safely handle this load without using gas/propane?
- Would renting a small workshop/flex industrial space make more sense? Our priority is keeping costs low.
- We also have a friend who owns a self-serve laundromat and may allow us to rent a small corner of the shop. Would that be more suitable electrically?

Appreciate any insight. Thanks in advance!

EDIT: The machine was originally designed for 220–240V operation in China. We specifically asked the manufacturer to convert it to 110–120V for North American residential use because we assumed it would be easier to power here.

Based on the replies so far, it sounds like converting it to 120V may have actually created the issue due to the extremely high amperage/current draw (~4600W combined load).

We’re now looking into whether it can safely be reconfigured back to 220–240V and operated on a proper dedicated circuit instead.

I recently purchased a VW ID.4. Our electric company is offering a $500 rebate for Level 2 chargers that run on a separate off-peak meter. I had an electrician install a NEMA 14-50 outlet this morning which I was planning to plug the VW 2-in-1 charger into. Unfortunately, I found out/realized after the fact that the program only works with hardwired chargers. I was looking at adding the hardwired EMPORIA Level 2 EV Charger w/ J1772 Connector. My electrician said he would only charge me for the visit cost, but that’s still over $200.

I have done plenty of small 120V upgrades around the house (outlets, chandeliers, etc). I know 240V/50A is more serious, but is it as straightforward as removing the outlet, adding a junction box, and just running the whip from the charger to the existing wires in the junction box? If so, that feels like a manageable project I can do myself. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

went to change some lightbulbs n noticed this one is just hanging by a wire, can i. pull it out?

I’ve been looking everywhere for my transformer. In the attic, garage, storage spaces and finally noticed this mounted to the top of the breaker box. There’s basically no space to access it but there is extra wire if I snip them off. Trying to install a newer one for a nest doorbell camera

We only have 2 outlet plates in our kitchen, so 4 outlets, but we have so many appliances that we use every day: the microwave, the toaster, the coffee maker, the electric kettle, the air fryer, and the bullet blender. It’s super annoying having to plug and un plug things multiple times a day, but Google says not to use any sort of outlet extender with a microwave. What do you say?

This is the hardhat you have to wear if you forget your ppe to my apprenticeship class, thought I’d share lol

I had it working for a few minutes now it flicks on then back off, I did not do the wiring just zapped myself with a tester, please help!

I do have small electronics exp. Like audrino​

Wondering if it's worth calling and paying an electrician for or if I should just toss out the standing desk

Hello, I had an electrician come by and change out some breakers on my panel. I did notice that he switched a 30amp oven breaker to a 40 amp. I asked him if current wires can handle that he said yes they are 8 gauge size.

I cant tell by looking but is that 10 or 8 gauge? House was built in 1996.

Thanks!