Q&A for How to Install an Electrical Outlet from Scratch

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How do I know what size circuit breaker I need to install an air conditioning and heating system?

Community Answer

There is no way to know because every AC is different. Differences in efficiency, BTU, heat strips, single/three phase, fan speed, condensate pump, single/multi stage/inverter, etc. all contribute to different amp draw. The only thing you should trust is the specifications from the manufacturer. You can find this information on the manufacturer's website, manuals, and on the unit itself. Regardless, the maximum circuit breaker you can put in is determined by the smallest size of wiring you have in a circuit.

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Question

I have a 20A breaker (110V) which services one outlet (dart board game); I am thinking of splitting off of that line right before the outlet (in a junction box) to supply two 80W fluorescent fixtures. Will 14-2 Romex be OK to use?

Community Answer

No. 14-2 wire should be used for 15 amp circuits. Use 12ga copper wire for a 20 amp circuit.

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Question

How do I connect a mid run outlet at the end of the run? Do I need a single pole outlet?

Community Answer

No, since it's a mid run outlet and not the last outlet ending the circuit, you need a triple pole outlet. That way you can run your nomex to the outlet off the one set of screws, and then feed another line off the other set of screws to continue the circuit and feed the next outlet.

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Question

I have a 20A double outlet I'm planning on installing outside. The wire I'm using has a green, black and white wire, and the outlet has two screws on each side. What do I do to get the both plugs to work?

Community Answer

Connect the black (hot) and white (neutral) to the screws that say load and the green (ground) to the green screen on the bottom, and they both should work.

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