Garbage Disposal Switches

I have been advised that some jurisdictions are requiring the use of toggle switches that are market with “On” and “Off” rather than decorator style switches for turning under sink mounted garbage disposal units.

The reason is one of safety as it can be difficult to visually determine if a decorator switch is in the “On” or “Off” position.

While this may be a decorator problem, the concern, and hence the requirement, in my opinion is valid.

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Why is my circuit breaker tripping when I flick the light switch‏?

Q: I'm in the process of renovating my basement. I installed 4 "cans" in the ceiling ran about 30 feet of 14-2 to a switch, then about 20 feet back to the panel to a 15 amp breaker. It works great until I turn the switch off and back on. When I do that the breaker trips. I only have 60 watt bulbs in the cans. Is it a faulty switch or is it overloaded, wrong wire size?

A: Wire size is not the problem.

You will need to troubleshoot the circuit. I would start with the switch and the connections in the switch box.

60 watts times 4 bulbs is only 2 amps, well below the 15 amp breaker.

Follow the link to learn more about troubleshooting electrical circuits.

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Flickering Lights

Q: The bulbs in the fixture in my master bedroom flicker, not always but every now and then, and I can’t find the problem.

A: Flickering lights can be a real nuisance. Troubleshooting an intermittent electrical circuit takes time and patience.

There are many areas where the cause of the problem could be hiding; the flickering lights are just a symptom of the problem.

If you follow the link, there is a detailed methodology on troubleshooting flickering lights.

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