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Electrical Wiring

connecting to heating / air condition unit

15 years ago

I have two pole lights that I want to have hooked up outside

my house. the guy who wants to do this job said he would hook one of the lights up to my heating/air condion unit outside my house ( will this be safe) and he will hook the other one up to my power line on the opposite side of the house. He's going to run the wire undergound

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Comments (9)

bigbird_1
15 years ago
Unless there is a subpanel for the heat/AC unit outside the house it is against code and dangerous to "tap" into that circuit.

" he will hook the other one up to my power line"
Can you explain what he means by that and how he will do it. We need more info.
petey_racer
15 years ago
From the little bit of detail you are providing this guy already sounds like a total hack.
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dezwit
15 years ago
The air conditioner circuit is probably 220 volt with a ground.
Apparently he is planning to tap one of the 220 legs and use the ground in place of a neutral.
If this is the case, tell him that this is totally unacceptable and call a real electrician.
Ron Natalie
15 years ago
Further, the wiring to the post lights most likely is planned to be undersized compared to the overcurrent protection.
rabbit8
Original Author
15 years ago
BY me being a female, I can't really explain it, but these are the items he told me he would need: 50 ft two underground wire, 25 ft condure pipes, and 5 three quarter elbows.I think I need to find someone else. First they said they was going to run the wire from the outside of the house along the wall near the ground. I told them I didn't want that. Their cost for doing this is $125.00. I do they you'll for your advice.
petey_racer
15 years ago
$125????? For the whole thing????

PLEASE!!! For your own benefit and safety, find a REAL electrician to do this work!
davidandkasie
15 years ago
look at it this way, when the wire catches fire at least it will START outside.

do not hire this guy for anything.
terribletom
15 years ago
One of these days, this guy is going to win himself a Darwin Award. I just hope he doesn't take anyone with him.

From that detailed materials list, I reckon he doesn't plan to put in any switches or anything fancy like that. Do these outdoor lamps have pull cords, or will you have to unscrew the bulbs to turn 'em off.
rabbit8
Original Author
15 years ago
I bought the kind that comes on at dust and off at dawn. By the way, when the sensor wears out can I purchase another one or would it be best to just get the solar light. I can take this stuff back to Lowes. I think I'm going to find a real electrician. I thank you'll so much for the advice.

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