Don't Make This Electrical Mistake | Its a Fire Hazard

Summary

In this video, the creator tackles a complex electrical wiring project, running a 14-gauge wire to a minisplit system and installing a dedicated 20-amp circuit for basement freezers. The process involves navigating various obstacles, such as working around floor joists and drywall. The creator reflects on the challenges of electrical work, shares tips on using tools like a drill extension, and emphasizes the importance of a reliable power setup for appliances. The video highlights the balance of quick wins and slow tasks in DIY electrical projects, while teasing an upcoming major workshop transformation.

Takeaways

• 😀 The project involves running electrical wires from a panel to various locations in a garage, including a mini-split system and freezers.
• 😀 The task requires removing sections of drywall to navigate around obstacles such as floor joists and insulation.
• 😀 The electrician faces the challenge of drilling through the floor joist and rim joist to run the wire.
• 😀 Unexpected issues, like finding a service panel and knockout slots, cause some deviation from the original plan but are addressed with quick adjustments.
• 😀 The use of a drill extension makes drilling through tight spaces more efficient.
• 😀 The project is focused on upgrading the electrical setup, moving from extension cords and power strips to dedicated circuits.
• 😀 The garage's electrical setup includes multiple extension cords, with one circuit powering both a freezer and a refrigerator-freezer combination.
• 😀 The project also involves ensuring that the new setup will not trip circuits or risk the safety of the appliances, particularly with power-hungry devices like freezers.
• 😀 The speaker demonstrates using a surge protector with a reset button, which will be considered as a backup solution for the appliances.
• 😀 The speaker teases future projects, including a large workshop transformation and the biggest project of the last three years, which will be revealed soon.
• 😀 Viewers are encouraged to reach out with specific questions on Patreon and follow upcoming videos for more details on the speaker's ongoing projects.

Q & A

What is the main objective of the project described in the video?

The main objective is to run new electrical circuits in a garage and basement, including a dedicated 20-amp circuit for basement freezers and wiring for a mini split system, replacing unsafe extension cord setups.

Why did the electrician need to remove sections of drywall?

The drywall was removed to access wall cavities, floor joists, and the rim joist in order to route electrical wiring safely and properly through the structure.

What challenges did the electrician anticipate before running the wire?

He was unsure about the location of the floor joist, whether he would need to drill through both the floor joist and rim joist, and how to navigate around obstacles like insulation and structural straps.

What made this wiring run more complicated than the previous mini split installation?

Unlike the earlier installation, this run required routing the wire around the entire garage and navigating more structural unknowns, making it less straightforward.

Why is using 14-gauge extension cords for freezers considered unsafe?

Freezers draw significant current, and using 14-gauge extension cords with power strips increases the risk of overheating and tripping breakers, potentially leading to food spoilage or fire hazards.

What solution did the electrician implement for the basement freezers?

He installed a dedicated 20-amp circuit to provide a safer and more reliable power source for the freezers, eliminating the need for extension cords and power strips.

What tool did the electrician use to drill through tight spaces, and why was it helpful?

He used a drill extension, approximately 16 inches long, which allowed him to reach and drill through the rim joist in tight spaces more easily.

Why did the electrician adjust the drill’s clutch and speed settings?

He lowered the clutch and speed to reduce the risk of wrist injury and maintain better control while drilling through structural members.

What was the purpose of using a glow stick in the wall cavity?

The glow stick was used as a visual aid to help locate the wire path from above, making it easier to guide and pull the wire through the wall cavity.

What unexpected discovery did the electrician make near the service entrance?

He discovered a panel with a knockout near the service entrance and checked to see whether it contained additional breakers, which could have simplified the mini split wiring.

How did the electrician ensure the equipment was properly powered after installation?

He plugged the equipment into the new circuit, verified that everything powered off and back on correctly, and checked the surge protector indicators for proper grounding and protection.

What broader lesson does the electrician share about projects like this?

He explains that projects often have unexpected fast and slow sections, and that as a one-person operation, taking on large projects can be challenging but rewarding.