Form for help solving an elelctrical problem

Form to Request Email Advice

To be the best possible help against your problem, I need at least the information this form asks. It has space at the end to describe details of your situation and your request.
Other than name and e-mail address (which I won't share), no identity-sensitive information is required. No-Worry Privacy Policy. Home

Check all choices that apply. Leave unknowns blank:

I think my home was built:
Before 1961
1961-1970
1971-1974
1975-1983
1984-2001
After 2001

My home could be described as:
Two story
Rambler
Split-level
Condo or Apartment
Townhome
Duplex
Mobilehome singlewide
MobileHome doublewide

My problem seems to include these symptoms (check all that apply):
Some outlets don’t work.
Some light fixtures won’t work.
Lights blink or flicker at times.
Lights will become dim awhile.
Lights even become bright awhile.
A circuit breaker has tripped off and won’t reset.
A circuit breaker makes an odd noise when I turn it on.
A GFCI receptacle keeps tripping off.
Electric heater(s) isn’t working.
Thermostat for electric heater(s) doesn’t control well.
A switch operates the wrong thing.
"3-way" switches at opposite ends of a hall or room don’t always work right.
A circuit blows or trips when we use a hairdryer, iron, vacuum, heater, microwave, etc.
I have been shocked by something.

This problem:
Just happened in the last few days
Has happened before
Has been this way for weeks
Was here when I moved in

The items and areas affected seem to be (do some research to confirm):
    Light(s)    Outlet(s)
                         Kitchen
                         Dining room
                         Bathroom(s)
                         Outdoors
                         Living room
                         Bedroom(s)
                         Hall or Entry
                         Other

The total number of affected lights and outlets above is about:
1
2-6
7-11
12 or more

I know the type of wiring in the home includes some:
Older romex cables (fabric or "snakeskin" sheath)
Newer romex cables (plastic sheath)
Spiral-armored cable (BX or Greenfield)
Knob-and-tube supported individual wires

My main electrical panel:
Is in the garage
Is in a bedroom
Is outdoors
Is in the basement
Contains some round glass fuses

The power company lines come to my electric meter:
Overhead
Underground

Miscellaneous (check all that apply):
I have a suspicion about what may have happened
Someone has already tried to fix the problem
I am new to this residence in the last year
I think my home was remodeled or rewired at some time
Several outlets or switches were replaced in the last 2 years or so
I think someone working on things recently may have affected the electrical
I know there is a GFI outlet(s) in my home (outlet with reset buttons on it)
I know most of my electrical boxes are metal
I know most of my electrical boxes are plastic

My electrical experience (or that of someone helping me):
I know only a little
I have some experience with replacing electrical things
I have worked in the electrical trade in past

My comfort level:
I am only willing to do simple checks, not opening boxes or a panel cover
I am willing to work on my electrical; I know how to be safe

I have access to these testers (whether or not I know how to use them):
An outlet tester (3-prongs plug in)
A neon tester (2 leads, tiny light)
A non-contact "pen" type volt checker
A multitester
An ohm or continuity tester
No testers, just a lamp, radio, or nightlight to check if outlets work

State or Province:

Describe your request. Consider including details such as: the basic problem, its symptoms and history, your actions so far, your abilities, and some history of your home.

I will be paying $15: (REQUIRED)
By credit/debit card or PayPal
By check, cash, money order (Advice will be given after payment is mailed)

Name as on this card or check: (REQUIRED to match you to your payment)

E-mail address:(REQUIRED)...that Larry should reply to.

Click "Send" to request my advice. You will be taken to where you can pay securely.

Thank you. I am very good about responding within 12 hours (Mon.-Sat.). -Larry