The Circuit Detective’s

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. If something crucial about the problem is unclear to me, I will e-mail you ahead of my main response to ask for the clarification.
     Other than name and e-mail address (which I won't share), no identity-sensitive information is required. No-Worry Privacy Policy

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 any):
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 any):
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 $20: (REQUIRED)
By credit/debit card or PayPal
By check, cash, money order (Advice will be given after payment is received)

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