New residential construction electrical wires not labeled at panel

Greg1707 said:
Is it really that complicated? Start by looking at what circuits are needed and what cables are in place.
The following would require 240V: water heater (2 wire #10), range (3 wire #8) etc.
Two #12 circuits for kitchen etc.
It should be easy to identify most circuits in this manner. They can then be confirmed by a continuity tester.
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I agree, and the electrician started to do that. Until he got upset about running an 8 gauge wire to the electric range instead of a 6 gauge. Once I looked at the range spec, I realized he was just trying to create drama.
 
Seven-Delta-FortyOne said:
Identifying circuits is a simple, if somewhat time consuming task.

Multiple ways to do it, including physically tracing the circuits, toning them out, continuity test, and yes, energizing the circuits.

I probably wouldn’t bring a genny just for that, only because I have so many other smaller tools at my disposal. But any competent electrician should find this an easy task.

You should find one you trust, and then stay out of his way and let him do his thing, however he pleases to do it. He’s the professional in this field, and you are not.
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Thanks for the reply. Normally, I would get out of the way and let the professional handle it. One thing I've learned since being the GC for my own build is that you can't trust anyone....always double check. I've done a lot of the work myself and may start installing receptacles, switches, and light fixtures. It's either that or start laying floor tile. It's all good.
 
Joethemechanic said:
For all we know the guy might already carry a little inverter generator on his truck and might have other need for the power or want to test something. He's walking into a mess created by someone else
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No, the generator I have is a big gas powered beast bought to run the well pump. I hope it's not a mess. I wonder how the responses would change if everyone knew I was a woman.
 
Strathead said:
Others have hinted at this , but no one stated it. There is nothing wrong with just energizing the circuits to figure out which is which. There is also noting wrong with using a circuit tracer either. As one other person implied, either wat this is easier with 2 people. In case of only one, the tracer is easier, but only when doing it on energized circuits. Much of it is a matter of personal preference. The thing is, even if your installer made an effort to mark every wire when installing, he probably messed up one or two and "hot checking" is a required part of any project.
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Sounds like great advise.
 
LarryFine said:
When I wire a house, I mark the sheaths, then cut out pieces and slide them onto the hot wires.

View attachment 2580483
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My old eyes can not see any of the grounded conductor marked as to what 120 volt circuit that are associated with. I would attempt to have customers spend a little extra and get a larger panel that has at least 8 open spaces to add further loads.Appears to be a older sub panel. No GFCI or AFCI circuit breakers.
 
Skullmesaranch said:
That's the perfect response. Unfortunately I live in the real world. Have a good one, Hal!
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I fail to understand why you being a woman is even relevant, other than it seems to be a hot point for 'you'? Yes, as many trades are dominated by men, the knee jerk response is to refer to someone as 'he' and 'his'. I'm sure there are Aholes in the field with an attitude about it, but I doubt you will find much of that here. No one cares, but if it bothers you, I suggest you put that in your profile so people can address you correctly.
 
My, now 15 year old, niece has always shown an interest in tools and building things. I try to get her involved in what I do as much as possible. She hints at becoming a nurse which is fine, but maybe a non-traditional career might be better for her.

-Hal
 
Skullmesaranch said:
No, the generator I have is a big gas powered beast bought to run the well pump. I hope it's not a mess. I wonder how the responses would change if everyone knew I was a woman.
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Hey come to think of it, are you an AI woman with an nonstandard finger count?
 
Skullmesaranch said:
No, the generator I have is a big gas powered beast bought to run the well pump. I hope it's not a mess. I wonder how the responses would change if everyone knew I was a woman.
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I could have been wrong on the forum....:oops: I will just speak for myself that gender matters none as long as the work is getting done. I did learn many years ago that the dudes that don't get any are the first to poke fun, so there is that.

Also possible you could make another profile and never mention gender again. Sort of odd given the times, but I can sense you are touchy about it and maybe for good reason.
 
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