G
Guest
Guest
Well here's the answer to a question:
- Status
- Location
- Massachusetts
Re: DIY: Official Policy.
I hate rules.
I hate rules.
ryan_618
Senior Member
- Location
- Salt Lake City, Utah
Re: DIY: Official Policy.
Those are the questions
Roger I think the question is: Does the ground go up or down? How many plugs on my residential circuit?
Those are the questions
Re: DIY: Official Policy.
Now Ryan, we know those questions come from people associated with the industry.
DIYer questions may be, what is better, THHN or THWN?
Roger
[ September 26, 2003, 07:49 PM: Message edited by: roger ]
Now Ryan, we know those questions come from people associated with the industry.
DIYer questions may be, what is better, THHN or THWN?
Roger
[ September 26, 2003, 07:49 PM: Message edited by: roger ]
- Location
- Massachusetts
Re: DIY: Official Policy.
My question would be what is the official definition of DIY.
Is it an executive who saw something on TV and wants to do the same in his house.
Is it a first year apprentice asking how to wire a transformer.
I did not know we where having "problems" can anyone describe what the problems where.
The site already said it was for
Contractors
Electricians
Engineers
Inspectors
Instructors
Other electrically related individuals
My question would be what is the official definition of DIY.
Is it an executive who saw something on TV and wants to do the same in his house.
Is it a first year apprentice asking how to wire a transformer.
I did not know we where having "problems" can anyone describe what the problems where.
The site already said it was for
Contractors
Electricians
Engineers
Inspectors
Instructors
Other electrically related individuals
big john
Senior Member
- Location
- Portland, ME
Re: DIY: Official Policy.
While I do like the challenge posed by trouble-shooting, I find it irritating to read those types of questions on a bulletin board.
Having someone try to explain a problem with the terminology:
"The red wire goes out of the box back to the switch [breaker] but the other end goes to where a black wire is. Is this why my light doesn't work?" - That might be a problem that could be properly diagnosed in thirty seconds if you were looking at it, but trying to discern it from the inadequate description of someone completely unfamiliar with the trade, can be painful at best.
No offense to DIYers, but there are hundreds of books out there made just for you. If it really stumps you, chances are you shouldn't be playing with it, call an electrician.
Forums like this are nice because the issues are discussed intelligently and thoroughly in a language that we all seem to understand (as long as it's not quoting code articles ).
I for one would like to keep it that way.
-John
While I do like the challenge posed by trouble-shooting, I find it irritating to read those types of questions on a bulletin board.
Having someone try to explain a problem with the terminology:
"The red wire goes out of the box back to the switch [breaker] but the other end goes to where a black wire is. Is this why my light doesn't work?" - That might be a problem that could be properly diagnosed in thirty seconds if you were looking at it, but trying to discern it from the inadequate description of someone completely unfamiliar with the trade, can be painful at best.
No offense to DIYers, but there are hundreds of books out there made just for you. If it really stumps you, chances are you shouldn't be playing with it, call an electrician.
Forums like this are nice because the issues are discussed intelligently and thoroughly in a language that we all seem to understand (as long as it's not quoting code articles
). I for one would like to keep it that way.
-John
charlie
Senior Member
- Location
- Indianapolis
Re: DIY: Official Policy.
John, it is our intent to keep it that way. Thanks for a good response. Charlie
John, it is our intent to keep it that way. Thanks for a good response. Charlie
- Location
- Massachusetts
Re: DIY: Official Policy.
My thought here was, we where already where self policing.
I did not see many DIYs getting to much information, when they asked the question in a way that showed their lack of knowledge.
At the same time, some questions from licensed electricians have been downright scary.
My thought here was, we where already where self policing.
I did not see many DIYs getting to much information, when they asked the question in a way that showed their lack of knowledge.
At the same time, some questions from licensed electricians have been downright scary.
- Location
- Lockport, IL
- Occupation
- Semi-Retired Electrical Engineer
Re: DIY: Official Policy.
My answer - not to be construed as an official forum answer, but rather my own - is that a DIY is a person who is not EMPLOYED (never has been employed, is not comtemplating seeking employment, etc.) in the electrical industry.
charlie
Senior Member
- Location
- Indianapolis
Re: DIY: Official Policy.
Thanks Bob, while I agree, we have been really mean to some of them and not pointed them to other sites where they could talk to others with the same knowledge. We will now delete their entire thread and point them to another location while trying to be nice to them. With the notices that are now posted, maybe they won't post to start with.
- Location
- Massachusetts
Re: DIY: Official Policy.
Looking at from the perspective of us being mean to these folks that are asking for help, I would agree that it would be better to remove the thread and redirect them to another site.
Still what about the bad questions from people in the trade?
Since my previous posts in this thread I received a PM and it has changed my view on this subject.
Looking at from the perspective of us being mean to these folks that are asking for help, I would agree that it would be better to remove the thread and redirect them to another site.
Still what about the bad questions from people in the trade?
russellroberts
Senior Member
- Location
- Georgia
Re: DIY: Official Policy.
Does this mean I can't ask questions that everybody else knows the answer to?
Russell
Does this mean I can't ask questions that everybody else knows the answer to?
Russell
charlie
Senior Member
- Location
- Indianapolis
Re: DIY: Official Policy.
Still what about the bad questions from people in the trade?
joe tedesco
Senior Member
- Location
- Boston, Massachusetts
Re: DIY: Official Policy.
Members
I found this on the web and wanted to share it with you:
Guidelines for the Do-It-Yourself Electrician
Many homeowners like to do their own electrical work. Unfortunately, much of the electrical work done by nonprofessionals does not meet the electrical code and is dangerous. Poorly installed panels and wiring can cause home fires.
The homeowner who decides to do his or her own electrical work should keep in mind the following guidelines:
An unlicensed electrician may only work on his or her own residence.
Most modifications to electrical systems require an electrical permit. Permits may be obtained from your local building department, or from the state Department of Labor and Industries.
The home electrical system is the most complex and potentially dangerous system in the home. The untrained individual is best advised to hire a licensed electrician.
However, if you decide to do your own electrical work, there are good books and manuals from the Sound Home Bookstore that explain the current electrical code and techniques for residential wiring."
See this message I posted today on my Bob Vila Site:
http://www.bobvila.com/ultimate/Forum7/HTML/000928.html
Members
I found this on the web and wanted to share it with you:
Guidelines for the Do-It-Yourself Electrician
Many homeowners like to do their own electrical work. Unfortunately, much of the electrical work done by nonprofessionals does not meet the electrical code and is dangerous. Poorly installed panels and wiring can cause home fires.
The homeowner who decides to do his or her own electrical work should keep in mind the following guidelines:
An unlicensed electrician may only work on his or her own residence.
Most modifications to electrical systems require an electrical permit. Permits may be obtained from your local building department, or from the state Department of Labor and Industries.
The home electrical system is the most complex and potentially dangerous system in the home. The untrained individual is best advised to hire a licensed electrician.
However, if you decide to do your own electrical work, there are good books and manuals from the Sound Home Bookstore that explain the current electrical code and techniques for residential wiring."
See this message I posted today on my Bob Vila Site:
http://www.bobvila.com/ultimate/Forum7/HTML/000928.html
pierre
Senior Member
- Location
- Westchester County, New York
Re: DIY: Official Policy.
If this forum was for individuals in the trade who already know everything and did not need help,but just conversation, I would dare to say that would eliminate everyone.
As far as dealing with the individuals in the industry who are having trouble with a topic, or their questions seem to show their lack or level of comprehension that we expect them to have, here is what I say.
HELP THEM! HELP THEM! HELP THEM!
Not all of the individuals have had the good fortune to get a proper education in this great industry. Not all of the individuals have had the good fortune to work with a great mechanic. Some are trying to better themselves (I believe this is the majority) but don't know where to start. Some have no clue, these are the ones who will need the most attention. Then there will always be some who will not be helped and we should ignore those and focus on the others.
I have only been to this forum for 7 months, but I can see that most are here to learn/help in what way they can. There are probably many (based on over 10,000 listed as members) that are eager to listen to what others have to say. Like any good business, this forum is always in flux, adjusting to the necessary changes as they go.
I can tell you myself that this forum has been an eyeopener and a great place to see what the good ole USA is up to in the electrical sense. It is a very good resource for any and all who can take advantage of it.
Pierre
If this forum was for individuals in the trade who already know everything and did not need help,but just conversation, I would dare to say that would eliminate everyone.
As far as dealing with the individuals in the industry who are having trouble with a topic, or their questions seem to show their lack or level of comprehension that we expect them to have, here is what I say.
HELP THEM! HELP THEM! HELP THEM!
Not all of the individuals have had the good fortune to get a proper education in this great industry. Not all of the individuals have had the good fortune to work with a great mechanic. Some are trying to better themselves (I believe this is the majority) but don't know where to start. Some have no clue, these are the ones who will need the most attention. Then there will always be some who will not be helped and we should ignore those and focus on the others.
I have only been to this forum for 7 months, but I can see that most are here to learn/help in what way they can. There are probably many (based on over 10,000 listed as members) that are eager to listen to what others have to say. Like any good business, this forum is always in flux, adjusting to the necessary changes as they go.
I can tell you myself that this forum has been an eyeopener and a great place to see what the good ole USA is up to in the electrical sense. It is a very good resource for any and all who can take advantage of it.
Pierre
Re: DIY: Official Policy.
Originally posted by iwire:
Here is my view point. Assume it could be from an apprentice who is just getting his feet wet, or someone changing from residential to industrial.Still what about the bad questions from people in the trade?
Even if it is a bad question always exercise pollitical correctness. If it is a trouble maker report the post to one of the moderators for review
electricmanscott
Senior Member
- Location
- Boston, MA
Re: DIY: Official Policy.
You guys have said it all. But remember there are no stupid questions only stupid people.
You guys have said it all. But remember there are no stupid questions only stupid people.
hurk27
Senior Member
- Location
- Portage, Indiana NEC: 2008
Re: DIY: Official Policy.
I was in a Sears Hardware Store today getting some parts for my lawn mower when I happened to walk by a display showing DYS how to do there own wiring and I counted at least 4 violations in it. the worst was they had a sub panel that didn't have a grounding bar and no bonding screw, the neutrals and EGC were under the same screws.
I just wished I had my camera with me at the time. It would of been a good example of how not to do electrical work. So I went out to my truck and got a red tag wrote all the violations on the back and sneaked back in and put it on the display. maybe they will get the hint.
P.S.I don't inspect I just found some red tags on a job site and still had them in the truck
I was in a Sears Hardware Store today getting some parts for my lawn mower when I happened to walk by a display showing DYS how to do there own wiring and I counted at least 4 violations in it. the worst was they had a sub panel that didn't have a grounding bar and no bonding screw, the neutrals and EGC were under the same screws.
I just wished I had my camera with me at the time. It would of been a good example of how not to do electrical work. So I went out to my truck and got a red tag wrote all the violations on the back and sneaked back in and put it on the display. maybe they will get the hint.
P.S.I don't inspect I just found some red tags on a job site and still had them in the truck
- Status