3 ms·

Indeed. It happens all the time that a homeowner does significant wiring projects in their own home. Everything you need is available at the local hardware stor

Indeed. It happens all the time that a homeowner does significant wiring projects in their own home. Everything you need is available at the local hardware store or Home Depot. Some do a good job. I've also seen things like lamp cord used in fixed wiring behind walls or in attics.

13of40 8y ago
I inherited some piece of furniture - I don't recall what - that my wife's ex had attached a florescent lamp to. He used a telephone cord for the 120v power connection.
- ethbro 8y ago
  People who can't explain how current, voltage, and resistance relate to each other shouldn't be allowed near wiring.
  - ScottBurson 8y ago
    A fluorescent lamp that one would attach to furniture probably only takes 10W. That's less than 100mA at 120V; a telephone wire can handle that. Also, telephone wires once carried as much as 50VDC for ringers, so I'd expect the insulation to be adequate, if only barely. The biggest problem, I think, is that because the insulation is relatively thin, there's a greater risk of mechanical damage to it.
  - ams6110 8y ago
    One slightly obscure example is someone using a European (220V) light fixture or extension cord (with plug adapters) in North America. (110V). The current for the same wattage will be roughly double in North America. So lamps, etc. intended for use in Europe will have wiring that is undersized for the current draw if used in North America.
randysavage 8y ago
> I've also seen things like lamp cord used in fixed wiring behind walls or in attics. We found exactly that, lamp cords and extension cords, when we started our remodel a month ago. The former owner did some renovation ten years ago, and was an architect so we always assumed he did a decent job. That was one of a few questionable choices he made, so we're now re-wiring the entire house.

3 ms·

Indeed. It happens all the time that a homeowner does significant wiring projects in their own home. Everything you need is available at the local hardware stor

by ams6110 8y ago

13of40 8y ago
I inherited some piece of furniture - I don't recall what - that my wife's ex had attached a florescent lamp to. He used a telephone cord for the 120v power connection.
- ethbro 8y ago
  People who can't explain how current, voltage, and resistance relate to each other shouldn't be allowed near wiring.
  - ScottBurson 8y ago
    A fluorescent lamp that one would attach to furniture probably only takes 10W. That's less than 100mA at 120V; a telephone wire can handle that. Also, telephone wires once carried as much as 50VDC for ringers, so I'd expect the insulation to be adequate, if only barely. The biggest problem, I think, is that because the insulation is relatively thin, there's a greater risk of mechanical damage to it.
  - ams6110 8y ago
    One slightly obscure example is someone using a European (220V) light fixture or extension cord (with plug adapters) in North America. (110V). The current for the same wattage will be roughly double in North America. So lamps, etc. intended for use in Europe will have wiring that is undersized for the current draw if used in North America.
randysavage 8y ago
> I've also seen things like lamp cord used in fixed wiring behind walls or in attics. We found exactly that, lamp cords and extension cords, when we started our remodel a month ago. The former owner did some renovation ten years ago, and was an architect so we always assumed he did a decent job. That was one of a few questionable choices he made, so we're now re-wiring the entire house.