Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick Lee
I checked all with a multimeter, then installed the new GFI outlet. I did not push the GFI box back into the wall. With all power on, my multimeter is still showing next to nothing on the wires stabbed into the new GFI outlet.
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Glad you solved the problem Rick.
Instead of using a multimeter you need to get this 120V tester combo.
-The pen tester is essential for finding hot wires. Test it in a live outlet first.
-The outlet tester will tell you if polarity is correct. Some have a trip button to test if the GFI is working correctly.
I had some old shop lights with failed crispy electronic ballasts which were converted to 'ballast bypass' bulbs. Now the lights are instant-on, much brighter, and no flicker at sub-zero temps. I'd previously tried all of the 'direct replacement' types...using multiple brands and multiple known good ballasts as well...and many trips to the store...and none of them worked. A waste of time so buying a dozen new fixtures at $40-60/pop or the conversion for $15/pop was a no-brainer choice. Started from scratch with the wiring from the plug outward and figure it out one step at a time. Draw a diagram if needed but it's not that complex. Go slow and make sure every connection is perfect and tight.
(As a caveat to this conversion: The GE brand and some other dim-able ones I saw online use both ends of the bulb and would require the fixture to be wired as such and replaced same-with-same later on. The HD and Menards bulb brands use only end, which meant one bulb pin needed to be hot and the other neutral, with the switch in-line. You will probably want to stick with one style and not rewire again.)
I would also recommend against using the stabbing method. Spend five more minutes and do it right.
The stab method reduces the contact area between the two surfaces and is dependent on the spring blade holding the wire in place when pushing the assembly back into the wall. If the thing ever heats up for instance, the wire could possibly fold out and arc to the box etc if there is loss of retained tension on it.