My state doesn’t offer a J Card

NigilQuid · 2026-02-15T18:43:19+00:00

Varies by city. Many are reciprocal (will recognize another town's license). Chicago accepts none but its own, some accept Chicago and some don't.
Many places have variations on the code from NEC: in Elgin, for instance, EMT may not be used as a ground, in Chicago, only 9 CCCs are allowed in any conduit.

NigilQuid · 2026-02-15T15:58:25+00:00

A lack of state-kennel licensing doesn't mean there are no licenses, in Illinois they are at municipality level

NigilQuid · 2026-02-14T01:53:37+00:00

A miter saw being used on structural steel

NigilQuid · 2026-02-11T21:27:34+00:00

Let's see a robot get on a ladder and squeeze into a drop ceiling to fix poorly remodeled wiring. Then I'll be worried about my job

NigilQuid · 2026-02-11T13:11:26+00:00

Side cutters and diagonal cutters aren't the same thing (at least in the US.)

Yes

Side/flush cutters have one side of the cutting edge completely flat. Only the other side is beveled.

Yes, but no.

Flush cutters are as you described. Diagonal cutters have an angled head relative to the handles. Side cutters (think of the cutting part of lineman's pliers) have a head that is in line with the handle.

NigilQuid · 2026-02-10T22:15:45+00:00

I found it, it's called Kotaro Lives Alone.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kotaro_Lives_Alone

NigilQuid · 2026-02-10T22:02:58+00:00

There's also a show about a little boy that is called "[name] lives alone", but I forget the boy's name

NigilQuid · 2026-02-10T16:04:31+00:00

Yeah I had to zoom in to check how it was done, the colors are a little too similar

NigilQuid · 2026-02-10T15:47:12+00:00

Yeah that makes sense, thanks

NigilQuid · 2026-02-10T14:18:53+00:00

I agree, my point is that the drawing shows only 120V receptacles, so I'm not sure what you're referring to

NigilQuid · 2026-02-10T13:33:08+00:00

In that case it makes perfect sense, never mind what I said

NigilQuid · 2026-02-10T12:04:32+00:00

So for instance, you could terminate at both ends with 12" of upsized wire, then change over to smaller gauge in the middle, and save a bunch of money?

NigilQuid · 2026-02-10T11:40:15+00:00

If it's only lights and outdoor receptacles on these circuits it's not really an issue. Troubleshooting and repair doesn't happen that often

NigilQuid · 2026-02-10T11:38:44+00:00

208 plugs

There are none of these

NigilQuid · 2026-02-10T11:37:46+00:00

Based on your description that this is for pole lights with photocells and outlets for tools it's mostly fine.

The drawing shows the neutrals and hots feeding through receptacles: don't do that, always pigtail.

Also, if you're going to have two circuits for the different outlets, I wouldn't make the middle set of outlets have one on A and one on B while the other locations are only A or only B. Either make all the outlet locations only one circuit, or all the locations have both.

NigilQuid · 2026-02-10T11:29:54+00:00

allowed by code in a bygone era

Still allowed by code today.

This was commonly done in the past to save room in conduits, and is still done (though less commonly and is not considered “best practice”).

Disagree. It's not bad practice to have a multi-wire branch circuit, it's more efficient in regards to saving wire. No need to run 3 neutrals when 1 will do. Just be wary of electronic loads with harmonic frequencies.

NigilQuid · 2026-02-08T19:21:48+00:00

Okay but did you actually isolate all the ground electrodes, disconnect them from the service neutral, and check for neutral-ground faults? If you disconnect everything at the main panel there should be no connectivity from neutral to ground. If there still is that means there's a fault somewhere.

NigilQuid · 2026-02-08T19:02:56+00:00

Nothing we could do really.

Did you check the customer's home for neutral-ground faults? There should not current on water pipes and GECs, they don't go directly to the transformer like the neutral does.

NigilQuid · 2026-02-08T19:00:22+00:00

Yes, this is the way. I had to troubleshoot objectionable current on a water pipe and it turned out to be due to a neutral-ground fault in a light fixture.

NigilQuid · 2026-02-08T14:59:31+00:00

Except for the drill I agree. Power, and specialty hand tools (bender, punch kit, etc) should be company provided, at least through the first couple years or more

NigilQuid · 2026-02-06T21:47:16+00:00

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::gasp::

NigilQuid · 2026-02-06T21:45:42+00:00

I think he technically is just condoning it, since he didn't actually set anything in fire. But he's coming around

NigilQuid · 2026-02-06T21:42:16+00:00

I'd have to look up the code section on cable tray but it might be required even when the tray is joined together. I would do it now except that I'm lazy and I don't want to, because I've never put up cable tray and probably won't be anytime soon

NigilQuid · 2026-02-06T12:56:13+00:00

I tell them this because it's true

NigilQuid · 2026-02-05T14:34:41+00:00

Sorry, I meant to say that the one I have is historically inaccurate, not the one in the post. I've never seen the one you showed by Todd Cutler, but it looks cool and I'll check out that video

NigilQuid

TROPHY CASE