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frankie31337 · Mar 19, 2009, 11:14 AM

Please I need help. My dad re-wired my room with 14 gauge wire. I do not know yet whether it is on a 15 amp or 20 amp breaker. My computer motherboard burnt out after about a week. Since than I have bought 2 new computers and both of them burnt out within 2 hours and the thing is they both have the same exact problem. Wont boot off the harddrive, bios wont recognize harddrive. Basically either there motherboards or cpu 's are fried. He claims he has done nothing wrong. At this point I think it must certainly have to be something with the electriciy but I cannot figure out what. I have not tested the voltage coming out of the outlet yet because I do not have a tester. Please someone help me figure out some various things I can check for a things that could hgave burnt out the equipment. On the outlet there are two wires one on the left of the outlet one on the right. each wire is coming from an opposite direciton through the wall. each wire has the normal black, white and neutral wire. the two gorunds are twisted together and tied to a screw on the left side of the outlet. the two whites are on screws on the left side of the outlet. the two blacks are on screws on the right side of the outlet. also the wire coming from the right direction is on the same wall as the washer/dryer, garbage disposal, dishwasher stove oven everything. I was thinking is it possible that that wire is more amps or voltage and causing a problem? I don't even know how to tell which black wire is the hot wire. Its my understanding that both black wires can be connected to an outlet but the outlet will only get power from one of them. HELP =) Ive lost 3 computers now and my dad claims that he is in no way responsible and that he has done everything right. The 3rd one burnt out while plugged into a power surge which I assume must have also burnt out. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

JudyKayTee · Mar 19, 2009, 11:36 AM

Please only post your question once on one thread.

ballengerb1 · Mar 19, 2009, 01:22 PM

Start by buying a tester, I am surprised your dad doesn't already have one if he's doing electrical work around the house. You should be getting 120v, frequently more like 124 v. The size of the wire and the breaker do not affect the voltage coming to your outlet. His wiring sounds correct.

frankie31337 · Mar 19, 2009, 03:43 PM

Originally Posted by ballengerb1

Start by buying a tester, I am surprised your dad doesn't already have one if he's doing electrical work around the house. You should be getting 120v, frequently more like 124 v. The size of the wire and the breaker do not affect the voltage coming to your outlet. His wiring sounds correct.

He has a tester he just hasn't tested it cause he's a stubborn prick who denies even the slim possibility of his doing something wrong with the electrical work.

I thought the size of the wire and the breaker could affect the voltage? I was reading earlier that 12 gauge wires should be used for 20 amp breakers and 14 gauge for 15 amp breakers. I found out earlier my dad used a 12 gauge wire on a 15 amp breaker. I read in another thread if you use a 12 gauge wire on a 15 amp breaker that there is a possibility that the 12 gauge wire could pull too much electricity and overload the outlet / all the equipment. Any chance this could be something? I really wish I had a tester I have to save up and buy one,

electrics · Mar 19, 2009, 04:10 PM

poss. Cable too long, CSA too small = volt drop = more currrent = more heat = computer burnt out

Stratmando · Mar 20, 2009, 05:58 AM

The Breaker protects the wire, and needs to trip so the wire doesn't burn up.
#12 is fine on a 15 amp breaker, if heaters or something trips breaker, you can just swap breaker to a 20 Amp as wire is ready for it.
I'm thinking it is more like a high(240)volts, or low voltage doing the damage.
The Wire and Breaker are NOT the cause.

tkrussell · Mar 20, 2009, 07:54 AM

My typical smartass comment would be to have Dad plug in his computer, and see if his gets launched, then maybe he would understand there is a problem.

That however would be an irresponsible answer from an expert, so forget I said that.

If there is a wiring problem, and apparently there is, any device plugged into the outlet can cause more damaged, fire, or even personal injury.

These outlets should not be used for anything until the issue is resolved, and I get that is what your trying to do.

Without testing the wiring at the outlets for voltage, there is nothing anyone can help with, other than speculating possible causes or typical problems.

What comes to mind is a shared neutral conductor that is open or broken at a connection, as one of several causes.

Somehow, this situation needs to be checked and resolved right away, and should not let fester, as there may be more damaged done.