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In Reply to: RE: Problem with new Power Port Premier... posted by skytag on May 30, 2009 at 18:20:14
Thanks for your response.
I didn't try installing it in another outlet yet - but as I said my original power port works perfectly fine.
As for why the electrician wired it that way - I really don't know. I actually asked for a 20A circuit and this is what he gave me. A bit weird because of the 3-wire situation in the box - but the classic power port works perfectly fine with the one white wire on the "white" side and one red and one black wire on the "black" side.
I suppose I could try to install the new Power Port Premier in another outlet - but really I need it to work in this outlet so if it doesn't I guess I'll just return it. I was just wondering if there was something simple that I may have neglected but it appears not...
"As for why the electrician wired it that way - I really don't know. I actually asked for a 20A circuit and this is what he gave me. A bit weird because of the 3-wire situation in the box"
I think he pulled a fast one on you. I'd bet real money that doesn't meet code because the breakers don't provide adequate protection. As I said, I'm not an electrician, but 30A circuits require 10AWG romex and outlets rated for 30A take a different plug. Your breakers will allow 30A, but nothing else in the circuit is rated for 30A. The dual hot wires will handle 30A, but the single 12AWG white wire isn't rated for that kind of current and neither is the outlet. Those are only approved up to 20A.
The upshot is that if something were to short out or go bad in such a way that it started pulling 25 or 30 amps through the circuit you'd be exceeding the rated capacity of your outlet, the white wire, and possibly other components in the system, but the breakers wouldn't trip, which could result in a fire. If you aren't comfortable doing it yourself, hire a reputable electrician to take that out and give you a legitimate, safe 20A circuit. At the very least call your local building inspector or a different electrician and ask him if that's legit. I'd be very, very surprised if it is.
I agree with Skytag - however, it's hard to imagine the Power Port Premier doesn't work unless one of the screws snapped off which would probably be pretty obvious. We're happy to replace this for you and offer apologies for the hard work that has resulted in nothing accomplished.
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