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#1
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Remodeling upstairs condo, power out downstairs condo
Arggggghhhhh! New owner of condo above ours has gutted his kitchen and
is putting down Pergo-type flooring in other rooms. We began having trouble with one or another electrical circuits going out in our condo whilst he worked upstairs. The first time, he was hammering almost above where I was sitting and at the same moment, power went out in our dining room and adjoining office area. Went out and reset the breaker, aok. Then, twice, the elec. to our two baths and small hallway went out. I didn't notice when it happened, as I don't use those lights during the day. We reset the breaker once, and aok, but reset the breaker next time and now the power won't come on to the baths and hallway. The guy wasn't truthful, I believe, when he told me he was working in a different area the first time it happened. I haven't seen his condo, but hubby said kitchen is gutted to the studs with wires hanging all over. He allegedly has an electrician. His unit is same layout as ours, but entirely separate breaker panels. I assume much of our wiring would be beneath his floor. I have called the city building dept, no response yet, and fire insp., not their job. I think he must have put a nail through a wire, but I don't know electricity or breaker panels or ohms or watts. Can the vibration from his work wiggle something loose in the main panel? Any other ideas? My dryer is broken, waiting for a part, and I can't handle this much stress all at once ) |
#2
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Remodeling upstairs condo, power out downstairs condo
"Norminn" wrote in message k.net... I have called the city building dept, no response yet, and fire insp., not their job. I think he must have put a nail through a wire, but I don't know electricity or breaker panels or ohms or watts. Can the vibration from his work wiggle something loose in the main panel? Any other ideas? My dryer is broken, waiting for a part, and I can't handle this much stress all at once ) Vibration can indeed cause problems, but that's unusual. My guess is that the remodeling project shorted a circuit and tripped a breaker. The wiring in some buildings is weird. A breaker is tripped somewhere ... just my guess. Good luck! |
#3
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Remodeling upstairs condo, power out downstairs condo
Norminn wrote:
Arggggghhhhh! New owner of condo above ours has gutted his kitchen and is putting down Pergo-type flooring in other rooms. We began having trouble with one or another electrical circuits going out in our condo whilst he worked upstairs. The first time, he was hammering almost above where I was sitting and at the same moment, power went out in our dining room and adjoining office area. Went out and reset the breaker, aok. Then, twice, the elec. to our two baths and small hallway went out. I didn't notice when it happened, as I don't use those lights during the day. We reset the breaker once, and aok, but reset the breaker next time and now the power won't come on to the baths and hallway. The guy wasn't truthful, I believe, when he told me he was working in a different area the first time it happened. I haven't seen his condo, but hubby said kitchen is gutted to the studs with wires hanging all over. He allegedly has an electrician. His unit is same layout as ours, but entirely separate breaker panels. I assume much of our wiring would be beneath his floor. I have called the city building dept, no response yet, and fire insp., not their job. I think he must have put a nail through a wire, but I don't know electricity or breaker panels or ohms or watts. Can the vibration from his work wiggle something loose in the main panel? Any other ideas? My dryer is broken, waiting for a part, and I can't handle this much stress all at once ) Vibration isn't likely to 'wiggle' anything loose, but I agree that it's entirely possible he's put a nail through a wire belonging to you. If your unit is partly sub-grade probably most of the horizontal runs of your wiring goes through your ceiling/his floor. Did he run his proposed renovations past your strata council? Generally that's pretty much a requirement. If not, go to your strata council and explain what's happening. I'm also pretty sure he needs permits from the city to be doing work or having work done, and things need to be inspected afterward. This character may be trying to slide his renovations in 'under the radar'. Yours aye, W. Underhill -- "Take sides! Always take sides! You may sometimes be wrong - but the man who refuses to take sides must *always* be wrong! Heaven save us from poltroons who fear to make a choice!" R.A. Heinlein, "Double Star" -- Main homepage: http://members.shaw.ca/fog.locker/ SCA homepage: http://members.shaw.ca/uilliam/ LiveJournal: http://www.livejournal.com/users/jackytar/ |
#4
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Remodeling upstairs condo, power out downstairs condo
Charles wrote:
"Norminn" wrote in message k.net... I have called the city building dept, no response yet, and fire insp., not their job. I think he must have put a nail through a wire, but I don't know electricity or breaker panels or ohms or watts. Can the vibration from his work wiggle something loose in the main panel? Any other ideas? My dryer is broken, waiting for a part, and I can't handle this much stress all at once ) Vibration can indeed cause problems, but that's unusual. My guess is that the remodeling project shorted a circuit and tripped a breaker. The wiring in some buildings is weird. A breaker is tripped somewhere ... just my guess. Good luck! If the place was wired using "back-stab" devices, vibration could well be to blame. Since one problem involved bath recepts, check that any GFCI recepts are Reset. Jim |
#5
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Remodeling upstairs condo, power out downstairs condo
Speedy Jim wrote:
Charles wrote: "Norminn" wrote in message k.net... I have called the city building dept, no response yet, and fire insp., not their job. I think he must have put a nail through a wire, but I don't know electricity or breaker panels or ohms or watts. Can the vibration from his work wiggle something loose in the main panel? Any other ideas? My dryer is broken, waiting for a part, and I can't handle this much stress all at once ) Vibration can indeed cause problems, but that's unusual. My guess is that the remodeling project shorted a circuit and tripped a breaker. The wiring in some buildings is weird. A breaker is tripped somewhere ... just my guess. Good luck! If the place was wired using "back-stab" devices, vibration could well be to blame. Since one problem involved bath recepts, check that any GFCI recepts are Reset. Jim I don't know what a "back-stab" device is. Our condo is ground floor, on slab, about 40 y/o, Florida. Condo assn. won't do anything - the wiring is "common element" and theirs to repair. Called city building dept. - guy upstairs has no building permit. Haven't heard back. |
#6
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Remodeling upstairs condo, power out downstairs condo
Norminn wrote:
Speedy Jim wrote: Charles wrote: "Norminn" wrote in message k.net... I have called the city building dept, no response yet, and fire insp., not their job. I think he must have put a nail through a wire, but I don't know electricity or breaker panels or ohms or watts. Can the vibration from his work wiggle something loose in the main panel? Any other ideas? My dryer is broken, waiting for a part, and I can't handle this much stress all at once ) Vibration can indeed cause problems, but that's unusual. My guess is that the remodeling project shorted a circuit and tripped a breaker. The wiring in some buildings is weird. A breaker is tripped somewhere ... just my guess. Good luck! If the place was wired using "back-stab" devices, vibration could well be to blame. Since one problem involved bath recepts, check that any GFCI recepts are Reset. Jim I don't know what a "back-stab" device is. Our condo is ground floor, on slab, about 40 y/o, Florida. Condo assn. won't do anything - the wiring is "common element" and theirs to repair. Called city building dept. - guy upstairs has no building permit. Haven't heard back. "Back-stab" devices have holes on the back sized to the gauge of wire intended to be used - for most interior domestic situations, 14-ga. wires. They are easier to use than screw terminals, as all you have to do is strip the insulation on each lead back about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch or so and push the bare copper end into the hole. Many such switches and outlets have a groove of exactly the right length; strip it back that much and it will fit perfectly. The screw terminals are more work, because you have to strip, then curve the end of the wire, back off the screw, work the wire in, tighten the screw... but it makes a much more secure connection. I'm in the process of leisurely renovating in my own place, and as I do each room, one of the things I do is move wires from the back-stabs to the screw terminals. I'm curious as to why the condo association won't do anything. Surely they have the power to enforce compliance with the association bylaws/rules, and to levy fines for non-compliance? And even if they don't, I should think the city would do something. Yours aye, W. Underhill -- "Take sides! Always take sides! You may sometimes be wrong - but the man who refuses to take sides must *always* be wrong! Heaven save us from poltroons who fear to make a choice!" R.A. Heinlein, "Double Star" -- Main homepage: http://members.shaw.ca/fog.locker/ SCA homepage: http://members.shaw.ca/uilliam/ LiveJournal: http://www.livejournal.com/users/jackytar/ |
#7
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Remodeling upstairs condo, power out downstairs condo
Norminn wrote:
Arggggghhhhh! New owner of condo above ours has gutted his kitchen and is putting down Pergo-type flooring in other rooms. We began having trouble with one or another electrical circuits going out in our condo whilst he worked upstairs. The first time, he was hammering almost above where I was sitting and at the same moment, power went out in our dining room and adjoining office area. Went out and reset the breaker, aok. Then, twice, the elec. to our two baths and small hallway went out. I didn't notice when it happened, as I don't use those lights during the day. We reset the breaker once, and aok, but reset the breaker next time and now the power won't come on to the baths and hallway. The guy wasn't truthful, I believe, when he told me he was working in a different area the first time it happened. I haven't seen his condo, but hubby said kitchen is gutted to the studs with wires hanging all over. He allegedly has an electrician. His unit is same layout as ours, but entirely separate breaker panels. I assume much of our wiring would be beneath his floor. I have called the city building dept, no response yet, and fire insp., not their job. I think he must have put a nail through a wire, but I don't know electricity or breaker panels or ohms or watts. Can the vibration from his work wiggle something loose in the main panel? Any other ideas? My dryer is broken, waiting for a part, and I can't handle this much stress all at once ) Hi, Talk to condo manager or raise the issue with condo board. |
#8
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Remodeling upstairs condo, power out downstairs condo
clipped
I'm curious as to why the condo association won't do anything. Surely they have the power to enforce compliance with the association bylaws/rules, and to levy fines for non-compliance? And even if they don't, I should think the city would do something. Yours aye, W. Underhill It is the condo association from hell, and the sister-in-law from hell is the president of the board; got all the guys by the short hairs. She assaulted me about 5 years ago, so I will not have contact with her for any reason. A previous president, when main sewer line was clogged and sewage backing up into my unit, refused to do anything. "We obviously need a plumber." That was a common-elements problem, for the board to tend to. I did type up a letter to the association yesterday, and by the time I finished my hands were shaking so violently I couldn't hit the keys. I just don't "go there" any more. Or try not to. |
#9
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Remodeling upstairs condo, power out downstairs condo
On Jun 28, 6:18 am, Norminn wrote:
clipped I'm curious as to why the condo association won't do anything. Surely they have the power to enforce compliance with the association bylaws/rules, and to levy fines for non-compliance? And even if they don't, I should think the city would do something. Yours aye, W. Underhill It is the condo association from hell, and the sister-in-law from hell is the president of the board; got all the guys by the short hairs. She assaulted me about 5 years ago, so I will not have contact with her for any reason. A previous president, when main sewer line was clogged and sewage backing up into my unit, refused to do anything. "We obviously need a plumber." That was a common-elements problem, for the board to tend to. I did type up a letter to the association yesterday, and by the time I finished my hands were shaking so violently I couldn't hit the keys. I just don't "go there" any more. Or try not to. Sending the letter is a very good idea. I would send two copies, one registered mail with a receipt and one regular mail. Don't get nasty, but just spell out clearly your concerns about what is going on and the possible fire hazard. Are you sure the wiring is a common element? Usually, anything like wiring/plumbing that serves only one unit is that units responsibility. I'd also check with the town and see if he's pulled any permits. If he's really gutted his kitchen, then there should be permits pulled. And most places, they have to be posted in a viisible spot. Check that out first, as it's good additional info to include in the condo letter. If none of that produces results, then I'd call in an electrician. Have him find/fix the problem and then send the bill to the upstairs owner, followed by small claims, if needed. |
#10
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Remodeling upstairs condo, power out downstairs condo
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#11
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Remodeling upstairs condo, power out downstairs condo........Update
Norminn wrote:
Arggggghhhhh! New owner of condo above ours has gutted his kitchen and is putting down Pergo-type flooring in other rooms. We began having trouble with one or another electrical circuits going out in our condo whilst he worked upstairs. The first time, he was hammering almost above where I was sitting and at the same moment, power went out in our dining room and adjoining office area. Went out and reset the breaker, aok. Then, twice, the elec. to our two baths and small hallway went out. I didn't notice when it happened, as I don't use those lights during the day. We reset the breaker once, and aok, but reset the breaker next time and now the power won't come on to the baths and hallway. The guy wasn't truthful, I believe, when he told me he was working in a different area the first time it happened. I haven't seen his condo, but hubby said kitchen is gutted to the studs with wires hanging all over. He allegedly has an electrician. His unit is same layout as ours, but entirely separate breaker panels. I assume much of our wiring would be beneath his floor. I have called the city building dept, no response yet, and fire insp., not their job. I think he must have put a nail through a wire, but I don't know electricity or breaker panels or ohms or watts. Can the vibration from his work wiggle something loose in the main panel? Any other ideas? My dryer is broken, waiting for a part, and I can't handle this much stress all at once ) Well, the electricians just left. It's Friday. They knew immediately what the problem was......nails through the pipe and wire, multiple times through one length of wire. Wires burned through entirely. Might be back tomorrow - overtime, have to check with the office. They can't get wires fed through the pipe, so may have to replace it. It would be easier to tear out my flawless ceiling than to tear up my idiot neighbor's floor........The electrician said there had to have been sparks when the neighbor hit the nails. I have the building department coming back Monday because the neighbor told him a different story than he told me about doing structural work. I don't like idiots or liars. At least the part for my dryer is in....can't wait 'til Monday. Why are all the idiots on the planet moving into my condo? And thanks to all who offered assistance. I appreciate it. |
#12
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Remodeling upstairs condo, power out downstairs condo
Tony Hwang wrote:
Norminn wrote: Arggggghhhhh! New owner of condo above ours has gutted his kitchen and is putting down Pergo-type flooring in other rooms. We began having trouble with one or another electrical circuits going out in our condo whilst he worked upstairs. The first time, he was hammering almost above where I was sitting and at the same moment, power went out in our dining room and adjoining office area. Went out and reset the breaker, aok. Then, twice, the elec. to our two baths and small hallway went out. I didn't notice when it happened, as I don't use those lights during the day. We reset the breaker once, and aok, but reset the breaker next time and now the power won't come on to the baths and hallway. The guy wasn't truthful, I believe, when he told me he was working in a different area the first time it happened. I haven't seen his condo, but hubby said kitchen is gutted to the studs with wires hanging all over. He allegedly has an electrician. His unit is same layout as ours, but entirely separate breaker panels. I assume much of our wiring would be beneath his floor. I have called the city building dept, no response yet, and fire insp., not their job. I think he must have put a nail through a wire, but I don't know electricity or breaker panels or ohms or watts. Can the vibration from his work wiggle something loose in the main panel? Any other ideas? My dryer is broken, waiting for a part, and I can't handle this much stress all at once ) Hi, Talk to condo manager or raise the issue with condo board. We have only 8 units in our condo. Two owned by lush deadbeats, father and son. Son is months behind on monthly assessment and hasn't begun to pay a $2200 special assessment. Condo pres. is best buddies with them. Did I mention the father and son are both on the board? The father had a million-dollar sailboat, lives here part-time....home in the Bahamas. Unfortunately, he appears to be in good health. A lien? Not much good, unless one of them croaks. One unit owner lives in England, one in Jersey. The neighbor who wrecked my wiring told me he has a likely buyer...owned his unit since March. |
#13
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Was: Remodeling upstairs condo, power out downstairs condo........Fixed
clipped
Well, the electricians just left. It's Friday. They knew immediately what the problem was......nails through the pipe and wire, multiple times through one length of wire. Wires burned through entirely. Might be back tomorrow - overtime, have to check with the office. They can't get wires fed through the pipe, so may have to replace it. It would be easier to tear out my flawless ceiling than to tear up my idiot neighbor's floor........The electrician said there had to have been sparks when the neighbor hit the nails. I have the building department coming back Monday because the neighbor told him a different story than he told me about doing structural work. I don't like idiots or liars. At least the part for my dryer is in....can't wait 'til Monday. Why are all the idiots on the planet moving into my condo? And thanks to all who offered assistance. I appreciate it. This is kind of like talking to myself, but here goes....the first electrician couldn't get back until tomorrow. Probably going slow because they expected a big fight over who pays and how to access the wiring. Electrician #2 came today. Had to take up a small portion of flooring in the upstairs unit being remodeled. Said there were many nails through the pipe carrying the wiring. Pipe just beneath the subfloor, too close. Wiring conduit has to cross two concrete beams, so that is probably why conduit is so close to the floor. Got their fish tape stuck on nails, but all now is good downstairs ) This is an example of why it is a good reason for DIYers not get carried away with remodeling in a condo - the condo. assn. owns the wiring and should have made the repairs. In our condo, the board is more likely to be involved in matters none of their business. |
#14
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Was: Remodeling upstairs condo, power out downstairs condo........Fixed
On Jul 5, 1:19?pm, Norminn wrote:
clipped Well, the electricians just left. It's Friday. They knew immediately what the problem was......nails through the pipe and wire, multiple times through one length of wire. Wires burned through entirely. Might be back tomorrow - overtime, have to check with the office. They can't get wires fed through the pipe, so may have to replace it. It would be easier to tear out my flawless ceiling than to tear up my idiot neighbor's floor........The electrician said there had to have been sparks when the neighbor hit the nails. I have the building department coming back Monday because the neighbor told him a different story than he told me about doing structural work. I don't like idiots or liars. At least the part for my dryer is in....can't wait 'til Monday. Why are all the idiots on the planet moving into my condo? And thanks to all who offered assistance. I appreciate it. This is kind of like talking to myself, but here goes....the first electrician couldn't get back until tomorrow. Probably going slow because they expected a big fight over who pays and how to access the wiring. Electrician #2 came today. Had to take up a small portion of flooring in the upstairs unit being remodeled. Said there were many nails through the pipe carrying the wiring. Pipe just beneath the subfloor, too close. Wiring conduit has to cross two concrete beams, so that is probably why conduit is so close to the floor. Got their fish tape stuck on nails, but all now is good downstairs ) This is an example of why it is a good reason for DIYers not get carried away with remodeling in a condo - the condo. assn. owns the wiring and should have made the repairs. In our condo, the board is more likely to be involved in matters none of their business.- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - they are lucky it doidnt cause a fire....... |
#15
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Was: Remodeling upstairs condo, power out downstairs condo........Fixed
clipped
they are lucky it doidnt cause a fire....... Electrician said it would be a hazard if we had....something-trex? Forget the term ) I sure don't know why the difference. |
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