You CAN Get SHOCKED by a Neutral Wire! This is How...

Hey Gang! In today's video we tackle a serious problem in this bathroom and that is this shared neutral. In this video we do our best to explain what a shared neutral is, why it's wrong and what can go bad. This was a critical step in the renovation and we're glad to have it knocked out! Thanks for watching and we'll see ya in the next one!

[StudPack]

Hey gang, a couple of clarifications on this video:
1) The black tape you see on the neutral was put there by me to indicate that it was the neutral that had voltage on it; it is not identifying that wire as a hot . Should've used a different color tape. I removed it at the end.
2) All wires were determined to be safe after I turned off the breaker but someone turned on a 3-way switch in another room; this action energized the neutral.

[icevariable]

As an electrical apprentice, I have to say that, for a general construction guy, you have a better understanding of electrical circuits than I feel half the electricians I've come across. Way more than myself. This is an incredibly useful video. Thanks.

[Rapier]

As a former electrician, this is an awesome video.
As the son of an electrician, Thank you so very much. Its been several years since he passed, but seeing that wire pulling trick after 10-15 years brought a smile, some tears, and several good memories. So thank you.

[goodolsparky]

I’m a licensed electrician and you did a great job explaining everything . You are very knowledgeable. Keep up the great work !

[okflyer]

Paul, you’re a natural teacher. It’s not something everybody has. We all benefit from your depth of experience + superb ability to communicate and narrate as you go - this all laid down on a polished video product. It’s rare to see all three areas put together but you’ve done it and it shows! My deepest thanks and appreciation for taking the time to bring us such a gift.

[chrismckenzie]

Been a commercial electrician for 20+ years. I find your videos very informative. Most of the crazy installations I have seen, have been on side jobs at other people's houses. I see why the NEC code books are updated every 3 years. Some practices should not be continued due to safety reasons. Your videos thoroughly explain why. Please continue making your videos.

[marcellorenz]

As a teacher with 27 years experience I agree with everyone who says you are great at explaining this. You would have made a great teacher and I am glad to see you sharing your real world experience and knowledge with others. Great work!!

[MichaelStephenLau]

This is why I always check all my wires, hot, load, ground, neutral, etc. before I touch them. I don't care if I've flipped breakers or not, I want to know if they've got juice before I start messing with it. Electricity is one of the things I give the utmost respect to.

It's for the reason you showed that code says you cannot and should not bond multi circuits and sub panel neutrals and grounds anywhere but the source of your main disconnect. You don't want electricity finding its way around.

[grantfoley]

As an electrician I wanted to say your explanation was very well done. Simple and easy to understand for those who haven’t been exposed to it. I’d always urge someone to hire a licensed electrician. That neutral is just one of many things you could come across. Unfortunately an electricians biggest danger is other electricians 😂.

[-PHASEDELTA]

As an electrician who took a nasty ride on a 277V shared (unknown to me at the time) neutral many years ago, I commend you for highlighting how dangerous neutrals can potentially be. So often I see people make bold assumptions about those little white/grey bastards. Assumptions can get you killed, folks.

[sKid]

Yeah I want to hear about the ice maker story. Really good video and yep, I too have been surprised by neutrals before. When I did my kitchen remodel and had the walls open and could really visualize more how the electrical was run through out the house, I deduced what was going on. Some neutrals are tied together in some of the boxes. Now, whenever I shut off a circuit, I use a little wireless voltage detector to make absolutely sure it’s safe and I don’t have to shut off a second circuit

[Yawwee]

Thanks for this info - It has made me "" Think First "" before grabbing ANY white wires now that you have showed me this !!! Most of us DIY people just think of the black wire having power, and whites are safe - you showed us different, and to be cautious when working with electric wires You probably saved a few lives !!!

[greg]

I am a retired electrician in Australia....was an installation inspector for 25 years.I am amazed with the way wiring is installed in buildings in think the methods and materials used in Australia are far better.That is only my opinion . I had worked in the electrical contracting industry for 24 years starting my 5 year apprenticeship when I was 14 back in 1963 so have some experience in the electrical industry.

[Mostruggles]

As an Electrician myself, I thought that was a great explanation. And your trouble shooting skill are great as well. Good Job! Just a side note. It is legal to share neutrals. It's called a multi-wire branch circuit. However, current code requires handle ties be installed on the breakers so both circuits will trip at same time.

[C-qw]

I can't believe I'm just finding this channel now! Best explanation by far. VERY thorough, yet easy to understand and eloquent at the same time. and yes! PLEASE DO MORE ELECTRICAL VIDEOS!! These types of videos explaining everything in plain old English and easy words for a newbie like me that's barely beginning to learn about the trade are a total life saver! I'm about to start an apprenticeship soon so this makes me feel better knowing what to expect before they start throwing technical terms at me lol Keep them coming!! I subscribed!

[scottrothe]

Please make a video on your worst shocking experience. I am interested!! I do electrical work all the time. I learned a lesson a few days ago while working on a GFCI outlet. I tested it with a plug in tester. It showed no power. Then I got shocked when attempting to remove the black wire on the outlet. The outlet was bad!! I learned to never believe just the plug in tester on a GFCI outlet!!!! Always follow up with a voltmeter test on the hot and neutral wires before engaging

Very nice job explaining the feed back problem with the neutral. I really appreciate your attention to detail!! That's why I continue to watch. We think a like!!

[JasperTmusic]

Found this video by accident-- I have recently joined the remodeling trade and found this to be one of the most informative electrical videos I've seen yet. In other words, thank you-- looking forward to more.

[altuber_athlete]

3:55-6:05 Basics.
6:06-6:55 Explaining the breaker for the circuit under discussion.
6:55-9:00 Showing the problems in the actual circuit and explaining how it will be solved.
9:00-10:47 Showing the problem in a circuit diagram.
10:47-11:48 Solving the problems.

In brief, the problem was that two 120-V (L-N) branch circuits (of the same phase/leg) were sharing the same neutral wire to the panel. So when the main neutral wire is disconnected, now the L-N loads on one branch circuit will be in series with the L-N loads on the other circuit. Hence there will be a voltage drop across each group of loads. So there will be voltage at the middle (i.e. the common neutral of the two groups) with respect to the neutral busbar/ground.

[brucehenry]

I appreciate ur honestly and professionalism. I’m an electrical student in trade school and I’ll come to YouTube for some pro tips and I’m getting sick of the DIY people giving advice that turn out to be completely backwards. I like hearing from licensed electricians and what they have to say about a task. If I understood correctly, you’re not an electrician, but you have experience with professionals? This video was educational I enjoyed it.

[ozzie]

I’m a licensed electrician and neutrals are always scary . You did a wonderful job with this . Great job I hope everyone learned something.