electrical wiring (or how not to blow shit up)

chamberlain

I have made two seperate attempts at replacing a broken exit sign, both of which ended up with the bulbs exploding when the breaker was turned back on. I can verify that I have not wired it backwards and that it is grounded (I think). What could make it explode? Could the voltage be different? The exit sign(s) I bought were 110, I just assumed that it was standard.

The lines coming out of the ceiling are orange and white, as opposed to black and white, if that makes a difference.

Octoparrot

Exit signs have bulbs, or are they LEDs? Is it pretty simple or does it have a ballast?

chamberlain

It has two bulbs, no ballast. The instructions have it hooking directly to a 110v line.

I read them, honest! Of course that doesn't mean I know what I am doing. Stupid broad job description...

Ruckus

Illuminated exit signs often fall under fire code and should be installed or inspected by a licensed electrician.

chamberlain

I'd love to.

Tell my boss that. Please.

Octoparrot

There different, higher wattages you could buy?

Crashtard

What was originally hooked up to the wires in the ceiling?

Fats

Uh, yes, check the voltage. The hot wire shouldn't be orange (unless it's the high leg of a center-tapped three phase line, or someone didn't wire the place to code).

Edit: Don't start a fire and/or hurt yourself, please.

Mushiwulf

This is in a commercial building? There is some possibility of it being a different voltage for sure. It could be 250v or even 277v. What happened to the old sign? It would probably indicate what voltage was being used. Otherwise, you will need a voltage tester or a licensed electrician.

Sarcastro

Sounds like youve hooked into the 220/240 main instead of the 110 lines. Mebbe use a voltmeter? Color codes are just a guide, the reality is in an older building it doesn't mean jack. Some guy could have made a patch with whatever he found nearby.

wunderbar

chamberlain wrote: »

I'd love to.

Tell my boss that. Please.

um, tell him it's against the law to do it otherwise, and that you'll report him if he doesn't.

chamberlain

Looked at the old light again (which broke off of the ceiling to begin with). Found a flag on the leads that were hooked up, "Orange Lead, 277v."

Apparently, I am lucky that all it did was blow up the bulbs.

Not much else I can do. Call a pro it is.

Lock away, if need be.

Mushiwulf

Well, at this point, you have all the info you need to do it yourself. But, you should still use an electrician.