Had an older electrician call me out on something at a supply house in Portland

I was grabbing breakers at Platt last Tuesday and this old timer, maybe 70 years old named Don, watched me throw a 20 amp single pole in my cart. He asked what I was wiring and I said a bathroom outlet... he just shook his head and told me I better check if it needs a GFCI before I leave the store. He walked me over to the shelf and pointed out I grabbed the wrong brand too... said Square D Homeline wouldn't fit a QO panel. Saved me a return trip for sure. Has anyone else had a random pro give you solid advice like that at a supply house?

3 comments

3 Comments

wesleyjohnson14d ago

Wait, isn't it on the homeowner or the guy doing the work to know their code requirements before buying parts? The old timer was nice but that's basic stuff, not really pro wisdom.

johns1814d ago

Laughing at myself here because I've definitely been that guy who bought all the wrong parts and had to return them. Walked into the hardware store three times in one day for the same project. Felt real smart. But yeah, technically you're right. It's on us to know our own codes. I just think the old timer's advice saves folks from learning the hard way like I did. Saves a lot of headache and trips to the store. Sometimes the simplest tips are the ones that stick with you the most. Not exactly rocket science, but neither is half the stuff I learn on here.

dylan_green5812d ago

Isn't that just how it goes though, the small tips end up being the ones you remember?