Low Voltage Issues Hiding In Plain Sight!

[@MichaelMiller-lb7ji]

Good job Curtis, thanks for your videos I really enjoy them. That is the first time I have seen the refrigerant lines and thermostat wires buried though, learn something new everyday 👍

[@bobboscarato1313]

Curtis was running against time as it was about to start raining; at least he gave his customer some air relief.

[@gregwarren8583]

Curtis, When you are goung underground consider using marine grade crimp and seal with the sealing glue in the heat shrink tube.

[@billkunert7281]

It will be interesting to see if any problems develope after the rain that's coming. I can't believe that thermostat wire was buried without being in some kind of conduit and comes out of the ground over a foot from the unit.

[@Nunya9876]

Electrical plug 🔌 just hanging precariously on the right! Yikes 😬 🤯 and why do they install these units without any lighting installed inside the space it’s installed?

[@RonSciara]

You will definitely be back on that call. That repair needs to be dug out back to Wall and repaired in a weatherproof box. Those butt connectors will fill with water during the first rain 👎🏻

[@TheDigitaldoug]

I was a little amazed he used those butt connectors in this case. I would have at least enclosed each circuit in marine grade heat shrink or as you said in a waterproof box.

[@davidgilpin5200]

Another solution would be to use a grease cap kit for low-voltage underground sprinkler valves. This is designed for direct burial, encapsulates and waterproofs the splices, and is a low-cost solution. Those kits are available at Home Depot, Lowes, Ace Hardware, Amazon, etc.

[@jthonn]

They will corrode, but will last a while. Marine heat shrink would be an option. The best thing would be to run a whole new wire. I am wondering why the unit is so far away from the wall to start with.

[@emeliojuarez3617]

I would recommend removing the line taking it all the way from the house to the unit. If under wiring is to be used they make underground wiring, but there's no protection from digging around there, I'd recommend placing it into conduit. For underground splice there's grease caps, valve box, epoxy bags or shrink wrap.

[@dolfinwriter5389]

@@davidgilpin5200 I was curious how he was gonna splice those wires too for the same reason. He said he was pressed for time because it was gonna rain. Maybe he just needed to get it working for today and he will have to get approval for cost to come back and fix it right. I have found that I need to replace mine back to the house. It's not buried, but the outer sheath was degraded by the sun, and the individual wires have rubbed down to bare wire and already had vertigris. It was freezing outside when I found that, so I just taped it all up with electrical tape until I can get to it. It's working fine and I had other things I needed to get done before I tackle that.

[@richardyates1033]

They make wire encapsulation kits for connections that must be buried. Some are reusable as they have a jelly-like substance that closes see over the connections like a book.

[@michaelbuxton9368]

Love the receptacle hanging by the Romex You run into some janky stuff.

[@davidca96]

that was the first thing I noticed, geesh. It may be connected properly but leaving it hanging is never a good idea and not to code thats for sure.

[@stevem9629]

Me too!

[@uzlonewolf]

@@davidca96 Something cannot be both "connected properly" and "not up to code." If it's not up to code then it's not connected properly. There are multiple serious violations with that outlet: 1) 15A outlet tapped into a 45+A dedicated appliance circuit 2) 120v outlet tapped onto a 240v-only appliance circuit (it almost certainly is using the grounding conductor as the neutral) 3) box not secured 4) cable not secured to box (those nail-on boxes do not have integrated cable clamps).

[@davidca96]

yes it can, connected properly means live neutral ground in the correct spot, code means how regulations require the rest ​@@uzlonewolf

[@uzlonewolf]

@@davidca96 Lol, "sure it may kill you, but it's still connected properly!" That outlet is incorrectly tapped into a high-amperage, 240v-only appliance circuit. Either it's using a "bootleg" ground, or is wired into 240v. Either way it will kill you.

[@moshemoshe-yy8hj]

Great job finding the problem I will not make the connection in the middle of the run better do it at the wall then run the wire along if you bury it in the ground you should use heat shrink connection if you want it on the ground you should use plastic conduit

[@Garth2011]

Heat shrink connections with the adhesive inside to seal the connection from the elements. They make them as well as heat shrink tubing with the adhesive...best stuff for outdoors and harsh environments.

[@BigDaddy_MRI]

I watch a lot of automotive channels, and South Main Auto channel uses butt splices that can be heat shrunk. Plus, there’s a weather proofing that exudes out when you heat up the butt splice. Probably should look into getting some of those. Mr. O uses those when repairing some automotive wire breaks and he has not had a call-back. Just a thought. A butt splice that’s open to humidity will eventually corrode and open, or worse yet, become intermittent.

[@RichL8223]

Have to agree with the other comments, exposed butt connectors in the ground a major no-go, well I didn’t see the finished product before you put them in the ground though.

[@kens.3729]

Some times things are more obvious than others. It’s Nice to catch a break every now and then. 👍🙏

[@aurelepaulhus9374]

Really enjoy watching your videos. You have taught me how to be more patient in what i do. I always rushed everything,now i take my time and do a better job.

[@hinspect]

Great troubleshooting fix! Those Blue crimp barrel connectors buried in the ground would make me as nervous as a cat in a dog show though! I'm too old-fashioned, I suppose. Solder and clear adhesive lined shrink tubing for me if moisture prone. Amazon sells heat shrink butt crimp connectors too, manufactured by haisstronica. Thanks for the Video!👍😉

[@jthonn]

lol, or as nervous as a long tail cat in a room full of rocking chairs.

[@JamesAgans]

Lolol My Mom (RIP) used to say nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs. Dog show works too though. 😂

[@cjkokay]

Good fault find 👍 Very sad connection. Butt splices are ok but exposed to weather, even after being 'placed' underground 😓

[@shogormachine]

Never ever seen a line set buried in the dirt

[@jthonn]

Stupid if you ask me. The unit was too far from the wall.

[@emeliojuarez3617]

Way too far. Someone digging can hit the line sets. All needs some type of protection.

[@bobboscarato1313]

Worse yet is the refrigerant lines under the dirt; may pump liquid into the compressor in "winter" mode!

[@bobshanery5152]

@@emeliojuarez3617 Someone digging can hit anything... From the cable to the water line.

[@rickjarvis5954]

As Steve Lav would say, that receptacle is flappin in the breeze.

[@jthonn]

It was, I noticed that too.

[@boduke2299]

Never saw the lineset and t stat wire buried in the dirt like that terrible install.

[@robertmoore8046]

Mount box to the wall to make the splice in

[@butchiemcginnis]

There are butt connectors available that you can heat with a heat gun or torch, and they seal the connections pretty much permanently.

[@stephengalvan7722]

That's nice floating outlet 😄

[@gregfisher216]

Wow Curtis!, I have watched a lot of your videos but this is the first time I have seen a line set and thermostat wire buried in the ground !!!! The wire looks like someone hit it with a weed eater!

[@bbaaspencer1]

I always look to see of someone that was weedwacking hit a wire.

[@robalexander7348]

Well done Curtis, that power cable needs to be repaired quickly and correctly in conduit for safty and reliability for the customer. That was a dangerous and bodgy install job to start with 😟 Au

[@Mike-ej4df]

Definitely wouldn't want my system wired like that, good repair tho👍

[@redneckways1617]

I think you may have problems with that connection being underground after a good rain or two

[@jthonn]

I think it will last a little longer than that, but you are right, I don't see longevity there.

[@nealinator]

Very surprised to see unsealed butt connectors when it is going in the ground, or even just exposed to weather.

[@mikemaki1104]

Who is butt connectors or whatever you call them are going to get the green crusties in them

[@mikemaki1104]

That repair with the wires is going to come back and bite you in the butt

[@ZoomIDoRx8]

What the hell is an AC receptical doing floating in the air>?

[@stevencossaboon3237]

Nice work Curtis.

[@JimmyJohn60]

I’m having trouble finding out how to check the antifreeze level in my fridge 😂 . Not sure if i should call a mechanic or appliance repairman 😂

[@NEW_INSITE]

Make sure and check the oil too if you can find the dipstick.😂

[@Nunya9876]

Gotta check the blinker fluid in the light 💡 too!

[@OnusBones]

Too bad there wasn't a way to pull some slack out on that outside wiring. Nice fix!

[@chrisnapier5626]

Great job,Curtis!

[@thesilentonevictor]

Good job curtis on this one

[@rickhoward597]

Hopefully those butt connectors don't cause you problems in the future. I know in my line of work (not HVAC) working with 24v if it's not a direct shot it will cause interference and fail intermittently, unless it's soldered.

[@davidca96]

24VAC works fine with those connectors, but I know what you are referring to. The main problem is corrosion on the copper, if you can limit the potential for corrosion (hence resistance) you will be fine.

[@bobboscarato1313]

I agree with you but that would be with electronic equipment mostly!

[@TheVaga9]

I use gel filled butt connectors on CCTV wire frequently they last for years!! Not underground unprotected though!

[@chuckq54]

I’m not so sure about this repair…I’d replace it back to the wall at a minimum, use a junction box and run the new section up the wall and cable tie it to the whip…those butt connectors are not waterproof or designed for burial either…

[@michaelbalaun6390]

"Do they put Antifreeze in the freezer" 😂 10:45

[@blake_edwards]

That outlet is a code violation.

[@atlas3863]

As times get tougher “Harvey homeowner” will do his own repairs or add on’s, it’s only gonna get worse. I’d bet half the stuff Curtis sees every day on a good year is sketchy.

[@JamesAgans]

It's also a common sense violation! 😂😂😂

[@Nunya9876]

Noticed that as well. How did this place pass any codes?

[@jthonn]

Happy customer is what it is all about. Those splice connectors are good, I use them all the time. My only concern there is being in the ground. Though it is all copper, it still corrodes, but should last a while. Wagos I guess are all right, but personally, I don't like them. I have seen worse, but that was one crazy install there, I didn't notice where the drain was outside. Long as it works, I guess. Good video

[@bobboscarato1313]

That outdoor HP was very loud!

[@navycorpsmanveteran61]

Hopefully, the previous tech watched this video and saw where the problem was.

[@jthonn]

Me too, but you can bet he's long gone.

[@NicolasMuniz-n8g]

That condensate power wire access, looks like it was done with an axe, could be a little bigger! Hopefully pump has a good ground, I've been tingled before with one.

[@alanjordan7713]

The previous tech didn't try very hard to search

[@keithsac2542]

Beside being buried, crimped connectors should not be used on solid wire. If you have to use crimped connectors on thermostat wire you should at least fold the wire over before putting on a crimped connector.

[@NormanSnead]

Have a question for you when you have time. I have been noticing promotions for an easy start system for HVAC which you may or may not be aware of? My questions are do these work? Will they damage the compressor? Will they void the warranty? Thanks for your response and time. I am asking as I have a Heil 34200-Cool/34400-Heat system with propane auxiliary. I have been noticing a hard start that quickly settles down, but it sounds like a jet engine just started when it kicks in. I am looking to find out if that is normal for that size unit or if there is a concern that needs help. That is why the soft-start is catching my attention.

[@Stevonoles1]

WTH kind of plenum was that?!

[@patrickdavis3409]

Be careful with that sheriff depth call in my area there is a lot of scam call about missing jury duty

[@HVACGUY]

Yeh, I think it was some kind of scam.

[@davidgilpin5200]

My wife just got that call. "Sheriff Brown" even gave us a badge number. I told him - must be a mistake, we aren't a resident of that county. The "Sheriff" said my wife missed jury duty in a FEDERAL court, so they need jurors from multiple counties. And he said the judge was very upset that my wife ignored her Certified summons. I told the "Sheriff" this smells like a scam and we needed to call the Courthouse myself. He gave me some attitude and I hung up on him. I called the Courthouse and the poor operator said - it's a SCAM, they get calls about this all the time. The scammer "Sheriff" eventually tells you to bring cash and meet at the Courthouse at a certain time where they rob you in the parking lot.

[@Nunya9876]

@@davidgilpin5200why doesn’t the courthouse provide the info to the police and have them investigate and arrest the perps?

[@davidgilpin5200]

@@Nunya9876 They have tried sting operations to no avail. The calls are now mostly AI filtered and are being generated outside the US, so it's difficult to find and prosecute the CALLERS, and the victims that show up at the Courthouse are the type of folks that fall for this kind of BS.

[@pstiegman]

Next time the owner weed whacks, he'll undo the splice.

[@sergioblanco4504]

Hey Curtis, can you help me with some anti freeze to make my AC colder?

[@bobboscarato1313]

You need some "Freeze-on"; LOL!

[@sergioblanco4504]

@@bobboscarato1313😂😂😂

[@Dustin-zk8nb]

So would that be a heat pump?

[@HVACGUY]

Yes

[@Theboxersisters]

Is it common in your area for installers to bury Line sets and low voltage wires ?

[@HVACGUY]

No

[@bobboscarato1313]

I've seen buried refrigerant lines in $ 3 million dollar homes here in Texas! That area some installers aren't licensed either!

[@DashiellParr411]

Is the free floating electrical box code?😂😬

[@jthonn]

Nope

[@OGHVAC]

I'm seeing all kinds of code violations with that. Who put's linesets underground like that with unprotected control wiring?😳

[@woodystokes1543]

Nice work man 😊

[@tolbert3671]

Plasti Dip can be your friend in situations like this if you're not going to dig it out.

[@TedT56]

Please tell me those butt connectors won't short out in wet earth!

[@bill944]

That system was set up for dehumidification mode.

[@jthonn]

Ok, I'll take your word for it.

[@bill944]

@@jthonn That was a joke. Sorry you missed it.

[@jthonn]

@@bill944 LOL, I got it after my reply.

[@bill944]

@@jthonn No worries man. It's also a joke that my production manager and I have because I've found this after some of our installers put in a system. Every time there was a call for cooling, the auxiliary heat was energized. Makes for great dehumidification without overcooling. One was done like this in a subterranean basement and the man complained that his thermostat would never satisfy on a call for cooling. I'll say that the RH was really low though.

[@kg4muc]

Do yourself a favor and get some Scotchlock UR connectors. They’re gel filled and can deal with direct burial a lot better. Telco has been using them for years But then you don’t run into these jobs every day thankfully lol

[@futz48]

Irrigation wire nuts would be another possibility. They're also filled with something waterproof and partly sealed at the wire opening. King Innovation sells them under the name DryConn. I'm sure there are other brands.

[@jthonn]

I never heard of those, I'll have to check that out.

[@jthonn]

@@futz48 A cheesy option is to use wire nuts and fill them with silicone. I saw a guy do that with telephone wire years ago.

[@bobboscarato1313]

@@jthonn In a bind you need to be creative!

[@Sunrise_HVAC]

Look at the plenum size. Lol

[@Paul-IE-Repairs]

that supply is tiny comin out of the top of that blower!

[@larryl2459]

I never hear you talk about a bad installation, Between the A/H and the outside unit install, that is bad.

[@lmnohos]

why don't all of your videos have captions? I really need them.

[@davehiggins5903]

Give me the name of that flashlight you use please .

[@whatdoyouthinktodd]

I wouldn't use Legos I would use the heat shrink but connectors. They got goo in them Hook it up heat them up done

[@HVACGUY]

Would’ve been a better option

[@Nunya9876]

Antifreeze in a freezer/fridge-doesnt he mean refrigerant?

[@jeffreywhitlatch1409]

Damned rookies. And look at the hanging outlet.

[@jameswood9764]

Weed wacky damage. What a hack installation job!! They should have installed a pvc conduit to route the lines to the house!!

[@joshuavaldez1659]

That supply plenum 😢

[@jackl9922]

I understand thunder getting closer and people want AC......

[@williamcraig-c6g]

why arn't those wires in conduit.

You would think that the manufacturer would have a diagnostic port like cars do it would save a lot of time.

[@jthonn]

Don't say that too loud, they might do it and the system will cost 5k more. Cars, don't get me started.

[@Nunya9876]

Good idea but if they were installed, the prices on parts and units would double or triple, plus the costs of companies/independent maintenance guys estimates/pricing would rise, plus the costs of obtaining proprietary computer systems etc.

[@dustin741]

Try wire nuts filled with mastic.

[@JamesAgans]

You could dig a lot easier with a claw hammer. I hope you consider this a Very Temporary repair? You know with a white line warranty? Warranty is over as soon as you cross the first white line in the street?

[@randallscott4094]

If you don't insulate all those butt connectors, if and when they all get buried with rain water (or lawn sprinkler water), they will probably get shorted.

[@ayoutubewatcher7009]

That’s an easy diagnosis. It was probably a junior tech. So let’s not kill the kid..

[@jthonn]

I was thinking it was more like a diy person myself. Although there are some great Diy people out there that know how to do it the right way.

[@glennbechtel6424]

nice

[@HVACGUY]

Thanks

[@joelash5914]

Did you just butt splice those wires and bury them? That can't be legal?

[@bass3man2u34]

No water proof connectors

[@ThierryC2373]

Why the heck are those lines buried with the low voltage sticking out of the dirt in the middle of nothing ready to be knocked down by a weed whacker. Why not setting the lines way above the reach of a weed whacker?

[@craigpierce7996]

Dang! A garden guy would do a better repair.. I'm not sure I would have posted that video. Better luck next time!

[@harrydickson4575]

👍👍👍

[@rolytech212]

Am seen the helicopter 😎

[@bobboscarato1313]

I think in this repair Curtis haslike 62 helicopters! LOL

[@richardyates1033]

All of that stuff should be exposed for servicing. The wire may not be rated for direct burial anyway.

[@latinoheat61987]

Alot of people are very cheap n dont want to pay more to get a clean job. People wamt to pay low n get a whatever job

[@jharris4480]

what did the police want?

[@scottowen3162]

THAT SHOULD RUN THOUGH SEAL TIGHT OR CONDUIT NOT THAT WAY!!!!!

[@darylfortney8081]

wouldn't even consider anything but running new wire above ground in proper conduit.

[@jthonn]

That is the right way.

[@dmiestercommkitchentech3043]

Curt did you use weather tite butt connectors? If not I hope you dont charge the customer for the control board fuse or the return visit when you have to return because the fuse has popped luckily protecting the control board or thermostat you hope the fuse protects them because if not that will be a expensive service that will be due to technician failure to prevent damage because when those butt connectors get wet dirt or water in them it will be a direct short to ground you are asking for trouble burying butt connectors in dirt without some kind of moisture barrier because electricity flows thru water/mud easily and if electricity is in the wires and those butt connectors allow water in which they will you will get a direct hot to ground short. I hope all the new techs dont COPY THIS REPAIR instead either use butt connectors that have a way to make them weathertite or replace the whole wire from air handler to remote unit this is the correct repair that should be done not the other two; but for a temporary fix use butt connectors with a weather tight barrier to get customer some cooling but dont make this a permanent fix because it is not a good technician procedure and would never pass inspection or be acceptable.

[@lutzgebel5431]

sorry, but that is definitely technically incorrect and in Germany your work permit would be revoked. This repair doesn't last very long as anyone can imagine. That wasn't a good job.......