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1500 questions
14
votes
5 answers
What is the technical term for the rings that protect holes for electrical through woodwork like cabinets?
I drill holes in cabinets or desks for electrical. I usually drill about a 3/4" hole and I have these little plastic rings I put in to protect the woodwork and just so it looks nicer. Electrical is armored...
So I have seen other examples at…
DMoore
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14
votes
3 answers
Should my 240v electric stove be grounded to the neutral like this?
I have an induction cooktop/stove in a California condo built in 2011-2012.
Recently, I had to pull the cooktop electrical and discovered that the stove has a 3 wire harness (red, black, yellow/green). The building has 4 wires (red, black,…
James
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14
votes
4 answers
Why not use a plastic receptacle box for an outdoor outlet?
This answer says "... it should be possible to cut into the wall and install a metal box (don't use plastic, please) [for an outdoor outlet]."
What are the problems associated with using a plastic box for an outdoor receptacle?
KJ7LNW
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14
votes
3 answers
Is it safe to have a drain in the floor out to the septic tank with no trap?
I had a contractor add an additional bath. When we were planning out the project, he mentioned my lack of a water heater valve drain pan. Instead, he installed a drain directly into the septic line that runs from the new bathroom (toilet/sinks/tub)…
Austin Seward
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14
votes
3 answers
Does it cause problems to overtighten connections on receptacles/switches?
One of the things that's always been drilled into me is "loose wires cause fires," and that's something I always remain conscious of when changing out devices. But is there such a thing as "too tight" when it comes to tightening the screws on…
smitelli
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14
votes
4 answers
If my 120 volt toaster oven draws 14 amps on high & my oven draws 12 amps on high, which one would use less electricity to bake a pizza?
An article from my AARP magazine suggests using a toaster oven vs a regular full size electric oven to bake a pizza, make a dinner, bake a pie, etc because it would use about half of the electricity so save on the electric bill. Problem is, The…
Michael Jay
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14
votes
7 answers
What is an adjustable wrench fit for tightening bolts?
The other day I saw a plumber tighten a bolt with what looked like an adjustable wrench. But it seemed like he didn't need to take it off the bolt every time to turn it further. Rather, it looked like the wrench's jaws were non parallel, or perhaps…
ispiro
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14
votes
5 answers
What is the difference between a framing hammer and a claw hammer?
What is the difference between a framing hammer and a claw hammer? Can they be used interchangeably?
Ed.T
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14
votes
6 answers
Tips for keeping a ladder steady when it is leaning against a sloped roof
I cannot come up with a reliable way to keep the ladder steady when it's leaning against the shed roof. I need to paint the trim two storeys up. When the right side of the ladder touches the roof edge at the point indicated by the arrow in the…
mr blint
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14
votes
1 answer
How can I install this programmable switch where a neutral is not present?
I'm trying install this programmable switch but the instructions do not match reality. The instructions refer to the existence of a black (load) cable and a white (neutral) cable supposedly coming out of the wall, but instead I have two black cables…
amh
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14
votes
1 answer
Why would a P-Trap be required before an air gap for a refrigerator drain?
Background:
A walk-in refrigerator with a remote refrigeration system includes an evaporator coil that requires a drain. The typical installation is an indirect drain (terminating above a funnel drain or floor sink to provide an air gap).
Location:…
AWaddington
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14
votes
1 answer
What is the device attached to my recessed light junction box?
This is a recessed light I pulled out of my ceiling. There is a black cylindrical thing attached to the junction box and wired in series with the live wire to the bulb base. What is it?
The junction box and the black thing are both an integral…
jay613
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14
votes
5 answers
How do I consistently drive drywall screws to the correct depth?
Is there a special technique or tool for consistently placing drywall screws correctly?
I'm using a standard Dewalt variable speed drill DWD115K (with no auto-stop mechanism) so I'm usually paranoid of going too deep with screws... which results in…
Mike B
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14
votes
9 answers
Can an incoming optical fiber cable be wired internally in a house's walls?
I am building a new home, and want to get fiber internet installed in it. In my current home, the fiber is wired externally on walls, above doors and finally into the living room through a drilled hole. I want this wire to be installed internally…
Johnnytest
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14
votes
3 answers
Do I need to replace my electric panel to eliminate tandem breakers?
I am looking into installing an electric car charger. I called a few electricians to get a quote. My main panel is full, but there is an existing 50 amp breaker for an electric cooking range which is currently unused since I am using a gas cooking…
sp1984
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