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1500 questions
13
votes
10 answers
DIY fiber optic network connection: 600ft through forest
What equipment, tools and supplies do I need, in order to build and maintain a single fiber optic network connection between two buildings that are about 600 ft apart, separated by forest?
The way I am thinking about this problem is, instead of…
DavidMoksha
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votes
3 answers
What kind of pliers are these?
I saw these pliers being abused for something they’re probably not meant for.
What are these pliers actually for, and what do you call them?
Philipp
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votes
4 answers
Why was a screw hot after removal from a wall?
I was mounting a tv and midway I removed the bolt so I could grab the mount. When I removed the mount the tip of the bolt it was hot. I’m wondering if this is because of friction or if I’ve hit a wire. I got a little freaked out so I haven’t touched…
Fern
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13
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1 answer
I'm hearing about load sheds aka EVEMS, and the devices differ. What's that about?
There seem to be devices to let you charge an EV on houses that wouldn't otherwise have the service capacity (Electric Vehicle Energy Management Systems). Some of them slow down EV charging, but it seems like others do a hard power cut to the EV,…
Harper - Reinstate Monica
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13
votes
12 answers
Can I accelerate caulk drying by using a fan or heater on it?
From what I've found online, caulking takes 24-48 hours to dry. For my purposes, I need to apply caulking to my kitchen sink.
However, I am in a time crunch, so I would like to know how caulking dries. Specifically, can the dry time be sped up to…
MarkE
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13
votes
3 answers
Is it okay/safe to load a circuit breaker to 90% of its amperage rating?
To charge my EV I have a Level 2 Emporia EV Charging station (aka "EVSE") that is capable of outputting a maximum of 40 amps when using its included NEMA 14-50 plug on the supply side. Accordingly, in my home, the circuit that feeds that NEMA 14-50…
Richard B
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13
votes
4 answers
Should I replace two 75-gallon (gas) water heaters in series with a tankless heater?
We live in the Midwest in a large home that was built 20 years ago. At the time, we installed two 75-gallon gas water heaters, and the plumber did this in series, not parallel. We also have a system of pipes for hot water recirculating to each of…
Shelly Lee
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13
votes
3 answers
Can I use a 125A panel with a breaker and wiring sized for 90A?
I have a detached garage. I would like to run power to it and have a 400 amp service on my house. I already have a bunch of 2-2-2-4 aluminum ser wire, which I know is only good for 90 amps.
I have installed a 125 amp 12 space subpanel and intend on…
Will
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13
votes
2 answers
Tool Identity and Use
I'm hoping someone can identify this hand tool.
Here is what I do know:
It was made by Stanley
It may be something used with sheet metal or maybe Wire?
It would only be used on the edge of the metal.
It doesn't seem to be used to nibble as it…
jlaurenza
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13
votes
3 answers
Does hardwood floor REALLY need an expansion gap?
The conventional wisdom is that hardwood floors need a 1/4-3/8" gap to the wall (or bottom plate) around the perimeter, hidden under the baseboard. Ostensibly this is for thermal and/or humidity expansion.
For a floating floor, I get needing a gap,…
Huesmann
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13
votes
5 answers
Attempt to locate buried sewer line with melted snow?
I live in a housing addition (built 1965-1980) in the barren (no trees) Oklahoma panhandle. The first thing the new home owners in this area did was plant as many trees as possible.
Over last several years in my neighborhood many of these house…
Oily Tex
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13
votes
3 answers
Why would remotes work reliably on one garage door opener, but unreliable on another?
I have 2 older Home Builder garage door openers. Both have hard wired buttons on the wall that work fine for opening and closing.
My remote in my vehicle and another hand held one work to open my door but will not close until I wait for about 3-4…
Frank Haylow
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13
votes
6 answers
Why don't people use rigid or spray foam insulation in attics?
I'm looking to upgrade the insulation in my attic bumping it from an R-6 to R-30 or better, and while looking into things I realized I've never seen anyone use rigid or spray foam insulation in an attic.
Is there a particular caveat to these, or is…
anthonyryan1
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13
votes
9 answers
What could be causing a urine smell in our bathrooms?
I live in a home built in 2006. We are a clean family and have no pets. In ALL three of our bathrooms I am smelling an odor of "old urine". I do have a 3-year-old son so at first I thought he was simply missing the toilet in his bathroom, but days…
Chris10
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13
votes
2 answers
Why does dryer manufacturer not recommend runs of 10/3 cable longer than 15 feet (4.5m)?
I'm moving my dryer from one side of the laundry room to the other one, and extending my circuit from the existing outlet box -- the new length of the run (old+new) is roughly 25 feet.
During an on-site consultation, my licensed electrician…
init_js
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