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1500 questions
24
votes
8 answers
Why aren’t there water shutoff valves for each room?
Had an issue today with a nail going through a water supply line in a bathroom. It got me wondering if there is a practical or technical reason there aren’t typically room-specific shut offs between the master shut off and the shut offs at the…
Mike Whitis
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24
votes
8 answers
What's the standard height for an outlet?
I am installing outlets in my patio room. What is the standard height recommended above the ground for these to be installed?
KingKongFrog
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24
votes
3 answers
Why don't I have ground wiring on any of my outlets?
My house in California was built in 1989 (I believe) And in the last 5 years I've replaced at least 20 outlets myself (successfully), and noticed there were never any ground wires to connect to the new outlet (Decora style). The old outlet are…
Outdated Computer Tech
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24
votes
4 answers
Is it safe to re-use drill holes in a wall?
I've just mounted a 42" TV with a new wall mount that uses 3/16" bolts into some studs on the wall. I now want to use an articulating one, which means I'll need to replace the old mount. The new mount also uses the same size bolts. Is it safe to…
John Leehey
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24
votes
7 answers
How do I mount this towel rack that was ripped off the wall?
One of my tenants sent me a pictures of my broken towel rack. What would be the most cost effective fix?
Sharif Bhuiyan
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24
votes
6 answers
Is my plan to safely remove asbestos siding sound?
After reading a some other questions I haven't found an answer similar enough for what I'm thinking about doing. So here goes.
Full disclosure up front. Before I even touch a single siding shingle, I'm going to check with local authorities to get…
Paul TIKI
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24
votes
4 answers
How do I properly wire GFCI outlets in parallel?
I have two countertop outlets in my kitchen that I am in the process of replacing with new, GFCI-protected outlets. These two outlets are on a circuit together, and they are the only loads on that circuit. After wiring the new outlets up and testing…
Drew Spickes
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24
votes
4 answers
Are there any cordless power tool systems that offer a corded option?
Are there any cordless powertool systems (e.g., drills, drivers) that have a corded battery option (i.e., an adapter that fits where the battery would normally go that can be plugged in)? I've used other electrical equipment with this arrangement…
Anonymous Joe
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24
votes
6 answers
Is it important not to scratch copper wire when removing insulation?
I use a small cutter made for max 14 gauge wires, but I'm bad at removing insulation, it takes me a bit of time to get it right, so I end up cutting and repeating, because I see scratches on copper wire were I cut the insulation. Should I ignore it?…
Altoban
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24
votes
13 answers
What items in a house can potentially be damaged by shutting them off at the circuit breaker?
Are there certain items in a house (anything from a computer to a furnace) that can be damaged by shutting off its circuit at the electrical panel?
If so, must one avoid turning off that circuit at all times, or should one simply take certain…
Fil
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24
votes
7 answers
Ethernet cable instead of Thermostat wire?
I need to pull new wire from my furnace to my thermostat and was wondering if there would be any problems in using an Ethernet cable instead of standard thermostat wiring.
The reason being is I have left over cat6 cable and figured the wire should…
Metro Smurf
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24
votes
1 answer
240v Outlet with 120v and 215v - How?
Ok this is a weird one and maybe I just don't understand how mains work (though I feel I have a good enough knowledge to stay safe and do basic breaker work & wiring).
Buddy moved into a new shop and he called me to wire in a 240 plug into a closed…
Skinner927
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23
votes
3 answers
Do new wire runs in an existing ceiling need to be stapled down?
I've heard some people say that code requires wiring in the wall to be stapled to framing every so often (how often?), but when you are doing a remodel, is that necessary?
I have a two story house, and would like to remove one standard dome light on…
JPhi1618
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23
votes
11 answers
Would bullet proof glass help deter burglars? How does it compare to normal glass?
We consider buying an apartment, which has previously been used as a shop. Our only concern is that it has large windows (2,5 meters x 2,5 meters), which would function like an invitation to burglars. I am thinking that we could buy bullet-proof…
David
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23
votes
2 answers
Why exactly is WD-40 not a true lubricant?
According to this answer WD-40 is not a true lubricant. I don't get it - even Wikipedia says
The long-term active ingredient is a non-volatile, viscous oil which remains on the surface, providing lubrication and protection from moisture.
which…
sharptooth
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