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1500 questions
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votes
2 answers

Can I use a neutral wire from another outlet to repair a broken neutral?

Recently one wall of outlets quit working. Testing shows the hots are all good and the grounds are all good but the neutrals are all dead. They are all connected to each other but somewhere have lost the connection to the panel. Can I add a …
James Wolf
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5 answers

Most cost effective thermostat setting: consistent temperature vs. lowest temperature possible

The problem: Our heating bills are about 25% higher than our average neighbors according to our bill, yet our temperature is always as low as we can stand it (mid 50's), we have excellent insulation throughout the house, we don't have drafty…
David
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Is my plan for fixing my water heater leak bad?

Here is the situation (with pics): See that pan on the bottom? The hole in it is covered by tape. So here is what I was gonna do. Is this a good idea? First. I've gone out and purchased a new pan for the bottom. I also purchased a round piece of…
Dallas Caley
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10 answers

Was my approach to repairing stripped holes in a door jamb appropriate?

Two of the screw holes on the doorframe of a bedroom in my house are completely stripped out, to fill them in I soaked small strips of paper towel in wood glue and carefully stuffed them deep until the hole was evenly filled. I made sure they where…
Jared L.
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2 answers

When wiring a switch, should I break the neutral or power wire?

My husband has always wired a switch to break the neutral wire to turn a light on and off. I can remember for 40 years he has said to "break the neutral". However, our son worked as an electrician for 2 years and he said you always "break" the…
Peggy
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12
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8 answers

How do I disable a locking door latch?

I have the following door handle / lock combination that leads out to my garage. The key for the door has long been lost and sometimes someone will turn the internal lock and the door cannot be opened from the garage side. I wish to disable this…
Guy
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2 answers

What are our options for carpeting the basement of a split-level house?

The basement level of our house (1/2 below grade) is currently just vinyl tile on concrete slab. It's cold during the winter, so we would like to carpet it. We do not get water penetration through the floor, but during the humid days of summer,…
DCNYAM
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1 answer

What is this in my wall?

I am removing wall paneling and this is in the corner of the room and wondering if it is safe to remove
dbollig
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12
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2 answers

Why are loop (Chicago) vents typically built with three elbows?

Loop vents, for use where direct vents aren't feasible (such as in kitchen island cabinets), are typically drawn, built, and described as comprising three elbow fittings--two 45-degree elbows and one 90. This results in a peaked shape that…
isherwood
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3 answers

How to connect multiple light fixtures to one switch?

I am remodeling my basement, currently I have 5 light fixtures and each one has its own switch. I would like to make it so when I turn on the switch at the bottom of the stairs all the lights turn on. I would also like to add several more light…
John Thompson
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5 answers

How close can CAT6 run to electrical?

I've run CAT6 throughout my house, mostly in the basement where the TV area and office are. I have a cable that goes upstairs to my bedroom along the chimney from the basement to feed a wireless access point. There are 3 spots where the cable comes…
Scott L.
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1 answer

What is this metal thing on my circuit breaker

Just bought a condo and one of the breakers in it has this metal thingy on it. What is it? What is it for?
Edward
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12
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3 answers

How to bury electrical wiring

I know I can run indoor wire underground as long as it is protected in something, but can I use a water hose to run it through instead of conduit or PVC?
Teresa
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12
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2 answers

How can I trace cable through floors and walls?

How can I work out where an electrical cable runs through walls/floors? I am building a circuit map of a 1941 house with unfinished basement. I shut off all circuits at the main service panel, switch on the circuit I wish to trace, and track the…
Jeremy W. Sherman
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6 answers

Do I need a cordless screwdriver if I own a cordless drill?

I currently own a cheapo corded drill and one of DeWalt's lower-end cordless screwdrivers. I want to buy a cordless drill because I am done with extension cords. Most (good) cordless drills seem to be able to function as a screwdriver. If I did buy…
myron-semack
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