Questions tagged [usa]
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14
questions
2
votes
2answers
226 views
First time changing switches and outlets (receptacles). Anything special I should know?
I am replacing a bunch of switches and receptacles in my house.
While I understand the basics, this is pretty much my first electrical project, and I figure there must be some hidden "gotchas" or ...
6
votes
4answers
6k views
Dimmer switch not connected to ground
I know just the basics of electricity and am trying to replace an older dimmer switch that broke with a new very similar switch.
The old switch is not connected to ground. The new switch has the ...
21
votes
5answers
4k views
Central Vacuuming: Is it worth it, and how does it compare to normal vacuuming?
I am in the process of buying a brand new home in the US through a builder. The home will be approximately 3,000 sq ft and I was given the option of buying a central vacuuming system for the house.
...
2
votes
1answer
108 views
Electrical box replacement latch
(I apologize if this seems like a shopping question - but I am out of ideas right now)
The black plastic, flat handle of the door to my domestic electrical box snapped off and I stupidly threw it ...
3
votes
3answers
1k views
Are tamper resistant receptacles really safer?
Tamper-resistant receptacles (marked with TR, sometimes know as TRR) are designed to be safer than regular outlets by making it more difficult to insert foreign objects. That said, there are lots of ...
0
votes
1answer
250 views
Grounding Wire to copper pipe for cable
I'm working on renovating my basement, but first am replacing all of my existing copper pipes with modern CPVC to eliminate the constant leak headache since we are on a well.
Last night I found this ...
8
votes
2answers
1k views
Toilet Seat Style
Why is it that in most home or apartment environments you find toilet seats that look pretty much like this:
(Picture Source)
And yet in offices and public places you will most often find toilet ...
1
vote
2answers
73 views
Operational Electrical Panel in an unfinished building — safe? Sane? Legal?
Is it realistic to have an operational and functioning load center panel (with power supplied only to temporary outlets mounted near the panel), fed by an offgrid solar system, in a half-built ...
0
votes
3answers
79 views
How to wire a USA 50amp 2 phase double pole breaker supply for a UK 240v high capacity shower pump
I have recently moved to the USA from Scotland. I brought with me a "Waterfall" 3 bar shower pump, operating on UK 240V, 50Hz A/C,rated at 4 A, 850W, IPX2.
In our house we have a disused 50amp supply ...
0
votes
1answer
182 views
Can I install junction box on a basement rim joint from inside
I am pulling wire from my basement for an outside receptacle. I drilled a hole through the rim joist. To secure pvc pipe from inside, I wanted to install a junction box on inside, and use a metal box ...
1
vote
1answer
91 views
What is this sensor/device located near the master bath tub?
This thing was in my old house and the new owner is asking me what it is. I never knew, and asked a few people. It is the size of a standard electrical outlet socket, and it is located near the master ...
0
votes
2answers
94 views
How do I know which wire is which is this old switch?
I'm replacing the following:
With this one:
But since there's not a white, I have no idea which is neutral. I tried hooking it up as pictured, but only the red wire had any power (and the switch ...
2
votes
1answer
142 views
Sturdy privacy barrier on rooftop
My townhome has a rooftop deck. A waist-high wall about 10 feet long separates it from my neighbor's deck. The other walls are taller, maybe shoulder height (~5 feet).
I would like to construct some ...
0
votes
2answers
509 views
Adapting 3/4 gas outlet to 1/2" appliance?
One of these things is not like the other. That's a 3/4 gas outlet and a gas dryer with a 1/2" fitting. What's the best approach to making them connect? The dryer is old so I'm a bit leery of trying ...
