Most Popular
1500 questions
12
votes
2 answers
What is this outlet in my garage and can I charge an EV from it?
The previous owner had a workshop in the garage supplied with lots of electrical outlets, including this one. Can I use it to charge an electric car?
I believe this is the circuit breaker for it.
jelder
- 453
- 1
- 7
- 12
12
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
- 123
- 5
12
votes
3 answers
How can I overcome the 30 ft distance requirement of a surge protector?
I bought a new surge protector and the included specification material says I need 30 feet between the outlet and the service panel. My situation is probably about 5 feet. The outlet I want to protect is on the first floor and almost directly over…
Bob Gio
12
votes
3 answers
Can I run a 1300W heater on a 15amp circuit?
I have purchased a bathroom exhaust fan that also has a built-in heater.
The heater is 1300W and in the instructions manual they say to use a 20 amp circuit
However... the electrician just installed the circuit, and he used a 14/2 cable because he…
Thomas
- 305
- 4
- 10
12
votes
5 answers
Where to locate knobs on bifold doors that must be opened and closed from both sides?
I'm installing two of these bifold doors side-by-side in a 60" frame:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Pinecroft-30-in-x-80-in-Optique-Clear-Full-Lite-Universal-Reversible-Interior-Wood-Bi-fold-Door-873526/
Unlike the closets that most people install…
hunterloftis
- 222
- 2
- 7
12
votes
5 answers
What light bulbs are these and how do I replace them?
This is for the light for my house number. The light bulbs burned out and I'm trying to figure out how to replace them. I tried to pull the bulbs out but it didn't budge. Perhaps I didn't pull hard enough but I'm wondering if I need to unscrew…
Classified
- 686
- 6
- 17
- 30
12
votes
5 answers
How do builders prevent water damage during construction?
There is a new house under construction near me. I pass it daily. The foundation is done and they are working on framing now. We had a big storm recently, and so all the framing and presumably the basement were exposed to the elements. How do…
nuggethead
- 1,367
- 12
- 24
12
votes
4 answers
Why use a tube for post footings instead of directly pouring concrete into the hole?
What are the reasons for using something like Quikrete's Quik-tube for pouring footings for posts rather than just pouring directly into the ground with a galvanized anchor set into the top of the concrete?
One thing I read is that the tube holds…
g491
- 740
- 2
- 7
- 25
12
votes
7 answers
Do I need an industrial grade NEMA 14-50 receptacle for EVs?
I'm trying to prepare for EV charging and have been researching on different EV user chat rooms.
I have the option to install a manufacture charger or something like a NEMA 14-50 receptacle for charging and I'm opting for the latter. Users have…
milesmeow
- 5,030
- 33
- 105
- 137
12
votes
5 answers
In what situations could "dirty water leak into" municipal water pipes besides a catastrophic loss of pressure?
Under an answer to How is the quality of tap water in Thailand? I commented:
Usually water in pipes is pressurized so that it comes out of the tap when you open it; is "dirty water making its way into cracks in the clean water pipes" really a known…
uhoh
- 315
- 3
- 12
12
votes
5 answers
Pull my own electric meter?
TLDR: I've got a chicken-or-egg situation where I can't fix the electric until I install a shut-off, and I can't install a shut-off until I fix the electric. What happens if I pull my meter on the down-low?
I bought a new house, and the wiring is a…
Tyler M
- 1,070
- 2
- 12
- 25
12
votes
2 answers
What does a Summer/Winter switch on furnace air ducts do?
On some of our furnace ducts, there is a switch/valve for Summer/Winter or S/W.
What does changing this switch/lever accomplish?
Can bad things happen if I forget to switch it?
Bonus question: Pictured below, an Aprilaire humidifier control unit…
The Other Steven
- 1,233
- 6
- 14
- 27
12
votes
6 answers
What purpose are these openings on the roof?
I have a slanted roof on my house. I think it's called a Gable and Valler roof where some vertical portions of the home intersects with some of the slanted parts of the roof.
With that said, there are some openings where squirrels apparently are…
Classified
- 686
- 6
- 17
- 30
12
votes
2 answers
I accidentally ran 14 gauge wire. Should I swap out my 20 amp breaker for a 15 amp breaker or rewire with 12 gauge wire?
I just finished installing seven LED recessed lights in my master bedroom. I had to fish wiring through the ceiling and through the wall to an existing switch. I'm changing the one gang switch box to a two gang switch box. I got everything put in…
Jonathan Fry
- 263
- 1
- 2
- 10
12
votes
3 answers
What causes a water heater's relief valve to discharge water?
I have a Gas Reliance Water Heater 1212. I found recently (in winter) there is a water dip through the relief valve into a 5 gallon bucket. Sometimes, it can fill the whole bucket. Sometimes, it has no water drip at all.
I can't find the reason why…
Richard Sayakanit
- 337
- 1
- 4
- 15