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1500 questions
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2 answers
Can I use a *ground wire only* conduit for copper data cables?
Hypothetical question. I won't self-answer. The purpose is to inform potential answers on another person's question.
Suppose I have a shed with a 200A subpanel, with 3-wire feed that was installed prior to 1999, so it was grandfathered. I now want…
Harper - Reinstate Monica
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12
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2 answers
Proper technique to adding a wire to existing pigtail
This seems like a pretty straight forward question and hoping not a poor question but here we go.
If you have a pigtail for three wires (say # 14 AWG if that makes a difference) together in a wire nut but you want to add another wire to the mix. Is…
Qiuzman
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Electrical outlets gone bad?
New here, please go easy on me:)
I have a few outlets that we’ve never used because furniture was in the way. Just started moving stuff around and I’ve come to realize that 2 outlets just don’t work, with known working items.
Tested with volt meter…
Justin Alvarez
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12
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5 answers
Are two wires coming out of the same circuit breaker safe?
There are two wires coming out of two of my circuit breakers in my electrical panel. I am thinking the previous owner of the house stuck these two wires in there because the panel was full and they didn't want to replace the panel. I am not sure…
CSR
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12
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12 answers
What goes on threads first: tape or dope?
Should the dope be applied directly to the male threads or should the tape go on first?
Matthew
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12
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8 answers
How do I remove blown in attic insulation?
I want to replace the drywall ceiling in my house. It's old and has been painted over a million times. Home was built in the 50s. How do I replace the ceiling without replacing the insulation? Or if I take out the insulation to replace it with new,…
Trevor
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4 answers
What screwdriver I should use for this screw head?
I am trying to unscrew the screw head you see in the picture. It is from the kitchen faucet handle.
From looking online, it is usually a hex screw head. I tried a hex-key wrench, it didn't work, and tried every tool I have that could fit with no…
Lloyd
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5 answers
How can you tell if it's safe to hang weight from the ceiling?
I live in Canada and my house is made of wood. I'd like to mount gymnastics rings to my ceiling. I weigh roughly 90kg and I know you're suppose to find joists and attach weight there, but I don't want to pull my ceiling down. Is there a way to test…
noobycoder
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2 answers
How can I seal a gap between floor joist boxes and foundation?
I have an unfinished basement that always has tons of beetles, spiders and cold air (yes I know most basements have this, but it is more than normal). I finally decided to take a piece of insulation out that sits on top of the foundation between the…
Josh
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2 answers
Are these drywall screws properly driven/countersunk?
Related to this question. Even though I might be cluttering up SE with questions about driving drywall screws, I feel they will ultimately be helpful since I have been unsuccessful in finding images of properly-driven drywall screws. Plus, it's a…
oscilatingcretin
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4 answers
Should I run outlet circuits through the studs or up and along the top plates?
I have a great workshop (20 x 25 ft, 2 level) that was built with no power (previous owner). I'm installing a subpanel in the shop (90A) and need to install receptacles, lights, etc. as well. I've never organized a shop before so I'm unsure how to…
tnknepp
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12
votes
1 answer
How do I know if it is safe to remove a wall?
When looking at a wall, how can I tell if I can safely remove it?
Walker
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12
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3 answers
What are the implications of driving a drywall screw too far into the sheet?
I'm not gonna lie. The early stages of my very first home improvement project completely smacks of novice DIY'er. I did so many things wrong that I've since learned from, but the first mistakes are still glaringly obvious, one of which being how I…
oscilatingcretin
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12
votes
4 answers
Is this electrical junction up to code?
I was up in my attic a few days ago, and I noticed a pretty ugly electrical junction that wasn't in a junction box. Here's the pic:
Is this up to code? FWIW I live in north Alabama, outside city limits. However I'm assuming there are general…
Doresoom
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12
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3 answers
Is it safe to put a 120W equivalent LED bulb in a 100W max fixture?
I bought a 15W led bulb which is the equivalent of a 120W incandescent. But, I can't find a cord grip ceiling bulb holder rated higher than 100W.
Is it safe to put the 120W equivalent bulb in a 100W ceiling socket?
Rodney Jones
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