Recent content by Baydog

My guys are only allowed to use Square D QO or Cutler Hammer CH for new panels. We have recently had to make some allowances though due to supply shortages. In 30 years with 1000's of installs, both of those have performed well, without any breakers burning on the buss. On the other hand we...

Give the condition the whole systems appears to be in, whatever you do NEVER get into the water at that dock. Since it looks like maintenance has been neglected, the electrocution hazard is real. Each year people are killed at marinas when they go for a swim, or jump in to fix something, then...

You should cord and plug connect it. It's likely code , depending on your jurisdiction. But more importantly the 'free removal and installation" the big appliance retailers offer only works if they can plug it in. They won't switch the hard wiring. So that means you have to already have to have...

We've been installing solar for like 19 years on the East coast. Prices have plummeted over that time due mostly to declining cost of the solar panels. These days is someone is trying to sell you a residential rooftop system at over $3.00 per DC watt, before any incentives, walk away. Prices...

I really regret going to two 9' doors rather then a single larger one. And not having more driveway in front of the doors. A crew cab dually with an 8' bed takes a lot of work to get inside and lined up on the lift.

The NEC requires that the generator be sized to handle the load connected to it. There is a calculation you run to get to that number. But, that will result is a too large generator if you have some high draw loads like electric ranges, dryers, heat strips etc. So you can do one of two things...

A simple solution in a fire code wall is to make sure any box for receptacles and switches are not in the same stud bay as a box on the other side. That way the fire rated barrier is maintained. You'll likely also need to fire-caulk any holes made in the sill and top plate for running wires.

Sorry I may not have been clear. IF you live somewhere that requires electrical inspections of all work, regardless of who performs it. And IF work gets done without an inspection and IF you are later called out on it by a knowledgeable home inspector who can tell that the updated kitchen or...

All is well and good until you get ready to sell the home and the home inspect notes electrical work has been done without any evidence of an inspection (ie the inspection sticker at the panel). Several times each month we get invited out to look over this unlicensed work and get it inspected...

We use a lot of the products from PSP, especially their Hurricane 2000 series for residential use. They use gas tubes for additional protection and are not very expensive for the level of protection they provide. https://www.pspproducts.com/

Those ratchet crimpers do an outstanding job. But there are a lot of times I find they are just too bulky to get into where I need to be crimping. So I go back and forth between them and the old school Klein crimper.

Does the pump actually run for a few seconds, then trip the breaker? Or does it try to run, humming loudly, and then trips the breaker? if the later, and it's not mechanically locked up, it's likely a bad start capacitor under the hump. if that is the problem, they are $15 or so on amazon. It...

If you transition aluminum cable to another type of aluminum in a Jbox make sure: 1. The Jbox is completely waterproof (hard to achieve long term) or isn't outside if possible. Aluminum fails quickly when exposed to moisture. 2. Pay attention to connectors. Polaris bugs are good. Make sure...

There are a number of online calculators for determining the right wire size. You need to know the total amp draw, the voltage whatever your operating is running at. Then you can play with cooper vs aluminum and wire size. here's an easy to use one...

You may want to consider a mower with the decks out front instead of underneath. They are great for getting under low hanging branches and it's a lot easier to see what you doing when trimming. Once I went to one of these with just a single wheel in the rear I retired the push mower. A little...