Recent content by JohnBlack

This should be an easy fix. Twist it back to level using a windlass technique, similar to what's done with wooden fence gates. Drive a heavy lag screw into the end of the bench on the top corner of the highest point. Then drive a screw into the bottom of the opposite leg (same side of the...

Maybe bolt it to the wall, the floor, or both.

Aha! Sorry, wrong classic.��☺

Studebaker?

That was my thought also. The last time I checked on a system big enough to run my house and garage it was completely cost prohibitive.

Based on my research lumens per watt is a measure of efficiency but not a very accurate way of determining the useful brightness of a light source. This is because lumens are measured as the overall output of a source. With incandescents, T8s, T12s, etc. this measurement includes light energy...

Thanks for the input guys. Next step is to find a guy to do this for me.

It's a solid galvanized steel rod, but it's been out in the damp Florida weather for 40 years. I'm sure the connections are in bad shape.

I don't think Mother Nature is going to take notice of my sense of security if lightning strikes. ☺

Replacement of all old breakers is a few hundred bucks, so it's a definite concern. I know that the house was built in the mid 70s and I bought it off the original owner so those breakers probably date from that era. There is no dated sticker inside the panel. But there are some cave...

Thanks for taking the time to explain all that. You are right about the ground of course. It would be good insurance to add another ground rod. I realized what I said about there not being a ground problem a few minutes after I replied. I guess the one way to know if there is a bad ground is...

I think that's the best idea. That's definitely not a project I can tackle on my own so I'll have to find a local electrician. Any estimate on the number of hours to swap out the panel? Are my old breakers still compatible with the new panels or am I going to have to buy all new breakers as well?

Okay, the stamping is really faded but it appears to be 4/0 Aluminum.

Cheaper and easier than what? What's the downside? Since I'm not having a problem with the ground, everything is working fine, and all I want to do is add some outlets, what is the purpose in adding another ground rod?

So that car port is going to need a separate meter? If that's the case then definitely go with solar. Putting that little car port/shed on it's own meter seems ridiculous to me. But then again I'm not an electrician, so I really don't know.