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Though it seems like a match made in heaven, it's actually against a variety of safety regulations to use a surge protector with an extension cord in either combination. It's possible to use the two together safely in the short-term, but long-term solutions require a different approach.
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Whether you're considering swapping out incandescent light bulbs for CFL or you're just curious about the components, here's what elements comprise flourescent bulbs.
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Copper sulfate is a common, inexpensive herbicide and algaecide with a number of applications. If you find your sewer line slowed by invasive tree growth, a copper sulfate root treatment can be used to clear the line. Some precautions must be taken to apply the copper sulfate safely, however.
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Though the John Deere LT133 was only produced for four years, between 1998 and 2001, the lightweight, low-end model of ride-on lawn mower is still popular and sought after. With an aftermarket repair kit and some mechanical skills, replacing the steering shaft is a relatively simple process.
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Most buildings in the United States have electrical service that can supply either 110 or 220 volts (V) at once, and most electric motors are capable of running on either the lower or higher voltage. Select a motor's 220V or 110V wiring setting by adjusting wires on the terminal plate.
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When you purchase a new appliance or standing tool containing a dual-voltage electric motor, it comes prewired for either 110- or 220-volt service. By design, this setting can be switched. By following a wiring diagram, you can convert a 220V motor to 110V mode or vice-versa fairly easily.
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A leaking shower head can be more than annoying. Depending on the severity and source of the leak, it can run up your water bill and promote the development of dry rot or mold in your bathroom. Thankfully, repairing a leaky Kohler shower head is a simple job with the correct replacement parts.
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Discovering that your chain saw won't start can be frustrating, especially if you splurged on a top-of-the-line chain saw. Luckily, you can troubleshoot and perform basic service on a chain saw at home. The problem is likely the result of a part needing to be cleaned or old fuel emptied.
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Regardless of how it's mounted, you can remove a sink from your granite countertop on your own, but you'll need to be patient and careful to protect the stone.
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Electric ARC furnaces, often used in the production of steel, work via high-voltage electric currents that bounce between graphite electrodes to produce heat.
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A White Rodgers programmable thermostat lets you set a custom heating/cooling schedule, which can come in handy when you want both comfort and energy savings.
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Fluidmaster is a company that sells toilet replacement parts, designed to improve toilet function and minimize the risk of leaks and excessive water flushing. If your toilet has a Fluidmaster 400 model of universal fill valve, it's incredibly simple to adjust the unit by yourself.
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Kohler's Ingenium system is fairly standard. Toilets equipped with it use a standard flapper and float, stopping the flush after approximately 1.6 gallons of water have passed to the toilet bowl. Due to its simple function, Kohler Ingenium flushing system repair and adjustment is usually easy.
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Concrete is one of the most versatile materials used in modern construction and one of the most important. While concrete can be poured at any time of year, there is an ideal range of temperature in which to pour concrete. If it's too cold or too hot outside, you will need to take precautions.
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Fiberglass insulation can come in a variety of colors. Between the white, brown, pink, and yellow options, many wonder what the differences are. In truth, the core difference is the manufacturer: yellow insulation is a generic color, while pink, for example is trademarked by one company.
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The basic anatomy of a door lock is made up of three core parts. Whether your door uses a traditional key-and-knob door lock or a more advanced electronic lock, the basic design is the same. Understanding the function of each part can help you troubleshoot problems with a lock on your own.
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A black pipe burner made at home and plugged into a gas source can be used to power anything from a homemade gas grill to a backyard metalworking forge to a homemade gas fire pit. Endlessly customizable, these burners can be built from off-the-shelf parts obtained at your local hardware store.
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A non-programmable thermostat is the most basic type of heating and cooling control system available, compatible with nearly any heating and cooling system. Commonly made by Honeywell, they can be installed quickly just by following the instructions in your Honeywell digital thermostat manual.
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While dimmer switches can be useful in bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms and other areas where you want to set ambiance, dimmers can be unhelpful or hazardous in spaces like closets or bathrooms. It's an easy job to swap one for a standard on/off switch – just be careful when doing so.
Read MoreWhile maneuvering a mattress up a flight of stairs can be tricky, it's nowhere close to the headache that a box spring can create if you just can't get it upstairs. If you find yourself in this situation, consider either creating or purchasing a folding box spring, or trying an unorthodox solution.
Read MoreClever use of wicker woven furniture can lend a casual, natural look to a space, but when damaged or frayed, they're often discarded or relegated to patio duty. But there's no need to fear: Resin and plastic wicker furniture can easily be fixed at home with a little work and some tools.
Read MoreBlinds are often disregarded as window treatments, but clever use of them can dramatically change a room’s presentation. Whether for cleaning or replacement, removing blinds is a straightforward task: Know the type of blind on your window and have a few common tools handy, and the process is simple.
Read MoreInstead of running the heater on full blast, consider installing a pellet stove in the basement. Fueled by eco-friendly wood-waste pellets, these freestanding stoves are commonly used to heat basements and other areas of a home as either a supplement to traditional heating or as a full replacement.
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Combination light, fan and heating units can be incredibly helpful in smaller bathrooms and similar areas in your home not served by heating vents. The compact form and varied functions make them perfect for use with a three-function switch box, but you'll need to be careful installing the system.
Read MoreThermolite is a type of synthetic insulation, trademarked by the Invista corporation. Designed to mirror the warmth of down feathers, it comes in grades intended to keep wearers warm in various weather conditions. It can be found in insulated jackets as well as sleeping bags and other products.
Read MoreA flare nut wrench, also known as a line wrench, brake wrench or crow's foot spanner, is a type of open-ended wrench commonly used for car repair and tuning. The design of the wrench makes it useful when dealing with flare nuts and flare fittings and can loosen the nuts without damaging them.
Read MoreUsing a ladder can be scary on the flattest surface, but using one on uneven ground can be dangerous. Options exist to make a ladder work on a slope, ranging from ladder leveling feet to the construction of a temporary work platform, but regardless of method, you must be careful.
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