What Is The Difference Between Type M & L Copper Pipe?
Types M and L copper pipes serve as water supply lines in homes, but type L pipes are thicker and have a higher pressure rating than type M copper pipes.
Read MoreMichael Logan
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Stories By Michael Logan
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Does An Extension Cord Reduce The Appliance Voltage?
Anything that resists the flow of electricity causes voltage to drop. How much the voltage drops and whether the voltage drop is a concern is a different matter. Even a very short wire will cause an insignificant voltage.
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How To Remagnetize An Electric Generator
Electric generators may lose their ability to generate electricity if the field windings become demagnetized. You can remedy this by using an electric motor as a generator. If you turn an electric motor using another motor or engine, the motor will generate electricity.
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How Far Can You Span A 2X10 Floor Joist?
The distance you can span a 2-by-10 joist without additional support depends on the species and grade of the wood, how far apart the joists are and the expected load on the joists. The loading includes the weight of the structure and other fixed weights which are defined as the dead load.
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How To Derate Conductors
Conductor derating reduces the amount of current that wires are allowed to carry. The idea behind it is to protect the wire's insulation from degradation by excessive heat. As current passes through a wire, heat is produced. As current levels rise, the amount of heat produced also rises.
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How To Tell If An Outlet Is A 3-Phase
Three-phase current usually is not supplied through an outlet, but that is not always the case. Some high-rise apartment buildings do have three-phase wiring, but the supply voltages are at levels similar to, although not quite the same as, single-phase wiring.
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Are There Restrictions On Where To Mount A Residential Circuit Breaker Box?
The National Fire Protection Association publishes the National Electric Code, or NEC, which is adopted by nearly every building code jurisdiction in the United States and is used as a model for building codes in other countries.
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How To Cut Wood Angles For Hexagons
A hexagon has six sides and six corresponding angles. Each angle is 120 degrees and the sum of the angles is 720 degrees. A wooden hexagon made from six different pieces of wood will follow this rule.
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How To Calculate Conduit Size For Wiring
National Electric Code (NEC) covers the use of conduit in its published codes and rules. Choosing the correct diameter conduit requires using NEC tables to find wire-type diameters, fill amounts and conduit diameters.
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How To Balance Out Your Electrical Panel Circuits
Electric utilities supply residential power through two wires called "Line 1" and "Line 2," each carrying 110 to 125 volts. A neutral third wire returns current to the transformer. In the service panel, the power is divided between the two lines to serve various circuits.
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Treated Wood Vs. Waterproofing
Controversy over the dangers of using pressure-treated lumber caused some people to abandon use of the products and companies to change the products used to treat lumber. Some people apply waterproofing sealer to standard lumber instead of using treated lumber products.
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How To Calculate The Electrical Disconnect Switch Size
The National Electric Code specifies that large, permanently-wired appliances such as air conditioners or whole house attic exhaust fans have a disconnecting means within sight of the appliance.
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How To Figure The Center Height Of Rafters
The pitch of a roof determines the height of the ridge board that runs the length of the house. Carpenters measure roof pitch as inches of rise per 12-inches of run. A 1-in-12 roof pitch roof rises 1 inch for every 12 inches of run. Rafters are nailed to the ridge board and run down to overhang the exterior wall.
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What Gauge Of Wire Is Used To Wire A 220-Volt Hot Water Heater?
Wiring hot water heaters requires paying attention to the National Electrical Code, which specifies wire gauge sizes and circuit breaker sizes based on the current draw of the hot water heater.
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How To Wire A 3 Phase Motor
Three-phase motors are more efficient than single phase motors and are commonly found in applications requiring more than 7.5 horsepower.
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What Size Wire Is Needed For A Welder?
The wiring for any device must accommodate its current requirements. Welders draw large amounts of current and require substantial wiring. Table 310-16 of the National Electric Code specifies the wire sizes used for specific current draws.
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How To Wire A Single-Phase 230V Motor
Single-phase motors are used to power everything from fans to shop tools to air conditioners. Residential power is usually in the form of 110 to 120 volts or 220 to 240 volts. Wiring a motor for 230 volts is the same as wiring for 220 or 240 volts.
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Romex Vs. Conduit Wiring
Approximately 90 percent of the homes in the United States are wired using nonmetallic (NM), sheathed cable, known and referred to by the trade name ROMEX®. Sheathed cable is convenient and easy to run.
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How To Fix An Electrical Open Ground
Providing a path for stray electrical current to follow is an important safety feature. Modern wiring codes require all outlets and fixtures to be grounded, meaning a separate conductor must be provided for current to follow in the event the wiring is compromised.
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How To Remove Molding From Oak Kitchen Cabinets
If you need to remove the molding from oak cabinets, you'll find that oak is a tough wood and doesn't give easily. Chances are, the molding has been there for a number of years and is solidly in place. Patience, care and a little hard work will get the molding removed without damaging your cabinets.
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