Tag Archives: Electrical

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  Autumn Home Hacks

  Posted on August 23, 2024 by mikew in Fix It & Use It

  12 Ideas to Save Money and Improve Quality of Life this Fall! Our houses are in a constant state of decline and disrepair. Seasonally they call for our attention and a short, intentional spurt of care. In the spirit of decreasing expenses and increasing home enjoyment I offer these home hacks. Clear the gutters of […]

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  Zinsco put the HOLY into SMOKES!

  Posted on July 14, 2024 by mikew in Fix It & Use It

  The old Zinsco brand of electrical panels are colorful and cool-looking until you see this! When home inspectors come to homes built in the 1970s and earlier we are looking at the main electrical panel for a variety of reasons. We carefully take the service cover off to see what the condition of the box, […]

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  Powerful Tips: 8 Electrical To Do’s

  Posted on March 9, 2024 by mikew in Fix It & Use It

  I was part of an Extreme Home Makeover in 1991 long before it became a TV show. In that experience I came to respect and understand electricity as every teenager should in that five-day adventure. 3am is early, early morning, or late, late at night depending what end of sleep you are coming from. I […]

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  Solstice House Check Up

  Posted on December 30, 2022 by mikew in Fix It & Use It

  Essential House Maintenance Chores Repeated every December and June The summer and winter solstice are great times to perform needed house maintenance so let this article be a “maintenance needed” dash light to gently prod you toward some simple house care. Addressing these tasks will make you familiar with possible repairs, alleviate the worry of […]

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  What in the world is that?

  Posted on October 30, 2019 by mikew in Fix It & Use It

  Always appreciate the opportunity to be an ongoing resource for clients. One of my clients earlier this year moved in and sent me numerous pictures of items he had questions about. After our email exchange he gave me permission to share the pictures and correspondence. You might have the same question he had! This thing […]

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  Wide Clearance Required

  Posted on September 20, 2018 by mikew in Fix It & Use It

  There are a few areas that require wide clearance for proper and safe operation. Be sure your electrical panel is kept accessible and clear of all storage. As a rule of thumb I recommend a 3′ by 3′ by 3′ by 3′ space in front, beside, above and below the panel. I had one inspection […]

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  Outdoor electrical components 101

  Posted on December 10, 2017 by mikew in Fix It & Use It

  Have you ever noticed those components outside your garage wall? Ever hit that metal rod sticking out of the ground with your weed wacker? Ever wondered what that big braided wire is for? Here is a quick 101 crash course on those exterior components for those of you interested. First, let me introduce you to […]

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  Problem panels and wiring

  Posted on November 30, 2017 by mikew in Fix It & Use It

  Electricity evokes fear for many people. It is a powerful energy that has been harnessed for much good use. I wanted to briefly point out the two panel types and one wiring material that have been problematic in houses of the 1960s and 1970s. If I find these issues I recommend additional evaluation and necessary repairs […]

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  SCARY MOMENT! Use the right panel screws!

  Posted on September 20, 2017 by mikew in Fix It & Use It

  Few people would ever consider it safe to remove an electrical panel. It is why home inspectors and electricians have their jobs! This story may further discourage anyone from opening a panel… I had one of my top 5 scariest moments at an inspection this summer as I re-installed a panel cover. As I removed […]

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  For removal please cut drywall here

  Posted on July 25, 2016 by mikew in Fix It & Use It

  How’s your memory? I’ve got a pretty good memory on some things and my wife will tell you I have a terrible memory where it really counts! For all of you who want to make it a little easier for your self in the future I want to encourage you to label things! My favorite […]

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