DEAR TIM: It’s a very long story and don’t think I’m crazy. I’m building a new home and wondering if I can install all the electrical wiring myself. It’s not a big home, but it’s got all the things going on you’d normally have in a home including quite a few 3 and 4-way switches. […]
Burying Electrical Wire - It's Allowed, But Use Conduit QUESTION #1: Tim, can you settle a debate between me and my wife? We have to have electric cables buried in the ground for all sorts of things around our home. She insists on putting the cables in conduit and I say, after doing online research, […]
Underground Wire Short - Conduit and Sand Are the Answers I didn't build the house I'm living in. Each month I discover something new where the builder and his subcontractors took a shortcut. A few months ago I had an underground wire short. This wire extends from the corner of my house up to the […]
Label Electrical Wires - Have Some Fun Be Reasonable Read more of this story in Tim's May 5, 2019 Newsletter. It's a good idea to label electrical wires. Here are a few reasons why you should do it: labels help remind you how to name circuit breakers labels help you know what wire is which […]
3 and 4 Way Switch Wiring for Dummies - You're Not One! QUESTION #1: Tim, I need you to mediate a dispute between my husband and me. We’re building a new home and there are quite a few places where two, or more, switches can be used to control lights. I like the convenience but […]
"An electric baseboard heater works just like a toaster but without the danger of a fire." Basement Heating Options Checklist Electric heating is probably your best bet Do the math before making an expensive selection Insulate walls with closed-cell foam Portable heaters work well What Basement Heating Options Are Affordable? You might be surprised to […]
Kitchen Exhaust Question #1: Tim, I’m very excited about an upcoming kitchen remodel at my home. I need your advice about my kitchen exhaust fan. I’m getting conflicting information from contractors, the kitchen designer, and my husband. You’re my lifeline. Can you address the best practices for kitchen exhaust fans and any other aspects to […]
This video was shot after Tim had a dream about wiring 3-way switches. Really! Read about this dream in the April 19, 2018 Newsletter. 3 Way Switch Troubleshooting is Simple - Play Musical Chairs Watch the above video to see how to troubleshoot a 3-way switch that you goofed up. Yes, I know you did. […]
White Salt on Brick and 3 Ways Question #1: Tim, I’ve got a mess on my brick home. I live in Houston, TX and have a sprinkler system for my lawn. The water sometimes gets sprayed on my brick exterior. White stains appear. I’ve tried scrubbing with water and a water/acid mix. Nothing is working. […]
Ring® Floodlight Cam Review - A Dream Security Spotlight My wife doesn't like our new Ring® Floodlight Cam. "You're a creeper," she says to me. That's because our Ring® keeps a vigilant eye on who comes down our driveway. She doesn't like to be watched so she's not happy with me. I tell her, "Just […]
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