First-World Problems...

Yeah...I love electricity. It makes so much sense!

In a just and fair world, there would be one cable running into each receptacle, and I would have at least an outside shot at understanding what is going on.

Of course that would mean that every outlet in the house would have a home run to the circuit panel, and that might be a bit ungainly. But that Romex wiring was done haphazardly, so it is virtually impossible to trace where it goes. It's a mare's nest of crossed wires that may have made sense to the meth-head electrician, but it sure doesn't make sense to me.

All I want to do is switch that box from a two-outlet to a four outlet. Both things on it are low power...less than an amp in total. It would be nice to have an additional outlet because it is in a very convenient place!

But the electricity gods say that I can't have nice things! And yes, it works fine now so I can simply swap it, but I dislike changing something without knowing what is going on in the background.

Posted by: CBD at 02:00 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 I hate electricity

Posted by: Skip at October 15, 2023 02:01 PM (fwDg9)

2 There's this thing called a multi-outlet adapter that you can just plug right in. Almost anybody can do it.

Posted by: fd at October 15, 2023 02:02 PM (vFG9F)

3 Not long after moved here eons ago, everything seemed to be on 1 circuit. It wasn't, but turned each off and found what wasn't on.

Posted by: Skip at October 15, 2023 02:03 PM (fwDg9)

4 Yeah...I love electricity. It makes so much sense!

==

Get a TESLA !

*runs for cover

Posted by: runner at October 15, 2023 02:05 PM (V13WU)

5 >>> 1 I hate electricity
Posted by: Skip at October 15, 2023 02:01 PM (fwDg9)

Would you prefer little tiny leftists running the lights and appliances in your house???

Posted by: electricity at October 15, 2023 02:05 PM (llON8)

6 I have added circuit breakers, but don't like doing it

Posted by: Skip at October 15, 2023 02:06 PM (fwDg9)

7 They're just wires. You'll be fine.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at October 15, 2023 02:06 PM (Q4IgG)

8 You can even get 6 outlet adapters now with USB charging ports too.

Posted by: fd at October 15, 2023 02:06 PM (vFG9F)

9 My house was weird during the war and messed with ever since. Throwing breakers kills random things. When we had our kitchen renovated, everything was home runned.

Posted by: Jamaica NYC at October 15, 2023 02:07 PM (mmufL)

10 'lectricity I can handle. It's plumbing that I hate.

Posted by: fd at October 15, 2023 02:07 PM (vFG9F)

11 My kitchen has an island. The island has no outtlet and it would be really nice if it had one.
The nearest outlet is six feet away.
Estimate to add a new outlet to the island: $1500.

Fu*k it.

Posted by: Diogenes at October 15, 2023 02:08 PM (uSHSS)

12 Call an electrician. Yes, they are expen$ive but then you have someone to blame when the house burns down.

Posted by: Next2Nothing at October 15, 2023 02:08 PM (tA1/w)

13 I hate electricity
Posted by: Skip at October 15, 2023 02:01 PM (fwDg9)

On the other hand, there is a reason why steam-powered vibrators never caught on.

Posted by: Your Mom at October 15, 2023 02:08 PM (H2qjM)

14 There's a device called a multimeter, which can be rudimentary and cost $5, or get sophisticated and cost more than $100.

Saves a lot or running a round and/or getting zsotzed

Posted by: Field Marshal Zhukov at October 15, 2023 02:09 PM (nnp+f)

15 Simple fix.

Find the breaker (use a outlet polarity checker or an old desk lamp) and turn it off.
Remove receptical.
Remove single gang box.
Installl double gang box.
Wire nut the black wires together with two black pigtails. Do same with white (nuetral), and bare (ground).
Attach one white pigtail to each outlet (silver screw), same with black (gold screw), and gronds (green screw on bottom of outlet).

It's all color coded.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at October 15, 2023 02:10 PM (cOq4q)

16 I worked on a house that had 180 home runs for lighting back to panels that could be controlled thru a web interface. 12 panels, 16 channels each. You could program preset combinations and levels and change the whole house at once from anywhere in the house.

That guy had more money than sense. I've got some crazy stories from that project.

Posted by: fd at October 15, 2023 02:12 PM (vFG9F)

17 On the other hand, there is a reason why steam-powered vibrators never caught on.
Posted by: Your Mom at October 15, 2023 02:08 PM (H2qjM)

I always do try to keep my pussy warm.

Posted by: Mrs. Slocombe at October 15, 2023 02:12 PM (WSArw)

18 I hate electricity
Posted by: Skip at October 15, 2023 02:01 PM (fwDg9)

On the other hand, there is a reason why steam-powered vibrators never caught on.
Posted by: Your Mom at October 15, 2023 02:08 PM (H2qjM)

Biker chicks use kick starters on theirs.

Posted by: Biker Chicks at October 15, 2023 02:12 PM (uSHSS)

19 zsotzed

Heh.

Spelled like it sounds.

Posted by: Pupster at October 15, 2023 02:12 PM (G8d9V)

20 I've put in new circuits, complete with breakers. As long as the juice is off it's a lot easier (to me) than anything to do with plumbing. That shit is some sort of voodoo, black art. I won't so much as change a washer. Fuck it.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at October 15, 2023 02:13 PM (Q4IgG)

21 Not that plumbing is hard, just that pipes go through constricted areas with spiders and dust. And half the system is devoted to sewage.

Posted by: Kindltot at October 15, 2023 02:15 PM (xhaym)

22 The people who complained about the toenail fungus ads on this site should be happy. Those ads have been replaced with skin growths.

I don't know how website ads work. I am assuming these particular ads are hijackers and don't actually pay Ace for placement here.

Posted by: Emmie at October 15, 2023 02:15 PM (Sf2cq)

23 My house is so old (built in 1954) that only the few outlets added since construction have a third prong. The two prong outlets are really only suitable for things like 1950's lamps etc.

Posted by: An Observation sez China Joe not my president at October 15, 2023 02:15 PM (CecP5)

24 If were you CBD, I would cover my house with solar panels and add an extra socket right next to that one backed up by $20,000 worth of batteries.

No I wouldn't. That would be foolish.

Posted by: fd at October 15, 2023 02:16 PM (vFG9F)

25 think you even get it at Walmart - 2 part signal detector ... plug in one part to receptacle, other part is used to signal which breaker connects that circuit.
Handy to map all the receptacles in the house.

Posted by: Wingnutt at October 15, 2023 02:17 PM (LT1b6)

26 My house is so old (built in 1954) that only the few outlets added since construction have a third prong. The two prong outlets are really only suitable for things like 1950's lamps etc.
Posted by: An Observation sez China Joe not my president

And double insulated power tools.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at October 15, 2023 02:17 PM (cOq4q)

27 "I dislike changing something without knowing what is going on in the background."

Yeah, you don't want to mess around with things beyond your ken - not electrical, anyway. You don't want to get lit up.

Publius would have done the electrical for our house, but his RA wouldn't permit it. I did help him wire for internet though. We have internet and phone ports in every room except the bathrooms. He's a fiend :-)

Posted by: Miley, okravangelist at October 15, 2023 02:18 PM (Mzdiz)

28 And double insulated power tools.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at October 15, 2023 02:17 PM (cOq4q)

Christmas lights!

Posted by: Miley, okravangelist at October 15, 2023 02:19 PM (Mzdiz)

29 Kill the power (find breaker of fuse and turn it off or remove it), take off cover plate and pull outlet. Second wire is probably going to a switch or another outlet. Buy metal box with the same removable side, remove screw and attach box. Now you have a double box. Add wire to the outlet wires using wire nuts and wire to make it proper. Put double outlet cover on and reenergize the circuit, you are done. Or call an electrician and watch him do the same thing.

Posted by: StephanA at October 15, 2023 02:19 PM (Pd4Md)

30 ...white pigtail...

It's all color coded.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at October 15, 2023 02:10 PM (cOq4q)

Wow...your support of the patriarchy just oozes out of that comment.

Are you an electrician?

We don't like your kind around here!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at October 15, 2023 02:20 PM (3Gtis)

31 "The people who complained about the toenail fungus ads on this site should be happy. Those ads have been replaced with skin growths."

I'm getting ads say "Signs of schizophrenia. Take a look at them".

I would but I have a divided opinion about things like that.

Posted by: fd at October 15, 2023 02:21 PM (vFG9F)

32 I was all set to give the world wireless electricity, but Big Wire shut me down. This is why we can't have nice things.

Posted by: Nikolai Tesla at October 15, 2023 02:21 PM (H2qjM)

33 I was all set to give the world wireless electricity, but Big Wire shut me down. This is why we can't have nice things.
Posted by: Nikolai Tesla at October 15, 2023 02:21 PM (H2qjM)

Tell me again about the pigeons again, Nicky

Posted by: Kindltot at October 15, 2023 02:22 PM (xhaym)

34 You can also stick a pair of needlenose pliers in the outlet and then go see which breaker tripped.

Posted by: WARNING Do not try this at home at October 15, 2023 02:22 PM (vFG9F)

35 About 20+ years ago when Sears used to still be something you could pick up their "Residential Electrical" book for a couple books. Maybe about fifty pages in length but had it all for your ttypical home 120/240 wiring. Even had various ways to run three-way and four-way lighting.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at October 15, 2023 02:22 PM (cOq4q)

36 No electrician here, but read this Sears circular on wiring... also done some home rewiring jobs. Enough that I know most electricians suck.

Don't get me started on plumbers.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at October 15, 2023 02:25 PM (cOq4q)

37 2 There's this thing called a multi-outlet adapter that you can just plug right in. Almost anybody can do it.
Posted by: fd at October 15, 2023 02:02 PM (vFG9F)

I've got one of those behind my TV, with about 8 things now plugged into a 2 socket outlet.

Posted by: Tom Servo at October 15, 2023 02:26 PM (S6gqv)

38 On other had YouTube can be your friend in any task

Posted by: Skip at October 15, 2023 02:26 PM (fwDg9)

39 What IAB said.
The 2 romex cables are simply supplying that receptacle and more outlets/receptacles down the circuit.

Add a box with conduit connecting the 2 boxes, use good wire nuts (go see the videos on proper technique to use wire nuts!) to make the pigtails.
Do not use a smaller gauge wire to do the pigtails.

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at October 15, 2023 02:26 PM (EfYwt)

40 CBD - any chance you can install one of those outlets with the USB power supplies in it?

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at October 15, 2023 02:27 PM (YRsIm)

41 I would but I have a divided opinion about things like that.

Posted by: fd at October 15, 2023 02:21 PM (vFG9F

*chuckle*

Posted by: Emmie at October 15, 2023 02:27 PM (Sf2cq)

42 Doesn't electrical work require you to stand in a bucket of water?

Posted by: nurse ratched, otter 841 superfan at October 15, 2023 02:27 PM (uwXSc)

43 We have aluminized cloth in our summer cottage. The outlets look like 2 prong Bakelite

Posted by: Jamaica NYC at October 15, 2023 02:28 PM (mmufL)

44 We have internet and phone ports in every room except the bathrooms. He's a fiend :-)

You do realize that you've forfeited the ability to have a bidet that connects to the internet, right?

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at October 15, 2023 02:28 PM (guGkK)

45 Woman embarrassed about the fish smell in her bedroom finds out it was due to an electrical issue in the socket that could have caught the house on fire.

https://tinyurl.com/mwrbnn4m

Posted by: redridinghood at October 15, 2023 02:29 PM (NpAcC)

46 Todays FWP is that I have to wear a waffle shirt, flannel pants and socks on the patio. It's freakin 62 out here!

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at October 15, 2023 02:30 PM (YRsIm)

47 42 Doesn't electrical work require you to stand in a bucket of water?
Posted by: nurse ratched, otter 841 superfan at October 15, 2023 02:27 PM (uwXSc)

I'm looking for that picture of a guy working on an electrical fixture while standing on an aluminum ladder in a swimming pool.

Posted by: Tom Servo at October 15, 2023 02:33 PM (S6gqv)

48 Doesn't electrical work require you to stand in a bucket of water?
Posted by: nurse ratched, otter 841 superfan at October 15, 2023 02:27 PM (uwXSc)

That's not a rule, just a Best Practices guideline. Like editing your HQ comment in Word before posting it.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at October 15, 2023 02:34 PM (guGkK)

49 We have internet and phone ports in every room except the bathrooms. He's a fiend :-)
Posted by: Miley, okravangelist

This place has phone jacks everywhere, and cable TV next to power outlets in high corners in all the bedrooms.
There are switches for lights and fans from multiple locations in the 'great room'. You know what you don't need any longer *fan* switches, when you add a new fan the remote controls light and fan.
What the hell do I do with 2 fan switches in every switch plate now?!!!!

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at October 15, 2023 02:34 PM (EfYwt)

50 My place is a modular (mobile) home. There's a "main" electrical line that runs down the middle of the house, where the two halves join. There's one wall switch in a short hallway that will turn one half of the entire house off. Or on.

It was supposed to turn a single ceiling light on/off.

I've looked at it.

There are 7 different wires attached to it. I've yet found the motivation to deal with it.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at October 15, 2023 02:34 PM (Q4IgG)

51 That is a very poorly done box. Is that exposed?

Posted by: LenNeal at October 15, 2023 02:35 PM (/BBNv)

52 44 We have internet and phone ports in every room except the bathrooms. He's a fiend :-)

You do realize that you've forfeited the ability to have a bidet that connects to the internet, right?
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43)

Pshaw. As long as you have a bathroom gun, you'll be fine.

Posted by: nurse ratched, otter 841 superfan at October 15, 2023 02:36 PM (uwXSc)

53 Doesn't electrical work require you to stand in a bucket of water?
Posted by: nurse ratched, otter 841 superfan at October 15, 2023 02:27 PM (uwXSc)

Only if you are trying to galvanize yourself.

Posted by: Kindltot at October 15, 2023 02:36 PM (xhaym)

54 It is always best to leave rewiring to a professional electrician.

They have so much new shit nowadays that it don't play to guess this or that and if your house burns down you can sue.

Which is when you call me! For The People!

Posted by: John Morgan, Fat democrat Super Lawyer at October 15, 2023 02:37 PM (R/m4+)

55 It was supposed to turn a single ceiling light on/off.

I've looked at it.

There are 7 different wires attached to it. I've yet found the motivation to deal with it.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at October 15, 2023 02:34 PM (Q4IgG)

I always thought there was a call for a "whole house wiring loom" like for a car.
Sounds like you got a trailer designed by Lucas, though.

Posted by: Kindltot at October 15, 2023 02:37 PM (xhaym)

56 45 Woman embarrassed about the fish smell in her bedroom finds out it was due to an electrical issue in the socket that could have caught the house on fire.

https://tinyurl.com/mwrbnn4m
Posted by: redridinghood at October 15, 2023 02:29 PM (NpAcC)

"She thought her plumbing might be the source of the smell, but after checking her bathroom, she didn’t find the culprit."

maybe she was worried about her personal plumbing?

Posted by: Tom Servo at October 15, 2023 02:38 PM (S6gqv)

57
https://tinyurl.com/2naj963h

Posted by: Karl With The Chainsaw at October 15, 2023 02:38 PM (/BBNv)

58 48, LOL! best practices!

Posted by: sock_rat_eez - these lying bastardi e stronzi have been lying for decades at October 15, 2023 02:39 PM (+vFC3)

59 Not wiring loom, what is the the modular wiring for the whole car called?

Posted by: Kindltot at October 15, 2023 02:39 PM (xhaym)

60 Half of my tools are two pronged the same size.

Posted by: Braenyard at October 15, 2023 02:39 PM (ct0hB)

61 38 On other had YouTube can be your friend in any task

Posted by: Skip at October 15, 2023 02:26 PM (fwDg9)

First World Problem - In the only utube video you can find for a tricky gub part removal and/or installation you're struggling to figure out, the guy partially blocks what you want to see with his fingers. Or he does an action so quickly you're not sure what he did. Even when you slo-mo the video.

Posted by: GL at October 15, 2023 02:39 PM (5fDan)

62 whole house wiring harness, maybe?

Posted by: Kindltot at October 15, 2023 02:40 PM (xhaym)

63 They make good circuit tracers now, where you plug a signal unit into the outlet, then run a tracing wand down the circuit breakers. It beeps when you get to the one controlling the outlet with the signaller. You do not have to turn the power off first, like the old kind. They're kind of magical--follow the directions for your unit exactly, And don't neglect checking that the outlet is indeed dead when you turn the breaker off. They typically come with adapters that you can use for light sockets and even loose wires.
Strongly recommend.
Also recommend the "Wago" lever connectors. Kinda spendy, but far more reliable for DIYers than wirenuts, and take up less space in the box as well. Bonus: the clear body lets you see that the connection has been made properly. Old timers are suspicious--see "backstabber" receptacle connections--but the Wagos seem to be playing out well in the field.
Finally, if you replace a receptacle, buy commercial or spec grade--the commodity bargain bin units are absolute crap.

Posted by: checklight at October 15, 2023 02:40 PM (i5lJm)

64 Woman embarrassed about the fish smell in her bedroom finds out it was due to an electrical issue in the socket that could have caught the house on fire.

https://tinyurl.com/mwrbnn4m
Posted by: redridinghood at October 15, 2023 02:29 PM (NpAcC)

Not sure about the fish smell but @mrsclaudiaanderson is a 1.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at October 15, 2023 02:41 PM (guGkK)

65 Not wiring loom, what is the the modular wiring for the whole car called?
Posted by: Kindltot

Harness?
Like to bind?

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at October 15, 2023 02:41 PM (cOq4q)

66 >>> 46 Todays FWP is that I have to wear a waffle shirt, flannel pants and socks on the patio. It's freakin 62 out here!
Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at October 15, 2023 02:30 PM (YRsIm)

The AC has been running less and less, especially overnight. This morning it was 72 degrees inside the house!!!

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at October 15, 2023 02:41 PM (llON8)

67 It was supposed to turn a single ceiling light on/off.

I've looked at it.

There are 7 different wires attached to it. I've yet found the motivation to deal with it.
------------
Cut the red wire first... [turns page] after ensuring the blue wire has been cut... ⚡️ ⚡️ ⚡️

Posted by: Hamas electrical and bombmaking guide at October 15, 2023 02:41 PM (krqg6)

68 You do realize that you've forfeited the ability to have a bidet that connects to the internet, right?
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43)'

Doumo!

Posted by: Some Japanese with an Internet Bidet at October 15, 2023 02:41 PM (/BBNv)

69 Socket-eye salmon???

Posted by: andycanuck (krqg6) at October 15, 2023 02:42 PM (krqg6)

70 > Not wiring loom, what is the the modular wiring for the whole car called?
_____________

$2500 worth of repairs?

Posted by: Martini Farmer at October 15, 2023 02:43 PM (Q4IgG)

71 My FWP involves straws. You order a strawberry shake and the diameter of the straw is too small to allow the strawberry chunks to pass.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at October 15, 2023 02:43 PM (FVME7)

72 It was supposed to turn a single ceiling light on/off.
I've looked at it.
There are 7 different wires attached to it. I've yet found the motivation to deal with it.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at October 15, 2023 02:34 PM (Q4IgG)

Sounds like extreme cost cutting by the manufacturer.
"But the Code allows it!" was a justification I often ran into with electricians who were trying to take money saving shortcuts.

I highly suspect the switch just has one wire attached to the wrong terminal and that is causing the problem.

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at October 15, 2023 02:44 PM (H2qjM)

73 They make good circuit tracers now, where you plug a signal unit into the outlet, then run a tracing wand down the circuit breakers.'

Those may or may not work depending on whether the wires are connected to the outlet inside the box, or Previous Person used it as a junction box with wires wrapped in masking tape.

Posted by: ZAP at October 15, 2023 02:46 PM (/BBNv)

74 We are no strangers to absurd 'trends' that Gen Z tries to set, but this latest one takes the dang cake. It's called 'silent walking'. Going for a walk without their phones, or without listening to music, podcasts, or any sort of technological distraction.

-
I was doing that before it was cool.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at October 15, 2023 02:49 PM (FVME7)

75 I would never allow some stranger to lay a finger on any system in Chateau D'Eez. I am still finding and fixing instances of dubious plumbing & electrical workmanship by previous owners / DIYers.

Posted by: sock_rat_eez - these lying bastardi e stronzi have been lying for decades at October 15, 2023 02:50 PM (+vFC3)

76 They make good circuit tracers now, where you plug a signal unit into the outlet, then run a tracing wand down the circuit breakers.'

Also, take the panel cover off. You may need to put the handheld unit almost directly on the wires themselves.

Posted by: LenNeal at October 15, 2023 02:50 PM (/BBNv)

77 We are no strangers to absurd 'trends' that Gen Z tries to set, but this latest one takes the dang cake. It's called 'silent walking'. Going for a walk without their phones, or without listening to music, podcasts, or any sort of technological distraction.

-
I was doing that before it was cool.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at October 15, 2023 02:49 PM (FVME7)
***

Me too.
Just before my naps.

Posted by: Biker Chicks at October 15, 2023 02:51 PM (uSHSS)

78 Woman embarrassed about the fish smell in her bedroom finds out it was due to an electrical issue in the socket that could have caught the house on fire.

https://tinyurl.com/mwrbnn4m
Posted by: redridinghood at October 15, 2023 02:29 PM (NpAcC)

Holy mackerel.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory, red heifer owner at October 15, 2023 02:52 PM (7j0WC)

79 Jon Lovitz, stirring up trouble.

Jon Lovitz
@realjonlovitz
Go Israel!!!
Make Hummus out of Hamas!

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at October 15, 2023 02:52 PM (FVME7)

80 My FWP is The Kid insists on making an 'outside home' for a local feral-ish cat as she's worried about it in the oncoming winter. This involved making basically a cooler by nesting two plastic storage bins and filling the gap with Styrofoam laying around, and Great Stuff/spray insulation.

Now it needs a hole cut in it for this damn cat and she can't decide how big the hole should be.

On the plus side, The Kid has placed bird feeders around for the mobs of sparrows, resulting in a loud WHAP yesterday.
The hawks are back.

Posted by: LenNeal at October 15, 2023 02:55 PM (/BBNv)

81 Make Hummus out of Hamas!

****************

If they do does that mean Hamas will be posthummus?

Posted by: The Unvaxxed and Unmasked Ranger - Blackpilled and Dreaming of Lauren Boebert's Sweater Puppies at October 15, 2023 02:56 PM (VTu1l)

82 Socket-eye salmon???
Posted by: andycanuck (krqg6) at October 15, 2023 02:42 PM (krqg6)

10 mm?

Posted by: Diogenes at October 15, 2023 02:57 PM (uSHSS)

83 LMAO It's not that hard to understand.

Posted by: Jim at October 15, 2023 02:57 PM (zhWvq)

84 CBD - any chance you can install one of those outlets with the USB power supplies in it?

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at October 15, 2023 02:27 PM (YRsIm)

That outlet is in the unfinished part of the basement and feeds the alarm and the alarm wifi.

No need for a USB port, although those things really are convenient!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at October 15, 2023 02:58 PM (3Gtis)

85 Those damned blue-collar tweakers
They're the backbone of this town

Posted by: Rusty Nail at October 15, 2023 02:59 PM (3AR13)

86 Make Hummus out of Hamas!'

"Yes!

...we think? What do we think? Bernie? Someone tell us"

Posted by: The Jewish Currents Staff at October 15, 2023 03:00 PM (/BBNv)

87 D-I-Y ohm improvement projects! Yay!

Posted by: Muldoon at October 15, 2023 03:03 PM (l4B/J)

88 That box is all out in the open with easy access (hell, you took a picture of it)--surely you could just replace it with a two-gang box. It's pretty dang easy.

Posted by: Angzarr the Cromulent at October 15, 2023 03:03 PM (XMwZJ)

89 I have to say that when it comes to wiring electrical systems, it's better if someone other than me does it. A true handyman I am not. More of a lawn and garden guy, first.

Posted by: exdem13 at October 15, 2023 03:04 PM (W+kMI)

90 59 - CAN bus.

Posted by: Angzarr the Cromulent at October 15, 2023 03:05 PM (XMwZJ)

91 78 Woman embarrassed about the fish smell in her bedroom finds out it was due to an electrical issue in the socket that could have caught the house on fire.

https://tinyurl.com/mwrbnn4m
Posted by: redridinghood at October 15, 2023 02:29 PM (NpAcC)

Holy mackerel.
-----
Dunno, it sounds fishy to me.

Posted by: exdem13 at October 15, 2023 03:05 PM (W+kMI)

92 78 Woman embarrassed about the fish smell in her bedroom finds out it was due to an electrical issue in the socket that could have caught the house on fire.

https://tinyurl.com/mwrbnn4m
Posted by: redridinghood at October 15, 2023 02:29 PM (NpAcC)

Holy mackerel.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory, red heifer owner at October 15, 2023 02:52 PM (7j0WC)
----
So her plaice really ponged eh!

Posted by: Ciampino - Thank you but I don't need a fork! at October 15, 2023 03:10 PM (qfLjt)

93 10 mm?
-----------
In British Columbia and Scotland; not Oregon and Washington state.

Posted by: andycanuck (krqg6) at October 15, 2023 03:10 PM (krqg6)

94 My FWP:

Forgot to disconnect and drain our 100 ft garden hose before last night's freeze.

Managed to disconnect from the faucet with just a bit of cold shower (built up back pressure in the hose). Carried the whole coiled mess out to a sunny spot in the lawn and let it sit for a couple hours. Was then able to unfurl it and after another hour in the sun could drain it and re-coil/hang it. I love fall!

Posted by: Muldoon at October 15, 2023 03:10 PM (l4B/J)

95 That box is all out in the open with easy access (hell, you took a picture of it)--surely you could just replace it with a two-gang box. It's pretty dang easy.
Posted by: Angzarr the Cromulent'

I mentioned on maybe this FWP that I was ashamed of myself when The Kid admitted she did not know which of any of the many pipes and runs in the basement are water, electric, or gas. Or realistically, what was inside any of them. No idea how to turn off an electrical switch vs. a gas valve, water shutoffs, nothing.
People don't always 'just know these things'.

Posted by: LenNeal at October 15, 2023 03:10 PM (/BBNv)

96
Woman embarrassed about the fish smell in her bedroom finds out it was due to an electrical issue in the socket that could have caught the house on fire.

Posted by: redridinghood at October 15, 2023 02:29 PM

If the electrician initially used the 'push wires into holes in the back' method of wiring a receptacle instead of the 'wrap wires around screws and secure the hell out of' then over time the wires may loosen, begin to arc, and start to melt the plastic receptacle. Plastic stinks to high heavens when it heats up.

I'm surprised a smoke detector didn't go off. They're trained for that particular range of smoke - nearly undetectable to the nose.

Posted by: Divide by Zero at October 15, 2023 03:13 PM (enJYY)

97 People don't always 'just know these things'.'

Also fear: people are afraid of getting shocked, causing a flood, gas filling their house, etc. Starting fires, you know, all that stuff anyone who has ever worked on houses has done and gotten it over with.

Posted by: LenNeal at October 15, 2023 03:13 PM (/BBNv)

98 LenNeal -- Yeah, I know. Odd that all us 29-year-olds sort of know this stuff instinctively, like we grew up when you had to know shit...

Posted by: Angzarr the Cromulent at October 15, 2023 03:13 PM (XMwZJ)

99 Reminds me of the house we bought when we moved to Fairfax, VA. The previous owner - a DIY-sort of guy, or so he thought - installed a security system. One night, shortly after we moved in, the damned alarm went off. I disarmed it, but the disarming function apparently was only momentary, because it kept going off. I managed to get hold of the guy, and he told me, "Yeah, that might be a discombobulated Finnegan pin [I actually have no recollection of the real name of the part]. you can probably find one on eBay." thanking him for his complete uselessness, I went down to the basement and, under the stairs, saw a mass of wires and electrical boxes and outlets that looked like the debris from a downed aircraft. fortunately, the whole blob turned to be plugged into one out let, so I yanked the plug and the alarm system went down for good.

Posted by: Paco at October 15, 2023 03:14 PM (njExo)

100 86 Make Hummus out of Hamas!'

"Yes!

...we think? What do we think? Bernie? Someone tell us"

Posted by: The Jewish Currents Staff at October 15, 2023 03:00 PM (/BBNv)
----
So Soylent Hummus?

Posted by: Ciampino - just use fingers at October 15, 2023 03:15 PM (qfLjt)

101 Pshaw. As long as you have a bathroom gun, you'll be fine.

Posted by: nurse ratched, otter 841 superfan at October 15, 2023 02:36 PM (uwXSc)

Keep it in the basket with the reading material!

Posted by: Miley, okravangelist at October 15, 2023 03:16 PM (Mzdiz)

102 CBD - with all yer contacts, you don't know any electricians ?

Posted by: JT at October 15, 2023 03:17 PM (T4tVD)

103 The parents of my late lamented friend live in a house that was built by her father in 1957. It is one giant DIY project, and it continues to evolve into a bundle of them as the years roll by. The eclectic arranged wiring, the conversion of all the pipes from metal to plastic, the now uneven front porch, the re-construction of the basement door to go with the new(er) porch, it goes on.

Posted by: exdem13 at October 15, 2023 03:17 PM (W+kMI)

104 The parents of my late lamented friend live in a house that was built by her father in 1957. It is one giant DIY project, and it continues to evolve into a bundle of them as the years roll by. The eclectic arranged wiring, the conversion of all the pipes from metal to plastic, the now uneven front porch, the re-construction of the basement door to go with the new(er) porch, it goes on.
Posted by: exdem13'

Aluminum wiring salvaged from scrapped WWII aircraft.

Posted by: LenNeal saw it at October 15, 2023 03:19 PM (/BBNv)

105 I'll be unhooking my hoses soon too, Muldoon. It's been 8 degrees above freezing here overnights lately, and for the rest of the week 5+ over, so my innate laziness has me waiting till sunny weather set for this week comes up.

Posted by: andycanuck (krqg6) at October 15, 2023 03:19 PM (krqg6)

106 FWP. Got up at 3a to smoke 2 9lb pork butts. Controller on electric smoker went kaput. Had to switch to gas grill but not getting the smoke from the hickory and apple wood chips. Butts stalled at 140deg and wrapped in foil. Not sure what to expect or how long it's going take now.

Posted by: olddog in mo at October 15, 2023 03:19 PM (ju2Fy)

107 In this area, they put the breaker boxes outside the house. And I think the metal rod nearby is in case of lightning strikes. Neighbor's house is the same. House is from 1951 so not a lot of breakers. There's a separate breaker for the central air. I do have a few three prong outlets. Of course I need to put outlet covers back on everything.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at October 15, 2023 03:19 PM (cLWyk)

108 The taste of Soylent Hummus varies from terrorist to terrorist.

BTW, when did this become a cooking thread??

Posted by: andycanuck (krqg6) at October 15, 2023 03:20 PM (krqg6)

109 I'm getting ads say "Signs of schizophrenia. Take a look at them".
Posted by: fd

First sign: being worried you might have schizophrenia and clicking on ads about it.

Posted by: mikeski at October 15, 2023 03:20 PM (DgGvY)

110 "Over time, many of these terminations with solid aluminum wire (post-WWII) began to fail due to improper connection techniques and the dissimilar metals having different resistances and significantly different coefficients of thermal expansion, as well as problems with properties of the solid wires. These connection failures generated heat under electrical load and caused overheated connections."

i.e.: fires

Posted by: LenNeal saw that wiring simply dissolve when you touched it at October 15, 2023 03:21 PM (/BBNv)

111 I'm surprised a smoke detector didn't go off. They're trained for that particular range of smoke - nearly undetectable to the nose.

Scotland.

Posted by: Edward I Longshanks at October 15, 2023 03:21 PM (guGkK)

112 106 FWP. Got up at 3a to smoke 2 9lb pork butts. Controller on electric smoker went kaput. Had to switch to gas grill but not getting the smoke from the hickory and apple wood chips. Butts stalled at 140deg and wrapped in foil. Not sure what to expect or how long it's going take now.
=======
Willing to drive over and help determine how they're coming along. Mmmmm, pork butt....

Posted by: exdem13 at October 15, 2023 03:22 PM (W+kMI)

113 Still should have a month until frost with luck here

Posted by: Skip at October 15, 2023 03:23 PM (fwDg9)

114 Butts stalled at 140deg and wrapped in foil. Not sure what to expect or how long it's going take now.
Posted by: olddog

A bit early for the food thread...

Now is the time for the oven... even without any more smoke you don't want to lose the butts.

This is why I bought one of those SS tubes that you put extra pellets in and light (and blow out!) for extra smoke.
I noted that when you use pellets for smoke and heat you don't get the same level of smoke. The smoke generator fixed it.

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at October 15, 2023 03:24 PM (EfYwt)

115 That lady just needs a good cane pole!

Posted by: Zombie Stymie at October 15, 2023 03:26 PM (V8he0)

116 Still should have a month until frost with luck here
Posted by: Skip

1st or 2nd week in Feb for 1st frost here.

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at October 15, 2023 03:26 PM (EfYwt)

117 varies from terrorist to terrorist.'
andycanuck (krqg6)'

Yuval Noah Harari weighed in on WaPo, squaring circles just as fast as he can.

I wonder if that genocidal persyn has ever touched a screwdriver? It seems like one of those situations where no matter how many times you tell them something, they just keep doing stupid shit. I bet Harari never once held a light for anyone.

Posted by: LenNeal at October 15, 2023 03:26 PM (/BBNv)

118 Still should have a month until frost with luck here
Posted by: Skip at October 15, 2023 03:23 PM (fwDg9)

And no malaria.

Posted by: JT at October 15, 2023 03:27 PM (T4tVD)

119 63 They make good circuit tracers now, where you plug a signal unit into the outlet, then run a tracing wand down the circuit breakers.

Check Light

I'm going to Amazon.

Posted by: Braenyard at October 15, 2023 03:27 PM (ct0hB)

120 110 "Over time, many of these terminations with solid aluminum wire (post-WWII) began to fail due to improper connection techniques and the dissimilar metals having different resistances and significantly different coefficients of thermal expansion, as well as problems with properties of the solid wires. These connection failures generated heat under electrical load and caused overheated connections."

i.e.: fires
========
I don't remember seeing aluminum wire, but I honestly can't say it's not there. The wiring that's been replaced was a loosely gathered snarl that looked like the cat had been at a bundle of yarn. I think the fact there hasn't been an electrical fire in all those years is proof of Providential favor. Especially when my friend's sainted grandma still lived there and she put up Christmas displays like she was competing with the Griswalds.

Posted by: exdem13 at October 15, 2023 03:27 PM (W+kMI)

121 106 FWP. Got up at 3a to smoke 2 9lb pork butts. Controller on electric smoker went kaput. Had to switch to gas grill but not getting the smoke from the hickory and apple wood chips. Butts stalled at 140deg and wrapped in foil. Not sure what to expect or how long it's going take now.

Posted by: olddog in mo at October 15, 2023 03:19 PM (ju2Fy)
----
See, you should have just sous vide it.

Posted by: Ciampino - just use fingers but not toes at October 15, 2023 03:28 PM (qfLjt)

122 Frost warning tonight. Haven't put the hose away but put frost protection over the roses. I need more insulation for them.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at October 15, 2023 03:28 PM (cLWyk)

123 Yuval Noah Harari has been such a disappointment. I read his book Sapiens and enjoyed it. Now that he's revealed himself I'll never read another thing by him.

Posted by: gourmand du jour at October 15, 2023 03:28 PM (MeG8a)

124 On the other hand, there is a reason why steam-powered vibrators never caught on.
Posted by: Your Mom at October 15, 2023 02:08 PM

Look up the lyrics to "The Engineer's Song". (NSFW)

Posted by: Duncanthrax at October 15, 2023 03:29 PM (a3Q+t)

125 DNPG, DNC $200... Get a copy of "Wiring Simplified" by HP Richter for under $10 at Home Depot or Amazon and study it as if your life depends on it - because it might.

Posted by: Cowboyneal at October 15, 2023 03:29 PM (DzsA0)

126 160 get a perforated cylinder and wood pellets for your gas grill. Also finish in a pressure cooker in apple cider vinegar. You will never know the diff.

Posted by: Field Marshal Zhukov at October 15, 2023 03:30 PM (nnp+f)

127 At the last house, the one built in 1949, the wiring was good with lots of outlets. An electrician lived there at some point. Plumbing was shot. It's always something.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at October 15, 2023 03:30 PM (cLWyk)

128 117 varies from terrorist to terrorist.'
andycanuck (krqg6)'

Yuval Noah Harari weighed in on WaPo, squaring circles just as fast as he can.

I wonder if that genocidal persyn has ever touched a screwdriver? It seems like one of those situations where no matter how many times you tell them something, they just keep doing stupid shit. I bet Harari never once held a light for anyone.
=========
Holding the light and/or passing various tools is usually my end of the task at hand. I can pass tools, parts, and board like a champ!

Posted by: exdem13 at October 15, 2023 03:31 PM (W+kMI)

129 Also, take the panel cover off. You may need to put the handheld unit almost directly on the wires themselves.

Posted by: LenNeal
---

That's beginning to take the fun out of that idea.

Posted by: Braenyard at October 15, 2023 03:33 PM (ct0hB)

130 Holding the light and/or passing various tools is usually my end of the task at hand. I can pass tools, parts, and board like a champ!
Posted by: exdem13

That's a preferred technique... it can get real expensive though.

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at October 15, 2023 03:33 PM (EfYwt)

131 Going to go start making chili, brought in bunch of hot peppers from garden.

Posted by: Skip at October 15, 2023 03:33 PM (fwDg9)

132 The people who complained about the toenail fungus ads on this site should be happy. Those ads have been replaced with skin growths.

I don't know how website ads work. I am assuming these particular ads are hijackers and don't actually pay Ace for placement here.
Posted by: Emmie at October 15, 2023 02:15 PM (Sf2cq)

Some skin growths are quite attractive. Paging Joe Mannix!

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 15, 2023 03:34 PM (ISwHS)

133 On the other hand, there is a reason why steam-powered vibrators never caught on.
Posted by: Your Mom at October 15, 2023 02:08 PM

You might consider applying at Ace Shelving, LLC.

Posted by: Duncanthrax at October 15, 2023 03:34 PM (a3Q+t)

134 Also, take the panel cover off. You may need to put the handheld unit almost directly on the wires themselves.
Posted by: LenNeal
---
That's beginning to take the fun out of that idea.
Posted by: Braenyard'

Don't you want something to light up?

Posted by: LenNeal at October 15, 2023 03:34 PM (/BBNv)

135 124
Look up the lyrics to "The Engineer's Song". (NSFW)

Posted by: Duncanthrax at October 15, 2023 03:29 PM (a3Q+t)
----
My BIL (UK) has the Rugby Songs vinyl from way back. Has that one.

Posted by: Ciampino - jBrass balls filled with cream at October 15, 2023 03:36 PM (qfLjt)

136 I once hired a "master electrician" from Craigslist.

Big mistake. The guy showed up drunk and was all creepy.
I seriously feared for my life and my house.

Posted by: redridinghood at October 15, 2023 03:36 PM (NpAcC)

137 The new house we're building has two recessed receptacles in the living room slab floor. No extension cords will be tolerated anywhere in the house.

Posted by: Maj. Healey at October 15, 2023 03:36 PM (l10hq)

138 DNPG, DNC $200... Get a copy of "Wiring Simplified" by HP Richter for under $10 at Home Depot or Amazon and study it as if your life depends on it - because it might.
Posted by: Cowboyneal'

Above was mentioned the now-antique Sears booklet, which I still have and routinely reference. The oldies are still the best. The Richter book is good too, but if you're working on old stuff the Sears book will tell and show you what you are seeing.

Posted by: LenNeal at October 15, 2023 03:37 PM (/BBNv)

139 Woman embarrassed about the fish smell in her bedroom finds out it was due to an electrical issue in the socket that could have caught the house on fire.

https://tinyurl.com/mwrbnn4m
Posted by: redridinghood at October 15, 2023 02:29 PM (NpAcC)

Burned plastic does not smell like "old fish". It smells like burned plastic.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 15, 2023 03:38 PM (ISwHS)

140
If you're not comfortable doing it AND absolutely sure you know what you're doing then even minor electrical repairs are not for you. Pay the electrician, perhaps introduce him to your daughter. They make good money for a reason.

I have to soundly sleep in the house I work on. Nothing electrical is less then perfect. Someday someone may curse at the amount of effort required to loosen a screw on a GFI I installed or other stuff. Tough shit buttercup. Hire an electrician. *He* will respect that torque while muttering, 'm-fer'.

Posted by: Divide by Zero at October 15, 2023 03:38 PM (enJYY)

141 I once hired a "master electrician" from Craigslist.
Big mistake. The guy showed up drunk and was all creepy.
I seriously feared for my life and my house.
Posted by: redridinghood'

This sounds like almost every electrician I have ever worked with. He was probably a Union dude doing side jobs.

Posted by: LenNeal at October 15, 2023 03:39 PM (/BBNv)

142 132
Some skin growths are quite attractive. Paging Joe Mannix!

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 15, 2023 03:34 PM (ISwHS)
----
Yes one dark one even made president. It may have been acquired from exposure overseas.

Posted by: Ciampino - Brass balls filled with cream at October 15, 2023 03:39 PM (qfLjt)

143 Not wiring loom, what is the the modular wiring for the whole car called?
Posted by: Kindltot at October 15, 2023 02:39 PM (xhaym)

Harness. "Wire loom" is the fabric or corrugated plastic sleeve that encases such a harness.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 15, 2023 03:41 PM (ISwHS)

144 Burned plastic does not smell like "old fish". It smells like burned plastic.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 15, 2023 03:38 PM (ISwHS)
******
That's what I thought, but googled it and found this-
From Bob Villa:

https://tinyurl.com/mw9js34u

Posted by: redridinghood at October 15, 2023 03:41 PM (NpAcC)

145 Soon, wife is making something now

Posted by: Skip at October 15, 2023 03:42 PM (fwDg9)

146 >>143 Not wiring loom, what is the the modular wiring for the whole car called?
Posted by: Kindltot at October 15, 2023 02:39 PM (xhaym)

Electrical buss aka you're screwed design.

Posted by: Maj. Healey at October 15, 2023 03:42 PM (l10hq)

147 Burned plastic does not smell like "old fish". It smells like burned plastic.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 15, 2023 03:38 PM (ISwHS)

You obviously have never set a Talking Billy Bass on fire.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at October 15, 2023 03:42 PM (guGkK)

148 136 I once hired a "master electrician" from Craigslist.

Big mistake. The guy showed up drunk and was all creepy.
I seriously feared for my life and my house.
========
Well, that was a lesson learned. Go with Angie's List, I say. Or do like my late friend's dad does, and hire someone from his church congregation. I almost said "let your fingers do the walking" but who uses the Yellow Pages anymore?

Posted by: exdem13 at October 15, 2023 03:43 PM (W+kMI)

149 This sounds like almost every electrician I have ever worked with. He was probably a Union dude doing side jobs.
Posted by: LenNeal at October 15, 2023 03:39 PM

A simple test to differentiate between one of them and a chemist is to ask them to pronounce "unionized".

Posted by: Duncanthrax at October 15, 2023 03:43 PM (a3Q+t)

150 I wouldn't put burnt plastic is fish smell category

Posted by: Skip at October 15, 2023 03:43 PM (fwDg9)

151 Burned plastic does not smell like "old fish". It smells like burned plastic.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon'

She said it was 'inside the socket' and it's Scotland. It likely wasn't plastic, but some other pre-plastic compound. Don't forget that before (petroleum-based!) plastic-coated wiring there were all kinds of coatings.
The UK has some weird, weird electrics.
Super strange.
For many many years receptacles weren't standardized and electrical appliances came with just a cord and no plug on the end.

Posted by: LenNeal at October 15, 2023 03:44 PM (/BBNv)

152 Still should have a month until frost with luck here

Posted by: Skip at October 15, 2023 03:23 PM (fwDg9)

We have a 50% chance of no frost until the first week of November.

Posted by: Miley, okravangelist at October 15, 2023 03:46 PM (Mzdiz)

153 Years ago, I replaced a couple of bedroom light fixtures and porch light fixtures. Apparently I did it right, because I sold the house and it has yet to burn down AFAIK. But it's a prime example of why people are hesitant to do their own jobs, because the wiring in the original fixtures was NOT what I expected to see after doing my research. I had to make some educated guesses which, fortunately, turned out right.

My favorite thing was trying to do car repairs by consulting the Chilton's manual. They'd show a close-up photo of some doo-dah and say "this is the part you need to replace." Well, I looked at every visible square inch of this engine, and I don't see anything that resembles that doo-dah. Also, I don't have the special tool to remove it, even if I could find it...

Posted by: PabloD at October 15, 2023 03:46 PM (65gtf)

154 Look up the lyrics to "The Engineer's Song". (NSFW)
Posted by: Duncanthrax at October 15, 2023 03:29 PM (a3Q+t)

This one? It is quite rude, indeed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftRGZ5vdEa8

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at October 15, 2023 03:47 PM (H2qjM)

155 wouldn't put burnt plastic is fish smell category
Posted by: Skip at October 15, 2023 03:43 PM (fwDg9)

So ya think she needed a good bath ?

Posted by: JT at October 15, 2023 03:47 PM (T4tVD)

156 Suzanne Sommers , RIP

Posted by: JoeF. at October 15, 2023 03:49 PM (sZkrh)

157 I'm OK with small electrical jobs as long as I can turn the power off to the job site and turn it back on later. I'm a little vague on the various units of electrical measurements, I understand watts and voltage but not amps or ohms.

Posted by: gourmand du jour at October 15, 2023 03:49 PM (MeG8a)

158 wouldn't put burnt plastic is fish smell category
Posted by: Skip at October 15, 2023 03:43 PM (fwDg9)
So ya think she needed a good bath ?
Posted by: JT'

Perhaps moving to the battery-powered 'massager' would put less strain on the circuits.

Posted by: LenNeal at October 15, 2023 03:49 PM (/BBNv)

159 Suzanne Somers died.
She was 76.

Posted by: redridinghood at October 15, 2023 03:50 PM (NpAcC)

160 You're in luck! Im late to thr post but it's quite simple. That's a metal single gang box. If you purchased another single gang box you could then assemble a two gang box. I won't spell it out here so look it up on YouTube.

Then purchase another duplex receptacle and a two gang outlet cover and voila, four outlets. Or just buy a strip, easy peasy. Good luck.

Posted by: Tom22ndState at October 15, 2023 03:50 PM (U2b7q)

161 Suzanne Somers , the day before her 77th birthday

Posted by: JoeF. at October 15, 2023 03:51 PM (sZkrh)

162 That's what I thought, but googled it and found this-
From Bob Villa:

https://tinyurl.com/mw9js34u
Posted by: redridinghood at October 15, 2023 03:41 PM (NpAcC)

People might mistakenly take it for rotten fish, but burned plastic has its own characteristic reek.

People should be exposed in school to the characteristic smells of burnt wiring, and burnt automotive parts and fluids. Might save some people a few dollars, and even a few lives.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 15, 2023 03:52 PM (ISwHS)

163 Aww, Susan was a dream hottie

Another Grim milestone for the Sundowner administration

Posted by: Skip at October 15, 2023 03:52 PM (fwDg9)

164 We replaced all of the crappy fixtures here. By some sort of code, I presume, every room had a ceiling light. A very ugly ceiling light. Now, there's ceiling fans in every room (except the bathrooms.) Minor rewiring. The main pain was mounting the brackets to hold the fan motor. 3 wires and that was it.

Funny thing... since so much of this mobile home is wired together one wire came loose in the fan in our master bedroom and none of the outlets in the living room worked. Took a bit of time to figure that one out.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at October 15, 2023 03:54 PM (Q4IgG)

165 People should be exposed in school to the characteristic smells of burnt wiring, and burnt automotive parts and fluids. Might save some people a few dollars, and even a few lives.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon'

On one job I drove past a specialty steel fabricator for months, and would panic every single time thinking it was my truck.

Posted by: LenNeal at October 15, 2023 03:54 PM (/BBNv)

166 Suzanne Somers , the day before her 77th birthday
Posted by: JoeF. at October 15, 2023 03:51 PM (sZkrh)

Another victim of the Clot Shot? These days, one must ask.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 15, 2023 03:55 PM (ISwHS)

167 Afternoon'
(sips coffee)

I love electricity. A sign of a civilized society. Also, hard to make coffee without it. Not impossible, just slightly more difficult.

(sips coffee, slips back to lurk mode)

Posted by: Puddleglum, cheer up for the worst is yet to come at October 15, 2023 03:56 PM (sAmhv)

168 Just looked, long time breast cancer

Posted by: Skip at October 15, 2023 03:56 PM (fwDg9)

169 Just looked, long time breast cancer
Posted by: Skip at October 15, 2023 03:56 PM (fwDg9)

That's a lot of cancer, then. RIP, lady.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 15, 2023 03:58 PM (ISwHS)

170 People should be exposed in school to the characteristic smells of burnt wiring, and burnt automotive parts and fluids. Might save some people a few dollars, and even a few lives.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon

Good advice but you forgot to mention the ways and wherefores of 'the blue smoke'. Keeping it in the device is more than half the battle.

Posted by: Tonypete at October 15, 2023 03:58 PM (SAX5G)

171 During 3's Company thought Janet was more my type but after the show Suzanne certainly held up in looks working out

Posted by: Skip at October 15, 2023 03:58 PM (fwDg9)

172 You obviously have never set a Talking Billy Bass on fire.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at October 15, 2023 03:42 PM (guGkK)

Back when I went to an office, the same Billy Bass fish was in the Christmas Gift Exchange for five years. Nobody wanted that damn thing.

Posted by: Diogenes at October 15, 2023 04:01 PM (uSHSS)

173 Did we ever determine if Vic is still among the kicking ?

Posted by: JT at October 15, 2023 04:02 PM (T4tVD)

174 JT , maybe not but certainly hasn't posted in a month or two

Posted by: Skip at October 15, 2023 04:03 PM (fwDg9)

175 Good advice but you forgot to mention the ways and wherefores of 'the blue smoke'. Keeping it in the device is more than half the battle.
Posted by: Tonypete at October 15, 2023 03:58 PM (SAX5G)

Being able to recognize the smell gives one a leg up on unassing the area, or seeking help. And the sense of smell is so hard-wired into the primitive part of our brains, that once exposed to a smell, and told what it is, we will likely carry that knowledge to the grave.

My 2008 Suburban constantly exudes a smell of burnt antifreeze. There must be a teensy-tiny leak some place. The level in the coolant recovery tank never seems to go down, but because I smell it, I keep an eye on things.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 15, 2023 04:04 PM (ISwHS)

176 161 Suzanne Somers , the day before her 77th birthday
====
Damn, that's one I will miss. I remember her back in the day. One of the reasons I grew up liking voluptuous women, I'm sure! RIP Suzanne, you were an American Girl.

Posted by: exdem13 at October 15, 2023 04:04 PM (W+kMI)

177 Dang.
Buddy of mine was Somers' escort officer when she did a tour for the Troops in Korea. Said she a really great person.

Posted by: Diogenes at October 15, 2023 04:04 PM (uSHSS)

178 FOODIE NOODIE

Posted by: Skip at October 15, 2023 04:05 PM (fwDg9)

179 My 2008 Suburban constantly exudes a smell of burnt antifreeze. There must be a teensy-tiny leak some place. The level in the coolant recovery tank never seems to go down, but because I smell it, I keep an eye on things.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon

The encyclopedic volume of knowledge that your sniffer helps one sort out between 'ah, that's nothing' and 'Whoa! Look for trouble!' is truly amazing.

Posted by: Tonypete at October 15, 2023 04:06 PM (SAX5G)

180 The encyclopedic volume of knowledge that your sniffer helps one sort out between 'ah, that's nothing' and 'Whoa! Look for trouble!' is truly amazing.
Posted by: Tonypete at October 15, 2023 04:06 PM (SAX5G)

We nearly all have this ability; we just need to train it. In this case, my nose tells me there is trouble, but my eyes (on the tank) and my past experience with this particular truck (had it 12 years!) tells me it is an inconsequential leak.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 15, 2023 04:09 PM (ISwHS)

181 That reminds me of my house's breaker box in which THREE circuit breakers were labelled "kitchen", two "general", and one "radio".

Posted by: NaughtyPine at October 15, 2023 04:12 PM (j1nJq)

182 135 124
Look up the lyrics to "The Engineer's Song". (NSFW)

Posted by: Duncanthrax at October 15, 2023 03:29 PM (a3Q+t)
----
My BIL (UK) has the Rugby Songs vinyl from way back. Has that one.

Posted by: Ciampino - jBrass balls filled with cream at October 15, 2023 03:36 PM (qfLjt)

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This is the rugby song version
https://is.gd/VKftlZ lyrics
https://is.gd/DOShpI song

Posted by: Ciampino - Brass balls filled with cream at October 15, 2023 04:12 PM (qfLjt)

183 CBD…. If you want code approved inexpensive advice on the outlet…. Just let me know

Silent.

Thesilentknights @ yahoo dot com

Posted by: Silent at October 15, 2023 04:16 PM (61rxL)

184 test

Posted by: Braenyard at October 15, 2023 06:10 PM (ct0hB)

185 David Brooks: "This was one of Joe Biden's best weeks as president. You know, he was a voice of moral clarity."

Similarly, this was one of David Brooks' best weeks as a Democrat shill. You know, he was a voice of suckhole obfuscation.

Posted by: Ray Van Dune at October 15, 2023 06:43 PM (h/lZu)

186 well i feel your pain on this one. Some advice for anyone as naive as my wife and I were buying our first house - if the seller mentions that her boyfriend did some of the wiring RUN. RUN AS FAR AND AS FAST AS YOU CAN.

Posted by: Fenrisulven at October 15, 2023 06:49 PM (eb6M4)

187 I fixed up an old restaurant building not far from home and had to fix it again cost l courtesy of some copper thief. Every experience I've had with electricity has made me think that life would be easier if each building could have a master circuit diagram that could be drawn digitally and amended with each change. It would be a value-add from my point of view.

Posted by: Aaron in SC at October 15, 2023 07:53 PM (4BP23)

188 It's a daisychain. look it up

power comes in on one set other wire takes it to another plug, simple. Hot, Neutral, ground.

Posted by: Suzie Crittersnatcher at October 15, 2023 08:13 PM (NxQiw)

189 You know what you don't need any longer *fan* switches, when you add a new fan the remote controls light and fan.
What the hell do I do with 2 fan switches in every switch plate now?!!!!
Posted by: AZ deplorable moro-n
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What I've done is to convert that fan switch to an electrical outlet. This requires some work in the fan/light box in the ceiling.
The fan switch had two wires into it: power in (from the hot lead in the ceiling box) and power out(back to the ceiling box where it was connected to the fan).
A socket has screws to connect power into it, one silver colored which is the neutral return, and one brass which is the hot power connection. There's also a green safety ground screw, which only needs to be connected to the bare ground wire if you are in a plastic box. A metal box grounds the socket frame through the mount screws.
Use the power in wire as is, connect it to the brass screw (hot) on the socket. Find the return (white) lead that is connected to the fan. Connect that to what used to be the power out wire and connect that to the silver screw on the socket.
BTW, kill the breaker before starting. :-)

Posted by: buddhaha at October 15, 2023 10:27 PM (Xs1mB)

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Posted by: packet at October 18, 2023 07:56 AM (8eY0A)

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