DIY Network

Electrical and Kitchens From "Talk2DIY Home Improvement" episode TTD-427F

Hosts Brad Staggs and Lynda Lyday get right into the questions --

Circuit Breaker Kicks Out

Problem: What is the solution for a circuit breaker that keeps kicking out?

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Figure A

Solution:

• Two 110 legs are fed into the circuit; breaker boxes insert like cartridges and have a neutral and ground wire going into each one (figure A).

• If you have lots of major appliances on one circuit, you will have to split them up and add at least one new circuit breaker. Check your local codes to see how many circuits you need.

• Be sure to shut down electricity in the box before working on it.

Light Dimmer Buzzing

Problem: What is causing my light dimmer to buzz when it is on a low setting?

• Dimmers drop voltage by using a resistance valve -- much like squeezing a garden hose. These have a tendency to make bulbs buzz.

• Spend a little more money and get an electric dimmer, which electronically manipulates the electricity by vibrating the filament inside the bulb.

• You could also look for bulbs suitable for 130-volt applications. These have thicker filaments that would not buzz. You could also try a dimmer bulb to begin with -- like a 75-watt bulb.

Figure B

Hooking up Ceiling Fan

Problem: How can you hook up a ceiling fan to wires that are not color-coded?

Solution:

• If the wires coming from the ceiling are the same color, use an electricity detector (figure B) to see which wire is hot.

• If you have only two wires (ground and power) coming from the ceiling and you have three wires from the fan, connect the light and fan wires to the power wire from the ceiling.

Figure C

Detecting Wires in Wall

Problem: How can you locate where the wires are in a wall?

Solution:

• Use a multiscanner to detect wires in walls, much like a stud finder will find studs (figure C).

• Before you cut a whole for a window, cut a small hole so you can take an inside peek just to be sure.

Connecting Sconces in Room without Outlets

Problem: How can you connect sconces in a room without any outlets?

Solution:

• You can cut a hole in the wall and fish the wire down the wall.

• Remove the faceplate and receptacle.

• Attach wire onto outlet and reinstall.

• Other non-wiring options are battery-powered LED sconces or a covering for the wire.

Moving Stove in Kitchen

Problem: Can you give me any suggestions on moving the stove in my kitchen to another location?

Solution:

• If your house in on a concrete slap, moving appliances can be quite difficult because the power and gas lines are not as easily accessible.

• If you are moving natural gas, the Gas Company will have to do it.

• It might be easier to use the electrical appliances, even if you have to move cabinetry.

Cleaning Marble Countertops

Problem: Can you please tell me the best way to clean marble countertops.

Solution:

• Try using a marble restoration product to remove build up of products that should not have been used on the marble.

• Clean the area with a countertop cleaner made specifically for the surface. Remove the excess with a dry rag.

Figure D

Refinishing Metal Cabinets

Problem: How do you refinish metal cabinets?

Solution:

• Prep the cabinets to get them read to paint. Prepping involves cleaning with TSP and sanding with sanding sponge.

• A few options are: terra cotta textured paint, stenciling on top of neutral paint or metallic spray paint (figure D).

• Make sure the paint that you use is made for metal surfaces. A plastic spray handle added to the can would make spray painting easier.

Cleaning Greasy Cabinets

Problem: How do you clean grease off of cabinets?

Solution:

• Use a sanding sponge to remove the bumps from imperfect polyurethane from the finish.

• Use a sanding sponge to remove the bumps or imperfections in the polyurethane from the finish.

• Clean with a degreaser and scrub with a sponge.

• For an antique look, add a color glaze, allowing some of the wood grain to show through.

Cleaning Large Appliances

Problem: How can you keep large white appliances from turning yellow?

Solution:

• Try using a good degreaser to clean the surface.

• Use a touch-up product to fill in any nicks in the paint.

• If the paint itself has yellowed or if you want to change the color of your appliances, try paint. Use a sanding pad to scruff up the surface and clean with degreaser. Use appliance epoxy paint that will adhere to the surface.

Lightning Rods

Problem: How well do lightning rod work on buildings?

• Yes, but you will need an electrician to install this for you.

• A whole house power surge protector would also be helpful in protecting everything electrical, should the house get hit by lightning.

DIY Tips:

• When working with electricity around the house, never use a metal ladder. The ladder can act as a ground and you could get shocked.

• To keep track of a ground plug converter, tape an empty 35mm film container to the end of your extension cord and store the converter in it. You will always know where to find one.

• AMP stands for ampere. It measures the number of electrically charged particles per second that flows past a point on a circuit. A circuit is the wiring controlled by one fuse or a circuit breaker.

• One of the best clues to picking quality cabinets is the drawer. Pull one out and study the joinery, construction and quality of drawer glides; this will give you a clear idea of the cabinets overall workmanship.

• Cabinets made from particleboard with a wood veneer finish may contain pollutants that can be an irritant to many people. They should be sealed with a water-based sealant.

• Here's an easy way to create storage space in cabinets for lids. Take 1 x 1 pieces of wood and glue slats across them. Then, attach the holder to the inside of your cabinet door. Slide the lids in until the handle rests against the horizontal slats.

RESOURCES :

Stone Care International Marble Care Kit
Toll-free: 800-839-1654
Website: www.stonecare.com

Leviton Whole House Protector
59-25 Little Neck Pkwy.
Little Neck, NY 11362-2591
Phone: 718-229-4040
Toll-free fax: 800-832-9538
Tech Support: 800-284-3005
Website: www.leviton.com

Utilicor Lightening Protection Products
Toll-free phone: Nashville, TN: 800-251-1700
Toll-free phone: Jackson, TN: 800-372-3863
Toll-free phone: Ft. Worth, TX: 800-599-7931
Toll-free phone: Tampa, FL: 800-599-7930
Website: www.utilicor.com

Erico
Website: www.erico.com

GUESTS :

Doug Snapp
Massey Electric
Website: www.masseyelectric.com