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<title>Home Improvement forum - dslreports.com community</title>
<link>http://www.dslreports.com/forum/homerepair</link>
<description>Home Improvement forum current topics</description>
<language>en</language>
<copyright>Copyright 2007, dslreports.com</copyright>
<pubDate>Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:09:12 EDT</pubDate>
<lastBuildDate>Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:09:12 EDT</lastBuildDate>

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<item>
<title>Wiring question</title>
<link>http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,26855002</link>
<description><![CDATA[I want to install a EVSE that requires 8 gauge wire. Can I install three wires into a half inch flex? I would be using red, black, and green.]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,26855002</guid>
<pubDate>2012-02-04 21:03:57</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Telephone over CAT6</title>
<link>http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,26859525</link>
<description><![CDATA[I am new here and if this belongs to different topic, please move the thread to right sub-forum.

I have a new home almost built. I had opted to wire all the rooms with CAT6 cables (3 homeruns to basement). The installer is going to put a patch panel in basement, marking all the terminations (1, 2, 3 for each room). In each room, there will be a wall plate with 3 RJ45 ports.

My idea is to use, one set of homeruns for broadband internet. I am going to connect the Cable modem output to a (8-port gigabit) switch and connect Port1 (on patch panel) of each room to switch. This way Port1 (on wall plate) in each room will get internet. So far, it makes sense for me.

I want to use second homerun for telephone. I will have the telephone output (Rj11) from cable modem. I need help in purchasing some switch-like hardware, to which I will connect RJ11 (from cable modem) and Port2 of each room (on patch panel). Also, I need suggestion on purchasing an adapter for each room wall plate. I want to plug-in this adapter in Port2 on wall plate and plug-in a telephone to it.

I am not sure if I explained correct. Ask me questions if it is not clear. Please suggest me the hardware I needed, both in basement and in each room, to run telephone lines over existing CAT6 cabling.

I appreciate your help.]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,26859525</guid>
<pubDate>2012-02-06 12:00:06</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Nexus Smart Switch ATS installation question for backup gen</title>
<link>http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,26852550</link>
<description><![CDATA[This is a question about installing a Nexus Smart Switch ATS for a NG Generac backup generator.

This is at a friend's house.  He was sold the generator and the 200A Nexus Smart Switch ATS (http://www.norwall.com/product_pdfs/1442_rtsd150a3_om.pdf). 

He has two 200A panels fed from the meter.  All of the circuits that need to be fed from the backup generator are in one panel, and my friend prefers that all of the circuits in that panel be fed from the backup generator.

The generator has been installed and he had a couple of licensed electricians come in to look at the setup and give him quotes for installing the ATS.  But they seemed a bit confused about the "smart switch" ATS. He even called the company while with one of the electricians to have the company's techs explain to the electrician how it worked.

One of the electricians emailed him the following list of work items as part of his proposal:

 Provide labor and material to install customer supplied 200 amp transfer switch under main panels.
 Provide and install (1) 125 amp main breaker in right panel to feed transfer switch.
 Provide and install one 200 amp 30 circuit main lug panel for circuits to go into from main panels and be feed from transfer switch.
 Provide and install conduit from transfer switch to generator, pull high voltage and low voltage wire's.
 System start-up/diagnostic evaluation.
 File for electrical permit and call for inspection.


My friend is following up with the electrician to get clarification, but he asked me if I could get some information on this independently.

Question 1.  Is item 3 necessary?  (And if the answer is "no", then is item 2 necessary?)

Why would a third panel be necessary when all of the needed circuits are already in a single existing panel and the generator can handle the load?  (The ATS can also automatically shed some loads if necessary. The A/C will be on this panel and its load can be shed by the smart switch.)  I'm not sure if it matters, but my friend has previously powered these circuits by a much less capable, portable generator during outages.

Question 2.  Since there is more than one main panel, is there any danger of a backfeed?  What should he look for to ensure that this won't happen?  ]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,26852550</guid>
<pubDate>2012-02-04 01:22:24</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>AC /KW? Question for the electricians.</title>
<link>http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,26866351</link>
<description><![CDATA[Hello hello,
Just a quick question here,

How to figure out kilawats for HVAC

The unit is 30A and 220V
15,000 BTU

I know there is a formula for this but cant remember it.
THX in advance.
--
Last night I saw a naked cowgirl, she was floatin across the ceilin]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,26866351</guid>
<pubDate>2012-02-07 19:41:15</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Looking at maybe building a house, what should I know or ask</title>
<link>http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,26859532</link>
<description><![CDATA[We are selling our house, and looking to move closer to work and a bit more house then we currently have.  If we cant find something previously owned we may consider building.

We really like the 1.5 story look and feel with a nice open floor plan.  We are looking at 1800-2000 sqft range.  3 car garage.  And a custom master bath with a large shower.  I sent a list to the builder with what we want to get a price for it.  Along with that what other things should I be asking about as far as costs later.  I don't want to come to a agreement then have them start building and later they hit me with surprises.  

Another wordsd what are some of the gotchas that home builders get you with?  Things like garage door openers are not included.(this one seemed very silly to me. lol)  ]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,26859532</guid>
<pubDate>2012-02-06 12:01:13</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Gas fireplace insert not very hot</title>
<link>http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,26842500</link>
<description><![CDATA[I've got a Ravenna RDV33 gas fireplace insert running on natural gas.  It came with the house.
* Steady-State Efficiency- 83% - 86%
* 33,000/24,000 Input Rate (BTU / HR)

My father has an Avalon DVS EF Insert (SIT) on natural gas. It was professionally installed.
* Steady State Efficiency (with blowers on) - 80.5%
* 31,000/24,900 Input Rate (BTU / HR) (this is what the safety card chained to the fireplace says, regardless of what the manual states otherwise).

After his fireplace gets up to temperature, one can only sit in front of it for maybe 10 minutes before it'll literally burn you.  However with mine on full burner and fan, I could stand there forever.  Sure its hot, but nothing compared to the heat which his puts out.

This leads me to wonder if there is something wrong with mine.  I believe the flames are correctly adjusted. Pic below, fire has been on for ~2 minutes.
[att=1]

What else could cause low [perceptual] heat output?
--
If it's not on Google, then it doesn't exist.**DC++ FAQ**]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,26842500</guid>
<pubDate>2012-02-01 22:55:02</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Making a custom attic door with skeleton lock</title>
<link>http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,26840820</link>
<description><![CDATA[All to often they only slap a piece of plywood to act as an attic door so I decided to dip into my scrap wood and build a custom attic door. It's not complicated but thought it might be interesting enough to share.

http://www.dennisjudd.com/?p=2237
--
My Blog. Because I desperately need the acknowledgement of others.
The Judd Family site!]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,26840820</guid>
<pubDate>2012-02-01 16:11:35</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Home Security System</title>
<link>http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,26854343</link>
<description><![CDATA[A friend has asked me about high-end home security systems.  He wants to put some hi-res, low light level, pan/tilt/zoom cameras out in front of his house, several more cameras in the back, a couple inside the house looking at outside doors, motion sensors in the garage, and switch contacts on windows, etc. He would like the cameras to be inconspicuous.

He prefers using a wired setup.  He's doing some remodeling so there is access to run wires.  He would like recording capability for about a week.  Remote access from a cell phone (or remote computer) to check status of system, view camera views, etc.  He's going to put it on a UPS.

Anybody have any suggestions?  At this point, cost is not an over-riding issue.]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,26854343</guid>
<pubDate>2012-02-04 17:06:06</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>OT: Erectical Cover Plate</title>
<link>http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,26840596</link>
<description><![CDATA[Seen in a doctor's office...

[added OT - dennis]]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,26840596</guid>
<pubDate>2012-02-01 15:27:04</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Overpriced gutter solutions?</title>
<link>http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,26867113</link>
<description><![CDATA[Pine needles and clogged gutters have been problems. No facia or drip edge were installed in house. Gutters are pulling away from the house with nails in every other rafter and some popping out.  Some rust spots showing and lack of drip edge is concerning. However have planned to have new roof installed.    104ft  with one straight run in the back at 40 ft and 60ft in the front with 3 outside corner and 1 inside corner and 4 3x4 drains with cleanouts built in.  We got a quote for Leafguard and GutterMaxx for 4000 & 4500 respectively.  Although the guttermax included installing a new drip edge so roofer didnt have to and a facia board which the gutters would be screwed into. 

It seems like a bit much for such a small run on a one level ranch style home.

Comments?  Just try the fine mesh and see how they work for a season?]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,26867113</guid>
<pubDate>2012-02-07 22:50:30</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Need ideas on how to install solar air heat device on roof.</title>
<link>http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,26860778</link>
<description><![CDATA[Hi all,

I have been thinking about how to incorporate a device like this into my house:
http://www.n3fjp.com/solar/solarhotair.htm

It would need to go on the roof in order to maximize solar exposure.

A picture of my roof is attached. 
It is cement shingles, fairly fragile and difficult to work with.

I am trying to figure out what the best way would be to bring the air vents up and down to/from the solar collector.

Through the roof would be the best, as it would have less turns to restrict the airflow, around the edge of the roof and down the side of the house would be easier because no holes in roof, but might restrict airflow some.

Does anyone here have thoughts?
The air pipes would be two 4" PVC.]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,26860778</guid>
<pubDate>2012-02-06 16:43:26</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Super insulating foam - anyone heard of this?</title>
<link>http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,26866694</link>
<description><![CDATA[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SO7NVC23Stw]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,26866694</guid>
<pubDate>2012-02-07 21:05:32</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tools I should have bought years ago..</title>
<link>http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,26843752</link>
<description><![CDATA[I have no idea why but I got to thinking about this.  What power, hand, specialty tool, etc have you bought then thought to yourself wow why didn't I get this sooner?  I have two that stand out for me.  I used to work for a gc where I had my hands on just about everything when I moved on 6 years later to do flooring specifically.  I had a job years ago that involved a business on first floor and apartment on the second that needed tons of copper pipe water re-routes and water filter additions.  I picked up a ratcheting craftsman tubing cutter and it almost does away with the stubby cutters in remodels.  The second being my portercable left hand blade skil saw.  I cut bunks and bunks of plywood, and being right handed its sooo much more natural without the weight of a wormgear..
--
Some people are like Slinkies.  Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,26843752</guid>
<pubDate>2012-02-02 09:37:43</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>How Much Paint Needed?</title>
<link>http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,26856206</link>
<description><![CDATA[We are preparing to paint the interior walls of our house. But having very little paint experience, I'm not sure how much we need for two coats of coverage. I know there are variables, but in general how far will a gallon take me? 

As an example, there are two walls in our living room that will be one color. The total area to paint this one color is 288sqft. One gallon or two? I won't mind some left over for future touch up, but I don't want to waste a bunch of money as we paint the entire interior of this 1900sqft dwelling.]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,26856206</guid>
<pubDate>2012-02-05 11:23:13</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Is a french drain really necessary?</title>
<link>http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,26851827</link>
<description><![CDATA[I know I know... A french drain should always be installed to be sure to keep the basement dry. But my house was built in the 1940s. And in my neighborhood they didn't installed french drains when the houses were built.

It's been 5 years that I own this house. I've opened some drywalls in the basement and there's no apparent humidity problems... In fact, my basement is always around 20% humidity in winter and around 35-40% in summer. I live up an hill and when it rains, the water goes fast downhill so there's no water that stays around the house.

In the summer I will be doing some landscaping around the house and it will be pretty much permanent... Do you think I should be thinking about installing a french drain before? I'm on a tight budget and I'm hesitant about this whole thing...

Thanks for your advices...]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,26851827</guid>
<pubDate>2012-02-03 20:47:39</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Safe Room - Costs/Benefits?</title>
<link>http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,26842594</link>
<description><![CDATA[With what seems to be the recent explosion in tornadoes and tornado fatalities in the southeast, I've been considering adding a "safe room" to our house since we have no basement.  Does anyone have any experience with them?  What kind of cost can I expect?

I've seen a few websites that "sell" them, but didn't know if it was more cost-effective to build your own.]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,26842594</guid>
<pubDate>2012-02-01 23:24:47</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Never seen this asked here...</title>
<link>http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,26826162</link>
<description><![CDATA[I live on a corner lot.  Lately some idiot has been driving in peoples lawns late a night...I have been hit twice, doing some major damage, including driving through some new plantings I put in last spring.  I want to line my yard with something on both street sides the would help prevent this, just not sure what to do.  Do I also need so consider the five foot setback?  I also have a fire hydrant about 15 feet from the corner I need to take into consideration.  It also need to look good.  
--
Don't let my reality hinder your imagination!]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,26826162</guid>
<pubDate>2012-01-28 21:38:18</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Water Heater problems</title>
<link>http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,26818251</link>
<description><![CDATA[I have a gas water heater that keeps going out.  I light the pilot and it heats the water up for about 20-30 min, then it just cuts out.  Its not a very old water heater.  The house I live in is only about 5 years old.  I really dont have the money for a repair man as of now so I was wondering if there was anything I could do myself to help fix this problem..]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,26818251</guid>
<pubDate>2012-01-26 20:38:39</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Need opinion</title>
<link>http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,26854365</link>
<description><![CDATA[I purchased this house in 12/07 since then I've been finding things that don't make sense. Like, the garage has had 1/2 the concrete removed and replaced. Cuts in fascia boards etc.

Well I work for the city I live in and came across an old aerial photo from 1973 (the house was built in 1966). To me it looks like the northern part of the house and the garage is missing. 

I would like you all to give me your opinion on the photos... 

The color pic is from Google Earth taken in 2009.

Sorry the pics are not the same size.
--
"Safe in the permanent gaze of a cold glass eye"]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,26854365</guid>
<pubDate>2012-02-04 17:14:59</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Shower Cartridge Help</title>
<link>http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,26753885</link>
<description><![CDATA[I have two Moen Posi-temp Shower Valves. One was installed professionally by a plumber, I loved it so much that a month later I installed one myself in our other shower. About a year in, the valve the plumber installed started to become stiff, I had the plumber come back out and he charged me to replace the cartridge (he told me to get the parts, now I know why...). A few months later the valve I installed is also stiff AND the valve that the plumber replaced the cartridge on a few months ago is also stiff. Before I call up Moen and ask them for replacement cartridges, what in the hell can be causing this? I don't want to be replacing cartridges every 6 months.]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,26753885</guid>
<pubDate>2012-01-10 23:20:57</pubDate>
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