Fix Your Home

How to Install CATV Wiring

2011-11-08T14:49:00.000-08:00

Derived from the term "cable antenna television," CATV is now popularly referred to as cable television. CATV provides television to millions of consumers through coaxial cables running from the cable television company to the cable TV box inside your home. Installing cable TV inside your home is not a difficult task and doing it yourself can save you some cash.

Things You'll Need

Cable TV subscription
Cable staples
Coaxial cable patch cord
Cable box
Television

Step 1

Hold the coaxial cable installed by the cable TV provider and run it neatly along walls, baseboards or across ceilings to your television. Fasten the cable onto surfaces using cable staples every 12 inches along the route.

Step 2

Place the cable TV box supplied by your cable TV provider on top, or beside your TV set.

Step 3

Hold the coaxial cable, then plug the coaxial cable connector at its end to the jack marked "Video In" at the back of your cable TV box. Screw the connector clockwise to tighten and secure the connection.

Step 4

Plug one end of the coaxial patch cable supplied with the cable TV box into its corresponding port marked "Antenna" on the rear of your TV set. Screw the connector clockwise to tighten and secure the connection.

Step 5

Plug the other end of the patch cable into the jack marked marked "Video Out" on the back of the cable TV box. Screw the connector clockwise to tighten and secure the connection.

Step 6

Turn on the television and the cable TV box and tune the channels following the instructions in your cable TV provider's instruction manual.

References

Diagnosing Noise From the Back of Your Car

2011-11-08T01:37:00.000-08:00

The interior of your car is typically sound-proofed to a certain degree, but sometimes annoying noises can be heard while traveling. Noise can be caused by something as minor as loose baggage or as major as a worn-out shock absorber. Some people simply ignore the noise, but neglecting the problem can lead to more damage and might put your life in danger.

Step 1

Park your vehicle in a safe spot to check the noise. Turn off the engine and engage the vehicle's handbrake. Open the trunk of your car and look for loose baggage, or items that might be generating the noise. Transfer the baggage to your rear seats, drive your car, and listen for any more noise.

Step 2

Look at the spare tire at the base of the trunk and check if its holding bolt is loose. Check to see if there are any loose tools. Look at each compartment inside the trunk and see if there are objects that might be bumping against each other.

Step 3

Look at the strip of rubber insulation attached around the edge of the trunk lead and look for any damage. A damaged or misaligned rubber strip can cause the lead to hit the trunk from time to time and create noise.

Step 4

Have your car elevated with a hydraulic lift in a gasoline station, then look at the muffler under its chassis. Inspect the muffler and look for any damage or missing flanges and bolts. Check for any missing rubber o-rings or rubber brackets that support the muffler in place.

Step 5

Park the car in a safe spot, switch off the engine, and pull the car's handbrake. Repeatedly push down the bumper on one corner of the car and allow the body to rise back up. Listen for any noise while the rear portion of the car is moving up and down. A worn-out shock absorber generates noise while moving. Repeat the same procedure on the other end of the bumper to check the other shock absorber.

Step 6

Lower the rear windows, then listen to determine if the noise is generated each time you step on the brake. Problems in the rear brakes of your car can generate noise each time you step on the brake pedal. A distorted brake shoe, broken brake shoe return springs, or worn-out pads can produce odd sounds coming from the rear portion of your car.

Step 7

Check each rear tire for any damage such as cuts, bumps, sidewall damage, bead damage, or tread damage. Damaged tires cause various sounds that increase in pitch as your vehicle speed increases.

Step 8

Park your car in a safe spot and place tire stoppers in both front wheels to prevent the car from moving. Shift lift its wheel from the ground. Hold the tire on each side with each hand, then wiggle the tire back and forth to sense bearing looseness. Spin the tire slowly by hand and feel it for bearing roughness. Repeat the same procedure on the other rear tire. A worn out or loose wheel bearing can create noise.

Hairline Crack in Plastic Radiator - How to Repair It

2011-11-06T20:25:00.000-08:00

A radiator is a vital part of every engine that runs on fossil fuel because it prevents the engine from overheating. Water is used as a cooling fluid in radiators which is why most vehicle manufacturers use plastic to make radiators and prevent corrosion. Water inside the radiator absorbs heat and carries the heat through the radiator's cooling fins where it is dissipated by air passing through the fins. Radiators are durable devices, but hairline cracks can form on its plastic due to the high pressure inside. Know how you can repair hairline cracks and avoid an expensive radiator repair.

Materials Needed:

Cold-weld patching compound

Drain pan

Wrench

Disposal container

Shop rag

Acetone

Blow dryer

Sandpaper

Utility knife

Cardboard

Plastic knife

Water

Antifreeze/coolant

Step 1

Locate the radiator leak and mark its location with a marker.Go to your local auto parts store and buy a tube of cold-weld compound that is used by mechanics to repair radiators. Ask the clerk to recommend a product that can withstand engine temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, have the strength of steel, and possess the ability to be impervious to water, gasoline, chemicals and acids.

Step 2

Locate the leak and mark the spot with a pencil, then turn off the engine and let the engine cool. Remove the radiator cap and locate the drain plug under the radiator. Sit a container below the plug and unscrew the plug counterclockwise with a wrench to allow the water to completely drain into the container. Wipe the leak down with a shop rag and acetone, then dry the area completely using a blow dryer. Push down on the crack lightly to get in between the edges of the cracked plastic and dry.

Step 3

Rough the area around 1 inch from the crack using very rough sandpaper, then score the area around the crack using the sharp edge of a utility knife to make a few deep scratches in the plastic. Take care not to puncture the plastic or make the crack bigger. Apply enough pressure to make some gouges on the plastic. Clean the area again with acetone, then blow dry the area to remove moisture along the cracks.

Step 4

Read the manufacturer's instructions on how to use the cold-weld compound. Apply an equal amount of chemical from each tube of the compound on a piece of cardboard, then mix both materials together thoroughly.

Step 5

Apply the mixture with plastic knife and cover the entire crack up to an area approximately an 1 inch around the crack. Squeeze some compound into space along the crack and build up the compound to about 1/8 inch thick. Blow dry the compound about two minutes to help it harden. Neatly wipe off any excess mixture using a shop rag.

Step 6

Allow the mixture to cure overnight. Replace the radiator plug and fill the radiator with a mixture of 50 percent water and 50 percent radiator fluid. Replace the radiator cap, then run the engine on idle for 40 minutes. Watch for any leaks in the patch area, but expect some steam from residual water.

References

Car Junky: Car Radiators and How They Work

Radiator.com: Radiator Leak

Resources (Further Reading)

Speed Up Your PC

2011-11-05T18:53:00.000-07:00

Your personal computer is a technological masterpiece of the twentieth century. It is a very accurate piece of machinery designed by engineers and technicians to practically run on its own and even repair itself. But, no matter how much technological advancements are built into your PC, it still needs to be maintained like other machines. Without maintenance, your PC will run slower and slower as time goes by. Here are some basic maintenance procedures that you need to perform to keep your PC running in top speed.

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Step 1

Remove programs that you don’t need. Programs use up vital resources that cause delay once your computer starts which is why the more programs you have in your computer, the more time it takes to start your computer. Click on “Start,” click on “Control Panel,” then click on “Add or Remove Programs.” From the resulting list of programs, choose the program you do not use and click on “Uninstall” to remove the program.

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Step 2

Erase your browsing history by clicking on “Control Panel,” “Internet Options,” then “Delete” under the “Browsing History” section if your browser is Firefox. If you are using Internet Explorer, open your browser and click on the “Tools” menu at the far right hand side of your browser's Tab Bar. Select the “Delete Browsing History” in the resulting drop-down menu. Click on “Delete Files” in the “Delete Browsing History” window.
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Step 3

Defragment the hard drive of your laptop to compresses the data and files in your personal computer for a larger space in your hard drive. Click "Start," "All Programs," "Accessories," "System Tools," then click on "Disk Defragmenter."
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Step 4

Perform a disk clean up. This utility searches and analyzes your computer hard drive for files that are no longer used, and then deletes the unnecessary files. Click on "Start," "All Programs," "Accessories," "System Tools," then "Disk Cleanup".
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Step 5

Repair invalid shortcuts, or links to files stored in different folders and drives in your PC. Windows Start Menu is made of shortcuts linking to various files in your hard drive. Once the target files of these shortcuts are moved or deleted, the shortcut will not function. If you are not familiar with this procedure, I would suggest that you download a registry cleaner to perform this procedure. A registry cleaner program would save you a lot of time and headaches since these programs have been designed to do the job efficiently. Download freeware registry cleaners from the Internet by searching for "free registry cleaner downloads" using your favorite search engine.
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Step 6

Programs installed in your computer are typically designed to run as soon as you start your computer. These programs normally try to communicate with the companies that distribute them, or try to execute a program without your knowledge. The resources used by these programs will considerably increase the boot time of your computer. Stopping unwanted and unnecessary programs from running during start-up will decrease the boot time of your computer. Again, I would recommend getting a free or paid version of a registry cleaner to do this job and avoid all the technical hassles.
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Step 7

Windows registry is a system database used by the Windows operating system to store configuration information. Most Windows programs write data to the registry upon installation. Over time, program installation and uninstallation can corrupt your computer registry and cause your computer to become slow during start ups. Repairing a registry is a complicated process especially to a person who is not well-versed with a computer. Once again, I would suggest that you use the registry cleaner software to perform this procedure.
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Step 8

Install an effective anti-malware and anti-virus program. Scan your computer often, especially if you notice something strange or out of the ordinary. It is also advisable to scan your computer under the following circumstances:

When your computer performance is slowing down.
When you encounter any unknown error from your Operating System.
If you observe 100% of CPU usage during idle mode.
When you experience a blue screen several times in a single day.
When your applications suddenly malfunction.

How to Troubleshoot Your Phone

2011-09-30T03:37:00.000-07:00

A telephone is one of the most important gadgets inside your home which is why some people find it difficult to live without one. Telephones are typically manufactured to give you many years of uninterrupted service, but the phone and the wiring inside your home can sometimes become faulty. Calling a repair man to fix your phone is expensive, but learning how to troubleshoot it will save you some cash.

Look at each phone to make sure none of the phones was accidentally left off the hook, then unplug and replug each phone into its jack.
Check the ringer volume adjustment switch and see it has been set to minimum level, or if the phone is on mute. Increase the volume setting if it is muted or set to minimum.
Bring the telephone over to a friend's or neighbor's house, then plug each into a working phone jack to check if there is a dial tone. No dial tone is indicative of a faulty telephone. Replace the phone if it is defective.
Open the network interface device (NID) mounted on an exterior wall of your house. Find the short cable (about two inches long) that is plugged into a telephone jack inside the NID and unplug the cable from the jack. Plug a working phone into the jack and listen for a dial tone. No dial tone is indicative of a problem in the telephone company's wiring. Call the telephone company to report the problem.
Unplug each phone one by one, but listen for a dial tone in the other phones a couple of minutes after unplugging a phone. The phone you last unplugged is defective if you hear a dial tone in any of the phones.
Unplug any other device plugged into your telephone lines such as a fax or computer. Listen for a dial tone after about two minutes each time you unplug a device. The device you last unplugged is faulty if you hear a dial tone.

Reference:

Public Service Commission of Wisconsin: The Network Interface Device
Symantec: How to Troubleshoot Telephone Line Problems
Home Tips: Telephones--Troubleshooting Problems and Repairs
Qwest: Phone Service Troubleshooting Guide

Telephone Jack Replacement - 7 Easy Steps

2011-09-16T01:51:00.000-07:00

A lot of people often ask me how to fix a phone jack. Telephone jacks, or phone jacks can last many years without giving you any problems, but when they break down, I usually recommend that the jack be replaced. The following are the procedures I suggest to replace a wall jack:

Find the network interface device (NID) which is a small plastic box mounted by the telephone company on a wall just outside your home.
Open the NID cover, find the short telephone cable (about 2 inches long) inside and unplug the cable from its jack.
Go to the telephone jack that you need to replace, unscrew its cover plate (for flush type jacks) or pry its cover open (for surface mount jacks). Unscrew (counterclockwise) each wire and remove the wires from the jack.
Remove the jack by unscrewing the surface mount jack from the wall, or by prying out the jack from behind the cover plate of a flush mount jack.
Connect the wires to the new jack by wrapping each colored wire clockwise around its matching color-coded terminal screw and tighten each screw firmly.
Screw the new surface mount phone jack back onto the wall, or snap the jack onto its slot behind the cover plate of a flush type phone jack.
Plug the short telephone cord inside the NID back into its jack to resume power and signals from the telephone company. Plug a telephone into the new wall jack and call your friend to test the connection.

Reference:
The Family Handyman: Replace a Phone Jack

U.S. Government References About Telephone Wiring

2011-09-11T22:34:00.000-07:00

During the many years that I have been dealing with telephone wiring, I have always tried to improve my knowledge by reading materials published by Uncle Sam. I spent hours and hours researching these topics looking for credible references. I decided that my efforts could benefit others as well. Here are a few articles about telephones published by various U.S. government agencies:

Testing, Repairing and Installing Home Telephone Wiring - Published by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin
Phone Lines - Where Does the Responsibility End? - Published by Missouri Public Service Commission
What to Do If You Hear Radio Communications in Your Telephone - Published by Missouri Public Service Commission
More references to be added soon...

useful sites

Telephone Junction Box

2011-09-10T11:48:00.000-07:00


This type of junction box can accommodate up to four telephones per line.

Today, I posted several facts about the junction box and made an illustration of a common type that is readily available in most hardware stores.The illustration shows how the wires inside the box are connected.

The following are some basic facts that can help you wire your telephone:

The telephone junction box is the hub where all telephone wires inside your home converge.
Its main function is to act as a hub that will distribute telephone power and signals to telephone jacks inside your home.
The junction box is used if you want to install more than one telephone jack in a single telephone line.
You do not have to install the box if you only need one telephone inside your home. You can simply connect the wire running from the NID directly to the telephone jack.
The telephone cable from the NID runs into the junction box where telephone wires are screwed onto similar colored terminals.
To connect a telephone jack to the junction box, run the cable from the jack into the box, then screw the wires at the end of the cable to terminals with the same color inside the junction box.

Telephone Jack - How to Wire It

2011-09-09T01:45:00.000-07:00

A surface mount telephone jack can be wired in ten minutes by connecting all similar color wires together.

Open the Network Interface Device (NID), or small grey box mounted on a wall just outside your home.

Unplug the short telephone cable from its jack inside the NID. Unplugging the jack will disconnect the telephone company wires from your household wires and make it safe for you to touch the wires.

Remove the telephone jack cover.

Loosen the terminal screws on the jack counterclockwise, then connect each wire coming from the telephone cable onto each terminal by wrapping the wire clockwise onto a terminal having same color.

Tighten each screw and replace the jack cover.

Tips:

A single line (Line 1) telephone uses a green and a red wire.

The second line (Line 2) uses a black and a yellow wire.

Things Needed:

Screwdriver

Reference: Danny Lipford: How to Install a Phone Jack

Top Bits: How to Install Telephone Wiring

How to Know If the Line Coming from the Telephone Company is Working.

2011-09-08T01:44:00.000-07:00

Find the Network Interface Device (NID) mounted on a wall just outside your home. The NID is a small grey or tan plastic box where the cable coming from the utility pole runs into.
Open the device and look inside the NID for the short telephone cable (about two inches long) plugged into a telephone jack.
Unplug the short cable from its jack.
Get a working telephone and plug the telephone into the jack.
Listen for a dial tone. No dial tone is indicative of a problem with the telephone company line. Call the telephone company and report the problem if there is no dial tone.

Tips:

Check the telephone you’re using to make sure it is working. You can plug the telephone to a neighbors jack to make sure it is working.

Reference:

Michigan.gov: Checking the phone at the Network Interface Device (NID)

Telephone Network Interface Device (NID)

2011-08-29T21:19:00.000-07:00

The telephone network interface device typically refers to the junction box mounted by your telephone service provider on a wall just outside your home. Here are some basic information about your telephone network interface device:

It is the point where the telephone company terminates their responsibility.
You are responsible for installing the wires starting from the NID to each telephone jack inside your home.
To locate the box, simply trace the line that runs from the utility pole into your home.
The NID is made of hard plastic and is weatherproof.
Unplugging the short cable inside the NID from its jack will disconnect power and signals from the telephone company.
Plugging a working telephone into a jack inside the NID will allow you to know if there is power and signals running from the telephone company into your household wiring.
The NID is maintained by the telephone company.
The red and the green wires running from the telephone jack inside your home connects to similar colored terminals inside the jack.

Reference: Public Service Commission of Wisconsin: Testing, Repairing and Installing Home telephone Wiring - Locating the Demarcation Point

How To Wire Your Own Telephone Line

2011-08-29T00:52:00.000-07:00

The telephone company terminates their line in a small plastic box mounted on a wall just outside your home. It can cost you a bit to pay a technician to lay the wiring from the box to a telephone outlet inside your home. Wiring a single-line telephone is not a difficult task and doing it yourself can save you some cash.

Trace the telephone cable that runs from the utility pole closest to your home to a small plastic box that the lineman mounted on a wall just outside your home. The box is known as a network interface device (NID).
Unscrew the NID box cover and look for a short telephone cable plugged to a telephone jack inside the NID. Unplug the short cable from the jack to disconnect telephone power and signals from the telephone company.
Slip a telephone cable through an opening at the base of the NID and pull the cable from inside the NID. Remove 2 inches of sheathing from the tip of the cable with diagonal pliers, then strip off ½ inch of insulation from the tip of the red wire and the tip of the green wire, using a wire stripper.
Look for the green and the red colored terminal screws right beside the short cable. Screw the red wire from the telephone cable onto the red terminal screw. Screw the green wire onto the green terminal screw.
Run the cable from the NID to the spot where you wish to mount the telephone jack (RJ-14), and then cut the cable with diagonal pliers. Use cable staples every two to three feet to fasten the cable onto surfaces.
Remove the cable sheathing from the tip of the cable, and then strip off ½ inch from the exposed red and green wires.
Get a surface-mount RJ-14 telephone jack and screw the jack onto the wall. Open the jack cover and wrap the green wire clockwise around the green terminal screw inside the jack. Wrap the red wire around the red terminal screw and tighten each screw. Check the two wires to make sure they are not loose, then close the jack cover.
Plug the short cable into its jack inside the NID. Place a call to test your connection.

Warning:

Make sure that the short cable is unplugged inside the NID to avoid low-voltage shock which can happen if someone dials your number.

Location: USA

Reference:

PublicService Commission of Wisconsin: Testing, Repairing and Installing HomeTelephone Wiring...

Written by Raul Avenir

Cat5e Cable Specifications

2011-08-27T05:35:00.000-07:00

A network cable is the physical link that connects two or more computers. A network cable allows data to be transmitted at high-speed between computers around the globe. A Cat5e network cable is the upgraded version of the Cat5 data cable. It is the same as Cat5, except that it is designed to comply with more stringent standards. Knowing the cable specifications of a Cat5e cable can help you differentiate it from other cables.

Data Transmission Speed

The speed by which data passes through a network cable to get from one computer to another is referred to as transmission speed. The type of cable can affect the speed of data transmission. A Cat5e network cable is capable of transmitting data at speeds of up to 1000 Mbps (1 Gigabit per second).

Specified Frequency Range

Frequency refers to the number of oscillations (vibrations) in one second, and is measured in Hertz (Hz), which is the same as "oscillations per second" or "cycles per second." Cat5e network cables are tested across a specified frequency range of 1 to100 MHz bandwidth range, and a cable rated Cat5e is capable of Gigabit Ethernet.

UTP

UTP, or unshielded twisted pair network cable, is a four-pair, 100-ohm cable that has four inner wires surrounded by an outer jacket. Each pair is twisted together to cancel out noise that can interfere with the signal. UTP cabling systems are used primarily for data transmission in local area networks (LANs).

Method of Termination

Cable terminators, or connectors, are used to plug a network cable into a compatible port. A Cat5e UTP data cable is terminated using the RJ45 jack, which is an eight-conductor, compact, modular jack engineered to maintain specific Category 5, 5e, 6, or 6A performance.

Bend Radius

Bend radius cable specification refers to the smallest radius a cable can be bent without damaging it, shortening its life or causing transmission failures. The smallest acceptable bend radius for Category 5, 5e, and 6 cable is approximately 1 inch, or four times the diameter of the cable.

Return Loss

Return loss, or reflection loss, is the reflection of signal power resulting from the insertion of a device in a transmission line. It is determined by the difference between the power of a transmitted signal and the power of the signal reflections caused by variations in link and channel impedance. Return loss is expressed as a ratio in dB relative to the transmitted signal power.

Delay Skew

Delay Skew refers to the variance in time between the fastest and slowest arrival of a data signal on a UTP. Signals sent over the transmission cable are divided over multiple pairs, and should reach the other end within a certain amount of time to be re-combined correctly.

Attenuation

Attenuation refers to signal loss over the length of a cable due to the resistance of the wire plus other resistance-causing electrical factors such as impedance and capacitance. Attenuation can be caused by factors such as poor connections, long cable length, bad insulation and a high level of crosstalk. The TIA-568B standard specifies the maximum amount of attenuation that is acceptable in a Cat5e network link to be 24 dB.

How to Test a 220 Volt Outlet

2011-08-24T20:52:00.000-07:00

A 220-volt outlet, or double pole outlet is typically used for heavy duty appliances such as air-conditioners, stoves and dryers. Double pole outlets have two power wires that run from the outlet to a 220-volt circuit breaker inside the electrical panel. Electrical outlets can last many years, but wear and tear can cause an outlet to break down sooner or later.Testing a 220-volt outlet is a simple task that can be done with a multimeter, but the task should be done with utmost care.

Step 1

Turn off the multimeter switch, and plug the probes of the multimeter into into their corresponding slots. The red probe typically goes into the positive slot and the black probe plugs into the negative slot on the multimeter.

Step 2

Set the dial of your multimeter to the 220-volt AC range. You can set the multimeter voltage range a little bit higher than the 220-volt range, but never set the dial lower than the voltage you are trying to test. Turn on the multimeter and hold one probe in each hand.

Step 3

Insert the metal tip of one probe into one of the vertical slots on the outlet. Insert the tip of the second probe into the other slot lying parallel and opposite to the first slot. The two vertical slots on a 220-volt AC outlet each have 110 volts of electricity. The U-shaped opening lying below the two slots contains the grounding wire. Do not allow any metal part of the probes to come in contact with your body or with each other.

Step 4

View the multimeter reading. A 220-volt outlet will generate a reading of approximately 220 volts, plus or minus a few volts depending on how far your home is from the electric transformer mounted by your utility company on a nearby utility pole. Pull the multimeter probes carefully out of the each slot.

WARNING:

Working with electricity is dangerous, call a licensed electrician if you do not have the necessary experience and training.
Never touch the metal tips of the prongs because they are live.

Switch Wiring Diagram

2011-08-20T21:08:00.000-07:00

Light Switch Diagram

How Your Telephone is Wired

2011-08-03T18:25:00.000-07:00

Did you know that it only takes two wires to connect your landline telephone? The telephone company runs their telephone cable from the utility pole to a gray plastic box mounted on a wall just outside your home. This box is typically called the network interface device (NID) and it is the point where the telephone company's responsibility ends and yours begins.

Two wires, colored red and green, are all it takes to hear a dial tone. The telephone wires are hooked to their matching color-coded terminals inside the NID. From the NID, the wires are routed to the telephone jack where they are simply connected to similar color-coded terminals.

If you ever decide to install your own telephone wiring rather than pay someone to do it for you, then take note of the following steps:

Look for the telephone cable running from the utility pole into your home. Follow the cable until you find the small plastic box, called NID, mounted on a wall just outside your home.
Open the NID cover and look for a very short telephone cable plugged into a jack on its panel board. Unplug the cable to discontinue power and signals from the telephone company and prevent any low-voltage shock.
Slip a telephone cable through an opening at the base of the NID and pull the cable up by around six inches.
Remove two inches of cable sheathing with diagonal pliers to expose the inner wires. Strip off half an inch of insulation from the end of each wire with a wire stripper or utility knife.
Hook the red and green wires clockwise around their matching red and green terminal screws inside the NID, and then tighten both screws.
Screw a surface-mount telephone jack (RJ-14) onto the wall, using screws that came with the jack. Open the jack cover and loosen the red and green terminal screws.
Run the telephone cable from the NID to the telephone jack. Route the cable neatly through walls, ceilings or baseboards. Use cable staples to attach the cable onto surfaces. Cut the cable once it reaches the telephone jack, but leave six inches of extra cable length.
Remove four inches of cable sheathing from the tip of the cable, and then strip off half an inch of insulation from the tip of the red and green wires.
Hook the red wire clockwise around the red terminal screw on the jack, and then hook the green wire around the green terminal screw. Tighten all connections and tug on the wires lightly to make sure they are not loose.
Go to the NID and plug the short cable back into its jack. Plug a landline telephone into the newly installed telephone jack inside your home. Call a friend to test the line.

Knowing Your Electrical Panel

2011-08-02T19:51:00.000-07:00

The metal box which you open to view the fuses, or circuit breakers controlling each circuit inside your home is called an electrical panel. Every homeowner is familiar with the sight of an electrical panel, but a lot of homeowners do not know the function of this device and how it protects their homes.

Electrical panels refer to the metal box housing the circuit breakers/fuses inside your home. The electrical cable from the utility pole outside your house runs into the electric meter mounted on your wall. From the electric meter, the electrical cable goes directly into the electrical panel where circuit breakers are located. Circuit breakers are switches that automatically turn off whenever an electrical problem is detected. From the circuit breaker, wires run to the various outlets inside your home.

Regular circuit breakers protect your home against electrical short circuits and circuit overloading. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) protect you from electrocution when you touch water that has come in contact with a live wire. An Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) is a type of circuit breaker designed to avoid fires by detecting dangerous electrical arc in electrical circuits. An AFCI breaker disconnects the power before the arc starts a fire.

Protect Your Home from Intruders

2011-04-19T20:19:00.000-07:00

You can never be too careful when it comes to protecting your family and property. Knowing the basics of home security can add to your peace of mind.

Immediately replace locks that don’t work properly. A faulty lock is both a security and safety hazard.
When you leave your home for a long period, be sure to create the illusion that someone is home. You can put your lights on timers, leave a television on, or have a friend or family member stay at your home while you are away.
Check the person at the other side of the door before opening the door. Install a peephole in your front door in case you don't have one.
Don't leave extra keys or garage door openers in conspicuous places such as under doormats, in mailboxes, or on top of the door frame. You can leave the extra key with a close friend, or trusted neighbor instead.
Keep garage doors and window shut at all times if you are away.
Install drapes or blinds that you can use to keep items inside your home from being conspicuous. Expensive items or appliances seen by passersby are a temptation that most thieves can’t resist.
Do not let anybody know that you are keeping cash or expensive jewelry inside your home. Secrets spread around fast, and thieves always pay attention to this type of information.
Leaving a note on the door when you are away from home is a clear signal that no one is home.
Uncollected mail, newspapers, and any deliveries is a clear indicator that no one is home. Ask a neighbor or family member to collect these items when you are away for extended periods.

How to Avoid Electrical Accidents Inside Your Home

2011-04-17T20:59:00.000-07:00

Home is where you live, and it’s where your family, pets and possessions are. Keep it safe and free from accidents that will harm you or your loved ones. Knowing the basics of electrical safety will help you avoid electrical accidents inside your home.

Remove immediately any appliance with a frayed, cracked, or damaged electrical cord. Another person might hold the cord and get electrocuted.

Never place an electrical device near water. The device can get wet, or fall into the water and kill any one in contact with the water.

Cover electrical outlets especially if you have children inside the house. A curious child might poke the outlet and get shocked.

Repair a damaged faceplate or outlet cover immediately. Exposed wiring is a shock hazard to anyone.

Unplug all bathroom and kitchen counter-top appliances when not in use. Plugged appliances that are unattended can create an unnecessary risk of fire.

Make sure that all outdoor outlets have weatherproof covers to avoid moisture and rain water from getting inside the outlet. Moisture or water inside an outlet can cause a malfunction or become a potential shock hazard.

Do not leave any appliance plugged into an outdoor outlet when the appliance is not in use. A weatherproof outlet is not designed to protect the outlet when an appliance is plugged into the outlet. Moisture and rain water can easily seep into the open outlet especially on a windy day.

Do not plug too many appliances into one outlet without knowing the wattage rating of the outlet. Plugging appliances that have a total wattage higher than the wattage of the circuit can cause a fire.

Do not force a plug into the outlet if the prongs do not match the outlet slots. Male electrical outlet plugs are designed to fit a matching female outlet according to voltage, wattage, and ampere rating. A mismatched plug and outlet is a fire hazard.

Check the electrical rating on appliances if you are using extension cords to make sure that the voltage and wattage of the appliance is not more than the voltage and wattage of the extension cord. As a rule of thumb, 16 AWG handles 1,375 watts of electricity.

Don’t put any type of electrical cord in a traffic path where it will be stepped on. Cords can be damaged when they are stepped on. Any heavy object can damage a cord by crushing the insulation or breaking wire strands.

Never use a corded power tool near a swimming pool. The corded tool can accidentally fall into the pool and kill anyone inside the pool. Have GFCI, or ground fault circuit interrupter outlets installed around areas near the pool.

Remembering these basic electrical safety tips and applying them in your home will keep you and your family safe.

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