Complete Home Security, Safety and Maintenance

by David Woodsmall

Last Updated: 1/29/2012 - Optimized for Firefox 8.0.1

COPYRIGHT 1992 thru 2012 - David R. Woodsmall

If this is a real Emergency, dial 911 on your telephone (in the USA)

I created these websites ONLY to provide free information to help other people

I am NOT a business of any kind, and make NO money providing this information

There is NOTHING for sale here - Feel free to link to any of my web pages

I am NOT Responsible for any Errors - Use at your own risk

I ASSUME NO LIABILITY - You do things at your own risk

COMPLETE COMPUTER SECURITY INFORMATION

INDEX - Jump to Home Security Topics

ARC FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTERs

ASBESTOS

WE ARE NOT DOCTORS NOR PEOPLE WITH UNUSUAL KNOWLEDGE OF ASBESTOS - WE ASSUME NO LIABILITY. CONSULT PROFESSIONALS. THIS IS ALL THIRD-HAND INFORMATION OF UNKOWN VALIDITY. EXPOSURE TO ASBESTOS CAN PAINFULLY KILL YOU. Soffits & guttering will almost certainly be "White Asbestos" which shouldnt be covered by the dangerous material acts (Blue & Brown Asbestos are bad news and should be removed only by a specialist contractor at vast cost) - Mark J on Yahoo.com. Asbestos is dangerous in all its crystalline forms. Breaking asbestos can create deadly asbestos dust. mesothelioma-source.org Anyone have any knowledge of asbestos removal?- Mark J Asbestos in North Carolina: Asbestos Hazard Management Program Asbestos Removal Requirements - wa.gov Do-It-Yourself Asbestos Abatement - Mesothelioma and Asbestos Cancer Home Tips - Is Asbestos Removal Required? Video results for asbestos removal Utah DAQ - Asbestos Removal for Home Owners Mesothelioma SOS - Proper Asbestos Removal Questions about Asbestos Removal - Ask.com WE ARE NOT DOCTORS NOR PEOPLE WITH UNUSUAL KNOWLEDGE OF ASBESTOS - WE ASSUME NO LIABILITY. CONSULT PROFESSIONALS. THIS IS ALL THIRD-HAND INFORMATION OF UNKOWN VALIDITY. EXPOSURE TO ASBESTOS CAN PAINFULLY KILL YOU.

AUTOMATION (Home)

Automation "Standards"

Crestron Insteon WireFreeHD WirelessHD Wireless HDMI Wireless High definition Interface (WHDI) X-10 Z-Wave ZigBee

AUTOMATION - Resources

smarthome Crestron Electronics: Home Automation, Building and Campus Control home-automation.org Home automation - wikipedia Home Automation - Coolest Gadgets Home Automation Index (getting old) - homeautomationindex Homeautomation Store Home Automation, Programmable Lighting, and Home Security Products Reader's Voice: An Introduction To Home Automation HomeToys - The Home Technology Information Source Home Automation, Inc Linux Home Automation X10.com - Security Cameras, X10 Home Security Levitron - Home & Residential Lighting Automation - Leviton Lighting Controls Home Automation/Environmental Control/Electronics NEWS GROUP: comp.home.automation

BURGLARY PREVENTION

Burglary Prevention Council See also Security Door Hinges

BRAIDED HOSES CONTROL TOILET & WASHER HOSE LEAKS

Coming soon...

CARBON MONOXIDE - Detecting & Poisoning

Carbon Monoxide is NOT lighter than air, but will mix with air, so Carbon Monoxide may be Found at any level in a room. Additionally, if the carbon monoxide was produced by faulty heating equipment, it will be warm, so it will tend to rise therfore, carbon monxide detectors are typically mounted near the ceiling (12 inches down), BUT can be mounted anywaywere - I would place at least one CO detector near (about 15 feet away from) the (gas or propane) furnace to minitor for leaks. Use at your own risk. I SUGGEST USING MODELS FROM SEVERAL MAJOR COMPANIES, JUST IN CASE THEIR ARE DIFFERENCES IN EFFICIENCIES OR UNKNOWN PROBLEMS. CAVEAT EMPTOR I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS.. You can buy Carbon Monoxide Detectors, also Natural Gas Detectors. Thirty-five PPM of COHb in an 8 hour period, is the maximum exposure allowed by OSHA in the workplace. Carbon monoxide poisoning is often confused with "flu like symptoms" such as headache, nausea, dizziness. SYMPTOMS OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISIONING I use three different models of CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS: 1] One type plugs into an outlet, but HAS BATTERY BACKUP. 2] The other type that I use is battery only, and I mount it much higher (near the ceiling), as Carbon Monoxide is lighter than air. Both types that I use, retain the highest reading detected, so I can tell if any problems occurred when I was not there to hear the alarm. 3] I also have a third type of Carbon Monoxide Detector - it detects both Carbon Monoxide and Natural Gas, the NightHawk model KN-COEG-3: Carbon Monoxide and Explosive Gas Alarm - AC Powered w/Battery Backup Price: $52.00 This combination alarm protects against two deadly threats, carbon monoxide and explosive gas such as propane and natural gas. The 900-0113 features a hide-a-way cord that allows for multiple installation possibilities. * Protection from two deadly threats * Digital Display * 9V battery back up * Hide-a-way cord * Test/Reset Button * Loud 85dB Alarm * Low Battery Warning * Easy Installation * 5 year limited warranty * DATA SHEET * USER MANUAL I also use NATURAL GAS DETECTORS, to warn me of any natural gas leaks in the house. I use multiple Kidde Carbon Monoxide & Explosive Gas Alarm #900-0113 - $53 Consider an emergency escape ladders. You might consider emergency (windup) flashlights that do not need batteries. Asphyxia - asphyxiation Carbon Monoxide Alarms - Kidde (at Lowes, Home Depot,...) CO - FAQ - Kidde CARBON MONOXIDE QUICK FACTS STORM-RELATED FIRE AND CARBON MONOXIDE RISKS Storm-related Fire & CO Risks Carbon Monoxide and Density What is the Best Location for Carbon-Monoxide Detectors? Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Carbon monoxide - wikipedia Avoiding Carbon Monoxide poisioning NY City, and other cities, now requires Carbon Monoxide Detectors in homes See also Emergency Escape Ladders See also Fire Extinguishers See also FIRE Detectors See also Natural Gas Detectors See also SMOKE Detectors

CONTRACTORS / HANDYMEN / MAINTENANCE - check them out first

NOTE: You are required to have your utility lines marked before digging in your yard (no, not garden digging - digging for some kind of constuction). Angies List - Home Service contractors reviewed & rated by homeowners like you NEW site - UNC - Electricians Plumbers Carpenters and Contractors - recommendations & criticisms Kudzu.com - now in Atlanta and will soon (9/2006) be in San Diego, Las Vegas and Phoenix

CRESTRON

Crestron Electronics: Home Automation, Building and Campus Control Crestron Electronics - Wikipedia Crestron and Texas Instruments Collaborate to Advance Projector

DO NOT CALL PHONE NUMBER LIST - United States

NO Telemarketers - WHAT happens when it expires? - THEY CAN CALL YOU

VALID FOR FIVE YEARS - THEN RE-REGISTER YOUR NUMBER

Does NOT apply for Cell phones, and cell phone numbers are NOT published. However, you can now register your cell number. Register non-cell phone numbers for no telemarketing Numbers placed on the registry, begun in June 2003, are valid for five years You can now register your CELL PHONE number for do not call (same place, see above), just note that cell phone numbers are NOT published, so it is much harder for a company to look up your cell number and call you.

OPT OUT - eMail, Catalogs, regular Mail & Phone Numbers

DMA Choice - Getting off commercial mail lists OPT out of Catalogs - catalogchoice.com DMA Choice - eMPS - Getting off commercial Email lists DO NOT CALL registration

ELECTRONICS - HOME ELECTRONICs - REMOTE CONTROL

X-10 Home Automation ZigBee Home Automation Free Downloads - Thinking Home - X-10 Scripting

EMERGENCY ESCAPE LADDERS

NOTE: if you have any bedrooms not on the ground floor, consider getting an emergency escape ladder that you can fasten to the window or balcony to allow people to safely escape. Remember, when picking an escape ladder, that it might need to both reach the ground and have enough length to securely attach to something - in other words, you might need a longer emergency ladder than you think that you need. Many places sell these ladders, even Sears.

EMERGENCY TOOLS (I've not seen them)

On-Dut - Shuts off Gas, Shuts off Water, Pries Open Doors, & Digs through Debris UNfortunately, I'm finding that my new wireless water Meter does NOT have a valve that I can use to shut off all my water (as did the old meter).

FIRE and SMOKE DETECTORS

USE THIS INFORMATION AT YOUR OWN RISK - I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE You should always use both Fire and Smoke Detectors, WITH BATTERY BACKUP, in case of a power failure. As a precaution, I like to use models from more than one manufacturer - some may actually work better than others. There are essentially two types of "fire" detectors: 1] Smoke Detector - uses a photolectric detector to detect slow smoldering fires. 2] Fire Detector - uses an Ionization Detector to detect fast flaming fires. I use both types, and some units combine both types of detectors in one unit (for example, a Kidde Dual Sensor Smoke Alarm, Model #PI9000). Kidde/NightHawk also makes a battery operated smoke detector that communicates wirelessly (by radio waves) with other such detectors Kidde Wireless Model RF-SM-DC. When one detects a fire, they all sound their alarms - thus even if you can't hear the detector that noticed the fire in the basement, you can hear the fire detector outside your third floor bedroom. I like and use these wireless detectors. Kidde also has remote (wireless) sounders (Model RF-SND - Wireless Sounder) that will sound an alarm when notified by the wireless smoke alarms. Some Detectors have lights that shine when smoke or fire is detected, lighting the way to safety. Some detectors talk, and tell you what kind of problem has been detected. See also Carbon Monoxide Detectors See also Natural Gas Detectors See also Emergency Escape Ladders See also Fire Extinguishers Useful Fire Safety Links (I don't know about them) Home Fire Safety - The Police Notebook Home Fire Safety Checklist Forest Home Fire Safety

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

CLASSES:

A = Wood and paper - ordinary combustibles. B = Flammable liquids, such as grease, gasoline, oil, etc. C = Electrical fires - this class does not have a numerical rating. All You Ever Wanted to Know About Fire Extinguishers See also Emergency Escape Ladders See also Carbon Monoxide Detectors See also FIRE Detectors See also Natural Gas Detectors See also SMOKE Detectors

FRAUD/Consumer Problems

FRAUD Page

GFI - Ground Fault Interrupter (also called GFCI and RCCB)

The purpose of a GFI is to stop the flow of current if the ground fails. Typical 120 & 240 volt outlets in the US have three prongs: 1) Hot 2) Common 3) Ground The Ground is a highly desireable safety feature. AFCIs should not be confused with ground fault circuit interrupters or GFCIs. GFCI devices are designed to provide protection from electric shock. AFCIs are intended to address fire hazards. Combination GFI/AFCI circuit breakers will become available. While we use the terms GFI or GFCI (same things)in North America, technically these are RCCBs - residual current circuit breakers. RCCB also called GFI or GFCI - wordiq Keeping it Safe See also: AFCI - Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters See also: Electrical Home Wiring

NATURAL GAS, COMBUSTIBLE GAS and PROPANE GAS DETECTORS

Combination Methane, Propane & Natural Gas Detectors

USE THIS INFORMATION AT YOUR OWN RISK - I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE

You can buy Explosive Gas Detectors. These detectors will alert you to the presence of leakage of both (non-contained) natural gas and Propane in your house. We mostly use the combination Carbon Monoxide and Explosive Gas (natural gas, propane,...) detectors: Knighthawk Carbon Monoxide alarm and EXPLOSIVE GAS ALARM (Dual purpose detector) It's white, plugs into AC. You can use included six foot cable to reposition the alarm. AC plug in line cord allows for high mounts (natural gas) and low mounts for (propane). It also has a nine-volt battery backup. I get these at either Lowe's or Home Depot (ONLY of these chains carry it). I can often get it at Target. It's either $50 or $60 (I forget). ($51.49 @ Target) You have to be careful, as it looks exactly like their cheaper Carbon Monoxide detector. It has a digital readout of the Carbon Monoxide level (and retains highest Co2 level seen). The Knighthawk allows use of the other plug in your two plug outlet amd looks great. NOTE some of these Knighthawk units rarely give off false alarms - I replaced those and have no problems with them. You probably want the: Knighthawk Model KN-COEG-3 or consider the uglier, takes your complete outlet, but has not been reported to generated false alarms: First Alert Carbon Monoxide & Explosive Gas Detector (GC01CN) from ACE Hardware - $60 The First Alert unit also has a built-in AC cord, to allow repositioning. I SUGGEST USING MODELS FROM SEVERAL MAJOR COMPANIES, JUST IN CASE THEIR ARE DIFFERENCES IN EFFICIENCIES OR UNKNOWN PROBLEMS. I use multiple Kidde Carbon Monoxide & Explosive Gas Alarm KN-COEG-3 P/N #900-0113 - $53 Consumer Guide: Kidde Carbon Monoxide Alarm KN-COEG-3 Review Kidde KN-COEG-3 Carbon Monoxide & Explosive Gas Alarm p/n 900-0113 Fact Sheet These run on 120 volts AC WITH Battery backup. I bought most of ours at Target, but I see that both Lowes and Home Depot are starting to carry tme again (11/2007). I use them near the natural gas fireplace, hot water heater, stove, furnace and natural gas standby electric generator. I also have one on each floor of the house, near the bedrooms. First Alert Carbon Monoxide & Explosive Gas Detector (GC01CN) - $60 - ACE Hardware Install a CO detector/alarm that meets the requirements of the current UL standard 2034 or the requirements of the IAS 6-96 standard. Carbon Monoxide Detectors - UL Standard 2034 UL 2034 - PDF UL 2034 Short History - CO Alarms - PDF New Standard For Carbon Monoxide Detectors Can Save Hundreds Of ... Carbon Monoxide Questions and Answers AGA: CPSC Evaluation of CO Alarms Repeats Industry Results ... - up to 60% of the alarms tested failed to meet this criterion of the UL 2034 standard Reference Standard 17-13 UL No. 2034, Standard for Single and ... - PDF UL 2034 - protechsafety Carbon monoxide detectors A Guide to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Buying a Carbon Monoxide Detector - What You Should Know Before ... Carbon monoxide detector - wikipedia. Top 5 Carbon Monoxide Detectors - about.com Natural Gas is composed mostly of Methane and is MUCH LIGHTER than air. This means that your gas leak detectors should, ideally, be placed about 12 inches BELOW the ceiling. Propane is the most commonly used Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG), so the term LP-Gas is often used to mean Propane. Propane is MUCH HEAVIER than air, and will collect at the BOTTOM OF THE FLOOR - therefore if you use Propane, you should place your gas detectors near the floor (this information is supplied couresy of Kidde). What You Need to Know About Natural Gas Detectors - nih.gov Explosive gas/vapor limit - wikipedia Consider buying both Smoke and Fire Detectors, with BATTERY BACKUP. Consider buying Carbon Monoxide Detectors if you use any form of combustion for heat. Natural Gas Safety You might consider emergency (windup) flashlights that do not need batteries. Consider getting an emergency escape ladder. What You Need to Know About Natural Gas Detectors Severe Weather and Natural Disaster Safety Hazzards Natural Gas Safety

GAS (Particulate) MASKS - Type N95

NIOSH-Approved N95 Disposable Particulate Respirators

USE INFORMATION AT YOUR OWN RISK - I assume NO liability

From what I read, gas masks rated N95 are as potent as a Civilian needs. Masks are rated for protection against different air-bourne problems. As far as I can tell, masks certified to be N100 compliant are the most potent that we can buy without going to military types. I use my N95 masks for protection against pesticides, herbacides, paint and other air-bourne particles - about $45 ??? as I remember (it has replaceable filter catridges). These masks are available at any home repair parts store. Look for NIOSH N95 on the package; the N95 is a government efficiency rating that means the mask blocks about 95 percent of particles that are 0.3 microns in size or larger. Type N100 also exists - filter efficiency of 99% or greater against particulates free of oil. FLU NIOSH-Approved N95 Disposable Particulate Respirators - Suppliers List Interim Domestic Guidance on the Use of Respirators to Prevent Transmission of SARS N95 Masks Flying Off Shelves, but They Offer Scant Protection France Prepares For Avian Flu Pandemic Tyvek Suit and N100 Facemask - A Practical Test Surgical Helmets and SARS Infection http://www.approvedgasmasks.com

NATURAL GAS WHOLE HOUSE STANDBY (Automatic) GENERATORS

Costs, Generac, Guardian, Review, Natural gas, Transfer Switch

USE THIS INFORMATION AT YOUR OWN RISK - I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE

GENERATORS ARE DANGEROUS - USE AT YOUR OWN RISK.

I know NOTHING about any of these companies nor their products - CAVEAT EMPTOR

My friends all seem to be buying Generac systems - Me too. LinkedIn Generac Home Standby Generators Group ex-CA Governor Jerry Brown running AGAIN for CA Governor in 2010 - Remember his previous terms as CA Governor??? - NO new power plants built in CA A new (10/2009), perhaps not yet available option, from the inventor of the Segway is: Dean Kamen’s Slingshot low cost water and power for the developing world

THINGS THAT YOU SHOULD CONSIDER ABOUT GENERATORS

The Home Standby Generator is a Necessity High humidity caused by lack of Air Conditioning in a power outage may allow MOLD to grow in your house. Remember, generators produce Carbon Monoxide, which can kill you. I also use NATURAL (Explosive) GAS DETECTORS, to warn me of any natural gas leaks in the house. 0] Should be NATURAL GAS, if possible (no manual filling, no waiting for fuel delivery). See also Natural Gas Detectors 1] Auto-start upon power failure with transfer switch. Electric start adds about 10% to the cost & may not include battery & charger. If not, how much more cost? 2] Does it come with the control panel to switch the power to your house circuits when the power fails? If not, how much will that cost? 3] Does it Auto-shutoff when power is restored? 4] Does it self-start monthly? to keep itself oiled and ready? 5] Does it come with all the panels and circuit breakers needed to hook it up?, or does that cost extra? 6] How quiet is it?. Special housings that reduce noise can add about 20% to the cost. Will you be able hear your TV? 7] Do you want both 240 and 120 volts, single phase?. 8] Remember, if the rated power is for Propane, natural gas is 80% as efficient (so you get 80% of the rated power as the generator's output). 9] What does the law say about how far it must be from the house? 10] What does the law say about venting the exhaust fumes? 11] Does your power company have to inspect your main power leads to ensure that they can carry any additional current? I think that this only applies if you sell power to the power company 12] Are included cables long enough to get to breaker box? If not, how much will the cables cost? Are cables included? 13] Who builds the concrete pad for the generator? Cost? (I think that You don't want one a plastic pad, although the plastic one on concrete might reduce noise), I've rethought this. For air cooled units, I think that it is OK to use the polymer pad (it's not really plastic) on pea gravel (for controlling water runoff). For non-air cooled units, which are heavier, I'd go for a concrete pad. 14] What is the expected life of the generator? 15] Do they actually install everything, or do you need to hire a 1} gas installer 2} electrician and/or a 3} concrete person, and who physically moves the generator into place, on the pad? 16] Does your city/county require an electrical hook-up permit? 17] Does your city/county require an gas hook-up permit? 18] Does your city/county require any other permits (concrete, generator location?... 19] Will you still have natural gas service in an emergency? In the case of the recent flooding in the Washington D.C. area, the natural gas distribution was shut down also. This was due to the fact that gas could continue to flow in buildings that were flooded. That would not have been safe, to say the least. An additional feature that a friend in California is considering is the ability to switch fuels. One of the 240VAC/75 AMP single phase units that he has been looking at is able to operate on natural gas, propane, or gasoline. Having a 250 gallon standby propane tank would be useful in the event of a natural disaster that disrupts the natural gas supply. If you have to buy a propane tank, it could be expensive (they used to be free - check on it). 20] Generac suggests that if any bedroom circuits are supplied by a backup home generator, that the circuit breaker be brought up to NEC (National Electric Code) standards of 2001, which would mean replacing any bedroom non-AFCI cicuit breaker with an AFCI circuit breaker. 21] Personally, I will not buy a generator made by a company that does not already have a proven track record of producing quality home standby generators. Some companies do not make their own generators, but buy them from other companies - I consider this to be OK if the unit has a good, long record of dependability, BUT THEN AGAIN, I, personally, would not buy one - why pay the markup cost? NOTE - I had to adjust the allowable frequency drift on some of my UPS units, as standby generators do not (normally) produce real sine-wave voltages, so some of my UPS units, as a precaution, refused to run off the standby generator until I relaxed their restrictions.

GENERATOR CAPACITY - How large a generator do I need?

There are really two criteria for determining how large a generator to buy: 1] How many AMPS (or WATTs) do you really expect to use? The more WATTs your generator produces, the more money it takes to run it. All motors use more AMPS to start, than they do to actually run, so you have to allow enough current for the starting of air conditioners, refrigerators and such things (if they are on your generator). Power Consumption CLICK HERE Scroll down to find how many watts typical appliances use Appliance usage cost calculator Home Generator SIZING - How Much Standby Power Do I Need? 2] Since your house is probably already wired, you need to detemine which necessary appliances are on which circuit breakers. Most generators are set up to allow transfer of a certain number of 120 volt circuit breakers. My generator can handle 16 circuit breakers. Each 220 volt circuit breaker requires two circuit breaker installation locations - thus if my generator transfer panel can handle 16 120 volt breakers, it could handle 8 240-volt breakers, or a combination of both. You need to detemine which circuit breakers you wish to have the generator handle. Our generator can handle about 100 amps and 16 circuit breakers. In our Case, Our total house Circuit Breakers are arranged like this: 1 2 RANGE/STOVE 220 volts HEAT & BLOWER 50 AMP <<< 220 volt breakers 3 4 5 6 empty - was H20 Heater HEAT 50 AMP NOW UNUSED - 94% efficient Natural gas furance 7 8 9 Dining Room lights 10 deck lights Blower and AC 50 AMP <<< 220 volts MICROWAVE 12 Kitchen Track lights 11 MASTER Bedroom plugs Master BATH plugs 13 Living Rm Plugs 14 Front door light CLOTHES DRYER 30 AMPs <<< 220 volts main deck/stairs lights 16 15 Kitchen = 20 Amp 17 Disposal = 20 Amp 18 WASHING MACHINE = 20 Amp 19 Refrigerator (kitchen) 20 OUTSIDE PLUGS 20 Amp 21 Kitchen = 20 Amp 22 OFFICE PLUGS Computers Telephone equipment 23 DISHWASHER = 20 Amp 24 SW Bedroom plugs Basement Bath plugs Basement Hall plugs Inside storage room plugs & Refrigerator 25 - no breaker 26 Master Bedroom STAIRS Lights Middle HALL Lights Master BATH LIGHTS French door porch lites Outside UTILITY ROOM Burglar Alarms W/battery backup W/cell phone 27 - no breaker 28 MASTER BEDROOM Lights OFFICE Lights Spare Bedroom lights Middle BATH lights 29 - no breaker 30 FAMILY ROOM PLUGS = 20 Amp TV STEREO WET-BAR Refrigerator So in our case, I will hook up breakers 1&3, 9, 10&12, 11, 14&16, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 26, 28 & 30: This allows us to run: 1) All Three Refrigerators 2) All Microwaves (Two) 3) Dish Washer 4) Clothes Washer 5) Clothes Dryer - 240 volts 6) Our (whole house) Air Conditioner 7) Our computers, phones, printers other office electronics 8) All TVs and the stereo 9) All the bedroom Lights and wall outlets 10) Garbage Disposal. 11) Space heaters 12) Burglar Alarms 13) Central Gas Heat (circulation fan & thermostat) 14) Electric Stove (240 volts) 15} Dehumidifiers 16) Humidifiers 17) Almost all lights and outlets in the house (some exceptions) NOT necessarily all appliances on at the same time. Our owner's manual states that our unit can start and run a Five Ton Air conditioner. A/C equiptment draws a different amount of power depending upon how efficient it is and how hard it has to work to keep up with the outside temperature. how many watts is 5 ton air conditioner One ton of refrigeration will equal approximately 3517 watts, so a 3 ton unit will draw 10551 watts. This is the load that is used to size service entrance calculations.

CONVERT ELECTRICITY POWER CONSUMPTION TO OTHER UNITS of MEASURE

For example, convert Tons of Cooling to Watts of Electricity

Convert HP to WATTS to AMPS -- BTUs WATTs

I am NOT responsible for any errors - use at your own risk.

1 ton of Air Conditioning Cooling is approx. equal to 3.5kW 1 ton of Cooling = 12,000 BTU/hr 5 tons of Cooling = 17.57kW (from eleceng09) 12,000 BTU/hr = 3.514kW Convert Horsepower (Mechanical) to Watts - Calculateme 1/4 Horsepower (Hp) = 186.42 Watts 1/3 Horsepower (Hp) = 246.08 Watts 1/2 Horsepower (Hp) = 372.85 Watts 2/3 Horsepower (Hp) = 492.16 Watts 3/4 Horsepower (Hp) = 559.27 Watts 1 Horsepower (Hp) = 746.70 Watts 1 1/2 Horsepower (Hp) = 1118.55 Watts 2 Horsepower (Hp) = 1491.40 Watts ~= 12.5 Amps (at 120 VAC 2 1/2 Horsepower (Hp) = 1864.25 Watts ~= 15.53 Amps (at 120 VAC) 3 Horsepower (Hp) = 2237.01 Watts 3 1/2 Horsepower (Hp) = 2609.95 Watts 4 Horsepower (Hp) = 2982.80 Watts 4 1/2 Horsepower (Hp) = 3355.65 Watts 5 Horsepower (Hp) = 3728.50 Watts 5 1/2 Horsepower (Hp) = 4101.35 Watts 6 Horsepower (Hp) = 4474.20 Watts Kilowatts, Watts, kVA, kW, Amps - Conversions Watt calculator (scroll down) - BTUs, Watt Hours, Kilowatt Hours, Therms, Joules Convert Horsepower (Mechanical) to Watts - CalculateMe.com How do I convert Horse Power (HP) into Kilowatts (kW)? How do I convert Watts (W) into Horse Power (HP)? Online Conversion - power- Horsepower to watts How to Convert Watts to Amps Simplified - PwerStream Electrical - Repair-home.com unitconversion.org

(STANDBY) GENERATOR FORUMS & GROUPS

WARNING - Posting a message may get you a lot of SPAM. If you need to post a question, I would get a "throw-away" (one-time-use) eMail Address. NOTE - I had to adjust the allowable frequency drift on some of my UPS units, as standby generators do not (normally) produce real sine-wave voltages, so some of my UPS units, as a precaution, refused to run off the standby generator until I relaxed their restrictions. Standby Generator Forum - Ask the Builder LinkedIn Generac Home Standby Generators Group Mike Holt's Forum Generac and frequency control - alt.energy.homepower alt.energy.homepower alt.engineering.electrical rec.outdoors.rv-travel rec.autos.tech rec.aviation.owning free.uk.diy.home alt.survival misc.rural misc.survivalism sci.engr.electrical.sys-protection misc.survivalism alt.tv.this-old-house triangle.general

We bought a Whole House 15 Kw Natural GAS Generac # 5243 Generator

We bought a Generac Guardian 16Kw natural gas generator Model #5243. (it's 16 Kw on Propane, and 15 Kw on natural gas.) This whole house standby generator is for emergency use. The new panels for this genset, can handle 16 breakers - We are able to run all important stuff: Washer, Dryer, Dish washer, AC, all TVs/Tivos, All three Refrigerators, two microwaves, lights/power in all bedrooms and at least two of the three bathrooms (I forget about the third), electric stove / oven, Power and light for my office and Family room. Lights in the kitchen. Some outside lights. Here is a review of an older, 12 kw Generac Guardian Automatic Standby Generator. According to the owners manual, it should be able to start and run a FIVE TON Air Conditioner - CHECK WITH THE MANUFACTURER - HOW MANY AMPS/WATTS DOES THIS 5 TON AC UNIT LEAVE FOR OTHER TASKS? We have had our Generac Generator over three years - it's been running perfectly. While it can be heard, it is not very loud (you need to make up your own mind about noise). It does come in a metal cabinet to help reduce noise. Several of our friends have older Generac units - they have performed flawlessly. This model included a 100 amp transfer switch. (while this unit can produce over 100 amps, it is most stable (voltage & frequency) at about 70 amps. It was installed with a 70 amp circuit breaker. We have a 97% efficient 100,000 BTU Natural Gas Furnace and a 4 1/2 Ton, 16 SEER Air Conditioner. The thermostat, Air Conditioner and Blower are also on the Backup Generator. We can use the generator to heat or cool the whole house. COST to BUY and INSTALL COST to RUN MAINTENANCE MANUFACTURERS of GENERATORS LOCAL (RTP, NC) STORES THAT SELL GENERATORS INTERNET STORES THAT SELL NATURAL GAS GENERATORS CAPACITY - How large a Unit do I need? Standby Generator Forums, groups We have a 38,000 BTU high-efficiency (ventless) natural gas fireplace and space heaters for additional heat. (I have multiple gas-detectors and CO2 detectors, along with a lot of fire and smoke detectors). We also have a (new) kerosene heater, which I don't expect to use. KEROSENE AND GASOLINE HEATERS COULD KILL YOU - BE VERY CAREFULL. Officials suggest NOT running kerosene heaters inside, at night (carbon monoxide might kill you). I also state: USE 120 VAC BATTERY-BACKED UP, CARBON MONXODE DETECTORS at various locations in your house. (I have multiple gas-detectors and CO2 detectors, along with a lot of fire and smoke detectors). Now to lay in a supply of munchies for the Winter. See also CARBON MONOXIDE See also NATURAL GAS DETECTORS See also Electrical HOUSE / HOME Wiring See also Emergency Escape Ladders See also FIRE Detectors See also Fire Extinguishers See also SMOKE Detectors Natural Gas Safety Generator Conversion Kits to Propane and Natural Gas - at your own risk Natural Gas Generators - information from City of Gulf Breeze Natural Gas Generator Information - from Virgina Natura Gas Appliance Electricity Consumption Calculations Recovering waste heat from natural gas generators - American ... Generator Conversion Kits to Propane and Natural Gas I know nothing about this company Standby Generators - Ask The Builder A rather unusual solution

COST OF OUR 15 Kw Natural Gas Generac Generator INSTALLED in August, 2006

The following quote includes the following items: 1. Generac Guardian generator (model # 5243) 16/15kw air-cooled unit with steel enclosure. a. 100 amp, 16 circuit automatic transfer switch b. mounting pad c. battery Includes delivery of unit to your house, leveling area to set generator, plastic sheeting and pea gravel to provide drainage. 2. Install 1” pvc conduit from existing panel box area to new generator location. 3. Install automatic transfer switch, recessed into wall 4. Install wiring for circuits that are to be on the generator 5. Install proper grounding of generator. 6. Install gas piping to generator (gas piping to be by sub-contractor) 7. Start up unit and test for proper operation. Costs: 1. Generator $ 3805.00 2. Installation $ 1400.00 3. Gas Piping $ 375.00 4. Electrical Permit $ 100.00 5. Mechanical Permit $ 100.00 6. Sales Tax $ 266.35 Total installed price $ 6046.35 I later added: 1] A concrete pad on which to place the generator (not generally needed) 2) An HOUR USAGE METER - measures the number of hours that The generator has run, including it's weekly self-tests.

COST TO RUN OUR GENERAC GENERATOR Model #5243

(requires "RED" home gas meter - the largest residential gas meter) My gas company upgrqaded to the red meter at no cost to me, as they wanted the additional business. For our generator, the manual states that when it produces 50% of it's rated output, it is consuming about 2/3 it's total BTU rating (ours is 245,000 BTUs) - so the cost of running the generator at reduced loads is not linear. Our Generac consumes: 183 Cu.Ft/Hour at Half Load 261 Cu.Ft/Hour at Full Load When I checked last year (2008), it would cost us $75 a day to run this Generac Standby Generator at it's full 15 Kw (natural gas) output. Cubic feet gas = how many BTU's by Ray G: 1 Cubic Foot has approximately 1020 BTU's There are 100 Cubic Feet per CCF or about 102,000 BTU's There are 1000 Cubic Feet per MCF or about 1,020,000 BTU's A Therm is 100,000 BTU's or just slightly less than a CCF A DekaTherm is 1,000,000BTU's or just slightly less than an MCF.

MAINTENANCE for the Generac Standby Generator Model # 5243

You are supposed to change the spark plug, oil, oil filter and air filter once a year. As I recall, you are supposed to SET the engine VALVES once a year. My friends have been finding NO VARIATION in valve clearances after a year, so they are NOT setting the valves at all (this MAY be a very costly mistake - if you don't have your valve clearances maintained, IT IS YOUR PROBLEM IF YOUR ENGINE FAILS). I highly recommend that you have a runtime HOUR METER added, to keep track of the actual usage (including the weekly self-test). We are using the Generac tune-up kit from Norwall - P/N: 0E1126 Note that the kit includes the required 70185B oil filter, NOT a plain 70185 filter (without the 'B'). CURRENTLY (10/2009) the P/N: 0E1126 Maintenance Kit includes: (1) Oil Filter - 070185D - HMMM now it's a 'D', not a 'B' (1) Air Cleaner - 0C8127 (2) Spark Plugs - 0E7585A (1) Spark Plug Wrench (1) Funnel (1) Shop Towel (1) Maintenance Sticker Use OIL FILTER USE 070185B BLACK 75 LONG, NOT 070185 Generac's Generator Parts Web Page

MANUFACTURERS of GENERATORS

NOTE that Guardian and Generac are essentially the same, but may come packaged with differrent options. I believe that one is more DIY (Do It Yourself) and the other is mostly installed by companies that install whole house generators for a living. Baldor Briggs & Stratton Carrier - Must be new to the home market? An online RUMOR states that Generac makes the Carrier units - I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO CONFIRM THIS. Cummins Generac Generators - Info Generac's Guardian backup-generators main web page Guardian Series 20 KW HONDA - Not at the moment Kohler Gas Generators Kohler offers LP or natural gas fuel systems I have heard nothing about Kohler units. From experience of friends, Kohler motors hold up well. 12 years ago, a friend returned his Kohler lawn tractor because it was too noisy. Are Kohler generators noisy? - I don't know anything about the noise levels of different manufacturers. It's possible that Kohlers are the most quiet - do your own investigation.

LOCAL (RTP, NC) STORES THAT SELL GENERATORS

Costco sells some Cummins Onan natural gas units w/Honda motor electricgeneratorsdirect.com harborfreight Home Depot sells and Installs Generac natural gas standby home generators Home depot is RIGHT NOW selling 20kW Generac Generators for $4,049.10 (less installation) Online Special Valid: 06/17/2010 - 06/30/2010 (I do not know if that is a good price). Delivered to the first DRY spot in your yard - HOW will you get the 451 pound unit positioned correctly (by yourself)? Lowes sells/installs generators Northern Tool Sears SHEPHERD Electric Supply Company, Inc. 3925 Tarheel Dr., Raleigh NC 27609 (919) 821-5320 Shepherd - raleigh Location

INTERNET STORES THAT SELL NATURAL GAS GENERATORS

Norwall - A friend bought his Generac Guardian 13Kw on natural gas (15Kw on LP) here Free freight and he says, "the best price around". He also says, If you start diging around, the best ROI is the air- cooled Guardians - they double in price when you flip to water cooled. NexTag (Internet)

GENERATORS - Stirling generators

SLINGSHOT - low cost WATER and POWER for the developing world

Dean Kamen’s Slingshot water purifier and Stirling generator tech - Dean Kamen Unveils Slingshot, The Ultimate Water Regenerator Colbert and Kamen Solve the World’s Water Problems Segway creator unveils his next act - 2006

HOME SAFETY INFORMATION

Top Home Security Risks

HOME SECURITY (Theft) INFORMATION

Crime Crime Prevention Advice - crimereduction Home Security - mge - PDF Home Security Hardware - PDF Doors, Locks, Lighting - KC Sheriff

HUMIDIFIERS / DE-HUMIDIFIERS / HUMIDITY

Mine, Consumer Report's & WRAL's opinions - dis-agreements exist. You usually want between 40% to 50% Relative Humidity in the house. Other authorities recommend that RH be between 35% to 45% to control dust mites. I suggest that you shoot for 45% Relative Humidity in your home (in humid weather, and 55% in very dry weather, my opinion). YOU MAY NEED TO (PROBABLY DO) RUN DE-HUMIDIFIERS IN THE SUMMER ALWAYS BUY the WARM AIR version, NOT the Cold Air Humidifier YOU MAY NEED TO (PROBABLY DO) RUN HUMIDIFIERS IN THE WINTER Twin water tanks are easier to use, but more time consuming (have to fill 2 tanks) TOO MUCH HUMIDITIY can cause (Greater than 50%): A] Mold starts growing at 50% to 55% humidity B] Ideal Roach, Dust Mite and other insect breeding environment C] Increased biological contaminants including fungi, mites, pathogens growth. D] Harder breathing for Allergy and XX sufferers E] Potential wood swelling, rotting F] Paper wrinkles and becomes more difficult to use (printers, copiers) G] The higher the humidity, the warmer you feel - save energy costs. (But don't go higher than 45% or 50%) Too LOW HUMIDITY can cause (lower than 40%): A] Heating your house lowers the humidity level - more heat, lower humidity. Central heating can lower humidity levels in your home to as low as 10 percent. B] The higher the humidity, the warmer you feel - save heating energy costs C] People can be uncomfortable D] Dry mucus membranes E] Nosebleeds and infections. F] Sore Throats - which caused my wife to be mis-diagnosed as having acid-reflex disease, causing her life insurance rates to DOUBLE G] Dry skin H] Potenial wood warping 1] ALWAYS BUY the WARM AIR version, NOT the Cold Air Humidifier A] Heat kills bacteria, mold spores, viruses,... B] No expensive filters to replace C] No bacteria, mold spore, virus killing additives needed, NOR No UV light needed to kill bacteria, mold spores, viruses. D] Disperses moisture better than cold air types E] Get a built-in Humidity sensor/switch, that allows moisture regulation F] Get a MANUAL type (now difficult to find), rather than electronic read-out, sensors 1} No manual reset is needed after a power failure (some electronics versions "remember") 2} In my opinion and proved by my gauges, the manual humidity gauge is more accurtate 3} The electronic siwtches and humidity guages are more likely to fail 4} Cheaper to manufacture (savings may not get passed on to the buyer) G} SEND LETTERS TO HOME DEPOT, LOWES, BED BATH & BEYOND,... - DEMAND: 1} MANUAL GAUGES (NO ELECTRONIC READOUTS, NOR SENSORS) 2} MANUAL HUMIDISTATS (sensor that shuts device off when desired humidity is reached) 3} AT LEAST A 2 GALLON WATER TANK - MUCH MORE IS AWKWARD, MUCH LESS RUNS OUT TOO SOON H} Some people buy Silver Ion de-humidifiers. There are a lot of people and the EPA raising questions about the safety of the environment when using silver ion humidifiers. EPA wants to prohibit silver ion humidifiers - danger to environment unknown EPA announces it will regulate silver nanoparticle technology Silver - Ag Silver is highly toxic to aquatic life at low concentrations use silver ions as a disinfectant will have to be registered as a pesticide Silver Colloids: Frequently Asked Questions Beware The Silver Lining: A Risk Management Review Of Commercial ... SILVER ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD SUMMARY - PDF

HUMIDITY REFERENCES

Possible Effects of Indoor Humidity TOO DRY (<30%) TOO WET (>50%) Damage to wood floors, furniture, musical instruments Termites, cockroaches, and other insects Static electricity; electronic equipment damage Condensation and stains on walls, ceilings, windows Increased dust Flaking paint and peeling wallpaper Respiratory, throat, and skin irritations Mold, mildew, dust mite growth; allergic reactions Humidity in the Home Managing Home Humidity Indoor Humidity and Its Impact on Flooring Measuring Humidity In Your Home Air Moisture and Your Health Allergy Be Gone - Humidity in Your Home Understanding humidity Relative Humidity Humidity Chart for Wood Instruments Effects of Humidity Changes on the Mechanical Stability of Instrument Tops Air Temperature/Relative Humidity to Heat Catagory Conversion Chart Maximum Humidity Levels for Walls of various design Hints about humidifiers *********** HVAC INFO was moved to: http://www.woodsmall.com/House-and-Tax-Info.htm Click here for HVAC HELP info Click here for HVAC info Click here for HVAC TAX REBATES info Click here for AC info Click here for FURNACE info Click here for GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMP info Click here for HEAT PUMP info ************************

HOW TO (click here) FIX/DO/BUY...

INSURANCE

Car - Clark Howard Homeowners - Clark Howard Click here for more INSURANCE Information

KITCHEN (mounted on the wall) PHONE WIRING

For decades all wall-mounted kitchen phones were wired with the RED and GREEN wires REVERSED (and the wall-mounted phones were also wired in reverse), Thus if you plug an (older) desk phone into a kitchen wall-mount phone jack, you can NOT dial OUT, although the phone works otherwise. The cure is to swap the RED and GREEN wires in the wall-jack. Note that most modern phones are polarity INsensitive - they will work no matter which way the RED and GREEN (or alternate colors, usually YELLOW and BLACK) are wired.

Leakage Current Detection and Interruption - LCDI

I'm not yet certain how this differs from an AFCI, and I don't know of any tests of these units. I found a Fire Shield Quote: "The World's Safest Surge Strip", a SmartProducts by TRC, in Home Depot. As I remember, it was about $15. It includes a 1350 Joule surge protector, six outlets and a phone/fax/modem surge protector. It is rated at 1875 watts and includes a 15 amp circuit breaker plus an LCDI protector. Seems very inexpensive for all of this protection, but if it really works... According to TRC, "The UL approved Fire Shield technology is designed to sense any damage in a power supply cord and then disconnect the circuit". http://www.trci.net/ - select "FireSheild"

MOISTURE - Problems and Cures

HUMIDIFIERS / DE-HUMIDIFIERS / HUMIDITY MOISTURE CONTROL (JLC Book)

MONOPOLIES - who owns what Appliance Company

Ologopoly Watch APPLIANCES - WHIRLPOOL: Whirlpool owns Maytag Whirlpool makes Kenmore appliances (last I knew) ELECTROLUX: Electrolux owns Frigidaire and Tappan Electrolux owns White Westinghouse, Eureka and Kelvinator

MOTION DETECTORS that can Handle CFLs

Most motion detectors can NOT correctly handle Fluorescent bulbs. They leak some voltage/current to the bulb when it is off, the fluorescent bulb detects this electricity, tries to light, but fails since there is not enough electricity - this cycle continues until the bulb burns out. THESE MOTION DETECTORS ARE OK FRO SOME TYPES OF FL Leviton Commercial Grade Wall Mounted Occupancy Sensor -White Leviton Commercial Wall Mounted Occupancy Sensor - PR150 & PR180 - OK w/fluorescent (Rapid Start Magnetic ballast ONLY) Leviton Commercial Grade Wall Mounted Occupancy Sensor - White - smarthome.com

PEST CONTROL

ANT, BIRD, CAT, DOG, GOLPHER, MOLE & RABBIT - REPELLENTS / KILLERS

CHIPMONK, GROUNDHOG, RACOON, SKUNK & SQUIRREL - REPELLENTS

UNLESS Stated, I have no opinion about the products

AMDRO Liquid ANT Bait Stations - liquid in a clear plastic rectangular strip with three oval "domes" on top This is the ONLY AMDRO Product that worked on my (samll, black, liked it indoors) ants, and AMDRO makes about TEN ant killers. Contains 5.40% Sodium Tetraborate Decohydrate. KILLS THE COLONY (they take it back to the nest) Mine was labelled "AM132-01A" on the bottom of the bait strip. NO OTHER PRODUCT from ANDRO or ANY OTHER VENDOR worked on my ants. I got it at Walmart, which stocks at LEAST SIX other ANDRO products that did NOT work for me. DEER-OFF - DEER, RABBIT & SQUIRREL REPELLENT - by Havahart DOG, CAT & BIRD REPELLENT - granules - by RO-PEL (Contains: 2.5% white peper, 1.25% pepermint oil 1.25% Thyme oil) Definitely works for DOGS and CATS, I don't know about Birds. DOG, CAT & BIRD REPELLENT - granules - by WorryFree (Contains: 2.5% white peper, 1.25% pepermint oil 1.25% Thyme oil) Definitely works for DOGS and CATS, I don't know about Birds. CRITTER RIDDER - SKUNKS, GROUNDHOG, DOG, CAT, SQUIRREL, CHIPMONK & RACOON REPELLENT - by Havahart Works well for Dogs and Cats, but I think it's too expensive if you only want to repel Dogs/cats. (my) Hungry Racoons ignored this stuff. XP-20 DOG & CAT REPELLENT GEL - In my opinion, this worked best, lasted the longest & was cheapest Of course, I can no longer find it. Some other brands used XP-20, but I can no longer find them either (in local stores). MOLE & GOLPHER REPELLENT - stinks - - Liquid - apply w/hse - by SureStop (Grant Laboratories) Killing Voles and/or Moles is illegal here. Repelling them into your neighbor's yard just means they will buy a repellent and send them back to you, in a few months.

PIPE HEAT / Heat Tape - Keep your pipes / gutters from Freezing

I am using Fostex Wintergard WET Heat Tape - too early for any opinion. I originally wanted the the Three (3) watts per foot Heat Tape, which does NOT seem to be availble here in the Raleigh / RTP area, but IS available from Dean Bennett Supply (an others, I suppose). Thawing a Frozen Water Pipe How To Install Heat Tape Raychem Frostex Plus - Light Commercial / Residential Pipe Freeze ... EasyHeat Pipe Freeze Protection Solutions Frostex Heat Tape - 120 V 3 watt per foot HEAT TAPE PRICES DEAN BENNETT SUPPLY PH 800-621-4291 Electric Heat Cable for Farm and Home Use Pre-Packaged Heat Trace Cable 3 Types of Waterproof Pipe Heat Tape Useful Around the Home or Office Water Line Heat Trace Freeze Protection For Cottage, Home ... Pipe Trace Freeze Protection Heating Cable Low Cost Self-Regulating Freeze Protection Heating Cable VTI : Pipeline Heating using Electric Heat Tracing Technology Heat Trace Cable Selection Requires Attention to Details ... Water and Air Line Frozen Pipe Prevention - PDF HeatersPlus.com Water Line Heat Trace Freeze Protection For Cottage, Home ... Residential Pipe Heat Trace Systems - Heating Cable for Freeze ... Reducing the final cost of ownership of electric heat tracing ... AQUIFER DISTRIBUTION LTD.

PLUMBING (click here)

POTABLE (drinking water safe) Garden Hoses

All hoses rated safe for to use for drinking use should be completely WHITE, white with a blue stripe, or BEIGE to match some RVs. Note most of them have larger-than-normal ergonomic female ends, which would NOT fit through the hose entry hole in my automatic garden hose rewinders, HOWEVER, you can feed the hose from the inside of the rewinder, out to get around the problem of the large female hose end. NOTE that you could not attach two of these hoses together for use in a "ReelSmart" automatic hose rwinder (I like these rewinders, and have two of them). These hoses are also labelled safe for drinking water. I bought some 50 foot white (safe) hoses at my local Marine Parts Store. You can often find these hoses at Camping/RV Supply stores, although the chances of finding 50' and 75' safe hoses at your local store are not good. I located some 75 foot hoses at starboardsupply. Lead free hoses are usually made of virgin vinyl and have nichol-plated ends. I was shocked to find that when I went to my local Lowes and Home Depot Stores (in NC) that ALL their garden hoses stated something like: WARNING: contains chemicals found unsafe for drinking water. Also Contains LEAD. Some hose were also labelled: "NOT labelled for sale in California". Some hoses were also labelled: "WASH HANDS AFTER USING THIS HOSE, but NOT with this hose. I also found these warnings very hard to find, on the back label on the hose, often obscured by the hose to which it was attached. Note that all drinking water safe hoses that I have seen: 1] Do not have any PSI ratings, so may burst more easlilycthan "leaded" hoses. 2] Are easier to kink (seem very flexible) 3] Have ergonomic female end, which was TOO LARGE to fit into my automatic hose rewinder. If I buy a 75' hose and only need 75 feet, I can feed the entire hose into the automatic hose rewinder from the inside (so I could use an auto-rewinder). Since I need 125' lengths, I can not use the safe hose for most of my watering needs. I found that a 2003 Consumer Report supposedly listed some hoses as safe for drinking water, but I could not find any of these hoses still for sale, and they did contain some amounts of leachable lead. I was told by a hose manufacturer's Tech Rep that hoses with brass colored hose ends are more likely to contain LEAD than are the nichol-chromium hose ends. I believe that are hoses have always contained lead and other toxic substances (in very small, probably safe amounts), but only lately are labels required to alert us to the fact. It is my Personal belief that if a hose makes no statement about toxic chemicals and lead, it is NOT a hose that is safe for drinking water. LEAD often (usually?) is used to as a stabilizer in PVC and lots of hoses are made of PVC. I have not personally seen a RUBBER hose that was lead-free, but they might exist. 75 foot safe garden hoses Lead Free Requirements of Safe Drinking Water Act - Summer 1999

RADON

Radon (Rn) - EPA How Radon Works A Citizen's Guide to Radon | Publications | Radon | Indoor Air ... Radon - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Chemistry : Periodic Table : radon : key information RADON.COM -=- The Radon Information Center --- Complete info on ... MedlinePlus: Radon Radon: Environmental Health in Minnesota Howstuffworks "How Radon Works" Article Understanding Radon BRE radon advice - protecting new buildings Radon Protection - How to Install a Radon Mitigation System Radon Protective Measures (RPM) Site Report Radon Gas Detector Pro Series III (electric) - I don't know anything about it 12. Basic Radon Protection Radon Protection - Rad Safe Supplies Ltd, offering solutions to ... Visqueen Building Products North Cornwall District Council - Full radon protection HPA | Radon RECALLS / SCAMS,... Page

SECURITY HINGES

If you have an outside door with hinges on the outside of the door, you really need to either: 1] install safety hinges (Safety Studs) (Safety Studs (Scroll Studs)) 2] drill 1/4 inch holes in both your door and door jamb, at the hinge side and install 1/4 inch aluminum "dowel" rod. These rods will prevent someone from pulling out the hinge pins and remving your door. Door Hinges and Home Security - I PREFER the "Safety Studs" version - State Farm Safety Stud - A Guide to Builders Hardware Terminology Security Hinges - smarthome Door Hinges and Home Security Security Hinges - diynot.com

TIMERS - Wall Timers that Work with CFLs

Amost NO wall timer can be directly used with Fluorescent Lights. This is because the timers leak a small amount of voltage, causing the CFL to continually try to start on a voltage that is too low - resulting in a quickly destroyed bulb. Similarly, CFLs can not generally be used with (most) motion detectors nor photocells (switches that turn on at night, off at daybreak). Intermatic DOES have an in-wall timer that will work with CFLs, small motors - [anything less than 15 AMPS] (check their specs before using them in you application). These timers have an actual solid mechanical connection that supplies power to the circuit when the timer turns a device ON. The physical contact does not leak any voltage, making them useable with CFLs/ Intermatic's SS7, SS7C, SS8 and SS8C wall timers have these physical contacts, and can be used with CFLs. UNFORTUNATELY, these wall timers have had a less-than-ideal service life, and are being replaced by a new timer, the Intermatic in-wall switch, model ST01C (S T zero one C). I believe that the SS8 is identical to the SS7, except that the SS8 can optionally handle day light saving time. Intermatic states that ST01C will have none of the problems of the SS series switches. I'M WAITING for the ST01C models. The Intermatic ST01C will be NOT available until AT LEAST after March 1, 2007. The problem seems to be that the motors do not have enough torque (are not strong enough) and that the switches may fail in the first year (the motor gears can usually be cleaned and lubed with a good synthetic lubricant, if you are the Techie Type). BTW - for those going crazy wondering, there is NO product difference between an SSx and an SSxC product - only the box that they came in was different.

TOOLS, INFORMATION ABOUT(press here)

UV - Ultra Violet Lights

Coming soon...

UTILITY LINES - MARK BEFORE YOU DIG

You are required to have all of utility lines marked before you do, or have, any digging (no, not garden digging) on your property. If you fail to have the utility lines marked, and your or your contractor cut or damage a utility line, besides the danger involved, you will be stuck with the entiore cost of repair, and possible fines. Having your utility lines marked is Free and Easy. You just need to know what toll-free phone number to call. for NC: 800 632 - 4949, Color Codes for Utility Marking call_before_you_dig - pge call_before_you_dig - cbyd Google search for CALL BEFORE YOU DIG

WATER LEAKS - INSIDE the HOUSE

I use (battery operated) the Watchdog Water Alarm, model BWD-HWA to detect water leaks by our clothes washer, water heater, and several other locations. $10 at Home Depot. allows you to separate the leak detector plate from the battery and logic portion of the leak detector. Home Depot will be selling another unit, which does not have a detachable leak detection plate. If you have a hot water tank located in the house, or nor on the first floor, I recommend that you use this unit. Have you noticed that the leak pans placed under the hot water heater by the home builder have very small drain "pipes"? If a leak occurs, I believe that the leak pan, feed by water under 40 to 60 pounds of water pressure, will fill up much faster than the small drain pipe, using only gravity, can empty the pan, causing water to overflow the pan. I expect to replace the batteries with DC power supplies.

WATER LEAKS - OUTSIDE the HOUSE

Consider using AMERICAN LEAK DETECTION. They have locations all over the world. They have sophisticated cameras that can go into pipes, and radio their location when the problem is detected. The can listen for leaks. They can inject some form of gas (I forget what) which rises through dirt and concrete, and is then detected on the surface. American Leak Detection found my water leaks and pin-pointed the area of the leaks within two inches of the leak, saving me the cost, time and destruction of just digging up the yard, looking for the problem. If your water bill also includes charges for waste water (sewage) based on the amount of water you use, you may be able to get a partial refund on the sewage portion of your water bill. AFTER you have the leak fixed, call your water distributer. In Raleigh, NC, the City will refund the portion of the waste water bill that is above your normal usuage, on ONE month's bill. You will be required to present proof that you had a leak fixed.

WATER PURIFIERS

The SLINGSHOT: Dean Kamen’s Slingshot water purifier and Stirling generator tech - Dean Kamen Unveils Slingshot, The Ultimate Water Regenerator Colbert and Kamen Solve the World’s Water Problems Segway creator unveils his next act - 2006 More coming soon...

ELECTRIC HOUSE WIRING INFO - USE THIS INFORMATION AT YOUR OWN RISK

I am not an electrician - normal 120 VAC - USA ONLY

Many houses / offices are NOT wired correctly - and are very dangerous

Your wiring may NOT have used the correct color conventions

Is there a backup Generator? Turn it OFF also

Do NOT work in DAMP nor WET PLACES

HIRE AN ELECTRICIAN - DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DO YOUR OWN WIRING

Ultimate Guide to Wiring: Complete Home Projects - ONLINE - Google Other Books about electric wiring 120 VAC (USA) WIRE COLORS (NOTE - things are often NOT wired correctly - always check) TURN OFF THE ELECTRICITY - CHECK THAT IT IS POWERED OFF DO NOT WORK IN DAMP or WET AREAS - CAREFUL - Is there a standby Generator? ========================================================================== BLACK HOT Wire BRASS screw (NARROW Blade) WHITE or GRAY (generally grounded) NEUTRAL wire - SILVER screw (WIDE Blade) exception: WHITE wire wrapped with BLACK tape at intervals is HOT RED Hot Wire (alternate, traveler); BLUE and YELLOW wires are also HOT GREEN or BARE is always used for GROUND only Polarized Plugs AC power plugs and sockets - wikipedia A correctly wired lamp is required to have the TIP = HOT = narrow blade of plug = BLACK wire and the larger, exposed, base = NEUTRAL (close to ground) = WIDE = WHITE wire. GROUNDED 120 VOLT PLUG (white, black & green wires): If the gound connector is facing DOWN and the two blades are on top, and you are looking at the plug from the wire end (NOT the end that goes into the outlet), THEN The FAT, WHITE (wire) NEUTRAL blade is on the LEFT (CHECK IT, do not assume this is correct) ========================================================== I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ERRORS, PROBLEMS or ACCIDENTS HIRE AN ELECTRICIAN - DO NOT WORK ON WIRING YOURSELF Tech Tips - Duke Energy #03 Standby Power Supplies Can Lock Up Your PC #08 Preventing Damage Due to Ground Potential Difference Electrical Home Wiring BOOKS

X-10

X10.com - Security Cameras, X10 Home Security About X10 X10 (industry standard) - Wikipedia X10 - Wikipedia X10 - smarthome ==========================================================

OTHER RESOURCES of POSSIBLE INTEREST

I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THESE SITES (Caveat Emptor)

Safety Stud - A Guide to Builders Hardware Terminology Smart House Ask the Builder Home Security Store - (I know nothing about them)

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