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The electricity goes out and it feels like your entire life is put on hold. A portable generator is the answer. These devices deliver enough wattage to power your residential electricity. Here are some things to consider when buying portable electric generators.

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A 3 way switch and 4 way electrical switch can be confusing to understand. A 3 way electrical switch installation is done to control a light from two different places. A 4 way switch is used with a 3 way switch for three or more control spots. The placement of both is important. This video will help you with your 3 way switch wiring.

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Household appliances use a lot of wattage. A portable electric generator must be sized correctly to handle the watts (based on amp rating) to power all these things. Here is a wattage table with common wattages for many appliances. The reactive load of these appliances is important when sizing your portable electric generator.

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Blackouts, brownouts and storm-related power outages can really disrupt your daily routine. Installing a portable electric generator may seem like a great idea, but it is not that easy. The electric generator has to be connected very carefully to your electrical system.

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Paperless drywall is an interesting product. Unlike regular drywall, there is no paper surface. The drywall is covered in fiberglass. The fiberglass surface is highly water resistant. Paperless drywall helps reduce the spread of mold. It is mold resistant, not mold proof. Other than a slightly different surface feel, you work with it just like regular drywall.

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Adding another doorbell to an existing doorbell is easy. You will need another transformer to wire the two together. Wireless doorbells are a new option with many doorbell chimes, but you will need to install another door button at your door.

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Surge protectors, or surge suppressors, stop invisible voltage spikes from harming electronics or appliances in a home. One type connects to the electric panel near the circuit breaker, while the more common type are point of use surge protectors for computers, telephone, printers, etc. These surge protectors can wear out, so be sure to replace them.

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Match Grout Color TIPS Requires patience, diligence, and discipline. Luck helps too Deep clean existing grout first using Stain Solver oxygen bleach Dry grout out of the bag is what it looks like once installed and cured WATCH Grouting videos below This column was so popular, it was featured in Tim's January 10, 2021 Newsletter Read More »

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Grout Floor Tile Video Series This is a four-part series I created showing how I achieve success when grouting ceramic floor tile. Talk to three other tile setters and they may have different suggestions. Read in the January 12, 2020 AsktheBuilder Newsletter about the grout in Tim's church. All I can tell you is I've Read More »

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