So you may be asking yourself how they did it in the olden days. How did they survive the hot, muggy nights when it seem almost unbearable in your house due to the sultry conditions? And don't even think about getting any sleep on one of these sauna-like nights. Then there's the heat of the day that seems to suck the life right out of you.
Just like your kids, that say they couldn't go a day without their texting phones or computers, some of us think the same about air conditioners. I know I'm thankful to have mine at night in order to get a restful night's sleep without tossing and turning half of the night! But again, what did they do before air conditioners? Could it be the planet was just cooler then and it always got to a comfortable temperature at night just in time for bed? Likely not! In fact, they had hot, sticky days and nights just like us today. So let's look at some ways to keep cool in our times without using an air conditioner. You to may want to give a few of these a shot. Now remember, not all of these are quick fixes and in fact some take years to institute to aid in the cooling process for you and you home. Take comfort in knowing that you can reduce your dependency on electricity and save a little of the green by putting these tips to use. Here are my top 10 cooling tricks.
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Today we are talking about testing electrical devices like switches, outlets, extension cords, etc... without actually having to touch any live parts. this avoids the danger of getting shocked...or at least lessens it. I'm taking about a non-contact voltage tester. this handy little device clamps right to your shirt pocket and is ready for use whenever you need it. With this little gadget, you can see if the power is on or off. check for breaks in an extension cord, and safely check the status of outlets and switches without worrying about shorting out anything with tester leads, like you might when using a regular voltage tester or multimeter. Let's look at some of its unique testing abilities.
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When faced with pulling wire in conduit, there is an easier way that requires a lot less effort. Have you ever gotten red in the face do to overexertion? If you've ever tried pulling electrical wires through a conduit that just didn't seem to want to go, you already know what I'm talking about. Pulling wires through conduit can be a challenge, especially if there are a lot of bends in the run. There is a lot of resistance and drag when electrical wire is pulled and the friction between the wire and the conduit walls makes pulling wire a drag!
Luckily, there is something on the market that makes pulling electrical wire a breeze! It makes the outer jacket of the wire slick and reduces friction between the wires and the conduit. Before you know it, lickity-split, the wire is sliding through the conduit with ease. So next time you attempt to pull electrical wire, use a little cable lube on the wires and save yourself the aggravation. No more high blood pressure, pulled muscles, or red faces! Pull electrical wire smarter, not harder with wire pulling compound.
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Alright, here are your mystery clues today. The "what is it?" series has an important device used in the electrical trade. First, it comes in different sizes, but performs the same task. Second, it can slide through tight spaces with ease and some would say it can really sail along at high speeds. Third, it has an attachment point that is used when performing its function. Fourth, it doesn't have a tail, but it is named after something that does have one. Fifth, it pulls something from one point to another. Sixth, it can be forced through electrical conduit or drawn through it with the help of a vacuum. Seventh, its name rhymes with house.
Congrats! If you figured out the answer is mouse, you are correct. This ingenious little device is quite the time saver. Yes, in some instances, especially in shorter runs, a fish tape could do the job, but in longer runs, a mouse is an obvious choice. A simple piece of wire with a loop on each each, a piece of foam in between two plastic seals on either end, and you have yourself a pulling mouse.
Now a mouse is usually tied to a spool of jet line string that is then placed into a conduit run via a conduit fitting or junction box. On the other end, the place you want the string to end up, a shop vacuum does the dirty work of sucking the string through the conduit. This process can go quite quickly on occasion, depending on the length of the piping and the number of bends in the pipe.
Let's take a closer look at a mouse used in the electrical industry and how this helpful little guy can make your life easier when doing electrical wire pulling. When you are working, do you have a mouse in your pocket?
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