Receptacle Home
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 GFCI Electric Outlet Plug Receptacle Tester Circuit Analyzer Home Electrical $7.65 Time Remaining: 20d 2h 33m Buy It Now for only: $7.65 |
 Wall Receptacle for Mobile Home or RV Package of 4 $15.00 Time Remaining: 8d 5h 43m Buy It Now for only: $18.00 |
 Antler Receptacle Cover Home Cabin Lodge Ranch Decor $9.95 Time Remaining: 10d 40m Buy It Now for only: $9.95 |
 Horse Receptacle Cover Home Cabin Lodge Ranch Decor $9.95 Time Remaining: 3d 2h 8m Buy It Now for only: $9.95 |
 Cabin Receptacle Cover Home Cabin Lodge Ranch Decor $9.95 Time Remaining: 18d 24m Buy It Now for only: $9.95 |
 Longhorn Receptacle Cover Home Lodge Ranch Western $9.95 Time Remaining: 21d 22h 11m Buy It Now for only: $9.95 |
 Bear Receptacle Cover Home Cabin Lodge Ranch Hunt Decor $9.95 Time Remaining: 22d 40m Buy It Now for only: $9.95 |
 Western Belt Receptacle Cover Home Cabin Lodge Ranch $9.95 Time Remaining: 22d 41m Buy It Now for only: $9.95 |
 GFCI Electric Outlet Plug Receptacle Circuit Tester ideal for home Electrical $7.55 Time Remaining: 8d 7h 40m Buy It Now for only: $7.55 |
 Intermatic HA01C Home Settings Wireless Wall Receptacle $44.95 Time Remaining: 8d 9h 39m Buy It Now for only: $44.95 |
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Woods 50009 Indoor 7-Day Heavy Duty Digital Outlet Timer with 2-Outlets
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DescriptionThis timer has it all when it comes to convenience and ease of use around your home. Specially designed to be used with heavy duty appliances such as heaters, portable air conditioners and cooling fans, it can also be set to turn lamps, radios, and other appliances On and Off... |
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simplehuman Cabinet Mount Grocery Bag Can with Bag Holder
Sale Price: $29.99 |
DescriptionSimplify your trash experience! Trash your can! This wonderful Cabinet Mount Trash System has an eco-friendly design for storing and reusing grocery bags. A built-in bag holder at the bottom of the frame stores and dispenses up to 50 plastic grocery bags... |
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Large Kitchen Compost Bucket: 2.5 Gallon Compost Bin (Includes Filter)
Sale Price: $20.00 |
DescriptionA perfect place to put your left over items that are for the compost pile or Bin. Activated Charcoal keep the smells down so fewer trips are needed. |
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Belkin Mini Surge Protector Dual USB Charger
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DescriptionProtect your electronic devices while traveling. |
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Belkin Pivot-Plug Surge Protectors
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Belkin Conserve Socket F7C009q Energy-Saving Outlet
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DescriptionConserve Socket Power Timer. Many of the electronics and appliances around your home use electricity even when they're not in use wasting energy and driving up your electric bill. The Conserve Socket Power Timer automatically shuts off power (including standby power) to your electronics and appliances after a time interval you select to help you save energy... |
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Umbra Mezzo Trash Cans
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DescriptionThe Umbra Mezzo Trash Can in bronze is the perfect waste can. Made from bio-gradable plastic with a brushed metal finish on the base and flipper, this can features a 2-1/2-gallon capacity and stands 14-1/2-Inches high... |
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First Alert PIR725 Motion Sensing Light Socket
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DescriptionHANDS-FREE LIGHT AUTOMATICALLY TURNS LIGHT ON WHEN ENTERING & OFF AFTER EXITING THE ROOM INSTALLS INTO EXISTING LIGHT SOCKETSENSES MOVEMENT IN ALL DIRECTIONS IN DAY & NIGHTTIME CONDITIONS360 /12-FT RADIUSCOMPATIBLE WITH INCANDESCENT & FLUORESCENT BULBS IDEAL FOR USE IN LAUNDRY ROOM GARAGE BASEMENT ATTIC STAIRWAYS UTILITY ROOMS & WALK-IN CLOSETSUPC : 029054001115Shipping Dimensions : 8... |
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simplehuman Rectangular Step Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel, 38 Liters /10 Gallons
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DescriptionThe simplehuman rectangular step can is designed for superior durability and strength with patented lid shox(R) technology and a durable, all steel pedal. The space-efficient shape and internal hinge allow this can to fit in tight corners or close against the wall. |
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LitterMaid Carbon Filters, 12 Filters
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DescriptionFree Ground Shipping LitterMaid LMF200 Disposable Carbon Filters Features: Each filter measures 2-1/4 by 2-1/4 inches Package of 12, disposable, LMF200 carbon filters Designed for use with Littermaid waste receptacles Reduces odor by 50%; easy adhesive ap |
Purchasing a Home With Aluminum Wiring
This image (above) is a perfect example of the problems that are associated with Aluminum wiring. Note letters A and B (the insulation jackets are melted), which I will explain "Why" in the third paragraph and C (mixing copper wiring with aluminum wiring on the same breaker). Aluminum wiring can not be mixed with copper wiring and breakers can not be double tapped with two wires, unless designated by manufacturer and the breaker connnection will contain a special clip for double tapping. Aluminum wiring is very easy to identify due to it's obvious aluminum color. Aluminum wiring is not to be confused with tin coated copper which looks similar to aluminum wiring but aluminum wiring has distinguishing characteristics and is a solid conductor.
I highly recommend that you do not use aluminum wiring for any type of new installation. But don't panic if your house does contain aluminum wiring. Aluminum wiring, when properly installed, can be just
The main problem that exists with aluminum wiring is a phenomenon known as "cold creep". When aluminum wiring warms up, it expands. When it cools down, it contracts. Unlike copper, when aluminum goes through a number of warm/cool cycles it loses a bit of it's tightness over time. To make the problem worse, aluminum oxidizes (or corrodes) when in contact with certain types of metal, so the resistance of the connection will go up. Which causes the aluminum wiring to heat up and corrode/oxidize even more. Eventually the wire may start to become very hot and melt the insulation jacket (shown in the picture above) or the fixture that it's attached to, and possibly even cause a fire.
Since people usually encounter aluminum wiring when they move into a house that was built in the 70's, I will cover the basic points of safe aluminum wiring. I suggest that, if you're considering purchasing a home with aluminum wiring or have discovered aluminum wiring after moving in, that you hire a licensed electrician to inspect the wiring for the following:
1) Fixtures (eg: outlets and switches) directly attached to aluminum wiring should be rated for it. The device will be stamped with "Al/Cu" or "CO/ALR". The latter supersedes the former, but both are completely safe. These fixtures are somewhat more expensive than the ordinary fixtures.
2) Wires should be properly connected (at least 3/4 way around the screw in a clockwise direction). All connections should be tight. While repeated tightening of the screws can make the problem worse, during the inspection it would pay off to snug up each connection.
{Note that stranded aluminum wiring is still often used for the main service entrance cable at your main panel. It should also be inspected.}
3) The "push-in" terminals are an extreme hazard with an aluminum wires. Any connections using the push-in terminals should be upgraded with the proper screw connections immediately.
4) There should be no signs of overheating: darkened connections, melted insulation, or "baked" fixtures. Any such damage should be repaired by a licensed Electrician and the connection should be upgraded.
5) Connections between aluminum and copper wire need to be handled specially. Current codes require that the connectors used must be specially marked for connecting aluminum to copper. The NEC requires that the wire be connected together using special crimp devices, with an anti-oxidant grease. The tools and materials for the latter are quite expensive - not practical to do it yourself unless you can rent the tool.
{Note that regulations are changing rapidly in this area. Suggest that you discuss any work with an Electrical inspector if you're going to do more than one or two connections.}
6) Any non-rated receptacles can be connected to aluminum wiring by means of a short copper "pigtail". See #5 above.
7) Shows reasonable workmanship: neat wiring, properly stripped (not nicked) wire etc.
If, when considering purchasing a home, my inspection of the exposed wiring (in your prospective home) shows no problems, you can consider the wiring safe. If there are signs of electrical problems in many places (which will be noted on your home inspection report), I suggest you consider a complete electrical inspection and possibly upgrading all branch wiring throughout the house. If the wrong receptacles are used, you can replace them with the proper type, or have the Electrician use pigtails. Having this professionally done by a licensed Electrician can run close to $10.00 per receptacle/switch plus hourly labor.
About the Author
Certified Master Home Inspector for Buyers and Sellers. Serving E. Massachusetts and S. New Hampshire. Fully insured. Thermal (Infrared) Imaging, Termite, Radon, Water quality, Lead, Septic. FHA/VA approved inspections. Member, International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. I intend to be your ""Building Consultant for Life"". I have one goal in mind, CONSUMER PROTECTION and EDUCATION.