Re: [BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question
Yep, not a good idea in my opinion and I wouldn't even consider doing something like that. Now I do remember people doing this back in the day and they would plug in interesting stuff like humidifiers and the like. Just a bad idea and even as a kid who knew little about electricity, I pondered the wisdom of such things. I do recall Lee the old-style porcelain fixtures and those adapters you could screw into the fixtures. I in fact remember my father having one in the basement and I'm trying to recall what was plugged into it. I'm sure it was something the fixture wasn't really rated for of course. The things people will do . Now here is one for you that falls along the same topical line. Using one of those work lights (the type with the metal housing) attached directly to the wire coming off the switch with a couple of wire nuts and allowed to hang freely. Yep, that is what the previous owner did here. Now that was clever, don't you agree? Oh and of course I took care of that as soon as I moved in. :)
Re: [BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question
Jennifer, I agree with Bob, but might add that if you can figure out which fuse or circuit breaker the light socket is on and the ampere rating of that fuse or breaker it might be good to know. If there are a lot of lights also on that circuit and waistfull sightlings turn them on a lot you might run up on an amperage limit if the circuit is very old and maybe fused for only 10 amps or so. But unless you run big braille embossers and lots of other gizmos I doubt you'll have a problem. Tom Fowle
Re: [BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question
On further reading, I agree with Dale and Dan, the light socket doesn't have a safety ground, therefore any surge protectors etc. will be ineffective and your computer will be even more vulnerable to damage from electrical surges, close lightning, etc. An electrician might charge you a bundle and therefore not be practical, but you should reallyy have a fairly short run of cords to a properly installed and grounded 3 prong socket I think a 15 amp circuit is plenty as long as it isn't shared with other heavy appliances, heaters etc. Tom Fowle On Fri, Jan 22, 2010 at 07:36:14AM -0500, Dan Rossi wrote: I agree with Scott, Ron, Dale, and Bob. I don't like the idea of using the light socket as an outlet for many reasons, grounding being a big one, accidentally ripping the fixture out of the ceiling being another. Maybe someone with more knowledge than I can weigh in with some real information, but I didn't think that a light socket was designed to pull a lot of current through it. A computer, speakers, and monitor shouldn't be drawing 15 amps or anything, but still. If the outlet in the living room is on the outside of the closet wall, it would be easy enough to put an outlet in the closet, or turn the existing one around. I realize you may not want to do that work yourself, and electricians don't come cheap. So, I'm not sure what the best solution is for you. Sorry, just wanted to reinforce what others have said so far. -- Blue skies. Dan Rossi Carnegie Mellon University. E-Mail: d...@andrew.cmu.edu Tel: (412) 268-9081
Re: [BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question
First, I know nothing about electricity. With that in mind, would it be possible to change the light switch box to either a switch and an acceptable socket, or eliminate the light switch entirely and make it a socket? I don't know if a light is needed in the space and perhaps a lamp could be plugged in when needed. Just pondering, Betsy At 06:53 AM 1/24/2010, you wrote: On further reading, I agree with Dale and Dan, the light socket doesn't have a safety ground, therefore any surge protectors etc. will be ineffective and your computer will be even more vulnerable to damage from electrical surges, close lightning, etc. An electrician might charge you a bundle and therefore not be practical, but you should reallyy have a fairly short run of cords to a properly installed and grounded 3 prong socket I think a 15 amp circuit is plenty as long as it isn't shared with other heavy appliances, heaters etc. Tom Fowle On Fri, Jan 22, 2010 at 07:36:14AM -0500, Dan Rossi wrote: I agree with Scott, Ron, Dale, and Bob. I don't like the idea of using the light socket as an outlet for many reasons, grounding being a big one, accidentally ripping the fixture out of the ceiling being another. Maybe someone with more knowledge than I can weigh in with some real information, but I didn't think that a light socket was designed to pull a lot of current through it. A computer, speakers, and monitor shouldn't be drawing 15 amps or anything, but still. If the outlet in the living room is on the outside of the closet wall, it would be easy enough to put an outlet in the closet, or turn the existing one around. I realize you may not want to do that work yourself, and electricians don't come cheap. So, I'm not sure what the best solution is for you. Sorry, just wanted to reinforce what others have said so far. -- Blue skies. Dan Rossi Carnegie Mellon University. E-Mail:mailto:dr25%40andrew.cmu.edud...@andrew.cmu.edu Tel:(412) 268-9081 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question
In all likelihood one could easily tap a small branch off of the junction box which the light fixture is part of and terminate that branch in an electrical outlet. Depending on how the switching to the lamp has been implemented the plug and the light would be fully independent. There are those who run power from the switch to the light junction box but the more common way is to bring power to the junction box fixture and split it there down to the switch then back to the actual fixture. In this case the switch will be independent of the power. Otherwise one would have to tap into the switch box. I imagine it would cost at least fifty bucks an hour to have an electrician, materials would be negligible and probably it wouldn't take more than an hour depending on where one wants the plug and things like that. If I was Han Solo I'd probably pet my wookie - Original Message - From: Betsy Whitney To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 12:29 PM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question First, I know nothing about electricity. With that in mind, would it be possible to change the light switch box to either a switch and an acceptable socket, or eliminate the light switch entirely and make it a socket? I don't know if a light is needed in the space and perhaps a lamp could be plugged in when needed. Just pondering, Betsy At 06:53 AM 1/24/2010, you wrote: On further reading, I agree with Dale and Dan, the light socket doesn't have a safety ground, therefore any surge protectors etc. will be ineffective and your computer will be even more vulnerable to damage from electrical surges, close lightning, etc. An electrician might charge you a bundle and therefore not be practical, but you should reallyy have a fairly short run of cords to a properly installed and grounded 3 prong socket I think a 15 amp circuit is plenty as long as it isn't shared with other heavy appliances, heaters etc. Tom Fowle On Fri, Jan 22, 2010 at 07:36:14AM -0500, Dan Rossi wrote: I agree with Scott, Ron, Dale, and Bob. I don't like the idea of using the light socket as an outlet for many reasons, grounding being a big one, accidentally ripping the fixture out of the ceiling being another. Maybe someone with more knowledge than I can weigh in with some real information, but I didn't think that a light socket was designed to pull a lot of current through it. A computer, speakers, and monitor shouldn't be drawing 15 amps or anything, but still. If the outlet in the living room is on the outside of the closet wall, it would be easy enough to put an outlet in the closet, or turn the existing one around. I realize you may not want to do that work yourself, and electricians don't come cheap. So, I'm not sure what the best solution is for you. Sorry, just wanted to reinforce what others have said so far. -- Blue skies. Dan Rossi Carnegie Mellon University. E-Mail:mailto:dr25%40andrew.cmu.edud...@andrew.cmu.edu Tel:(412) 268-9081 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question
If there is a wall switch for this closet light it might be possible. If the dcable comes to the switch and then to the light. There is made a swith and outlet combination that fits a single gang box. This would solve many of the problems discussed. Hopefully this switch is inside the closet. Need to kill the circuit, pull the switch out of the box, leaving wires attached, and see what is really there. Ron - Original Message - From: Betsy Whitney To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 11:29 AM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question First, I know nothing about electricity. With that in mind, would it be possible to change the light switch box to either a switch and an acceptable socket, or eliminate the light switch entirely and make it a socket? I don't know if a light is needed in the space and perhaps a lamp could be plugged in when needed. Just pondering, Betsy At 06:53 AM 1/24/2010, you wrote: On further reading, I agree with Dale and Dan, the light socket doesn't have a safety ground, therefore any surge protectors etc. will be ineffective and your computer will be even more vulnerable to damage from electrical surges, close lightning, etc. An electrician might charge you a bundle and therefore not be practical, but you should reallyy have a fairly short run of cords to a properly installed and grounded 3 prong socket I think a 15 amp circuit is plenty as long as it isn't shared with other heavy appliances, heaters etc. Tom Fowle On Fri, Jan 22, 2010 at 07:36:14AM -0500, Dan Rossi wrote: I agree with Scott, Ron, Dale, and Bob. I don't like the idea of using the light socket as an outlet for many reasons, grounding being a big one, accidentally ripping the fixture out of the ceiling being another. Maybe someone with more knowledge than I can weigh in with some real information, but I didn't think that a light socket was designed to pull a lot of current through it. A computer, speakers, and monitor shouldn't be drawing 15 amps or anything, but still. If the outlet in the living room is on the outside of the closet wall, it would be easy enough to put an outlet in the closet, or turn the existing one around. I realize you may not want to do that work yourself, and electricians don't come cheap. So, I'm not sure what the best solution is for you. Sorry, just wanted to reinforce what others have said so far. -- Blue skies. Dan Rossi Carnegie Mellon University. E-Mail:mailto:dr25%40andrew.cmu.edud...@andrew.cmu.edu Tel:(412) 268-9081 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question
Thanks everyone for your advice and warnings. I am not going to have a new outlet installed because I am planning to remodel those stairs in he nest year or so and that wall will be going away. For the time being I am going to run the cord of the surge protector around the corner to the outlet in the room off of the hallway. It has occurred to me that I may really hate having this set up in the closet and that drilling a hole in my wall might be a little premature. *smile* Jennifer - Original Message - From: Tom Fowle To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 11:53 AM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question Betsy, It should be possible to change to a socket, or I think there may be a thing that mounts like aswitch but has in it both a switch and a single 3 prong socket. It would require there be a ground and a neutral available in the box, so somebody with a little experience might be best to do this, but if the wires are there it should be very easy. Tomm Fowle [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question
The house wiring going to the light fixture junction box is likely the same size as the rest of the house. However the fixture wires are much smaller usually a number 18 which is good for about 5 amps. So if you just screwed something into the socket as the old style adapters you have a 5 amp wire and no ground. Ron - Original Message - From: Kevin Doucet To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, January 22, 2010 9:53 PM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question Does a light socket have less juice going to it than an electrical outlet? At 08:36 PM 1/21/2010, you wrote: Dear Jennifer: I would think that your light socket would have enough capacity to run your computer and related equipment, but I would prefer to install a standard outlet in the closet, and if you need the light, I am sure that it would be a fairly simple matter to install both a light socket and an outlet. If this socket is switched by a wall switch, it would be all the more handy. Yours Truly, Clifford Wilson - Original Message - From: Jennifer Jackson To: mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.comblindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 9:24 PM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question Hello Everyone, I am doing a lot of reorganizing in my home since the flood last week. It has certainly encouraged me in my desire to downsize and declutter. One of the things I have done is to get rid of the giant desk that used to monopolize my dining room and I am planning to set up my computer and all it's accessories inside the closet that is under my stairs. Everything is going to fit nicely, but I am not certain about my best choice for the electrical supply. I could, of course, just run a power strip with a long cord around the corner to the nearest outlet outside the closet. This however creates an unsightly hazard that collects dust and stuff. There is a light socket on the wall, and I have considered getting one of those outlet adapters to screw into that, but I am concerned that it might not be meant to have that much of an electrical draw on it. My third idea is to use the bit on the drill that is used for installing deadbolts and making a small round whole in the wall that is shared with my living room and just plugging it into the outlet there. Lastly, I could have an electrician or some other skilled person install a new outlet in the closet. I want to be safe and use the minimum amount of expense and effort on this. So given that, what are your thoughts please? Jennifer [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] __ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4795 (20100121) __ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.comhttp://www.eset.com __ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4795 (20100121) __ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.comhttp://www.eset.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question
I would not plug a computer into a light socket for any reason. Your better off installing an proper outlet. There is nothing to be gained by feeding extension cords through walls etc. and certainly not using a light socket. Of course this is just my opinion and I am not an electrician. My concern would be the amount of current being drawn, possible overheating of the light socket, and I am not an insurance expert either, but let's just say it was not up to code using a light socket in this manner and there was a fire. It is possible the insurance company would use this as a means to avoid paying a claim. Just a few thoughts. On Jan 21, 2010, at 9:35 PM, Bob Kennedy wrote: Well the least expensive will be to avoid an electrician. I don't think the light socket will be harmed running a computer. My concern is the weight of the cord staying plugged in at that height and angle. I'd not drill a hole in the wall and run a cord through the hole. That will look worse than a cord running along the wall. What you can do if you don't care what it looks like inside the closet would be to plug a short extension cord into the light socket and then a couple pieces of Gorilla tape across the cord would keep it from pulling out because of its weight. Red neck I know but it would work. While you're at it, you may want to run a piece of tape across the light switch so it doesn't get turned off while the computer is running. It would be a reminder strip. - Original Message - From: Jennifer Jackson To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 9:24 PM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question Hello Everyone, I am doing a lot of reorganizing in my home since the flood last week. It has certainly encouraged me in my desire to downsize and declutter. One of the things I have done is to get rid of the giant desk that used to monopolize my dining room and I am planning to set up my computer and all it's accessories inside the closet that is under my stairs. Everything is going to fit nicely, but I am not certain about my best choice for the electrical supply. I could, of course, just run a power strip with a long cord around the corner to the nearest outlet outside the closet. This however creates an unsightly hazard that collects dust and stuff. There is a light socket on the wall, and I have considered getting one of those outlet adapters to screw into that, but I am concerned that it might not be meant to have that much of an electrical draw on it. My third idea is to use the bit on the drill that is used for installing deadbolts and making a small round whole in the wall that is shared with my living room and just plugging it into the outlet there. Lastly, I could have an electrician or some other skilled person install a new outlet in the closet. I want to be safe and use the minimum amount of expense and effort on this. So given that, what are your thoughts please? Jennifer [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Send any questions regarding list management to: blindhandyman-ow...@yahoogroups.com To listen to the show archives go to link http://www.acbradio.org/pweb/index.php?module=pagemasterPAGE_user_op=view_pagePAGE_id=33MMN_position=47:29 Or ftp://ftp.acbradio.org/acbradio-archives/handyman/ The Pod Cast address for the Blind Handy Man Show is. http://www.acbradio.org/news/xml/podcast.php?pgm=saturday Visit The Blind Handy Man Files Page To Review Contributions From Various List Members At The Following address: http://www.jaws-users.com/JAWS/handyman/ Visit the archives page at the following address http://www.mail-archive.com/blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com/ If you would like to join the JAWS Users List, then visit the following address for more information: http://www.jaws-users.com/ For a complete list of email commands pertaining to the Blind Handy Man list just send a blank message to: blindhandyman-h...@yahoogroups.comyahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/blindhandyman/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/blindhandyman/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: blindhandyman-dig...@yahoogroups.com blindhandyman-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: blindhandyman-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Re: [BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question
it really depends on what size of a hole you have to drill in the wall. If your putting an ethernet cable through the wall then a little hole will be required but to put the end of an extention chord through might be a little big, It's better to take a router or something and cut a hole the size of an electrical outlet, cut electricity to that area so you can install the new plug, and put the plug in and the plate on top and screw it in and you should have cable. If you have any friends that can do that then great. Not sure how much one would cost at Canadian Tire or home depo but worth the look. Blaine - Original Message - From: Scott Howell s.how...@verizon.net To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, January 22, 2010 4:58 AM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question I would not plug a computer into a light socket for any reason. Your better off installing an proper outlet. There is nothing to be gained by feeding extension cords through walls etc. and certainly not using a light socket. Of course this is just my opinion and I am not an electrician. My concern would be the amount of current being drawn, possible overheating of the light socket, and I am not an insurance expert either, but let's just say it was not up to code using a light socket in this manner and there was a fire. It is possible the insurance company would use this as a means to avoid paying a claim. Just a few thoughts. On Jan 21, 2010, at 9:35 PM, Bob Kennedy wrote: Well the least expensive will be to avoid an electrician. I don't think the light socket will be harmed running a computer. My concern is the weight of the cord staying plugged in at that height and angle. I'd not drill a hole in the wall and run a cord through the hole. That will look worse than a cord running along the wall. What you can do if you don't care what it looks like inside the closet would be to plug a short extension cord into the light socket and then a couple pieces of Gorilla tape across the cord would keep it from pulling out because of its weight. Red neck I know but it would work. While you're at it, you may want to run a piece of tape across the light switch so it doesn't get turned off while the computer is running. It would be a reminder strip. - Original Message - From: Jennifer Jackson To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 9:24 PM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question Hello Everyone, I am doing a lot of reorganizing in my home since the flood last week. It has certainly encouraged me in my desire to downsize and declutter. One of the things I have done is to get rid of the giant desk that used to monopolize my dining room and I am planning to set up my computer and all it's accessories inside the closet that is under my stairs. Everything is going to fit nicely, but I am not certain about my best choice for the electrical supply. I could, of course, just run a power strip with a long cord around the corner to the nearest outlet outside the closet. This however creates an unsightly hazard that collects dust and stuff. There is a light socket on the wall, and I have considered getting one of those outlet adapters to screw into that, but I am concerned that it might not be meant to have that much of an electrical draw on it. My third idea is to use the bit on the drill that is used for installing deadbolts and making a small round whole in the wall that is shared with my living room and just plugging it into the outlet there. Lastly, I could have an electrician or some other skilled person install a new outlet in the closet. I want to be safe and use the minimum amount of expense and effort on this. So given that, what are your thoughts please? Jennifer [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Send any questions regarding list management to: blindhandyman-ow...@yahoogroups.com To listen to the show archives go to link http://www.acbradio.org/pweb/index.php?module=pagemasterPAGE_user_op=view_pagePAGE_id=33MMN_position=47:29 Or ftp://ftp.acbradio.org/acbradio-archives/handyman/ The Pod Cast address for the Blind Handy Man Show is. http://www.acbradio.org/news/xml/podcast.php?pgm=saturday Visit The Blind Handy Man Files Page To Review Contributions From Various List Members At The Following address: http://www.jaws-users.com/JAWS/handyman/ Visit the archives page at the following address http://www.mail-archive.com/blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com/ If you would like to join the JAWS Users List, then visit the following address for more information: http://www.jaws-users.com/ For a complete list of email commands pertaining to the Blind Handy Man list just send a blank message to: blindhandyman-h
Re: [BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question
I agree with Scott, Ron, Dale, and Bob. I don't like the idea of using the light socket as an outlet for many reasons, grounding being a big one, accidentally ripping the fixture out of the ceiling being another. Maybe someone with more knowledge than I can weigh in with some real information, but I didn't think that a light socket was designed to pull a lot of current through it. A computer, speakers, and monitor shouldn't be drawing 15 amps or anything, but still. If the outlet in the living room is on the outside of the closet wall, it would be easy enough to put an outlet in the closet, or turn the existing one around. I realize you may not want to do that work yourself, and electricians don't come cheap. So, I'm not sure what the best solution is for you. Sorry, just wanted to reinforce what others have said so far. -- Blue skies. Dan Rossi Carnegie Mellon University. E-Mail: d...@andrew.cmu.edu Tel:(412) 268-9081
Re: [BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question
I agree with those that do not think using the light socket to tap in is a good idea. One other thing that I will add, is that you want to know what is on any line that you do tap into. For instance, it is not good to tap into the line that your washer and dryer are on. This line may have spiking issues caused by the appliances. Computers do not like spikes in the power flow. I learned the bad way years ago, and now have a dedicated line for my computer and peripherals. - Original Message - From: Jennifer Jackson To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 9:24 PM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question Hello Everyone, I am doing a lot of reorganizing in my home since the flood last week. It has certainly encouraged me in my desire to downsize and declutter. One of the things I have done is to get rid of the giant desk that used to monopolize my dining room and I am planning to set up my computer and all it's accessories inside the closet that is under my stairs. Everything is going to fit nicely, but I am not certain about my best choice for the electrical supply. I could, of course, just run a power strip with a long cord around the corner to the nearest outlet outside the closet. This however creates an unsightly hazard that collects dust and stuff. There is a light socket on the wall, and I have considered getting one of those outlet adapters to screw into that, but I am concerned that it might not be meant to have that much of an electrical draw on it. My third idea is to use the bit on the drill that is used for installing deadbolts and making a small round whole in the wall that is shared with my living room and just plugging it into the outlet there. Lastly, I could have an electrician or some other skilled person install a new outlet in the closet. I want to be safe and use the minimum amount of expense and effort on this. So given that, what are your thoughts please? Jennifer [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question
Jennifer, my concern about a pc in a closet is ventilation. I'm wondering if your pc might get a bit hot, in there. earlier, Jennifer Jackson, wrote: Hello Everyone, I am doing a lot of reorganizing in my home since the flood last week. It has certainly encouraged me in my desire to downsize and declutter. One of the things I have done is to get rid of the giant desk that used to monopolize my dining room and I am planning to set up my computer and all it's accessories inside the closet that is under my stairs. Everything is going to fit nicely, but I am not certain about my best choice for the electrical supply. I could, of course, just run a power strip with a long cord around the corner to the nearest outlet outside the closet. This however creates an unsightly hazard that collects dust and stuff. There is a light socket on the wall, and I have considered getting one of those outlet adapters to screw into that, but I am concerned that it might not be meant to have that much of an electrical draw on it. My third idea is to use the bit on the drill that is used for installing deadbolts and making a small round whole in the wall that is shared with my living room and just plugging it into the outlet there. Lastly, I could have an electrician or some other skilled person install a new outlet in the closet. I want to be safe and use the minimum amount of expense and effort on this. So given that, what are your thoughts please? Jennifer [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] John Currently in Ocala, Florida Mostly Cloudy, 66°F Wind:SW-230° at 7mph * Money Isn't Everything, but It Sure Keeps the Kids in Touch Created by Weather Signature v1.31 http://www.weathersig.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question
If you don't care to spend the dough on putting in a receptacle, than drill the hole. RJ - Original Message - From: Jennifer Jackson To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 21:24 Subject: [BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question Hello Everyone, I am doing a lot of reorganizing in my home since the flood last week. It has certainly encouraged me in my desire to downsize and declutter. One of the things I have done is to get rid of the giant desk that used to monopolize my dining room and I am planning to set up my computer and all it's accessories inside the closet that is under my stairs. Everything is going to fit nicely, but I am not certain about my best choice for the electrical supply. I could, of course, just run a power strip with a long cord around the corner to the nearest outlet outside the closet. This however creates an unsightly hazard that collects dust and stuff. There is a light socket on the wall, and I have considered getting one of those outlet adapters to screw into that, but I am concerned that it might not be meant to have that much of an electrical draw on it. My third idea is to use the bit on the drill that is used for installing deadbolts and making a small round whole in the wall that is shared with my living room and just plugging it into the outlet there. Lastly, I could have an electrician or some other skilled person install a new outlet in the closet. I want to be safe and use the minimum amount of expense and effort on this. So given that, what are your thoughts please? Jennifer [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question
The problem is, I don't believe there is a ground to the attachment for the socket. RJ - Original Message - From: Bob Kennedy To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 21:35 Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question Well the least expensive will be to avoid an electrician. I don't think the light socket will be harmed running a computer. My concern is the weight of the cord staying plugged in at that height and angle. I'd not drill a hole in the wall and run a cord through the hole. That will look worse than a cord running along the wall. What you can do if you don't care what it looks like inside the closet would be to plug a short extension cord into the light socket and then a couple pieces of Gorilla tape across the cord would keep it from pulling out because of its weight. Red neck I know but it would work. While you're at it, you may want to run a piece of tape across the light switch so it doesn't get turned off while the computer is running. It would be a reminder strip. - Original Message - From: Jennifer Jackson To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 9:24 PM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question Hello Everyone, I am doing a lot of reorganizing in my home since the flood last week. It has certainly encouraged me in my desire to downsize and declutter. One of the things I have done is to get rid of the giant desk that used to monopolize my dining room and I am planning to set up my computer and all it's accessories inside the closet that is under my stairs. Everything is going to fit nicely, but I am not certain about my best choice for the electrical supply. I could, of course, just run a power strip with a long cord around the corner to the nearest outlet outside the closet. This however creates an unsightly hazard that collects dust and stuff. There is a light socket on the wall, and I have considered getting one of those outlet adapters to screw into that, but I am concerned that it might not be meant to have that much of an electrical draw on it. My third idea is to use the bit on the drill that is used for installing deadbolts and making a small round whole in the wall that is shared with my living room and just plugging it into the outlet there. Lastly, I could have an electrician or some other skilled person install a new outlet in the closet. I want to be safe and use the minimum amount of expense and effort on this. So given that, what are your thoughts please? Jennifer [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
RE: [BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question
I'd go with the electrical outlet, simply for the grounding. My understanding is that a surge suppressor needs to be grounded through the outlet to work properly. This is not a difficult job. Maybe you can find a friend or relative to help you with it, rather than paying an electrician. Blessings, Tom [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question
Does a light socket have less juice going to it than an electrical outlet? At 08:36 PM 1/21/2010, you wrote: Dear Jennifer: I would think that your light socket would have enough capacity to run your computer and related equipment, but I would prefer to install a standard outlet in the closet, and if you need the light, I am sure that it would be a fairly simple matter to install both a light socket and an outlet. If this socket is switched by a wall switch, it would be all the more handy. Yours Truly, Clifford Wilson - Original Message - From: Jennifer Jackson To: mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.comblindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 9:24 PM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question Hello Everyone, I am doing a lot of reorganizing in my home since the flood last week. It has certainly encouraged me in my desire to downsize and declutter. One of the things I have done is to get rid of the giant desk that used to monopolize my dining room and I am planning to set up my computer and all it's accessories inside the closet that is under my stairs. Everything is going to fit nicely, but I am not certain about my best choice for the electrical supply. I could, of course, just run a power strip with a long cord around the corner to the nearest outlet outside the closet. This however creates an unsightly hazard that collects dust and stuff. There is a light socket on the wall, and I have considered getting one of those outlet adapters to screw into that, but I am concerned that it might not be meant to have that much of an electrical draw on it. My third idea is to use the bit on the drill that is used for installing deadbolts and making a small round whole in the wall that is shared with my living room and just plugging it into the outlet there. Lastly, I could have an electrician or some other skilled person install a new outlet in the closet. I want to be safe and use the minimum amount of expense and effort on this. So given that, what are your thoughts please? Jennifer [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] __ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4795 (20100121) __ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.comhttp://www.eset.com __ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4795 (20100121) __ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.comhttp://www.eset.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question
Well so much depends on the age of the wiring and the codes in effect at the time it was installed always assuming that codes were honoured and then there is the possibility that modifications have been made since the original installation. Most probably 16 or 14 gauge wire would be used and the light would be just one branch from other circuits run in the area. 16 gauge wire will carry 15 amps at 110 VAC though these days considered on the margin but that is about all most household circuits would be expected to carry. Sometimes a circuit carries only lighting and because each lamp is expected to be within certain ranges and it is not likely that all will be on at the same time except in a house full of teenagers, there may be a lot of lights on that dedicated circuit so, the added load of something bigger, no one expects a fridge over the bathroom sink, exceeds the safe wiring capacity. Certainly one could run a refrigerator but there are other considerations. I am assuming that Jennifer is referring to one of those threaded inserts you screw into a light socket which has a female receptacle, many have two as well as another threaded socket for a bulb. This socket may even have a chain pull switch for the light. Although the electrical box will be grounded in a modern wiring installation there are only two contacts in the threaded bulb socket, the live and the so called neutral. There is no connection to ground. Thus, when a plug is included that plug only has a hot and neutral side. Not only that but there is no certainty as to which side is hot and which neutral. Finally, the light socket is made to usually use about a hundred and fifty watts maximum. They should handle heat fairly well given the heat a large bulb can be expected to generate but the contacts, that is the threaded sleeve and the bottom terminal point may well not stand up to large current draws particularly for extended periods of time. These days accumulated computer equipment would not likely draw as much as 500 Watts but it is something to be considered. The mechanical strain of hanging cables will impact on that electromechanical connection as well. Altogether, the arrangement combines pretty well everything unsavory about wiring octopi. So, the answer is a definite maybe. The wiring is probably adequate but the electromechanical coupling is suspect. Ungrounded computer equipment except of course notebook computers is very vulnerable but my concern would be more the fire risk. If I was Han Solo I'd probably pet my wookie - Original Message - From: Kevin Doucet To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, January 22, 2010 11:00 PM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question I remember a verry long time ago, a friend ran a refridgerator from a light socket. Was that a bad moove? I don't know. The fridge was at the end of a hall way with no electrical outlet. It worked. I da'know' At 06:36 AM 1/22/2010, you wrote: I agree with Scott, Ron, Dale, and Bob. I don't like the idea of using the light socket as an outlet for many reasons, grounding being a big one, accidentally ripping the fixture out of the ceiling being another. Maybe someone with more knowledge than I can weigh in with some real information, but I didn't think that a light socket was designed to pull a lot of current through it. A computer, speakers, and monitor shouldn't be drawing 15 amps or anything, but still. If the outlet in the living room is on the outside of the closet wall, it would be easy enough to put an outlet in the closet, or turn the existing one around. I realize you may not want to do that work yourself, and electricians don't come cheap. So, I'm not sure what the best solution is for you. Sorry, just wanted to reinforce what others have said so far. -- Blue skies. Dan Rossi Carnegie Mellon University. E-Mail:mailto:dr25%40andrew.cmu.edud...@andrew.cmu.edu Tel:(412) 268-9081 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question
Hello Everyone, I am doing a lot of reorganizing in my home since the flood last week. It has certainly encouraged me in my desire to downsize and declutter. One of the things I have done is to get rid of the giant desk that used to monopolize my dining room and I am planning to set up my computer and all it's accessories inside the closet that is under my stairs. Everything is going to fit nicely, but I am not certain about my best choice for the electrical supply. I could, of course, just run a power strip with a long cord around the corner to the nearest outlet outside the closet. This however creates an unsightly hazard that collects dust and stuff. There is a light socket on the wall, and I have considered getting one of those outlet adapters to screw into that, but I am concerned that it might not be meant to have that much of an electrical draw on it. My third idea is to use the bit on the drill that is used for installing deadbolts and making a small round whole in the wall that is shared with my living room and just plugging it into the outlet there. Lastly, I could have an electrician or some other skilled person install a new outlet in the closet. I want to be safe and use the minimum amount of expense and effort on this. So given that, what are your thoughts please? Jennifer [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question
Well the least expensive will be to avoid an electrician. I don't think the light socket will be harmed running a computer. My concern is the weight of the cord staying plugged in at that height and angle. I'd not drill a hole in the wall and run a cord through the hole. That will look worse than a cord running along the wall. What you can do if you don't care what it looks like inside the closet would be to plug a short extension cord into the light socket and then a couple pieces of Gorilla tape across the cord would keep it from pulling out because of its weight. Red neck I know but it would work. While you're at it, you may want to run a piece of tape across the light switch so it doesn't get turned off while the computer is running. It would be a reminder strip. - Original Message - From: Jennifer Jackson To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 9:24 PM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question Hello Everyone, I am doing a lot of reorganizing in my home since the flood last week. It has certainly encouraged me in my desire to downsize and declutter. One of the things I have done is to get rid of the giant desk that used to monopolize my dining room and I am planning to set up my computer and all it's accessories inside the closet that is under my stairs. Everything is going to fit nicely, but I am not certain about my best choice for the electrical supply. I could, of course, just run a power strip with a long cord around the corner to the nearest outlet outside the closet. This however creates an unsightly hazard that collects dust and stuff. There is a light socket on the wall, and I have considered getting one of those outlet adapters to screw into that, but I am concerned that it might not be meant to have that much of an electrical draw on it. My third idea is to use the bit on the drill that is used for installing deadbolts and making a small round whole in the wall that is shared with my living room and just plugging it into the outlet there. Lastly, I could have an electrician or some other skilled person install a new outlet in the closet. I want to be safe and use the minimum amount of expense and effort on this. So given that, what are your thoughts please? Jennifer [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question
Dear Jennifer: I would think that your light socket would have enough capacity to run your computer and related equipment, but I would prefer to install a standard outlet in the closet, and if you need the light, I am sure that it would be a fairly simple matter to install both a light socket and an outlet. If this socket is switched by a wall switch, it would be all the more handy. Yours Truly, Clifford Wilson - Original Message - From: Jennifer Jackson To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 9:24 PM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question Hello Everyone, I am doing a lot of reorganizing in my home since the flood last week. It has certainly encouraged me in my desire to downsize and declutter. One of the things I have done is to get rid of the giant desk that used to monopolize my dining room and I am planning to set up my computer and all it's accessories inside the closet that is under my stairs. Everything is going to fit nicely, but I am not certain about my best choice for the electrical supply. I could, of course, just run a power strip with a long cord around the corner to the nearest outlet outside the closet. This however creates an unsightly hazard that collects dust and stuff. There is a light socket on the wall, and I have considered getting one of those outlet adapters to screw into that, but I am concerned that it might not be meant to have that much of an electrical draw on it. My third idea is to use the bit on the drill that is used for installing deadbolts and making a small round whole in the wall that is shared with my living room and just plugging it into the outlet there. Lastly, I could have an electrician or some other skilled person install a new outlet in the closet. I want to be safe and use the minimum amount of expense and effort on this. So given that, what are your thoughts please? Jennifer [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] __ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4795 (20100121) __ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com __ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4795 (20100121) __ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question
I wouldn't use the light socket, not so much because of electrical load but it will not be a grounded connection to the computer equipment. There may be a ground to the junction box so it may well be a convenient place to tap into for adding a proper electrical outlet without losing the light. Otherwise a hole through the wall to the outlet in the next room would be my choice. Be sure not to drill into a wire. If I was Han Solo I'd probably pet my wookie - Original Message - From: Jennifer Jackson To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 9:24 PM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question Hello Everyone, I am doing a lot of reorganizing in my home since the flood last week. It has certainly encouraged me in my desire to downsize and declutter. One of the things I have done is to get rid of the giant desk that used to monopolize my dining room and I am planning to set up my computer and all it's accessories inside the closet that is under my stairs. Everything is going to fit nicely, but I am not certain about my best choice for the electrical supply. I could, of course, just run a power strip with a long cord around the corner to the nearest outlet outside the closet. This however creates an unsightly hazard that collects dust and stuff. There is a light socket on the wall, and I have considered getting one of those outlet adapters to screw into that, but I am concerned that it might not be meant to have that much of an electrical draw on it. My third idea is to use the bit on the drill that is used for installing deadbolts and making a small round whole in the wall that is shared with my living room and just plugging it into the outlet there. Lastly, I could have an electrician or some other skilled person install a new outlet in the closet. I want to be safe and use the minimum amount of expense and effort on this. So given that, what are your thoughts please? Jennifer [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question
Is the outlet in the living room along this closet wall? It would be very easy for a outlet to be added in the closet just back of the living room one. Ron - Original Message - From: Jennifer Jackson To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 8:24 PM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] electrical outlet question Hello Everyone, I am doing a lot of reorganizing in my home since the flood last week. It has certainly encouraged me in my desire to downsize and declutter. One of the things I have done is to get rid of the giant desk that used to monopolize my dining room and I am planning to set up my computer and all it's accessories inside the closet that is under my stairs. Everything is going to fit nicely, but I am not certain about my best choice for the electrical supply. I could, of course, just run a power strip with a long cord around the corner to the nearest outlet outside the closet. This however creates an unsightly hazard that collects dust and stuff. There is a light socket on the wall, and I have considered getting one of those outlet adapters to screw into that, but I am concerned that it might not be meant to have that much of an electrical draw on it. My third idea is to use the bit on the drill that is used for installing deadbolts and making a small round whole in the wall that is shared with my living room and just plugging it into the outlet there. Lastly, I could have an electrician or some other skilled person install a new outlet in the closet. I want to be safe and use the minimum amount of expense and effort on this. So given that, what are your thoughts please? Jennifer [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
