Take particular care in the bathroom where special regulations apply.
Do not install a socket-outlet in the bathroom other than an approved shaver supply unit for a mains voltage shaver.
Do not make provision for using a mains voltage portable appliance. For example do not run a portable electric heater from a socket-outlet situated outside the bathroom i.e. on the landing or in an adjacent bedroom. If the tank cupboard opens into the bathroom and the tank has an immersion heater do not supply it from a socket-outlet (not a good method in any case) which could be used for plugging in a portable appliance. Read the rest of this entry »
All the mains appliances featured here have some kind of mains cable. Problems with the electronic cables of portable appliances are quite common, especially those that are moved around constantly while in use, such as vacuum cleaners and hedge cutters.
The problems can range from a simple break in one or more of the conductors, which would render the appliance open circuit, to the breakdown of the cable’s insulating properties caused by damage, fatigue or neglect, leading to the risk of electric shock or fire. Electronic cables and extension leads must be checked regularly and thoroughly.
There are several different types of flexible electronic cable in two-core and three-core configurations on the appliances shown here. It is important to remember that two-core electronic cable is used only on double insulated appliances; three-core electronic cable is used on all items requiring an earth connection. Read the rest of this entry »
If a drop in power output is suspected, the following simple check can be carried out. You need paper and pencil, a spoon, two microwave-proof containers bigger than 500m1 (18fl oz) and a thermometer capable of readings between 10°C and 50°C. (The thermometer must not be used inside the microwave.) Unless seconds can be set on the oven itself, you will also require a stopwatch.
Whether cheap and simple or astronomically expensive, all decks are averse to dirt and debris which is statically attracted to the vinyl record. It then damages the stylus resulting in the all-too-familiar click, pop and jumping of the track.
Sound is stored on a vinyl record on a continuous groove starting at the outer edge and finishing at the centre of the disc. The groove has microscopic ridges proportional in size to the sound wave that created them. When the record rotates, the stylus is deflected by these ridges as it runs in the groove. These minute deflections are then amplified. Two requirements must be met for the stylus to track correctly. The first is that the groove of the record is free from all blemishes and foreign matter to which the stylus would react. The other is that the arm holding the stylus must apply just enough weight to hold the point within the groove (usually 1-2 grams) but not so much as to create excessive wearing of the groove. Read the rest of this entry »
Store tapes vertically to help prevent their stretching or loops forming and always put them in their cases tape face in. Do not store them near magnetic sources, such as loudspeakers or motors. As the signal is recorded on the tape in a magnetic format by the video, other sources of magnetism can distort or blank it. Do not store tapes in direct sunlight or where temperatures may be too high or too low. When hiring tapes from video clubs, check thatthe tape and cassette are in good condition. Do not touch the tape because grease from fingers will damage both tape and video head, but inspect the entry points for dust or flaking of the oxide (fine brownish powder or flakes). Read the rest of this entry »
Nearly every household possesses a hairdryer. Designs vary from hand-held models to large hooded ones supported on a stand. They all work on the same principle of blowing air over a heating element by means of a fan. The fan is either a simple bladed type or a cylindrical version. As the air passes over the hot element, it is heated and is then vented from the appliance. The element is usually a wound exposed wire on a heat-resistant mount. A more solid version is mounted in a zig-zag fashion on a mica former. The element is protected by a thermostat to control the safe working temperature of both heater and appliance, and is usually self-resetting. Read the rest of this entry »
There is what seems to be an ever-increasing range of labour-saving equipment capable of tackling the wide variety of repair and building work now taken on by the D-I-Y home-owner. Tools that were once used in only professional workshops and factories are now quite commonplace around the house. Electric drills, routers, grinders, saws and planes are now produced to meet the demand from the rapidly increasing army of D-I-Y enthusiasts. The diversity and range available is vast. They are all based on an electric motor taking the place of manual effort. Each has a powerful motor for direct drive or reduction via a gearbox or electronic control and can be found in mains or battery powered versions in most instances. Read the rest of this entry »
