The High Heeled Ruminations Of Melrose Plant

[mlroseplant]

13 hours ago, Puffer said:

Yes, 'solvent weld' is the usual term here for the process to join uPVC and/or ABS pipework (including electrical conduit, which comes in 20mm and 25mm o/d sizes).   As you say, the smell is quite distinctive - and potentially addictive - and the solvent should be used with care as it has some anaesthetic qualities, as do most chlorinated organic solvents such as chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethylene etc that are widely used for cleaning/degreasing as well as being common plastic solvents.

I can't see too clearly from your pics but I'm guessing that the threaded plastic parts are the unscrewable elements of the trap and what appears to be an air admittance valve.   Threads in uPVC components can give trouble if they are mot put together squarely (i.e. crossthreaded) and thereby get damaged or stripped.

Do you mean to tell me that only the equivalent of 1/2" and 3/4" PVC is allowed for electrical use? We use 1/2" all the way through 6" here. The electrical conduit corresponds exactly in dimension to the plumbing stuff, but is made slightly differently to allow heating and bending, which plumbers never do. The same is true for the metal threaded stuff, all sizes are interchangeable between steamfitters/plumbers and electricians, but the materials are not interchangeable.

[at9]

In the UK, the conduit and plumbing pipe sizes are different. You're not meant to use conduit for plumbing or plumbing pipe as conduit. Though there's no problem using a bit of plumbing pipe when (say) feeding cables through a wall to stop them rubbing against brickwork.

For electrical work it's rare to use larger than 25mm conduit, either plastic or metal. 38mm is available. If you need something bigger then use plastic or metal trunking. Flexible conduit is available in larger sizes, often for underground use. But you wouldn't be allowed to use single insulated cables in that application.

Edited August 31 by at9

[Puffer]

My earlier comments were relating to essentially UK domestic applications.   As at9 says, larger conduit is available and there is a wide range of trunking (mostly square/rectangular) available.

The uPVC electrical conduit can be bent, using a bending machine or an internal spring (as with copper plumbing pipe) but is more often solvent-joined with elbows, although larger radious pre-formed bends are available.   The galvanised steel conduit that is widely used in more challenging locations is certainly formed or bent using heavier equipment, and of course screwed likewise.

Although, in domestic situations at least, ordinary insulated and sheathed cable can be run outside (say to supply a shed/garage) in uPVC or metal trunking - fixed above ground in a suitably protected location - it is preferable to use an SWA (stranded wire armoured) cable, with suitable glands each end; the cable is often buried.   The steel wire armouring can be used as the earth (ground), so avoiding need of a third copper conductor.   I assume similar in the US.

[mlroseplant]

I figured what you were referring to is residential. Because when your wires are this big, you need bigger conduit! We always use a dedicated ground wire, regardless of whether the raceway is plastic or metal. I think it's Code now. It didn't used to be.

[HappyinHeels]

Saw this thread and found it interesting. Did a project in Yuma at our winter home by putting an outlet along a brick wall and didn't have the needed 3/4" grey electrical conduit. I remembered something an electrician told me a few years back and simply grabbed a section of white irrigation pvc and painted it grey. It comes up from the ground into a metal box and looks authentic. It was a quick workaround. HinH

[Jkrenzer]

Protection js protection, PVC is PVC so just use whatever as long as you mark the pipe so the next guy knows what you did.

Most U.S. states require a "certified" electrician to do all work. Melrose does high end jobs but most house wiring is super simple. It's the old, bull shit, union rules that got legislated in that you need to be aware of. I have rewired multiple homes (not 100% just sections), as long as it isn't overly obvious most home inspectors will never know the difference. Most of those guys are failed contractors who weaseled there way into a well paying position requiring no actual output.

[Puffer]

7 hours ago, Jkrenzer said:

Protection js protection, PVC is PVC so just use whatever as long as you mark the pipe so the next guy knows what you did.

Most U.S. states require a "certified" electrician to do all work. Melrose does high end jobs but most house wiring is super simple. It's the old, bull shit, union rules that got legislated in that you need to be aware of. I have rewired multiple homes (not 100% just sections), as long as it isn't overly obvious most home inspectors will never know the difference. Most of those guys are failed contractors who weaseled there way into a well paying position requiring no actual output.

The English situation (since 2005) is that most domestic electrical work is supposed to be carried out by a qualified electrician, who will then notify the local authority of its satisfactory completion for recording under Part P of the Building Regulations.   There are a number of exceptions, e.g. like-for-like replacement of defective fittings and simple extensions of an existing circuit, which do not require 'professional' action or notification.   But e.g. adding a new circuit or replacing a consumer unit ('fuseboard') are notifiable.   In practice, much can be done without a 'professional' as detection is unlikely, and will only then possibly cause a problem - assuming it has not been carried out dangerously! - upon formal inspection at the time of a property sale.   And anything started before 2005 can be finished ...   (Some houseowners are slow workers!).

I rebuilt a derelict property over four years and did all the electrical work myself, other than the initial connection of the consumer unit to the incoming mains, which requires a sealed fuse to be tampered with.   As the entire property refurbishment was subject to Building Regulations, I had to get the electrics signed-off and some electricians are authorised to do 'third party' inspections and certifications.   I found one and he did the necessary and was complimentary about my standard of work and adherence to the (progressively more stringent) regulations.

[mlroseplant]

This week's church OOTW. I actually bought something from Poshmark that was designated as a "men's" item, this BCBG tie. One of my fashionista friends called it a "fun tie." In practically the same breath she said, "I'm still amazed that you are comfortable in such high heels," referring to my Miu Miu patent tan sandals. It's not always true, but for some reason, Miu Miu fits me well, and I don't find the 4 1/2" steepness to be bothersome at all. It's too bad that Miu Mius are usually prohibitively expensive, and most of them are hideous.

[Jkrenzer]

Excellent look my friend. Perfect summer attire.

[HappyinHeels]

I agree that Melroseplant looks fabulous in those skinny jeans with the tie and the heeled sandals. AS I have worn more skinny jeans with sandals or wedges he reminds me I should post some photos since I haven't done it in a while. HinH

[mlroseplant]

Speaking of things I haven't done in a while, I have not posted any farmer's market pictures in some time. This is probably because they are so lame, and there's little interest there, especially if I do it every week. However, it's been very sparse over the past few months, and the season is rapidly drawing to a close.

I always bring backup shoes. The only time I've ever had to actually use them in the last 3 years is because of mechanical shoe failure with my high shoes. At any rate, I have ventured a bit higher with shoe steepness as the summer has worn on, and I rarely wear my Söfft low heels these days. A lower shoe now would be like the Nine West "Potporri" pictured in the bathroom mirror. Those are probably effectively 3 3/4 or 3 7/8", something like that. I don't seem to have any problem wearing 4 inch heels for the entire night, which is somewhat satisfying. I never got to that point last year.

Also included is a recent, as in yesterday, photo of the tent/booth.

[Shyheels]

Nice booth!!! I like the sound of your farmers market.

Most of my boots are three inch heels which are extremely comfortable for me - in terms of walking I barely notice them. I like the lines of four and five inch heels - and have a couple of pair at those heights but don’t wear them often enough to feel at home in them

[mlroseplant]

And now, for something completely different! The boy and I just bought THIS, a Gretsch hollow body bass. He has needed his own instrument for a while, and he found one that sounds COMPLETELY DIFFERENT than the Fender Jazz bass I've owned for 30+ years. And it looks pretty cool, too.

Edited Sunday at 10:16 AM by mlroseplant

[Shyheels]

Cool indeed. I can play the iPad but little else…

[Mr. X]

13 hours ago, mlroseplant said:

And now, for something completely different! The boy and I just bought THIS, a Gretsch hollow body bass. He has needed his own instrument for a while, and he found one that sounds COMPLETELY DIFFERENT than the Fender Jazz bass I've owned for 30+ years. And it looks pretty cool, too.

that thing looks huge!

[Cali]

He'll grow into it.

[mlroseplant]

10 hours ago, Mr. X said:

that thing looks huge!

If you're comparing it to a guitar, yes it does seem rather large. I know what my son would say, probably without missing a beat. "Yeah, I'm just compensating, you know."

6 hours ago, Cali said:

He'll grow into it.

I won't. He's already past me by an inch. Without heels, that is.

Edited Monday at 10:01 AM by mlroseplant

[mlroseplant]

It was the weekend of gold sandals! I wore both of these quite a bit this Sunday.

[SF]

Both are really nice, I like the mule styles.   But if I had to choose, I would got for the sandals in pic #2 (the one with you wearing shorts).  sf