Master electrician Heath Eastman takes us on a house call to help solve a problem with a tripping breaker. The homeowner explains that the breaker trips if she uses the toaster or coffee pot while a dehumidifier in the basement is running. Heath finds that the circuit has undersized wiring and power cords and should be on its breaker. He then installs a new 20-amp breaker and outlet in the basement to solve the issue.
Next, we meet host Kevin O’Connor and general contractor Tom Silva back at the shop to discuss table saw safety. Tom explains to Kevin that there are many injuries caused by table saws each year, so he highlights some of the features and techniques to help saw users stay safe.
Finally, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a family deal with a cold addition. The family’s living room was added to the home in the 1980s and only had electric heat to condition it, and they would like to use the fireplace in the adjoining room to spread some heat. Once Richard explains how inefficient a fireplace can be, he solves the issue by having a wood-burning insert installed in the fireplace.
How To Install a New Basement Circuit
Heath Eastman identifies why a homeowner’s breaker trips when the dehumidifier is running. After, Heath installs a new basement circuit into the receptacle.
Where to find it?
Heath uses an electrical outlet tester to see if the existing outlet has ground going to it.
Heath uses a drill and pilot drill bit to create a pilot hole in the stone foundation. He then installs a new work metal electrical box using screws. Heath then uses a cordless jigsaw and 1/2-inch offset bender for the conduit pipe.
Heath then runs a 12-gauge wire from the new electrical box over to the electrical panel. He secures the wire to the joists overhead using a crown stapler and electrical staples.
Heath replaces one of the fillers on the circuit breaker with an arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) breaker, which is now required by code in Massachusetts whenever a receptacle is replaced.
Simple Guide to Table Saw Safety
Tom Silva demonstrates necessary safety protocol when using a table saw. For the demonstration, he used a SawStop 15amp CTS Table Saw, which is manufactured by SawStop.
Where to find it?
Tom emphasizes wearing safety glasses to prevent sawdust from getting in eyes and hearing protection to prevent hearing loss damage from the volume of the saw.
Tom shares how a blade guard can act as a reminder to keep hands and fingers away from the blade and also protect a user in the case of kickback.
Tom then showcases how a brake cartridge can sense moisture near the blade, like the moisture on fingers, and drop the blade beneath the table into a brake.
Tom demonstrates how using a push stick helps to keep hands and fingers as far away from the blade as possible.
How to Install a Fireplace Insert
Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner troubleshoot how to supplement heating their home by using their fireplace. Richard explains fireplace convection, why it’s not an efficient source to heat the home, and why a wood burning insert is a great option for the homeowner. After, a team of installers install a stainless-steel liner and wood burning fireplace insert.
Where to find it?
Expert assistance was provided by The Chimney Chap. The fireplace insert was manufactured by Vermont Casting.
Original Air Date: June 15, 2023, Season 21; Ep. 25 23:42
Products and services from this episode
- Table saw with safety feature manufacturer: SawStop.
- Expert assistance: The Chimney Chap
- Fireplace insert manufacturer: Vermont Casting