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    Ring and radial circuits?

    I have a new flat and am learning about the layout of its electrical circuits. I've been able to trace 1 ring main from the CU through the loft and back again. There are 2 other MCBs marked "S/O 32A". Are these also likely to be ring circuits or could they be radial? Just curious, no other reason!
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    Heat damaged granite hearth

    I have a black granite hearth behind a flueless gas fire. It's about 10 years old and has "faded" to a light grey in parts as a result of the heat exposure. Is there any tried and tested ways to restore granite like this? Maybe heat resistant paint or some kind of specialist cleaning agent?
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    how to handle coving when chasing electrical cables

    Hi, I need to chase a few cables into a brick wall. We have coving across the top between the wall and the ceiling; any recommendations on how to handle this without removing it or cutting through it? Thanks
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    Box and studwork before or after floor in ensuite?

    I am working on my ensuite. I've taken all the bath/basin/WC and floorboards out, so it's just a shell now; pipes are across the floor (cement between joists), cut down into it a little. I need to create some box work for the waste pipe, and also a small stud wall to enclose the shower. Should...
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    Can anyone identify this connection?

    This fittings came on a pack of LED lights I purchased: I need to take them off, or cut the wire and attach new ones, in order to fit them. They look crimped (certainly they don't pull off). Can anyone identify the connection type and whether it's possible to attach new ones? Thanks
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    What is "cable derating"?

    I've been reading about power and lighting cables buried in insulation (yes, I am just that rock and roll). I understand the 17th Edition IEE Regulations state you must 'derate' the cable if it is buried, by up to 50%. However, can someone explain what this means in practice? Simply that you...
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    Should you compress glasswool insulation?

    I have 160mm joists in my loft floor. It appears you can't buy 160mm depth glasswool insulation. So should I insulate with 150mm glasswool and have a gap, or 170mm glasswool and compress it slightly? I've read compressing can reduce insulation's performance, but would it be below that of the...
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    Why are 32A breakers used on 26A wiring?

    Disclaimer: I am learning about wiring (not practicing!). Please entertain my questions. I've seen a number of 32A breakers on consumer units that feed into 2.5mm cable. I've also read that 2.5mm cables should only be rated up to 26A. Please could someone explain why you would use a 32A...
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    How to calculate the dew point / how VCL works

    I'm insulating a lath and plaster ceiling, which means I can't place a vapour control layer beneath the joists as is recommended. I am using a mixture of 170mm mineral wool and 50mm celotex insulating board. Electrical wires run over the insulation (not under it!), with 38mm battons spacing the...
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    Loft subframe vs. cross-battons in purling roof.

    I've been reading about loft insulation and boarding as I'm considering what to do with mine. For reference; I have an old purling style roof. Most of the posts on this forum suggest either insulate between joists and screw boards directly to them (assuming minimum of 7") or cross-batten and...
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    How to lay celotex (insulation board) in loft

    I want to insulate my loft with Celotex insulation boards I am planning to insulate between and over the joists. My joists are 90mm deep, but I am planning to use 50mm Celotex between them, followed by 50mm Celotex across the top. I have 2 questions: 1. Should I rest the lower celotex...
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    Loft insulation

    I am planning to insulate my loft ceiling (floor, not rafters). This is just for storage and not habitation. I want to use Celotex insulating board, rather than Rockwool. If I insulate between the joists and then a layer on top of them (to achieve the required U-value), can I then place...
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    How to apply Zinsser BIN to MDF

    I am trying to make some furniture using MDF. I have been recommended to 1) Sand with 120 grit, 2) prime with Zinsser BIN, 3) Sand with 220 grit, 4) paint with Dulux Trade Satinwood. I am at the second step, and have just applied my first coat of Zinsser BIN with a gloss roller: You can...
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    How to apply Zinsser BIN

    I am trying to make some furniture using MDF. I have been recommended to 1) Sand with 120 grit, 2) prime with Zinsser BIN, 3) Sand with 220 grit, 4) paint with Dulux Trade Satinwood. I am at the second step, and have just applied my first coat of Zinsser BIN with a gloss roller: You can...
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    Where can I find MDF "beading" decoration in the UK?

    I want to make a few cabinet doors for my project. I have cut 22mm MDF to size, and want to add some basic decoration. Some "beading" like the attached image would be nice - sort of a Victorian effect. Does anyone know where I can get this? I've spent hours searching but maybe I am googling...
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    Recommendations for under shelf lighting

    I have some shelves in an alcove I need to light. I'd like to use recessed spots in the shelves, which are 22mm thick each. I'd like the lights to work on a switched 13A circuit rather than mains power with a transformer. Does anyone have any recommendations that they've used?
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    How to wire low voltage LEDs

    I am looking for some downlights to add to an alcove. I have found these. They are DC12V LEDs. I want to have them wired to the ceiling light circuit, so I can turn them on/off via a switch at the wall. Is this possible? If so, would I be correct that I'd need to buy a transformer and ask...
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    What's the best form of surge protection

    I am going to purchase some high end AV equipment and would like to protect it against unexpected surges (e.g. lightning). What's the best way to do this? I know I could buy something like a belkin surge protector to plug into the wall, which covers 650 joules...
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    How to create an 18mm radius arc cut in MDF

    I am trying to create the following cut to form the edge of a countertop surface (for an alcove): I have a 9mm piece and 2 x 18mm pieces, but how can I create the arc in the middle with an 18mm radius? Is there a router bit I need for this? Thanks
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    Medite Ultralite for cabinets

    Has anyone used ultralite MDF for cabinets? If so, are there any disadvantages vs. standard MDF? E.g. does it take spax screws just as easily?
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