Brian G

Originally posted by chrisprickett Much easier to install than copper (provided you have a clue) Not installed under slab (like copper is here) Cheaper than copper No pin hole leaks While not freeze proof, it's less likely to burst than copper Nyah, see...take that Copper! Nyah. [:-masked] Brian the Hammer(-upper)

Originally posted by Jim Morrison There are plenty of orgs out there that want to be the biggest, and I'd be happier if ASHI kept focused on just being the best. Here's hoping next years crop of leaders can shift the emphasis back. Amen. I'd rather be "Gucci" than "Wal-Mart". Brian "Gucci-Gucci" Goodman

Originally posted by Gerry Beaumont We are also still the only trade organization in this industry that has any type of entrance exam. ASHI considers the NHIE an enty level exam, they simply allow you to join without use of thier name and logo until you can gain enough education and experience to pass it. Brian G.

Originally posted by Konrad Man, I didn't think anyone would see the AL/CU connection, simply because I didn't think it showed up in the photo very well. You guys are eagle-eyed. Hah! Where are my bonus points, Husker Boy? [:-magnify I have to credit my 6 years of selling wholesale electrical supplies for this one. No one is ever impressed when I tell'em that, but it's been very valuable experience. It helps that I started off sweeping floors & stocking, ended working industrial / commercial / contracting accounts, and did every job in-between. Brian G.

Personally I'd mention anything less than 1/2 inch to the client. Under 3/8 I'd flat-out recommend replacing it, code or no. Brian G.

This may not be the bonus, but that split bolt is not an AL/CU rated connector. They make 'em, but that ain't one of 'em. [:-magnify Brian G.

I would also be concerned that the unit could vibate itself right off of 4 bricks over time. If that happened it could stress a lot of stuff. Where fore art thou common $en$e? I also found the "3 inch rule" in the IRC, but not much else. It seems to mostly defer to the manufacturers' instructions...still looking. Brian G.

Say Mike, Do you really use "exaust bouyancy"? I'd feel the need to explain that one to a layman client. Maybe it's just me, but I tend to automatically associate bouyancy with something that floats in liquid, even though I realise it has wider meanings. Brian G. I'll Say a Word, and You Say the First Word That Comes into Your Mind...

Hmmmm...I admit this is not my best subject, but it seems more logical to me that the "insulated" parts would heat up faster than the uninsulated ones, not slower. However, I reserve the right to be entirely wrong and full of it. Brian G. Not That It's Ever Happened Before or Anything []

Originally posted by crusty The insulation in contact with the vent will cause draft problems due to the fact that it will cool the gases and prevent them from discharging properly. Okay, you lost me on that one. How would the insulation work to cool the gases in the pipe, oh Crustoid of the Left Coast? Brian G. Yuh Done Went & Confusiated Me [:-boggled

Originally posted by Bruce Thomas Is this a double vent pipe? I honestly can't tell. It's a big metal vent pipe (about 10 or 12 inch diameter I'd say) on an older gas fireplace. I did find a label in the attic (fallen off) that said it needed 2 inches of clearance from any combustibles. It's a weird deal all the way around. There are two small intake vents on the wall with the fireplace, then on the backside of the same wall are two output vents. Not what one sees every day. Brian G.

Yes folks, it's silly question time again. I know the paper on the back of roll fiberglass is combustible, but what about the fiberglass itself? Does a gas vent pipe require clearance from fiberglass insulation, or can it be in contact? Brian G. Never Tried to Burn Any (yet)

Interesting article. I'm sure my cellulose was under-blown in the attic, but knowing the guy who did it I'm equally sure his error was following the manufacturers' flawed coverage charts. Nice little item to check on warranty inspections, no doubt. Brian G.

Whew! Rob ole' boy, you need to downsize those files before posting them. I made a sandwich while the first one loaded, had it eaten by the time the second one did. Brian G. In the Land of Low-Grade DSL

I carry an insulated screwdriver, but only so I can move wires around a little to see certain things better at times. One bad experience might make me more cautious, but so far so good. Brian G. Safety Dinosaur [:-hot]

The plan we bought (and revised) for our house had a WC already in the master bath. I don't think it would have even occured to me, since I had never co-habitated. I love it, one of the few places in the house where one can be alone (no one comes in range when I'm in there). [:-crazy] Brian G. Underestimate My Range at Your Own Risk [:-sick]

That's the kind of thing we have to catch. Genuinely serious, plainly visible, yet others have ignored it or not gone far enough to see it. Nice job Jay. Brian G. Extra Miles Bring Client Smiles [:-angel]

Originally posted by hausdok Flue gases are acidic, so if they cool too rapidly they will condense inside the flue and drain back to the furnace and into the inducer housing where they normally show up at the bottom as mineral salts as the acid leaks out the bottom of the housing. It usually indicates poor exhaust buoyancy caused by gases that are cooling too rapidly. Sometimes it can be so bad that it rusts out a flue, like the photo posted earlier today by someone else on another thread. Poor exhaust bouyancy? Ooooooo...Mike's been reading again. [] I once heard a CO guru claim that anytime you found heavy rust in a heat exchanger it was a sure sign of poor venting. Any thoughts? Brian G.

This is the kind of thing that brings out the vindictive, payback-at-all-costs streak that runs down Mom's side of the family. I'd call the client and offer to inspect the damned house for free now (out of curiousity and love of great old houses of course), and spend plenty of time getting it absolutely right. Then let the friggin' chips fall where they may. Brian G. Not Kidding, Dead Serious

That looks like it might "walk away" with an "innovative design" prize. [:-bigeyes Brian G. Chuckle Now, Boo Me Later [:-paperba

Originally posted by Chad Fabry Apparently the Realtor couldn't break away from her obligations to secure what is likely to be a 100,000 dollar commission. Unbelievable. And we're out trying to scratch out a decent living job by job. Barf. She wanted to know if when I was done with the 7,000 square foot 80 year old house w/ seven bathrooms, and the 1500 square foot guest house, and the boat house, if I could give her a copy of the inspection right then. I'm with Kurt. I know what I'd love to say to that, but I'd play it smart until it was too late to get hurt by her. I'm glad it was re-scheduled.. I'm nervous about a job this size and I've had the opportunity to read up on my weak areas. We have nothing to fear but fear itself...AND REALLY SCREWING IT UP ROYALLY! By the way, I'm jealous and you suck. [:-irked] Brian G. Don't You Need Help With That? (send plane ticket, first class please)

Originally posted by Terence McCann Ahh insurance companies, Please refer to page 956, paragraph 7, item 4, line 8, sub-heading you're screwed Bullseye, we have a winner! Now how would you like to trade that for what's behind door #3?!! Brian G. Big Fan of Insurance Companies [:-yuck]

From the sound of it, just too damned old to rely on anymore. [][:-dev3][] Yeah I know, I'm a lot of help. I just had this on a house yesterday (old unit, tag was gone). I told the lady it was working fine today, but was already beyond average rated life, etc., etc., etc., it could go out for good tomorrow. I know you're trying to be exact (good for you), but past a certain point it really isn't that relevent. Texans are just stubborn. [] Brian G. It Takes One to Know One [:-dog]

Yow! Crispy Critter, I'd say. Yeah, you would like to think that some component of the electrical system would balk at that sort of thing, but isn't this why they felt the need to push AFCI's? Brian G. AFCI, CYA, XYZ