rjbrown2

Something that's definitely GWTW is the flicker you will see if you are ever exposed to 25 Hz power and incandescent lights. It's always there, but it only catches your eye from the side every once in awhile. Maybe they could use this on bad guys instead of more intense methods.

An object used for warding off undesired or bad consequences is called a talisman (formally) aka mojo, juju. gris gris, etc. Based on the conflicting information on the whole subject of lightning, said rods may have the mojo workin'

I cited Huggett and Levin above. I am assuming if they are not primary and are quoting Mr/Ms Higgins in their work that they also cite him/her though it wasn't obvious when I read it. Is this a courtesy on your part or is it a CYA to keep the lawyers away?

PVC compounds, in general, are among the more fire resistant common organic polymers, natural or synthetic. The major products of thermal decomposition include hydrogen chloride, benzene and unsaturated hydrocarbons. In the presence of oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and water are included among the common combustion products. The main toxic products from PVC fires are hydrogen chloride (a sensory and pulmonary irritant) and carbon monoxide (an asphyxiant). Toxicity of the Pyrolysis and Combustion Products of Poly (Vinyl Chlorides): A Literature Assessment, Clayton Huggett and Barbara C. Levin Burning PVC (especially produced by electrical arc) also generates phosgene poison gas (see WW I) in some quantities Editor's note: The post above is a quote from a work first written by C.Higgins, in 1987

Numerous jurisdictions in Georgia have TPI Programs (Third Party Inspectors) who submit to various regs and restrictions. Most of these jurisdictions allow builders to hire the TPI and some AHJs restrict the inspections from scratching the ground through poured or CMU wall construction while others work TPI all the way through final. It varies. The TPI is a P.E. whose license is on the line if he or she gets caught pencil whipping inspections. It happens and it is rare in my experience. My opinion is that there is no more conflict of interest in the TPI programs than there is in any other service a P.E. offers to the public. This part of the Engineering biz has suffered greatly with the contraction of the residential (and commercial) building as most AHJs can give prompt service for inspections.

Is this installation on a drilled well? It is common that the H2S producing bacteria live in the well not the water heater. I have experience w/ this issue at home. If yes on the well, have you checked the cold water side for this condition? Mine seems to increase during the summer months and slack off in the winter.

Simple Experiment: Run the water, smell the odor, collect a sample in a container w/ a quickly sealable top. Take the sample away from the area and smell it. If you use a sterile (health department style - water test) collection container, you could send it off for a more scientific 'sniffing.'

Here's OSHA's word from 1998. I don't think it has been superceded since then... Current level (Milliamperes) Probable Effect on Human Body 1 mA Perception level. Slight tingling sensation. Still dangerous under certain conditions. 5mA Slight shock felt; not painful but disturbing. Average individual can let go. However, strong involuntary reactions to shocks in this range may lead to injuries. 6mA - 16mA Painful shock, begin to lose muscular control. Commonly referred to as the freezing current or "let-go" range. 17mA - 99mA Extreme pain, respiratory arrest, severe muscular contractions. Individual cannot let go. Death is possible. 100mA - 2000mA Ventricular fibrillation (uneven, uncoordinated pumping of the heart.) Muscular contraction and nerve damage begins to occur. Death is likely. > 2,000mA Cardiac arrest, internal organ damage, and severe burns. Death is probable. References NIOSH [1998]. Worker Deaths by Electrocution; A Summary of NIOSH Surveillance and Investigative Findings. Ohio: US Heath and Human Services. Greenwald EK [1991]. Electrical Hazards and Accidents - Their Cause and Prevention. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

Here, in North Georgia we have our share of freezing weather. Maybe every five years we have single digit temps and I have seen 0F few times. In January 1985 I had -8F in Lawrenceville. With that background, in the last few years I have seen several of these tankless units, in new construction, mounted on the outside. This obviates TPR vent and exhaust gas issues, but I am ignorant of any freeze protection devices that would save you under noted conditions. The ones I have seen have been on upscale >$250K homes. //bb

Of Georgia's 40 different species of snakes, only six are venomous. All non-venomous snakes are protected by state law and may not be captured or killed. King snakes, in paticular, are immune to venomous snake bites and will help control said population. Over the years I have foot flipped more than a few king snakes into the woods that were stretched across the road sunnin' themselves. I'm sure with the universal revulsion about snakes that our law is honored more in the breach than regularly. How about other states? //bb

I used to have a two heat pump system and the second floor unit condensate drain clogged frequently. Could never figure out why. It was 3/4 inch plastic pipe. I cut a section of bicycle inner tube about 3 or 4 inches either side of the shrader valve. You could position it with the valve over the pipe end, secure the tube by hand, and apply a low pressure shot from a portable compressor. It usually took between 20 and 40 psig to clear it. Good to go till next year. Never saw any crud accumulation on the coil. //bb