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Every month, we pick the top Ideas That Work submitted by you, ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR readers. These ideas can't be found in any code or guidebook and are only learned or devised through years of experience and thinking, "There's got to be a better way to do this!" Please remember, the ideas presented in this article are for consideration only. Before using such ideas, make sure codes and safety standards have been fully adhered to.
Now, without further ado, here are this issue's Ideas That Work!
Shower suction success
I recently had a dilemma while changing some GU10 lamps for a customer. I had misplaced the suction cup that I normally use to change/install lamps when installing a new fixture. I was looking around my van for anything to use, and the idea presented itself to me: To hold various lightweight things (e.g., a small mirror, clipboard, small bags of jumper wires, etc.), I use suction cups designed for showers. They are actually surprisingly strong and easily removable. I had extra ones in a box, so it was worth a shot. I took a few inside and they were a perfect fit. I was then able to remove the old lamps and put the new ones in with more convenience than if I had used the suction cup designed for the job. The hook release feature makes it easy remove the suction, as opposed to the GU10 suction, which is always difficult. These should also work for various types and styles of difficult-to-maintain lamps.
John Mack
Pittsburgh
Magnets to the rescue
If you drill into a metal enclosure and encounter some metal shavings that need to be removed, try putting your torpedo level in a plastic bag and using the magnets to pick them up. Pull the level out of the bag, and the shavings should just drop. Repeat the process as needed.
Dana C.
New Bedford, Mass.
IF YOU HAVE AN IDEA that has saved you time or money on the job, ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR readers would like to hear about it. Be sure to include a good photo of your idea—hand sketches are often hard to interpret. Note that some similar ideas are submitted by more than one person. In these cases, the one that is more clearly written and includes a photo is given precedence. Send your letter and photo to Jack Pullizzi, Ideas Editor, ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR, 3 Bethesda Metro Center, Suite 1100, Bethesda, MD 20814-5372, e-mail [email protected], or use the online submission tool at www.ecmag.com/ideasthatwork.
CASH AND TOOL PRIZES FOR WINNING IDEAS Each published author in Ideas That Work receives a $50 American Express gift card from ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR. In addition, Southwire (www.southwiretools.com) will send the following set of electrician’s tools to each month’s first-place winner:
• Cable cutter
• Fish tape
• Long nose pliers
• Side cutting pliers
• Diagonal cutting pliers
• Pump pliers
• Screwdriver
• Wire stripper
• Crimpers
• Multimeter
DISCLAIMER: The ideas presented in this article are for consideration only. Before using such ideas, make sure codes and safety issues have been fully adhered to. ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR disclaims any liability from your use of these or any other ideas. ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR reserves the right to reprint the words herein at its discretion.
