Home Repairs Tips & Trick

Aptitude test

/u/East-Situation-1415 — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 23:19:28 -0500

Going to take the aptitude test for the union next Saturday and was wondering if anyone practiced or studied before this? What did yall study?

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This is why I never trust another sparky!

/u/Mammoth-Relative5076 — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 23:12:49 -0500

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Apprenticeship?

/u/Plastic_Version2742 — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 23:02:37 -0500

I need some helping on getting an electrical apprenticeship. I’ve been working with this company for 3 years almost going on 4 and I’ve always wanted to get the license but always brushed it off. My boss man doesn’t really care much either on me getting it too but I don’t want to blame him as it’s my fault. I should be working towards getting it. Any tips on acquiring this maybe online?

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Y'all hate to see me coming

/u/tallejos0012 — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 21:34:07 -0500

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Employer absolutely screwed me. I wanna get out of this industry now.

/u/No-East-964 — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 21:33:20 -0500

I started working for an electrical construction company a little over a month ago. Around the time I was hired, one of my friends from high school was too, and we have been working on the same in-house project for our duration at the company. The pay isn’t good, but neither of us are JM, so it’s whatever.

Last week, my friend got their OSHA 10, as we were both hired on to get training, then go help in the field ASAP following our OSHA certification. A few days later I got mine.

When they got theirs, the owner immediately scheduled them to go out on a week long job that pays around $55 more an hour than what we currently make, and even made a side comment that they are “severely short staffed” on this job-site. When I got mine, however, it was crickets. I’m stuck at the shop doing the same mundane task for just over minimum wage. I tried to bring it up that I was hired under the premise that I was going to be in the field and got deflected and given no reason for the decision.

I’m not so much jealous as I am frustrated. I’m really happy for my friend, but I feel screwed out of better pay for seemingly no reason. Is there any encouraging words? My local unions are horrendous and this is souring my intrigue into this industry.

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Union Electrician vs Master Electrician only their own company

/u/Mysterious-Might3516 — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 20:42:03 -0500

Which is the better route?

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What is a the difference between multimeter and a ohmmeter

/u/No_Entry9115 — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 20:17:04 -0500

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starting a career

/u/qhaisoan — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 20:04:52 -0500

so i’m 28, i took engineering in high school and loved it, took a dead end job afterwards hoping to go up and just sadly worked my life away till now. i was thinking of doing an electrician apprenticeship and was wondering how much y’all made during it & after? i make 31 and some change now, i’m okay with the slight temporary pay cut, but does it grow good with time? especially in a union? i know someone who did it right out of high school and he does very well for himself and he’s only been doing it maybe 4 years?

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Tell me you’re a sparky without telling me you’re a sparky……

/u/btuguy — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 19:17:01 -0500

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Milwaukee Power tools

/u/Much-Mouse-4772 — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 19:14:03 -0500

My m18 impact drill is lowkey starting to fail on me. I work in commercial doing new construction and remodels, never any service work. Should I get the m12 fuel impact drill? Will it fit my needs? I’ll still keep my m18 for the heavy duty stuff. My other questions is should I get the 1 inch fuel rotary hammer drill or the 1 1/8 fuel one . Any one here tried both?

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Apprenticeships

/u/loleander31 — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 18:49:27 -0500

Currently finishing up Electrical foundations at BCIT not really sure on where to apply or to go union or not. Is there any recommendations for first year positions that are in the metro Vancouver area.

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Apprentice electrician

/u/PresentationLive3743 — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 18:33:45 -0500

I am incredibly proud to announce i am now a apprentice electrician! Kinda? Non union but thats okay. A starts a start. Would be 30 days until I was put into books as one so yeah. Came in for an interview on Friday, at the end was offered it on the spot.

Been stressing about a few things which put a damper on it. (Kills me but need to ask to leave early 2nd day. As well as 1st wed and 3rd wed of every mo, gotta pick kid up from daycare. Non negotiable. And have to ask if thats okay. Would only be 2 and a half hrs early) was so surprised by the offer I completely forgot. Hope it helps to know im 20.

But figured I'd celebrate this small win. Mon Fri 6am-5pm. Also a hr and half away from home. That's gonna suck but thats okay. Starting is 17 a hr w a pay bump to 18 after first 90. Bought basic tools. Toolbelt. Been through a lot and I pray things look up from here for me. Please wish me luck, tomorrow is my first day.

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How to get schooling hours in TN non union.

/u/Foreign-Plate9483 — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 17:32:45 -0500

Hello. I’m starting a job tomorrow for a non union shop. They are set up pretty weird though it’s all prevailing wages work but they just pay everybody the same so it’s not a traditional apprenticeship.

I’m assuming my hours will count towards however much I need to take the test eventually but I’m confused about the schooling hours you need? Also TN license is already pretty confusing anyways.

If anyone could give me insight that would be awesome.

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Its nice opportunity for people to get into electrician workforce. I think it is nice that google wants to help with shortages in this field.

/u/ControlRoutine8867 — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 15:24:58 -0500

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Additional Skills for a Trainee

/u/elbarbudo17 — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 14:19:01 -0500

So following up from my post months back, I've started training school, I'm surprised how easily I'm catching on to alot of things, since I'm coming from a business background. So my trade school has some short courses I can take on as well. I signed up for a drywall course, however after speaking with my electric teacher, he suggested I did solar and then tiling after. Both are 3 month courses. Do u think he's making sense or should I do the drywall course. What additional skills come in handy the most for an electrician?

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1 year goal for apprentice

/u/rolla012 — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 12:51:24 -0500

My boss told me that were having a review of my performance and will be the base for my upcoming raise. He said that i will have to state my strong points, weak points, things ive learned and want to be better at. He will also ask my jman and compare. Im curious what the expectations for most 1 years is. Its really a 9 month review but just rounding up. We do mostly resi with light commercial.

For me i feel like ive gotten better at reading plans, still a few symbols idk by heart but can do majority.

Cleanly and efficiently pulling wire box make up is quicker and getting cleaner.

My over all speed is significantly better, especially on ladders. When i first started being on the top legal rung of a ladder with both my hands up above my head caused me to move really slow, now im more comfortable and quicker but still not jman quick

I also just started school so i feel like the next 2 years i will be growing at a much more significant rate than my first year.

Things i want to get better at is

panel work, i havent gotten to do too much panel work. Seems my jman likes that part so mostly takes on that one.

Being cleaner as far as work space, i feel like im fairly bad about getting caught up trying to work as quick as possible my tools end up all over the place

Ive attempted to bend emt a few times but never have done my own run fully by myself.

I just got a meter and am learning how to use it to troubleshoot

Theres still a lot of terminology i havent picked up, but i also just got a code book and plan on looking up definitions anytime i hear something i dont understand.

That list seems short, but theres such a wide range of work we do i dont feel its important to touch on every little thing. Im curious what other jmans expect from first year apprentices. Overall i feel like i am fairly solid. Im professional around customers, keep a positive attitude, and interested in learning.

I did just recently have a serious conversation with my owner about certain things i am unhappy about and would like to change (didnt demand anything) so when this review comes up i want it to be productive as possible to help meet him halfway for what we both want.

Long story short when i first started i was with a rw for 2 months who quit. Were a small company and we were the only ones really and i had to work on sites solo quite a bit only 2 months in. Was always stressed because i had to communicate any little thing or question over the phone and w pics with the owner since he lived hours away. He came up most days but i had missed a lot of hours waiting on him for certain projects or just didnt have productive days due to my lack of knowledge. Felt like i put up with a lot of bs and was patient and understanding since the owner seems like a genuine solid guy who looks out for his employees. After 2 months of chaos he finally hired another jman and i was estatic to finally have some consistency and work along side someone who knew what they were doing.

Around the same time the owner hired another apprentice who is his personal friend to help him out. Seems the jman was getting tired of 2 fairly new apprentices and i started getting left on sites solo again while they went to others. The jman has expressed to me how he doesnt like working with him since he complains about a lot of stuff so it seems the direction of taking him instead of me is coming from the owner. Semi feels like my apprenticeship was getting stolen. Expressed that to the owner and he said its because he can actually rely on me to get stuff done, but i feel like im back to looking stupid in front of GCs or clients and do not enjoy it. Any advice on how to wiggle back into working with a jman would be much appreciated. Hes trying to hire more jmen but said it’s extremely hard in our area because theres a large lack of talent here.

TLDR: expectations of where 1 year should be, expressed dissatisfaction with owner recently and want to meet him halfway on what i want out of him and what he wants out of me, feels like apprenticeship is getting stolen from owners friend.

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Dakota NEC Exam Prep + Practical Advice.

/u/Airborne_Electrician — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 12:08:00 -0500

Hey guys,

I have to ask as its been bugging me throughout my studies in preparation for my test this upcoming Friday. But does anyone else think the Dakota NEC Exam Prep way more challenging the Exam Busters Material? Some of the questions Ive gotten have been obscure or not even in the code. Just want to see if anyone else felt this way.

Additionally Ive completed the practical and mass amendments portion of the Exam Busters and highlighted and noted everything I needed. Is there anything else you guys would recommend i should practice or have in my code book?

I appreciate all the help and support I have received and can’t wait to test.

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Electrician chess club/tournament going currently.

/u/Embarrassed-Hour-578 — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 11:40:00 -0500

https://www.chess.com/club/electricians-in-discord/join

^^^^^ link to become a member of the club

I also opened up an all day tournament for today if you guys would like to play.

https://www.chess.com/play/arena/4295789

I think it would be a great way to stay connected, chat, and stimulate the mind. I would love it if you guys gave it a try!!

https://preview.redd.it/46nchyopbi8f1.png?width=1510&format=png&auto=webp&s=d49af042c21e3e39213c7d6734a4c4872cce8f4c

https://preview.redd.it/gm5s219sbi8f1.png?width=1503&format=png&auto=webp&s=9c7c3ef692577c291aac9a3fd7a07f2b47ebff6f

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Air conditioner

/u/NewsNo9114 — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 10:45:52 -0500

Is this still safe to use? Plug melted surge protector.

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Porta-John Art

/u/ZRoflWaffle — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 08:57:01 -0500

Walked into the outhouse on site and was surprised by the walls.

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Fein vs les autres (multitool electro)

/u/GamesLuvZ — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 08:56:56 -0500

Do you recommend Fein multitool device ?
What do you think about this grand vs the others (Makita, Bosch, Dewalt…) ?

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Thinking of going back even though I hated it.

/u/Dudefuckinchill — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 07:15:55 -0500

Very long story short - I initially dropped out of college to start an electrician apprenticeship and I hated it.
Ended up going back to college, failed my way through a Business degree and ended up back with the same company as a Planner/Scheduler.

Guess what, I hate that too! I hate feeling like my work means nothing, it's just busy work and a constant churn of reports for the sake of it, always making things look right even if it's falling to shit. It's also insane hours and very stressful for not great pay.
But I'm progressing rapidly and I'm very well liked at work.

In the meantime I've also been diagnosed with ADHD, and I've realised how bad of a fit Planning/Scheduling is for someone like me. I also find I can't really take the medication as it sends my blood pressure through the roof (also probably already too stressed).

I spoke to the Electrical Project Manager about how I'd eventually also become a PM.

He said I'd need to go back and do an Electrician apprenticeship.
This guy is the most highly respected PM in the company, he's the smartest man I know and it's not even in contention.
He said he'd back me 100% of the way. I'd go back do a trade, could also look at having me do a conversion course at the same time at their cost and he'd try and get me started on more money too.

I'm seriously tempted.
I think I'd like to be an Electrician, and eventually a Project Manager..
I'm also fairly certain I'll hate the apprenticeship like I did before.
Funnily enough last year I met a friends older brother who was also an apprentice with the same company. He hated it, had to be dragged out of bed most mornings. Now he's qualified - he's moved to America and he's started his own Business and he's loving life.

So I think I just need to fucking suck it up and stick it out this time.

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When apprentice has a good idea:

/u/BenDeeKnee — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 05:56:41 -0500

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Best Electrican Jokes

/u/JayFromElec — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 04:57:47 -0500

I’ll start.

What did one electrical socket say to the other?

Our connection is electrifying

Is going to school a mistake?

/u/rizzleronthe_roof — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 22:57:19 -0500

Hey y'all, would like some advice on this. I just started and starting to doubt my decision making abilities a little bit. Kind of feel like I rushed into because I was very eager to make a change in my life. I applied for helper jobs but my resume has zero construction or electrical experience so I didn't get any replies. Was gonna go union route but read stuff online about experience being a factor into the ranking, but I just don't know what to believe anymore. I know everyones experience is different. Sorry if this is the wrong board. Would just like some feedback. Thanks.

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Horizontal directional drilling

/u/born__country — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 20:52:09 -0500

Has anyone use HDD for feed to a house? If so what did you use for a raceway? I’ve always trenched but the homeowners are set on HDD if there’s a way to do it. I’ve never dealt with HDDing power. I’m in Canada.

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Electrical companies

/u/Repulsive-Camel7321 — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 20:44:08 -0500

Thought I’d consult the hive mind. I try to do side work. I don’t get as much as I want. I used to have a contracting business but closed it down due to personal family issues. I’d like to start a business back up as I hate working for someone. But I’m thinking maybe something other than a contracting business. Anyone have any ideas. Anything in the industry that popping up as valuable lately or in the future? I’d really appreciate some help or just some cool ideas.

Thanks a lot hive mind!

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Anyone got an easier way?

/u/beeris4breakfest — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 19:31:20 -0500

This is my hack for dealing with these Hunter Fans you put one blade on and the whole thing gets out of balance I stick my wire strippers in there too keep it steady while I attach the remaining blades.

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Apprentice trouble

/u/Exciting-Assist1280 — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 18:50:53 -0500

hello

I am just an apprentice myself but i thinking im doing pretty well i have always been given my own jobs and task to do on my own

but lately Ive been given more responsibility and given two other apprentices to assist me but they are a-lot further behind in terms of skills and attitude

a-lot of my time is spent showing them but also fixing a-lot of their mistakes i find it very frustrating to deal with as one of them is a-lot older than me and wont listen as the excuse is your younger and just an apprentice as-well

my question is how should i deal with this as i think one of these days i will lose my temper.

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20-30 wire neutral connection

/u/Beat3000 — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 17:21:49 -0500

I’m installing this lighting system in a small restaurant. It’s a crestron lighting panel. Basically it requires a seperate leg off a relay for each “Dim mod number”. On the crestron panel it’s referred to as a channel. So I’m looking at pulling like 5-10 different legs to one box, with only 1 neutral and then out from there to the lights. In one area I have about 20 different whips to different rooms and different legs all coming back to one box. And they all share a neutral. Each room has about 1 or 2 small lights and requires a different leg. Typically for these small commercial installs I just use marrettes but I think I’m thinking there must be some product such as a Din rail block that supports all the connections neatly. You guys know of any products like this can you send me a link?

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Having trouble deciding between electrical engineering or being an electrician.

/u/lost_r1 — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 16:26:01 -0500

Im looking for some advice aswell as pros and cons to both. keep in mind im 21 and i work a dead end job. i had a 3.5 GPA in highschool but did struggle with some concepts in math including physics. i know if i put my mind to it i can get past the engineering in schooling and i know for sure i can definitely be an electrician. Need to decide between now and the end of july on either starting college or an apprenticeship, which ive had someone offer me already but i am not sure if thats better than trade school. either way looking for some advice- thanks. Career goals is owning a nice car and supporting a family. Yes, i understand these can be very different careers.

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Got shocked by ground

/u/BabysGotSowce — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 16:07:37 -0500

Figured 3 ft from utility mark was safe, anyone experience this before? I’m guessing exposed conductor undergorund and I hit in the voltage gradient

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Meter help! Clamp vs Fork, models

/u/HassleHofferr — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 15:21:53 -0500

Hey all!

JIW working in an industrial waste water setting. My T5-600 has served me well and have no plans to part ways with it! Apprentices…T-5, T-6…600, 1000…start with them, they’re great!

Recently promoted to foreman and kind of want to reward self with a new, fancier meter. Company supplies megohmmeter, but looking primarily at the Fluke 87v Max and Fluke 376 FC as my next meter. I find I’m doing more troubleshooting involving motors, VFD’s and some controls…

In my position, was curious what others would purchase. Doesn’t even have to be the two I’ve mentioned, but I’m leaning towards them. Not sure if I should prioritize a DMM or clamp. Perhaps what I should consider when deciding between the two. I see with the 87v I can later purchase the i400 for clamp functions? The iflex for the 376 looks really cool and useful…some of the things I’m trying to consider.

Thank you for any help! If you suggest a different meter please elaborate why! Appreciate you all and the help this subreddit provides!

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Tips Needed For Clearing Underground Conduit

/u/Jazzlike-Risk493 — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 14:03:21 -0500

Looking for any tips or tools that will help me clean concrete mud and debris from 1" PVC. Trailer mounted air compressor is getting air through from one end to the other.

On another run I made a tie wire hook on the end of one fish tape and was able to hook a loop of jetline from the other fish tape to pass a blockage but no such luck yet with this one.

No soda but some sort of acid like lemon juice mentioned in the comments?

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Considering self-employment

/u/ActualElvis — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 09:36:41 -0500

I've been licensed, registered, and insured as an electrical contractor so my weekend side jobs were legit. Considering trying to go full-time on my own. Curious how folks have done growing their business with local ads, referrals from Angie, Lowe's, HD, etc.

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Honesty about my rack

/u/Tennesyrian_ — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 09:09:17 -0500

I started electrical In April, I’m still learning shit and trying to do shit right. Roast it, judge it, critique it, praise it, I just wanna know if this shit looks half ass decent.

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What’s the best route/ options for journeyman electricians

/u/Fantastic_Most9751 — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 01:53:54 -0500

Jw that don’t want to become a foreman or anything in that manner but also don’t wanna be breaking their backs for 40 years what are some of the options?

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Confused between Norisys Cube, Schneider and North West Artisa switches for new house.

/u/ExactDesign8557 — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 00:44:41 -0500

Hi all.

Which out of the
following 3 options would be the best quality of modular switches and sockets
and other electrical accessories such as tv socket, telephone jack, bell push
buttons in terms of quality, life, trouble free operation?

Norisys Cube
North-West Artisa
Schneider

Thank you in advance.

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IBEW 553

/u/SignalExpensive6193 — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 00:40:49 -0500

Passes the aptitude test.Also had my interview with the committee.Waiting for email back saying I was accepted in.What should I expect if I do get accepted?Also if anyone has been to this specific IBEW how is it,hows the people and stuff like that?

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This is ok, right? Brazil

/u/lookielou81 — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 22:35:57 -0500

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Customer wanted to control the lights from his bedroom, he didn’t say which side of the wall.

/u/marcftz — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 20:32:08 -0500

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Can anyone know how I can get my 288 hours of educational training to get my jorneyman electrician license? (I already have my 8000 hours of field work)

/u/diegomendiieta — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 20:24:07 -0500

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Does everyone's tick tester eat through batteries?

/u/ifuccfemboys — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 19:18:27 -0500

It doesn't seem to matter what kind of batteries I buy but within a month the thing will start acting funny. If I subject it to any kind of vibration whatsoever it'll beep twice and shut off. I change the batteries and it'll be fine for less than a month and then start doing the thing again. The weird thing is that it'll be in that "half dead" state for several months before it becomes completely unusable. I bought a new one thinking mine was just defective but the new one does the same thing. Are the Klein/Wakee ones any better?

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The what?

/u/StoicWolf15 — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 19:01:33 -0500

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well that's one way to do it

/u/Global_Stranger_455 — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 18:46:37 -0500

Saw the sun today

/u/BasicallyAnApe — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 18:27:59 -0500

Made an oopsie during a demo/remodel today by jumping straight into taking down a light fixture before testing to see if the wires were hot or even acknowledging that the light was on. Now I have some battle damaged dykes and a JW that almost had a heart attack. Y’all be safe out there.

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For those that need it, the 10mm(s) are out there, in bulk

/u/WesLotts — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 18:15:14 -0500

Advance Auto Parts

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There’s gotta be an easier way though…..

/u/haole_bi — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 18:12:02 -0500

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ELECTRICIAN FUNNY GIFT

/u/4PFJustin — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 16:43:00 -0500

PLEASE HELP

My buddy graduated from his electrician school thing

I got him cigars, but I need something funny to give him

I dont know how to explain it, but are there like supplies that electricians go through often that they need but wouldnt expect anyone else to know?

Like as a bartender, I would say pens or something. Or I know how Ryobi is like a shitty brand so it might be funny to get him a Ryobi drill?

Ways to cover my bases with this corner protruding so much?

/u/Queasy_Pound9469 — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 16:12:53 -0500

I’m thinking of putting a bollard but the client is saying she’ll just put a huge potted plant there. I’m also telling her to widen the path with some bricks, where the dirt is, but looking for any suggestions as to how to cover myself from liability for when someone bangs their shoulder on this necessary corner piece.

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