tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11304799141681201462024-03-05T02:08:21.271-08:00Renovation Station The home of Curiosity Built The Flat.
A blog about all things to do with new builds and renovations in Spain. From electrics, reforms, smart home technology and much much moreShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04013254883292783519noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1130479914168120146.post-45186946096382547102021-02-11T04:35:00.003-08:002021-02-11T04:35:45.996-08:00Update and fitting a Candy washing machine / dryer<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> The bathroom is almost finished. Just need to get the aluminium arm that connects the glass side panel to the ceiling. The company that fitted the bathroom have gone quiet, which is a bit worrying. But that's OK as they are now not going to be doing the kitchen.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXCwQ-Rpw24tA6JA1oGgs0NXC8CGsSkJZnZ94OhE7HxD3U0NW8OYonukkS03fStv4MzCYi-XlZh1WlwKQu_cqm_BMYzK65a3i1AFzQwDFwchmiKCutJdyz4HwHnGtnVe-NbFM_3fsDjfg/s1920/IMG_20210115_132350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1088" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXCwQ-Rpw24tA6JA1oGgs0NXC8CGsSkJZnZ94OhE7HxD3U0NW8OYonukkS03fStv4MzCYi-XlZh1WlwKQu_cqm_BMYzK65a3i1AFzQwDFwchmiKCutJdyz4HwHnGtnVe-NbFM_3fsDjfg/s320/IMG_20210115_132350.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unpacking the machine</td></tr></tbody></table>My washing machine arrived two weeks ago now. I must admit I was a bit worried if it would fit through the door of the bathroom. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Here it is being unpacked. Its a 9kg/6kg washer dryer from Candy and it can be controlled from your smart phone, more on that later.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The one I got wasn't the one I had originally planned for, and the bathroom door width was designed for the old one. This new one was 1 cm deeper. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">But as they say measure twice and cut once, so measured about three times and thought it will fit I have 0.5cm clearance, and I could always take the top off and it would be an easier fit. Taking the top off would make the whole thing about 2 cm less deep. Any way it fitted fine what was I worried about.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnj62cnYDXQOAw7D39Ju25hoDqXKsr-cbM9x4o0XAkmADK6WDyGe6hlO7Df2fXXP5jj2c6q9Y1BmIdBTVUiUJejhP8SS_4R072p_poE4gXVvcJ5C0sHd465dZI34Nk0Twj2WFKnAJjUPM/s480/1610731865771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="272" data-original-width="480" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnj62cnYDXQOAw7D39Ju25hoDqXKsr-cbM9x4o0XAkmADK6WDyGe6hlO7Df2fXXP5jj2c6q9Y1BmIdBTVUiUJejhP8SS_4R072p_poE4gXVvcJ5C0sHd465dZI34Nk0Twj2WFKnAJjUPM/w320-h181/1610731865771.jpg" title="Fitting it through the door" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Fitting it through the door</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">As you can see it went through the door with out any problems. Next I had to plumb it in. The tap had the wrong fitting on it and I had every adapter possible except the right one. A quick trip to the local DIY store remedied that and 45 minutes later I was plumbing the machine in.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqJoVndVRTbMQSBnJ2a3RIAaBOIsKe8pjh4oHjgzkdm8YFENOzKb66pTRl2SUW5G60lMlPBRk1g98QmikQ3hKwL1XjGNU-Zg5n67P14_NCNvkeTA9VUlAiFFYQyYT4Y88Ud95gZqXHjg/s480/1610734569895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="270" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqJoVndVRTbMQSBnJ2a3RIAaBOIsKe8pjh4oHjgzkdm8YFENOzKb66pTRl2SUW5G60lMlPBRk1g98QmikQ3hKwL1XjGNU-Zg5n67P14_NCNvkeTA9VUlAiFFYQyYT4Y88Ud95gZqXHjg/w181-h320/1610734569895.jpg" width="181" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Snug as a bug</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;">So now its all in place the next thing was to switch it on and try and connect it to the Candy SimplyFi app. The process was actually quite pain free. The only thing to remember is that if you ever change your router to set the WiFi ssid name and password to the same as the old one. Then you don't have to do the setup again.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Some things it can do are more gimmicks than useful. I can place my washing in front of the machine take a picture, from within the app and it will tell me what program to use. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The app itself is a bit slow and I think poorly coded, as sometimes it refuses to connect to the machine, or take ages to connect.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I know its the app, as I can connect to the machine via my web browser. But you get just a text based page with some cryptic headings and values. But these are useful, if you know what to do with them.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Using these cryptic headings and values, I have also managed to get it to talk to my home automation system. So I know the status, and how long is left to go. I am in the process of trying to decode the cycle phase of the program its on. Then I will know if its washing, spinning rinsing etc.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5cj6CUcgI4f-Le6ulxdQLe52Hir4iDu24mSkyutwKbKz1XWtCna8gTdK6tXMq_p1Bz-yqjBPySk1PLMpVvpbSIYihChIQRwanei59FsnNMo69lg1v0VPqm73OHJ4KgeqyiCCn4Fi7Fw/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="165" data-original-width="620" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5cj6CUcgI4f-Le6ulxdQLe52Hir4iDu24mSkyutwKbKz1XWtCna8gTdK6tXMq_p1Bz-yqjBPySk1PLMpVvpbSIYihChIQRwanei59FsnNMo69lg1v0VPqm73OHJ4KgeqyiCCn4Fi7Fw/" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>This picture show what my home automation displays about the washing machine. <br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In general I am very pleased with it but the app lets down what could be a very good product. You can save programs in a favourites folder, but there is no favourites folder available in the app. I also found out the the machine has an ESP module from Espressif Systems. These amazing programable wifi modules are in all sorts of things these days.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">So what's next well the kitchen, and the lighting in the lounge. I have just received an ESP module based LED controller (yes similar to whats in my washing machine). I will be using this to control a 5m LED strip in my lounge dining room. So watch this space.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04013254883292783519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1130479914168120146.post-8116310726624795552019-12-05T03:15:00.003-08:002019-12-05T03:15:33.194-08:00Calling in the Calvary and Channelling my inner Strawbridge.<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At the moment I am ripping out the bathroom, getting this ready for the builder, and playing where does this water pipe go. I am so glad I am re-plumbing the whole bathroom, whoever put the last lot of pipes in didn't do a very good job. A supposedly soldered joint came away in my hand not a good start, and that happened more than once, only a mater of time before it would have leaked everywhere.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> My builder came round the other day to check measurements and then came up with a rather nice idea, in order to maximise space he suggested putting in a pocket door, this means that the washing machine and hot water heater will now have their own space and I get a much bigger hall wardrobe. Like most changes it does mean the dining room concept I had with an L shaped bench seat has now changed into something simpler. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">In order to get everything ready for Christmas, I have called in the cavalry and have got a builder in to help me. Things are going up rather rapidly. This means everything should be ready in a couple of days, for the bathroom, rather than 5 or 6 days if I did it myself.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Builder Miguel and workmate working hard.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I think is very easy to under estimate the time needed to do things especially if you are doing it yourself. Just look at <a href="https://thechateau.tv/" target="_blank">Escape to the Chateau</a>, Dick and Angel Strawbridge know when they need help and when they can do it themselves. And also its knowing what help you need. Friends are a good source of free labour (well a few beers and a lunch out), but there are times when you need professional help. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Once the bathroom has been done I will post the before, during and after photos. So sometime after Christmas will be the next update.</span>Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04013254883292783519noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1130479914168120146.post-54971124951598494062019-09-05T05:16:00.002-07:002019-09-05T05:16:59.861-07:00Fans as in Ceiling not Football<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I bought two rather cool Bluetooth enabled ceiling fans online at the end of July and started putting them up a couple of days after I received them. </span></div>
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It was not as straight forward as I thought. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One shiny new fan in box</td></tr>
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Decided to just install one fan then a couple of days later install the other just in case there where problems with the first one. I must have had a psychic moment as you will see. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to add the earth wire</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fan 1.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The fans require an earth connection, there was no earth at the ceiling point, just live and neutral. </span></div>
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So had to run an earth wire, no real biggy but still a job I would rather not do as it always takes longer than you think. Top tip when pulling cables is to use some washing up liquid to lubricate the cable, works just as well as any special cable lubricating liquid which costs 5 times as much.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All folded, origami anyone?</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The fans came with a marking template which I thought was a good idea. The circular template was folded in half then folded in half again and pointy section (which is the middle when unfolded) was cut. This allowed me to place the template over the wiring and get the placement exactly where I wanted it. Marked the four holes.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimSDnYUiCEl9udRdioqpfPYjgvnfNtxDXmxTIz1vYTOvSSGHOA3yNWhKpKAXTw0Q3e8H4Wjri_PtJsmjvV1ZvDN5QMOsM24sDN29Cx2kIZnai5jpDIxaWu4n2RZjskVK4VY0eBvVDd_U/s1600/IMGP2212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimSDnYUiCEl9udRdioqpfPYjgvnfNtxDXmxTIz1vYTOvSSGHOA3yNWhKpKAXTw0Q3e8H4Wjri_PtJsmjvV1ZvDN5QMOsM24sDN29Cx2kIZnai5jpDIxaWu4n2RZjskVK4VY0eBvVDd_U/s200/IMGP2212.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A hole in the middle</td></tr>
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Drilled the holes, I always use my own rawlplugs rather than rely on the ones supplied. Inserted the plugs, and this is where the fun begins.</div>
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The fans are not that heavy but are definitely a two person job. So throwing caution to the wind, I decided to fit them on my own. Trying to hold the fan with one hand connect the wiring with the other would have probably made a hilarious comedy sketch and had me thinking about the Only Fools and Horses Chandelier moment. (Google it to find out more). Any ways connected the wires, fortunately the connector was a quick connector type rather than the traditional screw type so you can just about do it with one hand. </div>
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Next came the screwing it to the ceiling not as easy as it could have been. Again holding the now seemly getting heavier fan with one hand and screwing the screws in with the other, fortunately I only dropped one screw. After a few choice swear words managed to secure the fan to the ceiling. Turned the electricity back on and fan didn't work. @#?¿ I said. So switched the electricity off again climbed back up the ladder, undid the four screws, and the neutral wire had come out of the connector. So re-connected the neutral, screwed the screws back. By this time both arms where feeling rather numb. Switch the electricity back on and hey presto it worked. Downloaded the app as the fan can be controlled by an app or the supplied remote. And it worked for all of ten minutes, then it started having a mind of its own. The light changed from cool white to neutral to warm white and back again, the fan worked though. </div>
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More swearing this time I said &%$@ and other choice words of Anglo Saxon origin. Took the fan down, I think you know the sequence by now. Wired it up on my bed and plugged it in to a socket. Still bad. Had various theories from the flat above having a Bluetooth device that was interfering with it to demonic possession to it actually might be a bad unit.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhaNelBJQ0dgryWDsKwuIkHVjRpWTuw3d50o_tkWpj65kz0vhL35rKxz9ogwMq8JV2TZMxL7ApdNACcaSK9bGWs_Zky3bRa_NE1OJyEzQR1P6PyH4xjfTmIZ6WXpoF4n51jH5ES3ehLI/s1600/IMGP2210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhaNelBJQ0dgryWDsKwuIkHVjRpWTuw3d50o_tkWpj65kz0vhL35rKxz9ogwMq8JV2TZMxL7ApdNACcaSK9bGWs_Zky3bRa_NE1OJyEzQR1P6PyH4xjfTmIZ6WXpoF4n51jH5ES3ehLI/s200/IMGP2210.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fan Jigsaw puzzle </td></tr>
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Decided best course of action was to make a cup of tea. Then as I had a second one I fitted that one, and it worked fine. So put the lamp shade on and the air vent disc.</div>
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So it must be a dodgy unit. Wrote to the shop where I bought it from. I was quite lucky as I found out the shop is only an hours drive from where I live, and said I would come by the shop to pick a new one up. So four days later I picked up the new one. </div>
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Fan 1 was still working two weeks later so thought right lets install Fan 2 ( reminds me of Thing 1 and Thing 2)</div>
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Fan 2:</div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While doing the earth wire for the second fan I discovered that the old light was wired up incorrectly. Live came from the lighting circuit but the neutral was from the plug circuit, so had to correct that. Here in Spain all circuits have there own live and neutral, so when you switch off a circuit you not only switch off the live but also switch off the neutral. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Apart from the incorrect wiring the rest of the fan 2 install was a piece of cake. Ohh cake. Time for another cup of tea and did someone mention cake. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I now have two nice new ceiling fans in the bedroom. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHu8hXY85dzdyVi6FIdq9ZlaDWx02W0BFOArJaBHNMgJEuqsZp4p2kvXyDM8ru7ha8mpwDM8k4xoA8yzhwJDxyv4fBN0OkMVDtQ873gvBiYx9q-yhDIDzhW1WqT20ORBx5iIWbxIbOak/s1600/IMG_20190905_141433_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHu8hXY85dzdyVi6FIdq9ZlaDWx02W0BFOArJaBHNMgJEuqsZp4p2kvXyDM8ru7ha8mpwDM8k4xoA8yzhwJDxyv4fBN0OkMVDtQ873gvBiYx9q-yhDIDzhW1WqT20ORBx5iIWbxIbOak/s200/IMG_20190905_141433_1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ceiling fan</td></tr>
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Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04013254883292783519noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1130479914168120146.post-91394031682741913342019-08-12T02:59:00.003-07:002019-08-12T02:59:46.561-07:00Part 6<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So whats been happening this week then.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well temperatures are just above 30ºC and humidity is a good 70 to 80% so working on the apartment in this weather is quite a challenge. Apart from sweating out my body weight in water the rapid dry cement is drying too quickly by the time I have mixed it and got the first lump in to hold the back boxes in, the rest has dried. Adding too much water just makes in unworkable and very sloppy. So have changed to using a small amount of rapid dry cement and something called Yeso Contralado, its a type of gypsum based plaster and has a longer setting time than rapid dry cement but not as long as normal plaster. And mixing the two together gives a more manageable and still fairly quick drying solution.</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRZRiWpv6qYDM20l1X69iC-K-9_8bsdx66P0gcAU5wJTd-DpyqMtuKu5_dPL6fYJHhmcGCwNvwDqPvcOFlHTeAi37VFWY6xV2RLbGKI3WKtGSxgFIXXyxrAcFR1Sdd5zD7A9OzWBzTaA/s1600/IMGP2206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRZRiWpv6qYDM20l1X69iC-K-9_8bsdx66P0gcAU5wJTd-DpyqMtuKu5_dPL6fYJHhmcGCwNvwDqPvcOFlHTeAi37VFWY6xV2RLbGKI3WKtGSxgFIXXyxrAcFR1Sdd5zD7A9OzWBzTaA/s200/IMGP2206.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">UK back box </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This picture shows the UK style back box (in </span><a href="https://renovationspain.blogspot.com/2019/06/curiosity-built-flat-part-3.html" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">part three</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I wrote about the switches I had selected) in the wall, with top and right side cemented with rapid cement only. The lolly stick is there to stop the fixing screw holes brackets for the switches from moving during the cementing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since putting this one in I have found that a slightly modified euro back box also accepts UK style switches. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So will be using them from now on. The hole on the left goes through to bedroom 2 and to another back box.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZnkjYU0JMHGYNrs39lQVLC-2ladirpMFBs1Jcdp6EUXAIHifcvXSdl_6lGstDkPKXUODFtgK1Dj8dgy89XTqGQDGzyeIZdWfTVjpgAkWyU7_fY88XGjuczo3OXHzW7VU7y8uxStNl2c/s1600/IMGP2207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZnkjYU0JMHGYNrs39lQVLC-2ladirpMFBs1Jcdp6EUXAIHifcvXSdl_6lGstDkPKXUODFtgK1Dj8dgy89XTqGQDGzyeIZdWfTVjpgAkWyU7_fY88XGjuczo3OXHzW7VU7y8uxStNl2c/s200/IMGP2207.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is the hole in the bedroom ready for the back box and conduit from the other back box above. This will then connect up to a back box in the other bedroom and up to a junction box near the ceiling. </span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9YqPUL3_LEujYu9M2kftkvnQrU9H6SmizA-T_tn2DdPxzQ4RZ93nubaheUV4bI17eepVJ08-QTqDZ67kP3WQZtkgAUqlr-Mp_SCT4jrHfhWGBcEF3EtXJyoP7d7G4cNMC6F4-3UytRk/s1600/IMGP2208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9YqPUL3_LEujYu9M2kftkvnQrU9H6SmizA-T_tn2DdPxzQ4RZ93nubaheUV4bI17eepVJ08-QTqDZ67kP3WQZtkgAUqlr-Mp_SCT4jrHfhWGBcEF3EtXJyoP7d7G4cNMC6F4-3UytRk/s200/IMGP2208.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished lounge back box</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1CkDWBY-MSNBygnRTI5Oowu8yKIhZWEQ91AitAX0uJcUdLxCv6OfsfbOtuls4cKwrDybodW66UYnb2XuulZVDeeVtlFfBbVFgkXsCVUrEH6MopE8pr9y6Ey0coS0weaNT7QBz52w0R0/s1600/IMGP2218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1CkDWBY-MSNBygnRTI5Oowu8yKIhZWEQ91AitAX0uJcUdLxCv6OfsfbOtuls4cKwrDybodW66UYnb2XuulZVDeeVtlFfBbVFgkXsCVUrEH6MopE8pr9y6Ey0coS0weaNT7QBz52w0R0/s200/IMGP2218.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished bedroom back box</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Completed stage one of the back boxes for the bedrooms, and lounge. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fortunately the other switches are in the correct place, so no more back boxes for switches needed but still need them for the sockets. Like most older Spanish properties the number of sockets are rather sparse. So the plan is to add more, especially where the TV goes. So the plan is where there is a single socket (they are all single sockets) change them to doubles and put in either two doubles or a triple by the TV area. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Next part I will be putting up ceiling fans in the bedroom, this will hopefully alleviate some of the heat and make it bearable for the rest of the summer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04013254883292783519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1130479914168120146.post-60506356416235521192019-07-07T10:12:00.002-07:002019-07-07T10:12:39.127-07:00Curiosity Built the Flat Part 5<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More changes to the bathroom so I guess its now bathroom V2.2 now.</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Decided to change where the washing machine goes. This I hope will also save about €1000 euros in labour and construction costs. Amazing that just re-positioning the washing machine can save this amount of money. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the old plan the hallway wardrobe was going to be split into two separate cupboards. One becoming the new hallway wardrobe and the other going into the bathroom with the bottom part housing the washing machine. All this chopping and changing of the wardrobe amounted to about €1000 euros. So changing it will save about €1000.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I think doesn't look that bad.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xphd7eUfTtvrLDJlkYOJbOXJEBvkW8awQc465QSNmvepE81j63n7-kVVywnfedJUMoiJZ4ClG6x-C2KkBD1GMFR0iKyR2GGmnomaAMR98FjMHIUpsInzao2G7yFv-wjCVsxIW1yhSYM/s1600/Bathroom+new+version2.1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1200" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xphd7eUfTtvrLDJlkYOJbOXJEBvkW8awQc465QSNmvepE81j63n7-kVVywnfedJUMoiJZ4ClG6x-C2KkBD1GMFR0iKyR2GGmnomaAMR98FjMHIUpsInzao2G7yFv-wjCVsxIW1yhSYM/s200/Bathroom+new+version2.1.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old version layout</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the old layout with the washing machine in the revamped cupboard. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And this is the proposed new layout. I think it looks better.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDJdA1B0_5TbBT3RgdRigElEZQr4bhET4WOnRmqWx_vFk_OKPi3HyPZodNtMgZSReF6pxiMMQGIs3PQQUj0aQ0bmZFPq8b0wWdj7IJNtgEj6ksvm1ELgpOidy6QQrkDgCR3OP-OoYX5w/s1600/Bathroom+new+version2.3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="989" data-original-width="1600" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDJdA1B0_5TbBT3RgdRigElEZQr4bhET4WOnRmqWx_vFk_OKPi3HyPZodNtMgZSReF6pxiMMQGIs3PQQUj0aQ0bmZFPq8b0wWdj7IJNtgEj6ksvm1ELgpOidy6QQrkDgCR3OP-OoYX5w/s200/Bathroom+new+version2.3.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New version layout</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjk7R8ccI_6mIPFxwglMpJJuuABtqtqx2kH0AGNlT9hYcc1sdFdmBL3KtSD2URE-ufzXRTog5xpjI2Ljzyblu4m2JhV99xVz-sWEWPES431YZ2ZQQz-NMwY9KMLHBpbJmMvcNtqoq4zw/s1600/Bathroom+new+version2.4.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="1600" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjk7R8ccI_6mIPFxwglMpJJuuABtqtqx2kH0AGNlT9hYcc1sdFdmBL3KtSD2URE-ufzXRTog5xpjI2Ljzyblu4m2JhV99xVz-sWEWPES431YZ2ZQQz-NMwY9KMLHBpbJmMvcNtqoq4zw/s200/Bathroom+new+version2.4.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New layout showing spacing</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This other picture just gives an idea of spacing between toilet and sink. plenty of room. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Its always a worry when planning things that you will get the spacing wrong. No matter how many CGI models and plans you do, sometimes a bit of cardboard cut out to the right shape and laid out on the ground will give you a better idea. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photos below are showing the process I went through before coming up with the newer shower screen . Good old cardboard boxes.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlhfJePEZXaBj0ZcIuyfp3gTZzAyRetJB48gcsPupDZZPE4BEUzPgbhIBR1sgCRjRVJ_Hvb80yTm7Orep-ZAkEC3RwXuJ4_V9nR4FAGG3u0juQEkQV2fyZkjPsgZnEsVTBhJ6hrtZQBw/s1600/IMGP2205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlhfJePEZXaBj0ZcIuyfp3gTZzAyRetJB48gcsPupDZZPE4BEUzPgbhIBR1sgCRjRVJ_Hvb80yTm7Orep-ZAkEC3RwXuJ4_V9nR4FAGG3u0juQEkQV2fyZkjPsgZnEsVTBhJ6hrtZQBw/s200/IMGP2205.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing the 30cm gap</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKH6WfrgDH_v7CABc9erC9MPJe27eqpaAFE2hhMx8ZBZ6G0izTdFSw7me0HIy81p9ohlQNzZCYqKT2vOlzATA1bdiOkAhiwh_qojnw6H1ocVLI8JCmEylOUkCA1NEWTOHstkYpjTXY2rM/s1600/IMGP2203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKH6WfrgDH_v7CABc9erC9MPJe27eqpaAFE2hhMx8ZBZ6G0izTdFSw7me0HIy81p9ohlQNzZCYqKT2vOlzATA1bdiOkAhiwh_qojnw6H1ocVLI8JCmEylOUkCA1NEWTOHstkYpjTXY2rM/s200/IMGP2203.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New 110cm shower screen set up.<br /></td></tr>
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Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04013254883292783519noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1130479914168120146.post-13957366040434052792019-07-01T14:10:00.000-07:002019-07-01T14:10:48.579-07:00Curiosity Built the Flat Part 4<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> So whats been happening.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Well I have had the quotes in and while the prices aren't bad individually, add them all up and its way over budget.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Looked at what the kitchen installer wanted to charge for the appliances, and it was rather a lot. So went online and after a quick Google found I could reduce the bill by €1500 which is quite a saving. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> So I have started looking at other areas of the quote, and I think we might be able to shave a bit off here and there. We are close but the final amount needs to come down. If not I won't have the all important contingency plan, if certain things take longer than planned or something unexpected crops up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Unfortunately the installer is in Switzerland installing at the moment so will have to wait until he gets back.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So watch this space.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04013254883292783519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1130479914168120146.post-76582418459339447652019-06-17T14:37:00.000-07:002019-06-17T14:37:09.563-07:00Curiosity Built the Flat Part 3<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>More changes, so I am now calling it bathroom 2.0.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2_8Ws8cF2wjW3XatcEusiZixfVEFaSRM_LJ6mUzGEYqkPItVlRL1u4UOhdwvJ6uM5gfJIYC4OqNWPA8f9p1bprwBvHG_GIpIgeLu1oINY8tf41jOviONZrQcH_KPWn36nA36pmIrw2M/s1600/Bathroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="871" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2_8Ws8cF2wjW3XatcEusiZixfVEFaSRM_LJ6mUzGEYqkPItVlRL1u4UOhdwvJ6uM5gfJIYC4OqNWPA8f9p1bprwBvHG_GIpIgeLu1oINY8tf41jOviONZrQcH_KPWn36nA36pmIrw2M/s200/Bathroom.jpg" width="199" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plan of bathroom</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> The bathroom needs a little tweaking. Thu builder suggested a large shower tray measuring 160cm by 80cm the space width is 85cm. The length of 160cm means there is only a gap of 30.5cm at one point, so you would be unable to get to the sink. So I think the shower should be maximum of 110cm by 85cm. And the 5cm gap at the side would be difficult to clean, and may be a nice place for mould to grow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After a day of searching on the internet I found a company that will make shower trays and cubicles to measure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The price isn't that bad either no different than an off the shelf one.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Good job a saw this now and not when the builder starts. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.loxone.com/enen/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/11/IG_touch-tasterbelegung.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="253" height="200" src="https://www.loxone.com/enen/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/11/IG_touch-tasterbelegung.png" width="196" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loxone Touch Switch<br />Photo from Loxone</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I have also been searching for some nice switches. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I will be renting the apartment out in the summer, I need something that is practical and works with the Loxone automation system. While touch switches from Loxone look good, I feel for rental purposes they need to be easy to operate, and the touch switch would require a small instruction manual as they have 5 zones, each one can be programmed to do what you want. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.retrotouch.co.uk/user/products/00252_Retrotouch%20Crystal_4_Gang_%20Light%20Switch_Plain%20Glass_White_Angle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://www.retrotouch.co.uk/user/products/00252_Retrotouch%20Crystal_4_Gang_%20Light%20Switch_Plain%20Glass_White_Angle.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Retrotouch Light Switch<br />Photo from Retrotouch</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> And a push switch doesn't need instructions as everyone knows how to use a light switch. The only difference is these are retractive or push switches (think like a bell push in operation). Its taken quite a while and a few dead ends. One supplier actually stopped producing the switches I really liked. But I persisted and have found these switches from a company called <a href="https://www.retrotouch.co.uk/" target="_blank">Retrotouch </a>. They even have little pips on each switch that glow in the dark. The face place is made of glass. All I have got to do now is work out how many I need and of what type, and how to connect them up to the Loxone system. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> The loxone system allows for multi click switches which cuts down on the number of switches, but again for rental purposes I won't be doing this. I will actually have two files for the Loxone mini server. One for when I live there and another for when the place is rented out. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywSw23oZbHECtxbmahapmr-NHKY4szyKZC2YeXRIK38rRBfn0vQkmpVFvqkI5tUJsDL4_A7YFfNNgoGJo_KN4SKkBU3cYPIBkqqJDYX1BzkUp79RscXHlXZqQd-inTGuP6q7aasZ3TVc/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywSw23oZbHECtxbmahapmr-NHKY4szyKZC2YeXRIK38rRBfn0vQkmpVFvqkI5tUJsDL4_A7YFfNNgoGJo_KN4SKkBU3cYPIBkqqJDYX1BzkUp79RscXHlXZqQd-inTGuP6q7aasZ3TVc/s200/6.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The other thing I have been thinking of is energy saving. I don't want the AC's left on when no-one is in the apartment. The hotel key card system works quite well and can save up to 30%, but they are not fool proof and all you need to do is put a normal card in the slot and it will give you power. I have found a system that requires a special magnetic key to be put in the slot to give you power. What I want the system to do is when the key is removed it will turn off the AC and switch off the lights after a set time of about 30 seconds. Just got to find a supplier who doesn't want me to buy 30 of them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span>Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04013254883292783519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1130479914168120146.post-24137237680936380422019-05-01T04:36:00.001-07:002019-05-01T04:36:10.039-07:00Curiosity Built the Flat Part 2<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Planing the renovation</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My builder came round last week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We spent nearly 2 hours discussing the main areas of renovation. The kitchen will be how the new plans show. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The main change is in the bathroom. So what are the changes? Well these are moving the washing machine to a cupboard in the hallway but putting it so you can access the washing machine from the bathroom, the water heater will also go in the cupboard. The shower will now go where the washing machine and sink were. The sink will no go where the bath was.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As you can see a complete change for this room, I think the only thing that's in the same place is the towel rail and of course the toilet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Its important to get these things right at this stage, doing it when you have re-done the plumbing etc is going to cost more. A good builder is worth their weight in gold. They simply know what works and what doesn't. So listen to them. You can always find a compromise if you need to. </span>Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04013254883292783519noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1130479914168120146.post-58144149154521612352019-04-02T03:31:00.000-07:002019-07-06T03:40:00.128-07:00Curiosity Built the Flat Part 1<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The purchase of the apartment happens next week, so as a taster here are the original plans and then the potential new plans.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxTs4Vkx6UnVcHaGmsv58uS4wlezi1mvtg7yXJ9whAlSnFjTYRBU8cgobbtUUapeujZIOvFFuOyzxCQi9ucgKgfIGwPFHoIJFEVGo3ZDgVp0wMpbSWSqmxDsqtD6Mi4nEj7Hues8E-KY/s1600/old+plan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1085" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxTs4Vkx6UnVcHaGmsv58uS4wlezi1mvtg7yXJ9whAlSnFjTYRBU8cgobbtUUapeujZIOvFFuOyzxCQi9ucgKgfIGwPFHoIJFEVGo3ZDgVp0wMpbSWSqmxDsqtD6Mi4nEj7Hues8E-KY/s200/old+plan.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Plan</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4U2o6AHpp9bY3a6lyoVfSCDW3-TN__MK3RxYDjxeoLVp6CGuGv6npi1feHn7QrUrzuP0FNqUOuPirzrFZxgp5QYAj-JDnRIM1TOmPtlRWZUB9C6DMAAuF9mTV2QjvKcezh3SQeG1GLE/s1600/New+Plan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="1085" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4U2o6AHpp9bY3a6lyoVfSCDW3-TN__MK3RxYDjxeoLVp6CGuGv6npi1feHn7QrUrzuP0FNqUOuPirzrFZxgp5QYAj-JDnRIM1TOmPtlRWZUB9C6DMAAuF9mTV2QjvKcezh3SQeG1GLE/s200/New+Plan.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Plan</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As you can see all the rooms apart from the kitchen stay the same in size. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We will be knocking out the wall between the utility room and the kitchen, to make a larger and better functioning kitchen. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://3dth.is/?LTMyMDg2NDk" target="_blank">Here is a link to see a morphing animation from old to new </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">More photos next week once I move in 😎 .</span></div>
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Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04013254883292783519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1130479914168120146.post-48438736437551634042019-03-11T16:16:00.006-07:002019-03-24T09:28:57.089-07:00Part 3. The 3 most Common Electrical Problems and How to Solve them.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. The ICP has tripped. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Whats an ICP I hear you cry. ICP stands for Interruptor de Control de Potencia. It basically limits the amount of power coming into your home. If you use more power than you are contracted for it will trip. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> The ICP if you like can be thought of as a security mechanism. And it is a compulsory requirement. These days they are within the smart meters that the electrical supply company fit. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xcwTHYT73GPVKB7k866wMGr6XERZeYeM6xwCg_nCjvb_2J027tVQPMriBpnWaGgCyEYkEKtxWhzzo__GFCvJWHLLIxls-dd62AK4mOJGQzPG0WH5OyJTmAWOdtRLClC0VH5VyWW1O-c/s1600/ICP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="828" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xcwTHYT73GPVKB7k866wMGr6XERZeYeM6xwCg_nCjvb_2J027tVQPMriBpnWaGgCyEYkEKtxWhzzo__GFCvJWHLLIxls-dd62AK4mOJGQzPG0WH5OyJTmAWOdtRLClC0VH5VyWW1O-c/s200/ICP.jpg" width="103" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ICP</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Houses that don't have a smart meter will often have a separate breaker near the consumer unit. This will also have at least one if not two security tags in diagonally opposite corners, this is to prevent tampering.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Picture on the left showing an old fashioned style ICP. Notice the security tags. Some older properties may have this and a smart meter. So its worth checking if you have a smart meter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>So what do you do if the ICP trips. Smart meter version.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. Check that neighbours have power and nothing has tripped in the house. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2a. If neighbours have power and nothing has tripped. If you can access your smart meter, then there is normally a green button located on the front which you press, and that's it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2b If you do not have access to your smart meter, this is mainly in apartments or rental villas, then you will need to switch off all the breakers in the consumer unit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. Once you have switched off all the breakers, you will need to wait about 20 seconds.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4. After 20 seconds switch the breakers back on.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUNAQfD9rleT-X4lhS8bxcdTzag3bxS88Brvn9JHAORCZit8LZF3qt3bZ3mpkiWzsGkjXhSvxREPbOo-uLzCkg6jh9vSAX4SutefYuFgnevSfwZRLLSUbn3JEGL2S02aYju3sHdPM2Lk/s1600/smart+meter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="557" data-original-width="476" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUNAQfD9rleT-X4lhS8bxcdTzag3bxS88Brvn9JHAORCZit8LZF3qt3bZ3mpkiWzsGkjXhSvxREPbOo-uLzCkg6jh9vSAX4SutefYuFgnevSfwZRLLSUbn3JEGL2S02aYju3sHdPM2Lk/s200/smart+meter.jpg" width="170" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Copyright Sogecam</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Picture showing a Sogecam smart meter notice the green button to the left of the display, this is the ICP reset button.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Non smart meter version.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Check that neighbours have power and nothing has tripped in the house. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If neighbours have power and nothing has tripped. T</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">hen you will need to switch off all the breakers in the consumer unit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. Wait 15 to 20 seconds, and turn the breakers back on, and don't forget to switch the ICP back on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If the ICP trips on a regular basis it maybe time to upgrade your electricity.</span>Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04013254883292783519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1130479914168120146.post-29637120649168823822019-01-29T07:17:00.002-08:002019-02-18T13:22:15.949-08:00Part 2. The 3 most Common Electrical Problems and How to Solve them.<h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. A breaker has tripped.</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This happens when </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the live wire (brown or black) touches the neutral wire (blue), or excessive current consumption in the tripped circuit. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The factors that can cause this are ;</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Faulty wiring insulation.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Loose wiring connections.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Faulty wiring in a plug.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Too many things plugged into a socket.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Faulty appliances</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>1. Faulty wiring insulation</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b> </b>This is why its a good idea to get your wiring checked in your house or apartment. With older wiring the insulation can deteriorate and expose bare wires. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Also be careful when hanging pictures as you might accidentally screw into a conduit carrying mains electricity. So if the trip occurs after some DIY its a good bet that, you either drilled into a mains conduit or a screw or nail is the culprit to the short circuit. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>2. Loose wiring connections</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Over time and due to thermal expansion, it is possible for connections to become loose, more so with screw type terminals, than the newer clamp style. So as the wire becomes loose the likely hood of it touching something it shouldn't becomes greater and it trips the circuit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>3. Faulty wiring in the plug</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b> </b>This can be similar to above or due to mechanical damage to the cable. Vacuum cleaners are a good one where the lead to the cleaner gets sucked up. Another one are power tools, especially angle grinders and lawn mowers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>4. Too many things plugged into a socket</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> This can be very dangerous. Often it happens when a hairdryer is plugged into a circuit, the reason is the circuit is now consuming more current than the breaker is rated for. Often its not until a breaker trips that you find exactly what is connected to that circuit, it maybe more than you think. Other problems are that too many appliances on one socket can cause the either wiring to get hot and melt the insulation or the socket itself to melt. There is also a strong risk of fire as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>5. Faulty appliances</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b> </b>This is often through age of the appliance and a fault has occurred within the appliance. The worst culprits tend to be tumble dryers, washing machines, dishwashers and electric ovens.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> If this is the cause then best call out the service engineer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So you have a tripped circuit breaker what do you do next.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The procedure is ;</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Find your fuse box or consumer unit and locate the tripped breaker.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Try and remember if it tripped because you just plugged something in. If so unplug it, and switch the tripped breaker on. If it trips again then, follow the steps below.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Inspect power cords that are plugged into this circuit, one could be damaged unplug the damaged one and try again. Repeat if necessary. If it still tripping.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Make sure everything on the tripped circuit is switched off. Then switch the trip back on. If OK then try switching everything back on again one at a time and if it trips when switching something on then its either the appliance or the wiring that is at fault.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Repair the faulty wiring or appliance, this step may require the assistance of a profesional.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If there is no obvious problem and it is still tripping then its going to need a qualified electrician to sort it out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> It is possible that the breaker itself is faulty, it does happen from time to time even so get an electrician to sort it out.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In part three we will look at what happens when the ICP (Interruptor de Control de Potencia) trips.</span></div>
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Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04013254883292783519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1130479914168120146.post-58218994887359241252019-01-25T02:56:00.001-08:002019-01-29T07:23:35.347-08:00Part 1. The 3 most Common Electrical Problems and How to Solve them. <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is usual that in any house, from time to time, we have to solve some type of electrical fault. Most are solved in a quick and simple way with just a basic knowledge of electricity</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Of course, the problems that I will be describing to you below have an easy solution; But if you suffer a major electrical fault or have serious doubts about your ability, my recommendation is that you hire the services of a professional electrician.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>1. The house has no electricity and the differential has tripped.</b></span></h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCugh8sU1VuHKA9N0dYWlHn4PF5YNYyJlMk431glYi5zCHjIxxl2SlDD8_hkmAMDtkElaZcnqC2QrK7RDsuNA1uvXz10-3EkDhZH3B0AtdZ8xUx42Zn4Y30onqdIZm69tdAxDEqxtbf2E/s1600/Differential.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="245" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCugh8sU1VuHKA9N0dYWlHn4PF5YNYyJlMk431glYi5zCHjIxxl2SlDD8_hkmAMDtkElaZcnqC2QrK7RDsuNA1uvXz10-3EkDhZH3B0AtdZ8xUx42Zn4Y30onqdIZm69tdAxDEqxtbf2E/s200/Differential.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b> </b>Whats a differential I hear you ask well they look like this. Colours may vary. The yellow button is a test button and this should be pressed every 3 months to see if the differential trips.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> The differential has several functions within the house. It protects you from being electrocuted should you touch a bare live wire. And it detects any leakage of electricity. In normal operation the current flowing in the two wires (live and neutral) will be the same. When they are not the same due to a fault the diff will trip. The ones found in Spain also have over current protection as well. So if you are trying to use more current than you are allowed it will trip. This was common in older houses, and a cheap and <b>not recommended upgrade</b> was to increase the amperage of your differential. You should always contact your electricity supplier to upgrade your supply. All houses now have either a mechanical ICP (Interruptor Control de Potential) or its built in to your smart meter to prevent illegal upgrades.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So what do you do if you have tripped your differential. I always recommend </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Switch off all the breakers in your fuse box (consumer unit). </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Switch on the differential, some models, require you to push it down first then up.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then gradually switch back the other breakers.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That should be it. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What if </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the differential trips when switching a breaker back on? then;</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Repeat the process above but leave problem breaker off and continue, you may have more than one problem. If the problem is only with one breaker check to see what is plugged into that circuit, and unplug everything and then switch the breaker back on.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> If its OK then the trip could be caused by over current or a problem with what is plugged in. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have tried everything and even switched the breakers on in a different order, and it still trips. What do I do now?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Leave everything for a couple of minutes then try again. Next stop is to call an electrician. The more information you can give him the quicker it can often be fixed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And please remember any doubts, call an electrician.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04013254883292783519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1130479914168120146.post-29279484867709937202019-01-23T15:20:00.002-08:002019-01-23T15:20:27.034-08:00A Warm Welcome<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a brand new blog that's going to be looking at all things to do with renovation and new builds in Spain. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Some our first posts will be about electrics, since this seems to be a common topic and various Facebook groups to do with Spain. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> We will unlock those mysteries of Spanish electrics, lay to rest some of the myths that a bloke down the pub tells everyone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like anything to do with DIY and building please use qualified trades people if you feel unsure about trying to any work yourself. Its better to be safe than sorry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Renovation Station can not be held liable for any damages, accident, injury or death resulting from any of the subject matter within this blog.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So watch this space.</span>Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04013254883292783519noreply@blogger.com0