Overrating breakers, Pebble Tech
Fire hazards can be prevented by hiring insured electrical contractors; pool construction advice and tips
Question No. 1
Hi Robert,
My name is Flora M., and I live in Canyon Country.
We have a handyman that does a good job, and our BOD president is convinced that this handyman is also an electrician.
I’m not in agreement with this as this guy recently took a #20 breaker and replaced it with a #30 breaker. I’m not sure if this is correct, though the lights are now staying on. I’ve read enough of your articles to know about hiring the right person for the job, and any time electricity is involved, I get concerned. Please let me know.
— Flora M.
Answer No. 1
Flora,
If this handyman overrated the wire, meaning that the wire would burn before the breaker tripped, this building could be at great risk for a fire hazard.
I’m not an insurance agent, but I’m guessing that if the HOA has no documentation that they’ve hired a licensed contractor to perform such work, they are likely to not pay on any claim. That is the smallest of problems, however, the physical danger that your residents could be in is a much bigger issue and liability for the association.]
I highly recommend that you get a licensed and insured electrical contractor in there to verify that this handyman installed a breaker that is proper for the size wire. If it has been overrated, it needs to be changed immediately.
Good luck to you.
— Robert
Question No. 2
Hi Robert,
I’ve just recently begun reading your articles and have already learned so much.
Timing is everything, and we are in the process of having a pool put in. With regard to pool construction, I am not wellversed, but need to know about Pebble Tech.
Our pool installer is suggesting this over plaster, but we’d like to choose something that is of quality, as we are a younger family and can’t really afford errors or uneducated decisions on something so expensive. Do you know about Pebble Tech, and can you tell us what you think, please?
— Jim
Answer No. 2
Jim,
I know a bit about this product, and it is a beautiful looking choice in a pool.
It’s fine, but there is one thing I strongly suggest, and that is to not install this above your water line because it will turn opaque.
It literally turns yellow. I’ve seen it happen, and it looks horrible. The resin that the stone is mixed in weathers, and this is the effect.
Most companies will let you know this ahead of time, but always best to have this ammo in your back pocket to question your installer about. The water line is mostly referred to as the “scum line” in a pool, and the best choice of product for this area is tile.
Tile is more forgiving with the sun, easier to clean and you won’t have the resin issue to deal with. Above all, make sure that you get everything in writing and also remember that you ask to have a water miser installed.
It’s an auto filler much like a toilet filler valve.
An overflow drain is a strong recommendation also, it will keep things in check during rains or if your filler valve gets stuck open. This will allow any excess water to be drained through your drainage system versus a flooded yard.
A good recommendation for you would also be a whisper quiet pool pump, it’s one of the most efficient and, though more expensive in the outset, will save money over time. Good luck on such a fun project. Good family fun over the years.
— Robert
Robert Lamoureux has more than 38 years of experience as a general contractor, with separate licenses in electrical and plumbing contracting. He owns IMS Construction Inc. in Valencia. His opinions are his own, not necessarily those of The Signal. Opinions expressed in this column are not meant to replace the recommendations of a qualified contractor after that contractor has made a thorough visual inspection.
Email questions to Robert at robert@imsconstruction.com.