NEXT DIY: Undermount Microwave

After about three years of use, the GE (piece of crap) Spacemaker XL1800 started falling apart. First the door handle ripped off, then the door itself started cracking apart. I called GE to find out the replacement part costs and decided to hold off and just replace the entire unit. Forward two years and three mighty putty applications later...


I decided to run over to the "new" Sears warehouse in East Norriton to see if they had any good deals, but their supply of black undermount microwaves were limited and upwards of $350. Plan B: I re-activated my Consumer Reports account online for a one month subscription of $5.95 and found the number one microwave in its class: SMH9187B. I searched around and I found it online for $279. One appliance store was charging $99 for shipping. Then I found one at Lowes on Columbus Blvd, but they only had one in stock and it was the floor model. I talked my wife into driving down with me to check it out. Turns out it was in great condition, and the agent who helped me took $70 off for the floor model!!

During the drive home I memorized the instructions manual. The total swap took about 45 minutes, but mostly because the old and new microwave were indentical in size so we were able to use the existing wall mount bracket. Huge time saver.

STEP 1:

Remove power from old microwave.

STEP 2:

Detach the duct tape from the vent.

STEP 3:

Place support underneath the microwave so that it wont fall when removing the securing bolts from the top. In this case, I stacked some coolers and a book.



STEP 6:

Remove the three bolts from the top.



STEP 7:

Tilt the face of the unit down, then lift off of the wall mount support lip.



STEP 8:

Replace the new microwave... Having two people definitely helps make it easier.



STEP 9:

Make sure the duct is retaped securely, then plug in, power up and test!

Dimmer Switch: Check

After years of thinking about doing some type of minor home electrical project and never having the nerve to try something for fear of burning the house down, I finally bit the bullet with a dimmer light switch and it worked on the first try!

STEP ONE:

Turn off the power at the electrical panel for the specific area.

STEP TWO:

Remove the face plate.


























STEP THREE:

Remove the screw securing the existing switches to the outlet box, the pull them out so that you can see the wires and screw caps with clarity.


























STEP FOUR:

For a novice like me, using an electric tester could be the difference between success and singeing the hair off of your arms.


























STEP FIVE:

Read the instructions on the dimmer packet carefully. I learned from the instructions that we have a single pole dimmer and not a 3 way. You can also find good instructions Here.

STEP SIX:

While removing the wires from the existing switch, I noticed that one of the black shielded wires had been exposed for a connection that was no longer needed so I wrapped the exposed area with electrical tape.


























STEP SEVEN:

Test by turning the switch at the panel ON.

STEP EIGHT:

Replace all of the parts, and if your not a rookie (like me), you will make sure that the dimmer slides down for off and up for high. I might fix that later if if bothers me, but for now, everything works and there is no strange burning smell so I'm psyched. That was pretty easy!

BMW i3 Electric City-Car Concept

http://www.caranddriver.com/news/car/11q3/bmw_i3_concept-official_photos_and_info