Piano Guidance
Photo by Tomas Anunziata Pexels Logo Photo: Tomas Anunziata

Is L1 power or neutral?

The faceplate of a single, one-way switch has two terminals: "L1" is the terminal to which the neutral core wire is attached - the blue wire (traditionally black, before the change).

Does ivory turn yellow?
Does ivory turn yellow?

Ivory and bone may develop an attractive brownish yellow "patina" over the years. This is the result of a natural aging process and, as there is...

Read More »
Can you move a piano in the winter?
Can you move a piano in the winter?

Since most moves take a long time, the best way to avoid harm to your piano is by protecting it with a cover to avoid any extra moisture. However,...

Read More »

The England and Wales Building Regulations do not require minor changes to your home's electrical system to be done by a qualified electrician. However, all work must meet standards outlined in the Wiring Regulations and, frankly, if you're in any doubt whatsoever, you'd be mad not to seek professional advice before attempting electrical work. It is also important to note that the colours of the "core" wires inside your home's electrical cables (used for all hidden, fixed wiring) have changed over the past four years to align with the rest of Europe. This is extremely important if you plan to carry out even the simple task of changing a basic light switch or plug socket. Whenever you do this (and read up before you do), study how the wires are attached before detaching them, and if necessary draw a diagram to ensure you reconnect the wires correctly. Note: Before you start either job, you must switch off your home's power at the main fuse box. To be extra safe, isolate the particular circuit you wish to work on by removing its circuit fuse (and putting it somewhere memorable!) or switching off and locking the relevant circuit breaker. You can check that the circuit is dead using a plug-in socket tester or, for a lighting circuit, a voltage tester.

Changing a light switch

A single, one-way light switch is the simplest arrangement of all: one light is controlled by just this one switch, making replacement of the switch relatively simple. Once you are certain the power for this circuit is off, unscrew the switch "faceplate" and gently pull it out so you can see the connected core wires behind. The faceplate of a single, one-way switch has two terminals: "L1" is the terminal to which the neutral core wire is attached - the blue wire (traditionally black, before the change). "COM" or "Common" is the terminal to which the live core wire is attached - this is the brown wire (formerly red). In photo B, you see a single, one-way light switch with old-coloured wiring. The earth wire (whose yellow-and-green colour is unchanged) should be fixed to the earthing terminal of the light switch's metal mounting box. If this is properly attached, you don't need to detach this to change the light switch. Simply release the live and neutral terminal screws, pull the wires out and connect them to the (correct!) terminals of the new switch. If you are in any doubt, draw a diagram before detaching the old switch. Warning: You must take extreme care when dealing with two-way or multi-way light switches, where more than one switch in the circuit controls the same light. Don't change these without doing serious homework first ...

Changing a plug socket

Again, the core colours have changed, from red to brown (live) and black to blue (neutral). Use a socket tester to double check the socket is dead before unscrewing the faceplate and freeing the neutral and live core wires. Connect the live core wire (or wires - there are usually two, and can be three) to the live terminal (L) of the new faceplate, the neutral to the neutral terminal (N) and the earth (yellow/green) wire to the earth terminal. Tighten the terminal screws and fit the new faceplate. Finally, use the socket tester again to check the socket is wired correctly. If in any doubt, call an electrician.

What is the hardest piece to learn on piano?
What is the hardest piece to learn on piano?

'La Campanella', which translates as 'little bell', comes from a larger work – the Grandes études de Paganini – and is famous for being one of the...

Read More »
How many chords are in one key?
How many chords are in one key?

seven chords There are seven chords for every key – one for every note in the scale. The harmonized chords in a Major scale always follow this...

Read More »

Is a keyboard more dirtier than a toilet seat?

According to a new study by CBT nuggets that exposes the germs in our technology, your laptop keyboard is 20,000 times dirtier than a toilet seat. The study swabbed office items and recorded how much bacteria was lurking in there, bacteria was measured in colony-forming units (CFU).

You might not be surprised to hear that the technology we use every day is less than sanitary, but it's much worse than you think. According to a new study by CBT nuggets that exposes the germs in our technology, your laptop keyboard is 20,000 times dirtier than a toilet seat. The study swabbed office items and recorded how much bacteria was lurking in there, bacteria was measured in colony-forming units (CFU). The dirtiest of all was your office ID pass (4,620,000 CFU per square inch) which had 243 times more bacteria than a dog's chew toy. Seriously. Computer keyboards were next (3,543,000 CFU) then your mobile phone (1,600,082 CFU) and computer mouse (1,370,068 CFU). To compare, the average toilet seat only has 172 CFU per square inch – and money, only has on average a mere five CFU per square inch. Read the full findings whilst frantically covering your desk and hands in anti-bacterial gel:

At what age Einstein learned violin?
At what age Einstein learned violin?

six Einstein was six when his mother Pauline, herself an accomplished pianist, arranged for him to take violin lessons. But the instrument was a...

Read More »
How far can a 7 year old jump?
How far can a 7 year old jump?

At this age: Your child can jump forward about 60 cm with both feet. They can jump on one foot 10 times while staying in one spot or moving forward.

Read More »
What instruments are in tiny dancer?
What instruments are in tiny dancer?

Personnel Elton John – acoustic piano, vocals. Caleb Quaye – electric guitar. B. J. Cole – pedal steel guitar. Davey Johnstone – acoustic guitar....

Read More »
Which piano is best for kids?
Which piano is best for kids?

Best Pianos For Toddlers GoPlus Classical Kids Piano. ... Best Choice Products Kids Classic Wooden 30-Key Mini Grand Piano. ... KORG Tiny Piano....

Read More »