Household items Archives - Nathan's Possibly Interesting web site

The hidden downside of surge protectors

September 4, 2025 by nzeldes

Lately the electrical system in my home got in the habit of shutting down unexpectedly. This did not happen by some faulty appliance tripping a fuse; we soon found that it was the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI, that anti-electrocution safety device) that was deciding to trip, but when we reset it the power stayed … Read more

The degradation of the clothespin

August 31, 2025April 10, 2025 by nzeldes

The humble clothespin is a ubiquitous item that has been with us for generations; and it is simple enough that you’d think it’s reached the point if utmost reliability. And yet, it seems that it is in fact very unreliable: clothespins break, they fall apart, they need constant replenishing… but I seemed to remember that … Read more