Electrical contractor business
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Monday, February 28, 2011
What Type of Recessed Lights Work Best in a Kitchen?
The best kitchen lighting with recessed lights is obtainable through a combination of lights with different trims and baffles to provide extra lighting capabilities in certain areas and less in others.
Function
Ambient widespread lighting or direct downward lighting is each achievable with recessed lighting.
Types
Fixtures are available in standards line voltage, fluorescent or low-voltage halogen lights.
Countertops
Installing recessed lighting under kitchen cabinets lights the countertops in bright light. The lights will be about three feet from the counter so that they provide direct lighting. This enables you to see the countertops in your work area clearly.
Retrofits
Retrofit lighting kits are available to add recessed lighting in between joists in the ceiling. They slip into the ceiling with holes for the wiring. Recessed lights installed in the ceiling provide ambient light for the island area or the entire kitchen.
Baffles and Dimmers
Applying deep baffles and open trims on recessed lighting allows more direct and brighter light. Adding dimmer switches to each area of lighting allows you to use partial sections of lights or to dim sections when you do not need all of the lights on at once.
Function
Ambient widespread lighting or direct downward lighting is each achievable with recessed lighting.
Types
Fixtures are available in standards line voltage, fluorescent or low-voltage halogen lights.
Countertops
Installing recessed lighting under kitchen cabinets lights the countertops in bright light. The lights will be about three feet from the counter so that they provide direct lighting. This enables you to see the countertops in your work area clearly.
Retrofits
Retrofit lighting kits are available to add recessed lighting in between joists in the ceiling. They slip into the ceiling with holes for the wiring. Recessed lights installed in the ceiling provide ambient light for the island area or the entire kitchen.
Baffles and Dimmers
Applying deep baffles and open trims on recessed lighting allows more direct and brighter light. Adding dimmer switches to each area of lighting allows you to use partial sections of lights or to dim sections when you do not need all of the lights on at once.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
3 Tips for Smart Wiring Your House
Smart wiring is increasingly common in new homes, and many homeowners with older buildings are taking the time and effort to rewire their houses in this fashion as well. Specifically, smart wiring refers to a comprehensive wiring setup in a home, including all types of electrical power and wiring in each room. This allows for the greatest flexibility over the long term and as technology continues to advance. A smart wired house will not require remodeling or other modification when a new technology becomes available or if the owner decides to add an electrical device to any particular room. Smart wiring your home is an extensive process and can be expensive, so it's best to follow these tips in order to save time, money and effort.
Well-Placed Power Outlets
One of the most important but also frequently overlooked elements of a smart wiring project is the location and type of wall outlets. Generally, outlets should be every 5 to 8 feet in most rooms. Consider other factors while designing your smart wiring system, such as overall room use and ideal height positioning for wall outlets. Ideally, outlets should be readily accessible from any location in a home, but not glaring or overly visible.
Kitchens, bathrooms and utility closets often benefit from having wall outlets placed above the ground level. However, you may also want to consider the location of your furniture and potential future electrical needs in other rooms when deciding how to place your outlets. A bureau or dresser can conveniently cover a mid-level wall outlet that can be accessed from a number of different locations in the room.
Select the Proper Wire
A structured wiring system delivers all of the various types of cabling throughout the home. If you anticipate adjusting your electrical needs at any point in the future, a structured wiring system is ideal in terms of flexibility.
It is also important that you utilize types of wire that are well-suited for long term and varied use. Copper wiring is the material of choice when setting up smart wiring systems in a home, as it has a multitude of different uses and carries a low risk of fires and other damage. For further advice about materials and other wiring questions that you may have for your home in particular, speak with an electrician or a specialist at a hardware store.
Protect Against Surges and Other Damage
Electrical surges can damage or completely ruin a variety of electrical devices. Computer hard drives can be lost and other devices may be rendered unusable after a surge. To protect your electronic products against such an occurrence, invest in surge protectors to be placed at the head of each wiring system. You may also wish to further protect your television sets, computers and other expensive products with additional surge protective devices.
As with any other electrical or wiring project, it is best to work with an experienced professional if you lack experience. Wiring projects can be dangerous, and a professional will be best prepared to complete the installation project quickly and safely for less money.
Well-Placed Power Outlets
One of the most important but also frequently overlooked elements of a smart wiring project is the location and type of wall outlets. Generally, outlets should be every 5 to 8 feet in most rooms. Consider other factors while designing your smart wiring system, such as overall room use and ideal height positioning for wall outlets. Ideally, outlets should be readily accessible from any location in a home, but not glaring or overly visible.
Kitchens, bathrooms and utility closets often benefit from having wall outlets placed above the ground level. However, you may also want to consider the location of your furniture and potential future electrical needs in other rooms when deciding how to place your outlets. A bureau or dresser can conveniently cover a mid-level wall outlet that can be accessed from a number of different locations in the room.
Select the Proper Wire
A structured wiring system delivers all of the various types of cabling throughout the home. If you anticipate adjusting your electrical needs at any point in the future, a structured wiring system is ideal in terms of flexibility.
It is also important that you utilize types of wire that are well-suited for long term and varied use. Copper wiring is the material of choice when setting up smart wiring systems in a home, as it has a multitude of different uses and carries a low risk of fires and other damage. For further advice about materials and other wiring questions that you may have for your home in particular, speak with an electrician or a specialist at a hardware store.
Protect Against Surges and Other Damage
Electrical surges can damage or completely ruin a variety of electrical devices. Computer hard drives can be lost and other devices may be rendered unusable after a surge. To protect your electronic products against such an occurrence, invest in surge protectors to be placed at the head of each wiring system. You may also wish to further protect your television sets, computers and other expensive products with additional surge protective devices.
As with any other electrical or wiring project, it is best to work with an experienced professional if you lack experience. Wiring projects can be dangerous, and a professional will be best prepared to complete the installation project quickly and safely for less money.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Top 5 Best Rated Ceiling Fans
Here are some of the best ceiling fans according to ceiling fan ratings and based on user reviews and user functionality, expert reviews and design elements, and several other factors.
1. Westinghouse Contempra Trio 42-Inch
The Contempra Trio is part of Westinghouse’s Hugger ceiling fan series. It is specifically designed for low-ceilinged rooms because they tend to “hug” the ceiling since they don’t hang down the way other ceiling fans do.
The Contempra Trio comes with five blades of 42 inches but is fixed with a three-light light set. It is perfect for rooms of up to 18x20 feet in size. As for the décor, the timeless but contemporary style of the fan can fit right into any room theme with its brushed nickel finish, frosted globes for light, and reversible rosewood and maple blades.
2. Hunter Palermo 52-Inch Energy Star
One of the best rated ceiling fans targeted to large rooms is the 21617 Palermo 52-inch fan by Hunter. Hunter takes things one step further with the Palermo’s 5 sleek maple and cherry blades and brushed nickel base.
Hunter Palermo 52-Inch Energy Star
The fan also meets Energy Star requirements and can bring down energy costs.
If you are serious about getting a classic ceiling fan that’ll give your larger rooms justice, then this Hunter piece is definitely a great choice despite its $200 price tag.
It is equipped with a WhisperWind motor that offers 3 different speeds and 3 Installer’s Choice mounting positions to choose from. Each package will also ship with a full function remote control for easy operation along with a lifetime warranty.
3. Westinghouse Contempra IV Four-Light 52-Inch
Following Contempra Trio is Contempra IV, a 52-inch 5-blade fan with four ribbed globe light fixtures. At a price of $49.99, you already get enough air in mid-sized to large rooms. Like its predecessors, the IV hugs the ceiling as well. The blades are made of oak and walnut and are reversible. The standard bulbs for the light fixtures are already included in the package. The warranty included extends to 25 years.
4. Westinghouse Vintage Three-Light 52-Inch
Just half a point away from getting a perfect 5 star rating, the Vintage model from Westinghouse is definitely one of the best rated in the market.
Westinghouse Vintage Three-Light 52-Inch
For just $60, you can get a ceiling fan that’ll match your vintage décor but also go beyond aesthetics. Performance is impressive with the five 52-inch rosewood and maple reversible blades.
It also includes three frosted globe light fixtures. A special feature of this is the InstaLoc technology which helps make installation go smoothly.
5. Hunter Low Profile III 52-Inch Antique-Pewter
Ceiling fan ratings also love the $99 Low Profile III, a 52-inch ceiling fan with 5 white powerful blades that match the power of the fan’s WhisperWind motor. This can effectively reduce your electricity bill and is a very straightforward and functional machine with a low profile style. Gaining 4.7 stars, this is definitely one of the finest ceiling fans of today.
1. Westinghouse Contempra Trio 42-Inch
The Contempra Trio is part of Westinghouse’s Hugger ceiling fan series. It is specifically designed for low-ceilinged rooms because they tend to “hug” the ceiling since they don’t hang down the way other ceiling fans do.
The Contempra Trio comes with five blades of 42 inches but is fixed with a three-light light set. It is perfect for rooms of up to 18x20 feet in size. As for the décor, the timeless but contemporary style of the fan can fit right into any room theme with its brushed nickel finish, frosted globes for light, and reversible rosewood and maple blades.
2. Hunter Palermo 52-Inch Energy Star
One of the best rated ceiling fans targeted to large rooms is the 21617 Palermo 52-inch fan by Hunter. Hunter takes things one step further with the Palermo’s 5 sleek maple and cherry blades and brushed nickel base.
Hunter Palermo 52-Inch Energy Star
The fan also meets Energy Star requirements and can bring down energy costs.
If you are serious about getting a classic ceiling fan that’ll give your larger rooms justice, then this Hunter piece is definitely a great choice despite its $200 price tag.
It is equipped with a WhisperWind motor that offers 3 different speeds and 3 Installer’s Choice mounting positions to choose from. Each package will also ship with a full function remote control for easy operation along with a lifetime warranty.
3. Westinghouse Contempra IV Four-Light 52-Inch
Following Contempra Trio is Contempra IV, a 52-inch 5-blade fan with four ribbed globe light fixtures. At a price of $49.99, you already get enough air in mid-sized to large rooms. Like its predecessors, the IV hugs the ceiling as well. The blades are made of oak and walnut and are reversible. The standard bulbs for the light fixtures are already included in the package. The warranty included extends to 25 years.
4. Westinghouse Vintage Three-Light 52-Inch
Just half a point away from getting a perfect 5 star rating, the Vintage model from Westinghouse is definitely one of the best rated in the market.
Westinghouse Vintage Three-Light 52-Inch
For just $60, you can get a ceiling fan that’ll match your vintage décor but also go beyond aesthetics. Performance is impressive with the five 52-inch rosewood and maple reversible blades.
It also includes three frosted globe light fixtures. A special feature of this is the InstaLoc technology which helps make installation go smoothly.
5. Hunter Low Profile III 52-Inch Antique-Pewter
Ceiling fan ratings also love the $99 Low Profile III, a 52-inch ceiling fan with 5 white powerful blades that match the power of the fan’s WhisperWind motor. This can effectively reduce your electricity bill and is a very straightforward and functional machine with a low profile style. Gaining 4.7 stars, this is definitely one of the finest ceiling fans of today.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Why Is One Electrical Prong Larger Than The Other?
Canada and US wiring - To maintain the polarity of the neutral to the fixture. On a 15 amp receptacle the neutral is on the left side. When plugging a lamp fixture into the receptacle it can only go in the slots one way. This keeps the neutral to the shell of the lamp holder socket and the hot side of the cord to the center pin in the bottom of the lamp holder socket. By using this configuration a person won't get a shock if the shell of the lamp holder accidentally gets touched.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
How Do You Help A Victim Of Electrical Shock?
1. Call for help, if needed. then...
Make sure the electricty is off in the area of the victim in order to assure we don't accidentally injure rescuers. If you can't be certain of this, do not directly touch the patient -- use a non-conductive tool (perhaps made of wood), to move the patient away from the eleectical source. Note that rubber gloves may not provide adequate insulation. Be aware of ground water.
2. Ensure breathing and cardio. If not, resuscitate and/or administer CPR as needed. If CPR doesn't help, you can consider defibrilation, if the equipment is available. Get the victim stable before proceeding.
3. Treat for shock.
4. Examine for burns. Note that, with electrical burns, the current passes in a path from source to ground. If it passes through the body, it can cause damage all the way along the path, so you may want to look for "entry" and "exit" burns. Electrical burns can appear to be very small on the surface, but can widen within the body in a conical shape. Ergo, small surface burns to not conclusively allow you to rule out severe burns.
5. If burns are discovered, and especially the two-burn pattern, or the patient was unconscious, transport to a hospital.
Make sure the electricty is off in the area of the victim in order to assure we don't accidentally injure rescuers. If you can't be certain of this, do not directly touch the patient -- use a non-conductive tool (perhaps made of wood), to move the patient away from the eleectical source. Note that rubber gloves may not provide adequate insulation. Be aware of ground water.
2. Ensure breathing and cardio. If not, resuscitate and/or administer CPR as needed. If CPR doesn't help, you can consider defibrilation, if the equipment is available. Get the victim stable before proceeding.
3. Treat for shock.
4. Examine for burns. Note that, with electrical burns, the current passes in a path from source to ground. If it passes through the body, it can cause damage all the way along the path, so you may want to look for "entry" and "exit" burns. Electrical burns can appear to be very small on the surface, but can widen within the body in a conical shape. Ergo, small surface burns to not conclusively allow you to rule out severe burns.
5. If burns are discovered, and especially the two-burn pattern, or the patient was unconscious, transport to a hospital.
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