Wednesday 14 November 2012

your phone system and you

Phone technology has changed a lot in the past decade or two. The rise in popularity of cellular phones has made communication a near constant possibility, no matter where you are. Home phones, too, are more complex than ever before, and homeowners have several options for home phone service that simply weren't around in past years. Though repairs to a telephone itself are much more complicated than they were in the past, many homeowners will find that modern phone system repair is not as different from phone system repair in the past as they might imagine.
Phone System Repair Basics
When your home phone is on the fritz, your service professional will need to know where the equipment is, be able to gain access to it, and may require additional information such as the ID for the bad circuits, whether or not anyone has recently moved, added, changed, or reconfigured your telephone equipment, and a timetable of symptoms leading up to the failure.
In resolving phone failures, usually a person assigned to administer the PBX will be able to examine logs and other indicators to determine what the failure is. Both the cause, and scope of the failure must be determined.
Outside or Inside Wiring
The most basic question is simply whether the problem exists with the outside wiring (the telephone company's responsibility) or with the inside wiring (the homeowner's responsibility). When you experience problems with your home phone, the first thing to do is to try plugging your phone into a jack in a different area of the house. If all of the jacks in your house are malfunctioning, it is likely that the wiring leading to your house is the problem. If only one phone jack is giving you trouble, then the issue is inside the house. It is also a good idea to try a different phone in the offending jack, to make sure that the problem doesn't stem from the phone itself malfunctioning.
If the problem is with the outside wiring, this requires calling the phone company that owns the circuit, and identifying the circuit by an ID provided when the circuit was installed. It's an excellent idea to have the circuit ID written down and easily accessible. The phone company doesn't keep records of circuit IDs. But it can't identify the circuit without the ID. If the number can't be easily found, tracking it down becomes a very difficult, lengthy, and expensive task.
Hire a Handyman for Phone System Repair
If the problem is inside, you may want to contact a handyman service to identify and fix the issue. Since phone wiring inside the house is your responsibility, it makes sense for simple indoor phone system repair to be bundled with other small jobs such as fixing leaky faucets or squeaky doors. Let the handyman service know the tasks you have in mind when you contact them to make sure that the service professional they send can bring all the proper equipment for their visit. This will save you money and time by reducing unscheduled trips to the hardware store.


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bang for your buck electrical upgrade!

With the large amount of electrical equipment found in the modern home, it's no wonder that electrical upgrades are becoming more common. Handling the electrical needs of today's homeowner is no small task, and to keep everything running smoothly, new electrical wiring is often a necessity, especially in homes built many decades ago. If you are considering an electrical upgrade for your home, there are a few things you should be aware of; an electrical wiring project is no small task, and the more you know about what's available, the better you'll be able to communicate to your contractor what you expect from the job.
Planning an Electrical Wiring Project
A large electrical wiring project adds a considerable load to your main electrical service. In about 25 percent of all homes, some type of service upgrade is needed before new wiring can be installed. For example, many homeowners will need to replace an older 60-amp electrical service with a new service rated for 100 amps or more. A licensed electrician is needed for a job like this.
Careful planning of a wiring project ensures that you will have plenty of power for present and future needs. Whether you are adding circuits in a room addition, wiring a remodeled kitchen, or adding an outdoor circuit, consider all possible ways the space might be used, and plan for enough electrical service to meet peak needs. One of the worst things you can do as a homeowner is to spring for an electrical upgrade that doesn't upgrade enough. With technology getting bigger and better, it's important to make sure that your electrical wiring isn't simply good enough for now, but good enough for whatever may come in the future.
Electrical Upgrades for Your Circuit Breaker
Electrical wiring is not a job for most homeowners to tackle themselves, but it is a good idea to know a little about what will be required to bring your house up to speed when talking with your contractor.
One way to plan a new wiring project is to look in your main circuit breaker. Though some homeowners might be intimidated by their circuit breaker, most should easily be able to find the size of the service, and read the amp rating printed on it. In most cases, 100-amp service provides enough power to handle most loads. A service rated for 60-amps or less may need to be upgraded.
Look for open circuit breaker slots in the main circuit breaker panel. You will need one open slot for each 120-volt circuit that you may plan to install, and two slots for each 240-volt circuit. If your main circuit-breaker panel has no open breaker slots, you will need to have a sub panel installed.
Electrical Inspectors
Remember, all electrical wiring work requires review by your local electrical inspector to make sure the changes conform to local electrical and building codes. Failure to have proper permits and inspections can cause problems that can cost far more time and money than some homeowners (or unscrupulous contractors) may think they can save by doing work "under the table." You could have trouble reselling your home in the future, or worse, your homeowners insurance could refuse to cover your loss in a house fire because the house was altered illegally

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safety in the walls of your home

Your electrical box is the spot where electricity from the grid connects to your home. From here your breaker box divides up the electrical source to different rooms and different areas of your home. This is just the basics of your home electricity. While many people know how to turn a breaker back on when one has flipped, not very many homeowners understand the importance of the age of the wiring in their homes, current regulations, and scary potential of losing your home to fire because of an old fuse box.
If Your Home Is More Than 15 Years Old
Older homes are in more danger of fire hazards than new ones, simply because of the electrical. Insurance companies will not insure homes that have solid evidence as having the old porcelain knob circuitry and old fault wiring in general. This is basically gasoline and matches behind your walls, and it won't take too much load to cause a fire.
The problem for insurance companies is that your home inspector is not allowed to dig into your walls for any reason, not for termites, leaks, or checking the viability of a certain material. As such, a home inspector cannot say for certain that a particular home has a particular grade of wiring. The existence of 2-pronged outlets rather than 3-pronged is a definitive sign that the wiring is very old.
However, new regulations have made it so that a home electrical box has to be attached outside the home. This regulation was imposed in part by the fire department, which has proven that it is advantageous to have the electrical panel on the exterior of the home so that when fire fighters arrive at a home that is aflame, they can quickly shut off all the electricity to the house. This was imposed all over the country 15 years ago, and as a result of how long it takes new regulations to take effect, homes that are 12-15 years old and younger have exterior breakers.
What This Means for You
The average age of home across the country is 44 years old. This means that the majority of homes need an electrical upgrade to carry the average load in this technologically dependant time.

No matter if your electrical box is inside or outside, what you need to realize is that the wiring and electrical panel in older homes was designed for very low loads. If you go 20 years back, the typical home had a fridge, a TV, washer/dryer, water heater, HVAC unit, a microwave, and dishwasher. If you go 35 years back, there were no microwaves. The amount of load that the typical home's fuse box could carry was enough to manage, even with the addition of more televisions and a microwave.
Jump forward to today. If your home was built 50 years ago, it not only might be struggling to handle the addition of a TV and a microwave, but your home is also struggling to handle multiple TVs, CD players, DVD/VHS players, computers, and printers, not to mention coffee makers, coffee grinders, game systems, blenders, food processors, paper shredders, and the list goes on.
Upgrading Your Electrical
It cannot be stressed enough how important it is for older homes to upgrade their electrical boxes. If you have a fuse box, then this is a must. This is not the kind of home improvement that you will get to show off to your friends. But increasing the load to your electrical panel will allow you to show off your home for a long time, because if you don't update your breaker box, all it takes is a little bad luck to start a big fire.

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Sunday 22 July 2012

Electrical code for the home

Electrical codes are in place to protect you, the homeowner. These general guidelines apply to new installations and will give you the basics of what electrical inspectors are looking for. Be sure to check with your local electrical inspector because local codes may vary from the list provided. In the case of existing housing, the codes will apply if you are updating a home, and it requires an electrical update. It is also suggested that you update if the wiring in your home is unsafe and a danger to your family.

Bathrooms
Bathrooms use a lot of power and may need more than one circuit. Mainly, because you may have a curling iron, razor, hairdryer, and the combination light, fan, and heater all running at the same time. The combination fan, light, and heater should have its own 20-amp circuit. Likewise, the outlet should have its own 20-amp circuit. All outlets in bathrooms should be GFCI's. Light fixtures should be covered with lenses or globes and moisture resistant if placed in a shower or tub area.

Kitchen
A kitchen should have a separate circuit for each appliance with a motor. The microwave, refrigerator, garbage disposal, and dishwasher would be the major appliances included. Generally, the code requires that you install a minimum of two receptacle circuits in the area above the counter top. An electric range, cook top, or oven must be wired to a dedicated 240-volt circuit.

Living Room, Dining Room, and Bed Rooms
These rooms require that a wall switch be placed beside the entry door of the room so that you can light the room before entering it. It can either control a ceiling light, a wall light, or an outlet connected to a desk lamp. The ceiling fixture must be controlled by a wall switch and not a pull chain type light. Wall receptacles should be placed no farther than 12 feet apart. Dining rooms usually require a separate 20-amp circuit for one outlet used for a microwave, entertainment center, or window air conditioner.

Stairways
Special care is needed in stairways to ensure all of the steps are lighted properly. Three-way switches are required at the top and bottom of the stairs. If the stairs turn, you may need to add additional lighting to accommodate the area to be lit.

Hallways
These areas can be long and need adequate lighting. Be sure to place enough lighting so shadows are not cast when walking. Remember, hallways are often escape routes in the event of inclement weather and emergencies. A hallway over 10 feet long is required to have an outlet for general purpose. Three-way switches are required for the two ends of the hallway. If there are more doors throughout the hallway, say a bedroom or two, then you may want to add addition four-way switches to the circuit outside the door of each room.

Closets
Closets must have one globe covered fixture controlled by a wall switch. Exposed bulb fixtures, like pull-chain fixtures, get hot and come in contact with clothing or other combustible materials stored in closets. Although your existing home may have these fixtures, it is recommended that you change them for safety reasons.

Laundry Room
The washer and dryer should have its own 20-amp receptacle. In the case of an electric dryer, a separate 240-volt circuit should be installed.

Attached Garage
Inside the garage there should be at least one switch controlling the lighting. It is recommended that three-way switches be installed for convenience between the doors. This lighting should be in addition to any garage door lighting that you may have. Garages need a separate circuit for at least one outlet. This is generally required to be a GFCI outlet. You should check your local code to be sure. When in doubt, make it a GFCI. Any outside outlets connected must be either a GFCI outlet or an outlet connected to a GFCI breaker.

Remember that the electrical codes are in place for your safety. Although you may believe that they are overkill at times, these practices save lives everyday. When it comes to electric safety, don't become a statistic! Follow the rules of the codes and be sure to have your local electrical inspector give you the green light for the safety of your family's sake.
Does your home meet the electrical code requirements?

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how to size your window air conditioner


If it's time for a new window air conditioner, but you don't know what size you need, this chart will be helpful. Air conditioners are rated by BTUs and their cooling capacity is directly related to the number attached to this BTU symbol. The larger the BTUs, the greater the cooling capacity.
Another factor is physical size. The size of the window air conditioner is directly related to the number of BTUs, let me explain. You see, small window air conditioners have smaller BTU ratings. The larger the BTU cooling capacity, the larger the window air conditioner.

The next thing to consider when sizing a window air conditioner is the power availability near the window that you're going to install the unit. Window air conditioners come in both 120- and 240-volt models. Each requires a different electrical outlet, so be sure to check that out in advance of purchasing the unit or you may need to rewire and outlet for the unit.

Also consider the actual window opening that the unit will be placed in. To do this, open the bottom window and measure the height and width of the window opening. This is the maximum opening that the window air conditioner can fit.

The table below lists the square footage of the room and the required BTUs needed to sufficiently cool the room. This gives an indication of the size unit that will run the most efficiently, without overworking the air conditioner on those hot days.

Air Conditioner Sizes

BTU's Required / Approximate Square Feet of Cooling
5,000Less Than 150
6,000150-225
7,000225-300
8,000300-350
10,000350-500
12,000500-650
14,000650-875
18,000875-1,100
21,0001,100-1,300
25,0001,300-1,600
29,000Less Than 1,

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Air conditioning time!

Air conditioners come in many different sizes, whether they are window air conditioners or central air conditioners. These units should be sized to cool the area of your home you’re trying to cool with the most efficiency. So how do you do that? Well, by measuring the area of the area to be cooled, you’ll have a pretty good idea what size air conditioner is for you.
To calculate this, simply multiply the length times the width of the room or area to be cooled. Then, as a practical number, multiply that total times 25 BTU. This allows ample cooling, whether it is a rainy, moist day or a hot, sunny, humid day. Let’s say the room is 12 feet wide by 15 feet long. That means 12x15=180 square feet. Take the 180 sq. ft. times 25 BTU per square foot and you get the minimum BTU air conditioner you should buy. That means 180x25=4500 BTU cooling capacity is needed.


You may ask if a smaller air conditioner will work or a larger one may be better? Here’s a thought about those questions. Smaller BTU units will continually run, just trying to keep up. This will increase your electric bill and it is unlikely the unit will be able to cool the area effectively.
An air conditioner too large can be overkill. To dispute the rumor that bigger is better, an air conditioner too large will cool more quickly, but that may impede the reason for running the air conditioner in the first place. You see, along with cooling the air, the air conditioner is also extracting moisture from the air (humidity) that makes all of us feel hot and sticky. Although the air may be cooler, if the unit doesn’t run long enough, the moisture cannot be extracted from the air properly. It would be like being outside camping on a cool, clammy, foggy night. You know the feeling when your skin is moist and you get goose bumps when cool air flows over it. Besides, an air conditioner too large will cycle on and off frequently.


Do yourself a favor and measure the area of the home to be cooled, calculate your BTU needs and size the air conditioner properly. Your local appliance store or heating and cooling center can aid you in selecting the proper air conditioner size for your home. Remember, too little is never enough and too much of a good thing can be bad.

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Sunday 24 June 2012

home automation is available now!

Remember the Jetsons? That cartoon family who lived in a home where the house itself served their every need and desire? We're not quite there yet as a society, but we are getting surprisingly close. Advances in automation for home residences have made it possible to automate everything from brewing your morning coffee to feeding the pets. Once you get it set up, all you've got to do is sit back and let the house take over for you.
Almost Anything Is Possible
Literally the sky is the limit when it comes to what's possible with these units. Of course, your budget might also play a factor, but let's assume it's not an option for the time being. Take a look at what these technological wonders can do.


  • Lighting: Automation of your lighting means you'll have access to different light settings for different activities. Imagine having the perfect lighting for watching television, sitting down to a romantic dinner, or tackling the bills, all at the touch of a single button. Lighting automation also means your hall light can be programmed to turn on when it senses you making a midnight trip to the bathroom, your porch and driveway lighting will turn on when you pull up to the house, and your kitchen lighting will turn itself on in the morning when you venture in for your morning bowl of cereal.
  • Home Audio: Imagine soothing jazz music turning on in your bedroom every night at bedtime. Or how about the morning news kicking on in the kitchen, along with the coffee pot, to get your morning off to the right start? Automation of your audio system can even transfer whatever you're listening to from room to room as you make your way from the kitchen to the bathroom to relaxing on the porch over the course of an afternoon. It's all at your fingertips with a home automation system.

  • Security: Another huge draw of home automation is heightened security. Home security systems can be wired into your home automation system so all their features are at your disposal. You can check wireless feed from security cameras on your television while you're watching the big game. You can program your lights to alternate off and on from room to room while you're away, and they can also be programmed to brightly light up your house and grounds instantly in case of an unwanted intruder. And of course, your home automation system will always be in touch with your security provider, so you can be sure help is on the way in case the unthinkable happens.
  • Everything Else and More: While the above mentioned features might seem impressive, they really only scratch the surface what the automation of your home can entail. You can start your oven cooking dinner from across town, program the system to feed your pets on a set schedule, water your plants, open and close shades at certain times of the day, and even regulate the temperature of your home to save you money when you're not in. The truth is the Jetsons' aren't nearly as far off as we might think.

  • of course, you should always use the services of a qualified langford electrical contractor, or a victoria electrician. Visit us at:

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    home electrical safety checklist

    Electrical Safety Tips



    home-safety-checklistSummary: This list of home electrical safety tips will help to safeguard your family against potential hazards.

    Home Electrical Safety Checklist for to help Prevent Hazards

    This Home Electrical Safety Checklist includes the following Electrical Items:

    Smoke Detectors

    AFCI

    GFCI

    Cords

    Light Bulbs

    and other areas of the home.


    This is not an all inclusive list.

    • Test every Smoke Detector and replace the batteries as needed.
      Install Smoke Detectors in required areas. Smoke Detector and Smoke Alarm Safety Tips
    • GFI or Ground Fault devices or circuits should be installed where required for electrical outlets in these areas: Kitchen, Bathroom, Garage, Basement, Outdoor and any other location specified by local and national codes.
    • AFCI or Arc Fault circuit protection should be installed in bedroom areas following the specified codes by your local code enforcement authority.
    • Examine extension cords every year. Throw away any strands that show signs of wear.
    • Fixtures should have bulbs securely and point the sockets down to avoid moisture build up.
    • Follow the directions that come with lighting decorations.
    • Avoid overloading wall outlets and extension cords. Use a UL-Listed Plug Strip that has Overload Circuit Protection. Cold winter weather brings with it the need for space heating equipment. Make sure these devices are UL-Listed.
    • Unplug light strands before replacing any bulbs. Review the original package to verify proper wattage and voltage.
    • Replace light strand fuses with the same exact rated fuse. Consult the specifications. Do not exceed the allowed number of connected strands.
    • Never use electric lights or decorative ornaments on a metallic tree. Consider using colored spotlights instead.
    • Consider the kitchen table as a location when using a candle. Use a sturdy, heatproof container away from anything combustible including flower arrangements. Never leave a candle burning alone and never leave children alone with candles or matches. Candles can start fires and the hot wax can burn skin. If you ever get a burn use Aloe Vera gel, it works wonders! * Adult Note: Be extra careful when mixing romance and candles, I’ve rewired a home that was totally destroyed due to an unstable candle on a nightstand. Have fun but be Safe!
    • Dispose of fireplace ashes into a metal container with a lid until cold and place the container on bricks or on a heatproof surface. It could take several hours for coals to go out. Christmas vacations have been ruined when guests put ashes in a grocery bag and placed the bag on a wood deck which caught the deck on fire and the burned the home.
    • After parties, check around and under sofa and chair cushions for smoldering cigarettes. (Provide lots of good size ash trays for those who need a smoke.)
      Carbon Monoxide Detectors will help alert you and your family and are recommended for your home.
      [link to page]
    • Have at least one operable Fire Extinguisher readily available.

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    Electrical safety in the home

    Home Electrical Safety should be a Priority in Every Household


    TAMPERPROOF ELECTRICAL OUTLETS
    Help Prevent Child Injury in Your Home

    U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) data show that approximately 2,400 children are injured in incidents related to electrical receptacles each year. This equates to about seven children every day. Injuries range from electric shock to first-, second and third degree burns, with some rare cases proving fatal.
    In response to these statistics the National Electrical Code® (NEC) has been revised (with the 2008 edition)—including a requirement for all receptacles in newly constructed residential units to be tamper-resistant.
    It’s ‘Now’ In Many Places!
    Most states and municipalities adopt new code editions within two years, and leading manufacturers of electrical wiring devices for the home have a Tamper Proof and Tamper Resistant receptacle outlets available with a variety of types and styles to choose from.

    The adoption of tamper-resistant devices indicate that about 50% of the state have begun adopting these devices starting in 2008.Some major manufacturers have produced tamper-resistant products for years and are well prepared for the Code requirements.

    GFI Features and Benefits


    GFCI protection is required in areas of the home to help protect against electrical shock in areas such as the bathroom, kitchen, garage and outdoor.

    Considerations for GFCI Devices

    • Periodic testing will ensure that GFCI outlets are working correctly.

      Even though a GFCI outlet is supplying electricity the GFCI protection may not be functioning properly. Using the Test and Reset buttons will reveal weather the GFCI outlet is functioning properly or need to be replaced with another GFCI outlet.
    • Proper wiring of GFCI receptacle outlets is essential for proper protection and functionality. The LINE and LOAD connections to the GFCI device must be made correctly otherwise ground fault protection may work.
    Tamper Resistant Outlet Receptacles


    • A recent study conducted for the CPSC showed 86% of reported electrical injuries
    involved children age one to four.

    Mealtime was the usual time at which these injuries occurred.

    • Most frequently, the children injured inserted foreign objects into electrical outlets—including keys and hairpins.

    100% of 2- and 4-year-olds could remove protectors with a 1/16th-inch-thick oval face and a flat side.

    47% of 4-year-olds and 31% of 2-year-olds could remove protectors with a round, flat face and two prongs.

    47% of 4-year-olds and 18% of 2-yearolds were able to remove protectors with a 3/16-inch-thick oval face and a tapered side. What The NEC Now Says The revision, taking effect with the 2008 NEC, says: “406.11 Tamper-Resistant Receptacles in Dwelling Units. In all areas specified in 210. 52. all 125-volt. 15- and 20-ampere receptacles shall be listed tamper-resistant receptacles. Also in 1997 (according to the State Farm write-up), the Bio kinetics Research Laboratory (at Tampa University) put 37 children to work at playing with plastic outlet protectors.

    Here’s what was found:
    “Substantiation: 210.52 specifies the areas in dwelling units where receptacles shall be installed. This proposal references those areas.”
    A TAMPER-RESISTANT LINE
    Several manufacturers provide an outstanding line of tamper resistant products that use a patented, UL-listed shutter system to protect children from injury. However, the shutters don’t impair normal plug insertion, removal, or function.

    Safety features include Tamper-Resistant Hallway Light/ Receptacle Combination Devices and Decorator Receptacles, and the Tamper-Resistant GFCI. In addition to these features tamper-resistant versions of all receptacles may be used in residential installations.

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     www.absolutelyelectrical.com
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    Monday 18 June 2012

    What is a main breaker?

    Main Breaker
    Main Breaker

    So, what is a main breaker anyway? You'd think that it is something special having a name like that. Actually, the main breaker is the breaker that the feeder wire connects to. This breaker is a two-pole breaker that is connected to 240 volts to power your home. The main breaker acts as the disconnecting means to the entire power load of your breaker box. With it off, there is no power being fed to the buss bar that feeds the branch circuit breakers.
    The main breaker is usually located atop the rest of the breakers in a panel, but sometimes the breaker panel is installed upside down. In this case, the main would be at the bottom. Some main breakers are bolted in place and others are snapped into place just like the branch circuit breakers.
    Main breakers come in different sizes, but 100 and 200-amp breakers are generally used in residential installations. In older homes, you may still have a 60-amp service and I personally have seen a 30-amp, 120-volt main service. If you think you are short on power, think about that installation!
    Main breakers are designed to trip if the amperage rating exceeds the value labeled on the breaker. For instance, if you have a 100-amp main breaker in place, if the amperage exceeds 100 amps, the breaker will trip.
    There are a number of reasons why breakers trip. It may be lightning strikes, power surges from the utility company, or you may have overloaded your electrical panel.
    If your electrical panel's main breaker does trip, turn off the branch circuit breakers before resetting the main breaker. Then, one at a time, start turning on breakers again. The idea here is not to dump the entire power load on the main breaker all at once. If the breaker trips again, you may be well advised to call in a professional.

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    how to determine cicruit load capacity

    Question: How do I Calculate Circuit Load Capacity?
    In order to decide how big of an electrical service is needed in your home, one has to do a little math homework. Calculating how much power both you and your electrical appliances use is necessary to calculate this number. I'm often asked how to figure this load. It really is pretty simple if you know what to look for and how to add up the loads.
    Answer: The first thing to know is that circuits should only be loaded at 80% of the total circuit load. To help you understand the concept, if you have a 15-amp circuit, the safe operating amperage would be no greater than 12 amps. The total wattage would be 1,800 watts, meaning the safe wattage usage would be 1,440 watts.
    If you have a 20-amp circuit, the safe operating amperage would be no greater than 16 amps. The total wattage would be 2,400 watts, meaning the safe wattage usage would be 1,920 watts.
    On a 30-amp circuit, the safe operating amperage would be no greater than 24 amps. The total wattage would be 3,600 watts, meaning the safe wattage usage would be 2,880 watts.
    To determine the wattage, you take the voltage times the amperage. Check the tags on all of your appliances for the required amperage rating. Add all of the lighting load by adding the total wattage of the light bulbs in your home. Look at the light bulbs and read the wattage that is printed on them.
    Your home will likely also have 240-volt appliances like water heaters, air conditioners, electric dryers and electric ranges. These too will have an amperage rating label and the wattage can be calculated. The voltage, 240 volts, times the amperage, say 30 amps, will equal the wattage requirements.
    Once you've determined the total load for your home, you'll know what size electrical service that you need.

    of course, you should always use the services of a qualified langford electrical contractor, or a victoria electrician. Visit us at:

    www.absolutelyelectrical.com
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    how to get an electrical apprenticeship

    How to find an electrical apprenticeship


    If you want to be an electrician, you have to complete an apprenticeship. There are many perks to apprenticeship—it’s cost-effective (no high tuition fees), offers hands-on experience, and allows you to earn while you learn—but it’s just like a job search in that you have to be professional and prepared. Here’s how to get started.
    Meet the minimum requirements
    Before applying for electrical apprenticeships, make sure you have the necessary education and/or training. These are different in each province/territory, so check with your provincial/territorial authority to confirm what the minimum requirements are where you live. In general, aspiring electricians should attend high school until at least the 10th grade, but many employers prefer them to have a high school diploma. This is especially true for unionized positions and can drastically improve your chances of future advancement.
    Think about what you want to do
    Electricians can work in many different environments (residential, industrial, and power systems) and have various specialities (for example, retrofitting old systems to make them more energy efficient, or designing brand new electrical setups for large buildings). When you’re starting out you’ll want to apply just about everywhere you can, but having an idea of the work you’d like to do can help direct your apprenticeship search and highlight skills you’ll want to learn.
    Spruce up your resume
    Having a well-edited and designed resume is key to making a good impression, especially if you don’t have a lot of experience. Include details on your education, mentioning any classes you’ve taken that relate to electrical work, as well as your current skill set. Really set on being an electrician but feel like you need some related work experience? Consider applying for non-electrician jobs with electrical companies or contractors, such as office management, reception, or whatever positions need filling. You’ll become familiar with the business environment and make valuable contacts that can lead to being hired as an apprentice.
    Start applying
    Once you’ve done all this, it’s search time. Don’t just browse online and newspaper listings though, many jobs are found by going to businesses in person. Apply even if companies have no advertised openings. You never know what might come up.
    For more information on apprenticeships, visit the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum

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    what do electricians do?

    What do electricians do?


    Electricians are tradespeople who design, install, and maintain electrical systems. Depending on the job they’re on, electricians have many duties, such as: planning projects; installing new or upgrading old systems, wiring, receptacles, and lighting fixtures; troubleshooting and repairing issues; and supervising apprentices. Responsibilities also vary depending on what kind of electrician one is:
    Construction electricians
    Sometimes referred to as construction and maintenance electricians, these electricians plan, install, repair, inspect, and maintain electrical systems in new structures. Because they create brand new systems, they tend to do more design and planning than other electricians. They usually work in industrial, commercial, and institutional environments and can be employed by maintenance departments or electrical contractors.
    Rural/domestic/low-rise residential electricians
    These electricians plan, install and repair electrical systems in houses and other structures. Electrical contractors can employ them, but some work for themselves.
    Industrial electricians
    Employed by contractors and maintenance departments, these electricians work in mines, factories, plants, shipyards, and other industrial environments. They often work on much larger and more complicated electrical systems, and handle motors, generators, pumps, and lighting systems.
    Power systems electricians (a.k.a. powerline technicians)
    People working in this sector install, maintain, and repair overhead and underground electrical power generation, distribution, and power equipment and systems. They work for electric power and distribution companies, as well as electrical contractors and public utility commissions.
    Other specialties
    Electricians can specialize in what kind of work they do. Some choose to focus on building and designing new systems, while others specialize in maintenance of existing systems. The trend toward energy conservation has inspired many electricians to specialize in retrofitting old systems

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    Sunday 10 June 2012

    Hot water tanks


    Domestic hot water


    In many multi-family buildings, hot water comes from common

    hot-water boilers, rather than from individual water heaters as

    in single-family homes. These large tanks are typically set to

    60°C (140°F), but this can be dropped by a few degrees to a

    lower safe level, such as 55°C (131°F), to save on energy. CMHC

    estimates the savings in fuel consumption at 1% per degree


    Fast Fact


    LED exit signs can last about 25 years,

    but do have a higher initial cost. Using

    CFL bulbs in an exit sign would typically

    last between two and four years, and

    incandescent bulbs would require

    replacing several times a year.


    15


    Celsius (or 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit). However, the Canada Safety

    Council recommends that the water temperature be set to at

    least 54°C (129°F) to prevent water-borne diseases.

    In addition, buildings equipped with domestic hot water

    recirculation pumps can further benefit from a timer that shuts

    off the pump during periods when there is little demand for hot

    water

    2. A 24-hour mechanical time clock allows the user to set

    different on- and off-times during the day, such as in the middle

    of the night or for part of the afternoon. Should a resident want

    hot water during shutdown, she or he must simply run the water

    long enough for the hot water to make its way to the tap. A

    seven-day time clock adds the possibility to accommodate for a

    different shut-off period for weekends.

    Also, the hot-water boiler should be flushed annually by an expert

    to remove residues and deposits that have accumulated inside.

    This will help keep heating costs down and will significantly


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    Automated lighting controls


    Automatic lighting

    controls


    Automatic lighting controls are an effective and low-cost means

    to save energy. For the most part, they’re very quick and simple

    to install.


    Timers


    Timers are affordable and easy to operate. Depending on the

    model, they can be programmed to turn lights and appliances on

    and off over a 24-hour period or seven-day period.


    Motion / occupancy sensors


    Motion sensors are commonly found in outdoor areas such as

    decks or courtyards. When motion is detected, the light goes on,

    and remains on until movement stops. Motion sensors can also

    be installed in common areas such as a building’s ‘party room,’

    storage rooms, laundry room, hallways and landings.


    Photocells


    Photocells control lighting based on the amount of ambient

    light, and are a good choice for outdoor security lights, which

    turn on as daylight dims, and turn off when the sun comes up.

    Photocells can be paired with a timer, so lights go on as evening

    sets in, but then turn off automatically after a pre-set amount of

    time if it is not necessary for the lights to stay on all night.


    Exit signs


    Because exit signs are always on, they should definitely be on

    your list of projects to reduce energy consumption. Old-style exit

    signs are lit with incandescent bulbs; you’ll know them because

    they feel hot to the touch. One option is to retrofit the sign with

    CFL bulbs. Other options include installing LED lights using a

    retrofit kit, or replacing the sign altogether with an LED one,

    which can save 90% in operating costs. BC Hydro estimates that

    each changed sign can save over $25 of electricity per year. You

    can learn more at eco-strata.com.



     for more information, visit us at: 


    Energy efficient light bulbs


    Lighting
    We need lighting for convenience and safety, but it’s responsible


    for about 16% of a home’s electricity consumption

    There are

    many ways to conserve energy use, such as installing timers and

    motion detectors where appropriate, using low-energy bulbs or

    retrofitting older fixtures. Some of the best options are discussed

    below. See eco-strata.com for links to more information on

    lighting.


    Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs)


    Changing the light bulbs from the conventional incandescent kind

    (that produce heat) to low-energy, CFL bulbs is one of the easiest

    steps to take both in a condo/apartment, and in common and

    public areas. CFL bulbs consume approximately ¼ of the energy,

    and last 10 times longer. It’s a low-cost investment that quickly

    reduces electricity consumption. They’re widely available and now
    cost little more than traditional bulbs.


    CFLs are best installed in fixtures that are used frequently and

    left on for at least 15 minutes at a time (switching CFLs on and

    off frequently can shorten their lifespan), so buildings’ common

    areas, including outdoor patios and spaces, garbage rooms,

    lounges and foyers – as well as in individual apartments and

    condos – are all ideal locations for CFLs. Note that only certain

    CFLs can be used in dimmable fixtures. Some people remain

    sensitive to the bluer light given off by CFL bulbs, even though

    their tone has improved greatly since they were first introduced.

    Low wattage traditional bulbs (e.g., 40 watts) may be a practical

    alternative.

    CFLs do contain trace amounts of mercury — about 1/5 of what

    you would find in an average watch battery — so used bulbs

    should be recycled appropriately. See eco-strata.com for a list of

    Lower Mainland retailers who take them back for recycling, and

    for more information. Do note that, in many jurisdictions, more

    mercury would be released by burning the coal needed to light an

    ordinary incandescent bulb.


    Light-emitting diodes (LEDs)


    An alternative to CFLs are LEDs, which consume even less

    energy. LEDs are found everywhere from computers, to ambient

    street lights, to flashlights. Screw-in LED bulbs that can replace

    conventional light bulbs do exist, but are still difficult to find in

    the Metro Vancouver region, and can be expensive. They can be

    purchased online from a number of manufacturers.


    Fluorescent lights


    Fluorescent lights are the most common lights in schools and

    in office buildings, and can be found in homes too. Newer ‘T8’

    fluorescent lamps with electronic ballasts are now the norm,

    replacing the older T12 lamps and magnetic ballasts.


    Pulse-start metal halide lights


    Despite their sci-fi name, pulse-start metal halides are about

    three times as efficient as incandescent bulbs. They offer high

    light output per unit of energy, and a long lamp life. They’re ideal

    for permanently lit areas such as underground parking areas, or

    for lights that go on at night outside a building. More information

    can be found at eco-strata.com.


    High-pressure sodium lights


    Primarily used for outdoor and garage lighting, high-pressure

    sodium lights are an effective energy-saving alternative to

    incandescent bulbs.


    Thursday 17 May 2012

    Referals for business

    Have you considered asking a friend or family to give you some names if you needed to get something done around the house? keep in mind those people have already sourced out the best prices and the best service in the companies they have used. Not only that but they are hands on experience by having seen the finished work of contractors, so they know if they are good or not. Next time, give it a shot, you'll be surprised just how nice it can be not to have to worry! contact us at:

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    quotes are not all equal

    always make sure you are comparing apples to apples when it comes to getting quotes for contractor. While a price may seem more reasonable on one quote, you could be getting significantly lower quality of work, or less than what you think you will get. Service is also very important. Wouldnt you want a company that cares and is always there when you need to talk to them or ask questions? some companies will just leave you once they have you money in hand. The best companies offer good service and warranties for life! for more info, visit us at:

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    Log houses are better than standard construction

    Did you know that log houses are better than standard construction? Not only do they stay warmer in the winter, but the cost of building one is actually cheaper! You won't need any insulation, drywall, painting  or outside wall coverings. There are many benefits and cost savings, but keep in mind that log houses do require more maintenance because they tend to move and shift as they age. The wood should be protected as well with a fresh coat of varnish every couple of years. The electrical work is a bit more complicated, and requires more planning however. for more info, contact us at:

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    Sunday 13 May 2012

    smart meters

    I have a lot of customers who call me about smart meters. Just so you know, your energy used hasnt gone up like crazy and winter hasnt been especially cold. Your electrical wiring and panel are not defecting. What is going on is that the old meters were not accuratly measuring your energy used and the new smart meters are a little too smart and we are now forced to pay for what we actually use. Most people see an increase of double their usual bill, while others see 3 times higher than before. Unfortunatly we're stuck with this for the long run. Visit us at

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    budgeting for electrical work

    If you have a project in mind, always make sure to think about how much money you can afford to spend. Also make sure you keep an extra margin of money in case costs are higher than expected. One of the most asked questions to a real estate agent when someone is looking to buy a house is about the condition of the electrical systems. This is always money well spent! for more info:

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    upgrading electrical to raise home value

    if you plan to upgrade your home, think about replacing the light fixtures, outlets, switches and baseboard heaters. Every dollar you invest in doing this will not only make your home look brad new again, but also you will be able to get this money back easily when you resale and probably much more. Most people tend to see a 2-3 times return on this investment. Also this can be a good idea if you have aluminium wiring since it can become loose with age. for more info, visit us at:

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    Saturday 12 May 2012

    hot tubs

    Have you been thinking about a hot tub installation for the summer? Be sure to get a liscensed electrician for this, as hot tubs can be dangerous if they are not installed properly. You should have a GFCI protecting the whole circuit, and this will prevent you from getting electrocuted hopefully. Also you should have a disconnect switch in plain sight for servicing or if something goes wrong and you need a quick shut down. All of this should be properly bonded and grounded and if follow all these steps, you should enjoy your hot tub for years to come! for more info, visit us at:

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    Electrical work and rats

    If you have an electrician performing work on your house and business and he spots rat droppings or things that are chewed up all over the place, you may have a rat problem. It doesn't mather who comes around to do work at your home, you should always ask them if they spotted anything unusual. I once found a while ant hive in the attic of a house, and they were slowly eating at the wood. IT may be time for an exterminator! for more info, visit us at:

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    temporary services

    if you plan to get a temporary service for construction to provide power for tools and workers, make sure its 200 amps. The reason for that is that when you are done and need to transplant your panel inside the house, you will be saving yourself money by already having the necessary mast, wiring and meterbase. Remember the outlets must be gfci a protected and your enclosure weatherproof! for more information, visit us at:

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    Friday 11 May 2012

    Invoices and agreements

    Whenever you agree on something with your electrician, or any other trade, always make sure you have it in writing. It is important to have this in writing because there may be disagreements later on about what was supposed to be done or what the installation was supposed to include. Preferably there should also be a date and a signature and agreement on when the project should be completed. It is wishful thinking that you can just have a verbal agreement but there can be misunderstandings. For that reason, having it on paper will prevent any disputes in the future.

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    Strapping wires properly

    There are a lot of advabtages to having a nice clean work area once you are done. Think about if you will need to use this area in the future and how you will need to have extra space to mount something there. For that reason, wires should be strapped or run through the ceilings tidily. Always remember that these upgrades may not all be electrical in nature and could require even more clearance from electrical equipment. For more information, visit us at:

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    upgrade 200 amps service

    There are many reasons to upgrade to a 200 amp service. First if you are building a house there is very little added expense to do so and it will be very useful for future expansion. Also if you plan to have a workshop, you should definetly consider this. I find a lot of renovations usually start with a service upgrade. These can usually run between 3000-5000$, so why not do it right in the first place?

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    Thursday 10 May 2012

    Electrical sub panel




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    Proper wiring procedures


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    Electrical inspections


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    Wednesday 9 May 2012

    Problem with GFCI receptacle?

    Got problems with an outdoor or bathroom receptacle? usually these are equipped with a GFCI, so all you need to do is reset it by pressing the center button, and voila, it will work again. for more information visit us at:

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    lights not working right?


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    Pot light trims not sitting right?


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    Tuesday 8 May 2012

    home owner electrical work and its dangers

    A lot of home owners are willing to do some electrical work themselves. What do they not know if the possible consequences of doing such work and how it will affect them. Today im going to talk a bit about what can happen. Did you know that insurance companies will not cover you if they find out you have done your own electrical and the house burns down? also have you considered that 0.002 amps can kill you if you get shocked? by the way, the typical amperage in a switch or receptacle is a few amps. What if there is a fire and your family members die? how would you feel about having saved a few bucks then? Its like playing russian roulette, are you ready to face what could possibly happen? its always best to leave it to the pros.

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    Light bulbs not working?

    Maybe its time to change those old fixtures then! most of the time, the sockets get worn off after years and years or use. Also some of the wiring in the fixture can become brittle due to the heat produced and can fall off or become loose. There is so much choice for light fixtures nowdays, and they can be quite inexpensive. Go check out rona or home depot. For more information, visit us at:

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    LED lighting upgrade

    Have you thought about changing all your bulbs to LED bulbs and saving up to 80% on your power bill? with the new meters that are getting installed by bc hydro, ive hearing about customers who had their bills double or even triple! my own bill has doubled, so im going to do my best to reduce that once again! im installing LED light bulbs everywhere, and so should you. For more info, visit us at:

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    Monday 7 May 2012

    Electrical parts prices

    Rona and home depot have a great selection of electrical stuff, but keep in mind that they have heavy markups. Wholesalers will always charge you a ton of money for the same stuff as well, because they only want to deal with reputable companies. The best way to do things is let your electrician buy the materials, because not only does he get a discounted rate, but can also pass on that rate to you! You'll be saving yourself time and money, what a deal!

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    temporary electrical installations

    temporary installations can be convienent when you are doing renovations or building a new house. Remember that it can save a lot of time when you have power and can use more tols to speed things up!
    Always make sure your temporary installations are weatherproof since water and electricity don't mix!

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    Planning your electrical project

    Planning is the first step to any electrical project. Make sure you understand everything that you are getting a quote for and that the quality of the work will be good. Remember, pricing is important, but be sure to know what you are going to get for your money!

    for more info, visit us at:

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    Sunday 6 May 2012

    Renovations

    Are you thinking about doing a renovation in your home or business? always remember to contact liscenced electrical contractors. We often see the results of using non qualified electrical contractors, and it often costs you twice as much money as you originally had planned to do your renovation. A lot of the time, professionals have to come and fix the mistake that were made. Not only that, but they installations can be dangerous and cause fires and death. So remember, always make sure you are dealing with qualified electricians!

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    Dangerous electrical work

    Have you ever seen a bunch of wires held together by electrical tape? remember, this can be dangerous and all wires should be in an electrical box!  if you see anything like that in your home or business, call an electrician right away!

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    Exercising your electrical breakers

    Always remember to test your circuit breakers every 6 months. Some breakers are prone to seizing up in your panel and will not offer the protection they usually do. This is why they need "exercising". To do this, simply switch the breaker to the off position and back to on position. Remember, your family's safety is riding on you!

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