Electricians

New Electrical Circuits

Just because you have sufficient power for your home now is no guarantee that it is going to accommodate any additional demands that you place upon it. While many homeowners are under the impression that just adding circuits to the breaker box will handle any additional demands, this isn’t always the case

Most homes are outfitted with an electrical panel that is suited to its electrical requirements, with a little room for increased electricity. Adding a circuit or two might be just fine to accommodate your new electrical needs, but it’s quite easy to exceed the safe threshold if you’re not careful.

Instead of just adding circuits in the hope that it will be enough for your needs, it’s best to have your circuits and electrical panel evaluated by a certified Los Angeles electrician. When do you need to look into adding circuits or updating your electrical panel?

Any time you add an appliance to your home, you are increasing the demand on the electrical system. Consult with a licensed electrician before hooking up a major appliance to determine if your system is ready for the added load.

Whenever you set up a big holiday light display, this is one of the leading causes for needing upgraded circuits.

EV Car Chargers will require there own 120 Volt or 240 Volt electrical circuit.

Hot tubs draw a lot of electricity and are almost always a time for a new circuit installation and potentially upgrading your electrical panel.

If adding a new room to your house or other additional square footage is added, this will need to be accommodated by adding one or more new circuits to the system. Depending on the size and electrical requirements of your addition, the increase in amperage could require updating the electric panel as the only viable option.

If you’re unsure about the best course of action, consult with the professionals at The Electric Connection. We’re always happy to talk with you about all of your options over the phone. We’re happy to schedule an appointment at your property to provide a free estimate, too, and to give you an in depth consultation in order to pick the very best course of action for your situation.

 

Breaker Box Safety: How to Connect a New Circuit

Introduction

Adding a new circuit can be a daunting and even dangerous job. We show you how to do it with step-by-step instructions and important, life-saving safety tips.

Tools Required

Flashlight

Needle-nose pliers

Pliers

Utility knife

Voltage tester

Wire stripper/cutter

Materials Required

AFCI circuit breaker

Cable clamp

electrical staples

Know What You’re Getting Into

We believe in safe DIY. That’s why we’ve always been reluctant to show readers how to open a breaker box and connect a new circuit. Even with the power shut off, there’s a chance you could touch the wrong parts and kill yourself. But then we figured if we didn’t show you, you’d just go search it somewhere else. And that scared us even more. So we’re going to walk you through the process, showing you the safest way to open the breaker box, wire a new breaker and test your work.

Opening the main circuit breaker panel box and adding a circuit is actually pretty easy. You only have to connect three wires to add a circuit, and each circuit wire is color-coded. But there are some safety precautions, and if you ignore them, you could kill yourself. Really. If you follow our safety steps in order and to the letter, you’ll be fine. But if at any point you’re unsure how to proceed or feel uncomfortable with the project, call an electrician.

 

How to Run a New Electric Circuit from a Breaker Panel

Running a new electric circuit is a pretty simple task that can be accomplished with a little bit of effort, care, and the right tools. This article is focused on running a new circuit for light fixtures or outlets. The same principals apply to all 110V circuits, and slightly modified instructions can be used for 240v circuits

Tools & Materials Required to Run a New Circuit

Wire strippers.

Pliers or wire cutters.

14/2 or 12/2 Romex wire in the length required (see below).

Electrical boxes.

Receptacles.

Wire staples.

Hammer.

Phillips and flat head screwdrivers.

Electric Code & Regulation Concerns for Running a Circuit from the Breaker Panel

To meet code in most areas you must obtain a permit and have your work inspected by the local electric inspector. In some jurisdictions you can only perform this work if you are a licensed electrician, even if the work is in your own home. Check your local government’s web site for details.

Almost all jurisdictions enforce either the 2005 or 2008 National Electric Code (NEC). You can read the 2005 and 2008 NEC online for free, just follow the instructions in that article for how. If you’re new to electrical work or looking for some helpful guidance, we highly recommend picking up a good instruction manual.

15 or 20amp Circuit: Select the Right Wire for the Amperage

Lighting and receptacle circuits in a house are 110v, 15-amp, or 110V, 20-amp. For 15-amp circuits, 14/2 (meaning, 14 gauge, 2 conductor) Romex is appropriate. For 20-amp, 12/2 Romex is appropriate. Note that 14/2 and 12/2 wire will actually have 3 wires inside: a black, white, and ground wire. Remember, as gauges go up, the size of the wire goes down. Do not install a breaker that is too large for the wire. (E.g., do not install a 20amp breaker on 14/2 wire). This is unsafe and could lead to a fire.

 

The Complete Guide to Electrics in the Home Including Wiring and Circuits, Switches and Sockets and Lighting

Everything You Need to Know About Wiring and Circuits – How and When You Can Do Wiring Yourself and When to Use 110 Volts and Why

Understand all aspects of Wiring and Circuits when working with electricity in your own home

Chases – cutting and filling – DIY Doctor’s advice on cutting chases in walls using a chase cutter and how to cut electrical chases and fill them for plastering afterwards

Consumer unit – Help and advice on how to install a consumer unit within your home with instructions on wiring a consumer unit to specifications for dual RCD and RCBO consumer units.

Electrical – adding a spur socket – How to add spur sockets and fused spur sockets to a circuit. How to add new sockets to an existing circuit

Electrical – cable sizes – How to check electric cable sizes for the correct amp ratings and kilowatts DIY Doctors tables below show two different cable and amp ratings

 

planning circuits for new home

I am beginning to plan my electric circuits for my new home. Here is a couple circuits I planned. Just looking for opinions to see if I somewhat know what I am doing… but then again maybe not

I would keep the receptacles and lights separate. Use 14ga wire for the lighting, it will help alot with multigang switches and box fill. The 20A dining room receptacles cannot be shared with lighting as they are considered part of the small appliance circuits [210.52(B)(1)2002]. You can have 15A switched receptacles however, in addition to the other.

I’m a DIY with over 30 years of wiring experience, and I’d only undertake a complete house wiring job if I didn’t have a day job at the time. It’s far from trivial, especially when you have to look up every new situation to see what code allows.

rewired a few old houses, but wiring a new house is very different. With the former, you can do one circuit at a time, often leaving much of the old wiring in operation until you’re ready to cut over. In DIY rewiring, it’s usually no big deal if it takes you 3-4 years to finish the job. But for new construction there are lots of problems with that approach, from mortgage lenders who want the house done, to family members who usually aren’t too keen on fixing dinner on a stove by the light of clip-up work lights.

There are only a few dining receptacles. My plan was to have two or three small appliance circuits for the kitchen receptacles – so if can add these 3 to one of the circuits that would work.

Commercial vs Domestic Electricians

What separates commercial and domestic electricians? If you’re looking to get into the electrical trade, then the answer to this question could define your future career progression. That said, there’s no need to make a decision from the outset: many electricians start by training to carry out work in domestic environments and then go on to qualify as commercial electricians.

This guide will begin by explaining the main differences between commercial and domestic electricians in terms of qualifications and training. From here, we’ll cover the different roles and responsibilities associated with the two jobs. Finally, the guide will provide information on the wages you can expect to earn for each of the roles.

Qualifications and Training

When you start out in your career as an electrician, you can choose to become an apprentice, study a diploma, or take part in domestic installer courses (see our guide on how to become an electrician for more on this). Domestic electricians can train up and gain the necessary qualifications much more quickly than fully qualified commercial electricians.

Domestic Electricians

The fastest route to becoming a domestic electrician is to take a domestic installer course. Most of these programmes will train and assess you in important topics such as the wiring regulations, electrical installation tasks, Part-P regulations, and inspection/testing, preparing you for all parts of the domestic electrician role.

Commercial Electricians

Only fully qualified electricians can work in commercial environments on more advanced tasks. Before you begin to specialise, you’ll need to obtain an electrotechnical qualification – either a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Electrotechnical Services (Maintaining Electrotechnical Systems) or a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Installing Electrotechnical Systems & Equipment (Buildings, Structure and the Environment). If you took the apprentice route to start with, then you’ll require the Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installations (Buildings and Structures) before progressing.

 

Licences, Permits & Registrations

Contractors

An Electrical Permit may only be issued to a person who is the holder of an Electrical Contractor’s Registration Certificate. Registered Electrical Contractors must complete and submit the Electrical Contractor’s Representative Inspection Report prior to the Government Service Centre issuing Connection Authorizations and/or Certificates of Inspection on behalf of the Chief Electrical Inspector.

Registered Electrical Contractors

Active Electrical Contractors in the province, as of June 12, 2020.

Electrical Permits and Inspections

To ensure public safety, approval must be issued before the installation or repair of any electrical equipment commences.

Electrical Maintenance Permit

Approval is required from the Government Service Centre to maintain a building’s electrical system.

 

Commercial Services

offer the highest level of responsiveness and reliability, including on-line job management and reporting. Our highly experienced contractors across the nation ensure that your premises are always maintained and compliant. This means your team can operate at maximum efficiency and safety.

have a commitment to a high standard of Health and Safety and believe all accidents are preventable. We ensure our contractors are up to date with current Health & Safety practices and do our best to ensure that all sites are safe before proceeding with any work.

Using our unique Laser systems, we ensure that your facility management is headache free. We coordinate technicians, manage scheduled servicing and ensure all administration is handled promptly and professionally. Whether it’s new installations, designing a solution, or programmed facilities maintenance, contact your local Laser member for “Totally Dependable” electrical service.

commercial services include:

Preventative and Scheduled Maintenance

Emergency Service, Fault Finding & Repairs

Lighting Design, Exit & Emergency Lighting

Installations & Project Management

Thermal Graphic Scanning

Switchboard Labelling, Circuit Tracing & Identification

Home Ventilation

RCD Testing, Safety Switches, Testing & Tagging

Data & Communication, Audio & Visual

 

Commercial Electrician

The Commercial Electrician Program is designed to prepare students for commercial entry-level electrician positions. Building and equipping electrical power generating plants, installation and servicing of electrical systems for stores, homes, and office buildings that use electrical energy for heating, lighting, cooling are other operations among the career opportunities for which students will prepare.

The need for a commercial electrician as oppose to a residential electrician is the fact that commercial buildings require a different type of electrical work, mainly based on the fact that a lot more electricity is needed in comparison to a residential building. Our Commercial Electrician program focuses on commercial wiring, motors, transformers, generators, raceways, and National Electric Code (NEC) standards. Students will learn the knowledge and skills needed to install, repair, and maintain commercial electrical systems.

Careers

As the name suggests, commercial electricians work in commercial places and properties, such as retail stores, schools and office buildings. The average salary for an electrician in Louisiana is $24.43 per hour/$50,810 per year

 

Commercial Electrician Services

your one-stop-shop for whichever services you need. We provide everything from new Electricians wiring, lighting installation, retrofitting energy efficient lighting, custom renovations, maintenance and repairs. We get the job done quickly so that your business can operate with minimum interruption.

no job is too big, too small or too complex. Our team of fully licensed commercial electricians ensure each and every one of your project requirements are fulfilled. That means we adhere to the budget, adhere to the schedule, are always available to answer questions and address concerns and review all work prior to declaring the project finished.

A Foundation of Trust

Every member of our team from Master Electrician to apprentice is dedicated to the task at hand and each spends long hours every year upgrading and honing their skills. Our knowledge of the industry, of established standards and regulations and, of course, best safety practices means your project will get done right the first time. While some companies work hard to pad the bill we believe that the best path to success is to build trust with our clients. Therefore you’ll never see any phantom costs on one of our bills or hear a litany of excuses from our commercial electricians about why we missed the deadline.

Commercial Services

offer a full range of electric commercial services

Lighting – We handle everything from subdued hotel lighting to sophisticated restaurant lighting to state-of-the-art club lighting and everything in between. Need to upgrade to high efficiency LED lighting in your factory or warehouse? We can do that too.

Panel upgrades and changes – If the wiring in your older office building is starting to buckle under the pressure of modern power demands we can upgrade or replace your current Electricians panel and bring you in line with the times.

Electricians troubleshooting – Sometimes it can seem like there are ghosts in the wiring. If you’re experiencing unexpected, unusual or disruptive Electricians events give Hotwire a call. Our commercial electricians will get to the bottom of it quickly.

Permitting – Nothing can get done on an Electricians services in the GTA without proper permitting. Some companies will insist you arrange all the permits ahead of time for them. Not us. We handle all aspects of the permitting process so your project moves ahead without delay or interruption.

Plugs for your electric vehicles – After being talked about for decades electric vehicles are finally here in numbers. If your company has recently purchased electric vehicles to augment your fleet you’re going to need outlets through which they can recharge. We’ll install them for you.

Protecting your valuable data – It’s estimated that nearly $30 billion is lost every year in North America to power surges. That means your company’s valuable data along with printers, copiers, scanners, alarm systems and more could be at risk. We can install surge suppression devices that will protect all your Electricians devices as well as the lifeblood of your company; your data, from debilitating Electricians surges

Maintenance and Repair by our Commercial Electricians

Our fully licensed electricians provide your company with the dependable, affordable Electricians maintenance services you need to keep your business on the cutting edge. Whether it’s a routine monthly check-up of your hardware or an emergency call prompted by a natural disaster we’re there for you assessing the situation quickly and correctly and performing whatever mitigation services are necessary to keep you or get you up and running. If repairs are necessary we provide free estimates and in most cases, can get underway as soon as we have your okay. If large scale repairs are necessary we’ll discuss all options with you so you can make an informed decision before proceeding.

Ceiling Fans – Don’t Underestimate Their Impact

As the mercury rises this summer, most people are going to be looking for ways to keep their electricity bills down. But before you make any changes around the home, here are a few air conditioning myths to watch out for.

Fans Keep a Room Cool

Fans don’t make a room any cooler, they merely make you feel cooler. By moving air over your skin, a fan can lower your body temperature, but will do nothing for the heat inside a room. So if you’re not in the room, you’re just wasting energy by leaving the fan on. However, there’s one exception to this rule: if the air temperature outside the house is cooler than the air inside, then placing a fan near a window can help draw cool air into the home or create a cross current to exhaust some of the hot air trapped inside.

Upgrading to a bigger air conditioner will give you better results

As summer stretches into the hottest months of the year, your air conditioner might be straining to keep your home cool, causing you to head to the store for a newer and bigger unit. But there are a lot of reasons your air conditioner might not be up to the task. As with any appliance, an air conditioner needs regular maintenance. Start by cleaning the air conditioner, and if that doesn’t help, you can try to get it serviced. If the air conditioner is installed in a spot that gets direct sun all day long, moving it to a shadier location might help. Also the problem might not be the air conditioner at all. If you have a lot of leaks in your house, such as cracks around the windows, missing weather stripping around the door, or poor insulation, the problem could be your house. Try to look for any gaps where you might be leaking cold air and plug them up.

 

An air conditioner is just a device to cool the air

Sure, air conditioners produce a steady stream of cool air, but there’s actually another factor at play when it comes to making you comfortable in the summer. In addition to cooling the air, air conditioners also reduce humidity. Humid air feels hotter than dryer air. Many air conditioners have a drying function that is dedicated to reducing humidity, and this setting also uses a less energy. If your air conditioner doesn’t have this setting, you could also try using a dehumidifier to save a little money on your energy bill.

Crank the temperature down for faster cooling

Central air conditioners are designed to work at a fairly constant pace and then turn off when your home reaches the desired temperature. So turning the temperature way down won’t cool it faster, it just means you might end up with a frigid house if you forget to readjust the thermostat once you hit a comfortable temperature, wasting money and energy. There is, however, an exception to this rule. If you have a window unit, you likely have low, medium and high settings. Using the high setting will cool things off faster — just remember to turn it down once your home feels comfortable.

It’s more efficient to leave it on all day than to raise and lower the temperature

Programmable thermostats are a great way to save money on energy bills during both the winter and summer months. By setting your thermostat to change the temperature in the house when you’re not around, you can dramatically cut down on energy usage. Many people believe that an air conditioner has to work extra hard to cool the house back down when you get home, negating any benefit from turning the temperature down. However, this simply isn’t true. Even when you’re not around, your air conditioner is hard at work keeping the place cool, which leads you to waste a lot of energy. So feel free to use the program function on your thermostat and save some money on your bills this summer.

 

Energy offers hot summer savings tips

• The number one way to conserve energy is to set the thermostat to the highest comfortable temperature. Dominion Energy and the U.S. Department of Energy recommend 78 degrees for maximum efficiency. A savings of up to 3% on cooling costs can be achieved for each degree the thermostat is set back.
• Use programmable thermostats to save money by automatically turning up the AC while when not at home.
• Sunlight shining through windows can account for up to 40% of unwanted heat gain and can force the air conditioner to work two to three times harder. Closing the blinds during the day offers one solution. Installing curtains that can close during the heat of the day also can make a difference.
• Turning off lights and the TV or unplugging unnecessary appliances are simple solutions that can yield immediate energy savings.
• Turn off and unplug everything possible when on vacation.
• Don’t underestimate the importance of ceiling fans. Moving air over the body provides a cooling effect. Most fans have a switch to change the fan direction. Make sure ceiling fans are blowing downward (in a counter-clockwise direction) to send air past your body. Turn fans off when the room is unoccupied.
• Replace or clean forced air heating/cooling system filters monthly.
• Keep the water heater set at 120 degrees and insulate the heater and adjacent pipes to prevent heat loss.

 

Energy Saving Tips for Every Season

Winter

• Seal air leaks. Seal all holes from pipes and wires that enter/exit the living space, including entrances, pull-downs and attic stair openings, light fixtures, pipes and wires.
• Seal duct work. Make sure that all duct work is sealed at joints and intersections with duct sealer or silicone caulk. Otherwise, supply duct work can leak heated air into the attic or crawl space, and outside air can be drawn into the return duct work, increasing costs and reducing comfort dramatically. Ducts can be sealed using foil-backed tape or silicon caulking.
• Lower water heater to 120-125 degrees. Many water heaters are automatically set at 140 degrees. Lowering the temperature on your water heater to between 120 and 125 degrees will reduce the amount of fuel needed to heat the water.
• Change furnace filters every month. This is the number one reason for furnace breakdowns. Inspect heating and cooling equipment annually, or as recommended by the manufacturer. Have a professional check and clean furnaces once a year.
• Weatherstrip doors, windows and attic entryways. Inspect windows and doors for air leaks. If you can see daylight around a door or window frame, then the door or window needs sealing. Air leaks can be sealed with caulking or weather-stripping. Insulate attic entryways.

Summer

• Raise your thermostat to 78º. If you will be away from home for more than eight hours, raise the thermostat setting a bit more and you can save for each degree of setback, reducing the amount of energy used to cool your home while you’re away. Learn more about your thermostat online by visiting the U.S. Department of Energy website.
• Keep shades closed when the air conditioner is on. Sunny windows add heat to your home and can make your air conditioner work two to three times harder.
• Check and clean filters. Cleaning and replacing air conditioning filters monthly allows the system to run more efficiently.
• Clear attic vents. If the home has an attic fan, make sure it is functioning properly.
• Install ceiling fans and make sure they are blowing down. Don’t underestimate the importance of ceiling fans. Moving air over the body provides a cooling effect. Most fans have a switch to change the fan direction. Make sure ceiling fans are blowing downward (in a counter-clockwise direction) to send air past your body.
• Wash dishes and clothes in the early morning or late evening. By doing these chores during cooler times of the day, you will reduce the heat and humidity in the home. These appliances also produce additional heat, causing your air conditioner to work harder.

 

Experts suggest the following tips to keep your air conditioner running smoothly.

• Change your air filters regularly.
• Be sure to avoid blocking floor, wall or ceiling vents.
• Make sure your outside condensing unit isn’t covered or clogged with leaves or debris.
• Check to make sure the drainage system isn’t clogged.
• Don’t run your system in cooling mode when outdoor temperatures are lower than 55°.
• Consider sealing or insulating your ducts.
• Make sure the vegetation is kept away from the outdoor unit.
• Make sure your outdoor unit is clean.

things to consider before buying LED bulbs

The reasons why are compelling — they last much longer than incandescent bulbs, provide interesting features and can save you money on your electricity bill. Besides, many incandescent bulbs — like the 100-watt incandescent — are being phased out, so eventually you’ll need to make the switch anyway.

Forget what you know about incandescents — your watts are no good here.

When shopping for bulbs, you’re probably accustomed to looking for watts, an indication of how bright the bulb will be. The brightness of LEDs, however, is determined a little differently.

Contrary to common belief, wattage isn’t an indication of brightness, but a measurement of how much energy the bulb draws. For incandescents, there is an accepted correlation between the watts drawn and the brightness, but for LEDs, watts aren’t a great predictor of how bright the bulb will be. (The point, after all, is that they draw less energy.)

Choosing the right color LED

You can always count on incandescents providing a warm, yellowish hue. But LEDs come in a wide range of colors.

As shown off by the Philips Hue, LED bulbs are capable of displaying an impressive color range, from purple to red, to a spectrum of whites and yellows. For the home, however, you’re likely looking for something similar to the light that incandescents produce.

 

How to Choose the Best LED Light Bulb for Any Room in Your Home

Every room in your home is different.

You likely have heard that sunlight gives us energy, but did you know that light bulbs work in a similar way? Bulbs that emit blue light waves produce serotonin, which makes us focused, awake, and alert. Bulbs that don’t emit blue light waves allow for our brain to produce melatonin, which makes us relaxed, drowsy, and ready for a good nights sleep.

Lower temperature bulbs produce warm-whites, similar to a fire, while medium temperature bulbs produce neutral-whites, and higher temperature bulbs produce cool-whites or mimic daylight.

it is also a common misconception that the brightness of a light bulb is measured in Watts. Watts actually measure energy usage, while Lumens measure brightness.

LED Lighting for Bedroom Use

In our bedrooms, most of us want the atmosphere to be relaxed, calm, and peaceful. Avoiding blue light waves in the bedroom will keep your circadian rhythm from confusing the light in your bedroom with the natural light outside. This allows your brain to produce the melatonin needed for a comfortable sleep. Are you a nighttime reader? If you have a bedside reading lamp or plan on buying one, soft blue or neutral tones are better for reading specific fixtures, since the cool-white color creates a high contrast with the page

LED Lighting for Home Office Use

When lighting a home office, we want to make sure that the lights are maximizing our ability to be productive in the space provided. Putting cool-white lights in the office that mimic daylight will increase serotonin production keeping you focused, alert, and energized. Make sure to choose a place that won’t create unwanted glares on your computer screen. You may also want to consider LED Desk Lamps which offer great task lighting and the ability to switch color temperature on demand.

 

Things You Need to Know Before Switching to LEDs

We all know that LEDs are way better for the environment than their incandescent forefathers. But that doesn’t mean you’ve been convinced to make the switch. If you’re still teetering on the fence between LED and incandescent

Making the Switch to LEDs Is Easier Than You Think

To get the benefits of LED without replacing all your existing fixtures, all you need to do is replace all your incandescent screw-in lightbulbs with screw-in LED bulbs. Just make sure that you replace your incandescent bulb with a comparable LED that will match the performance of the previous bulb.

LED Lights Last And That Will Save You Money

At first, it might not seem like LEDs are going to be a lucrative switch. They are more expensive than incandescent bulbs, but the prices are dropping. And the way you should really think about it is that LEDs are more of a long term investment. So, while the upfront cost might be a little higher, the payback time is worth it. For example, if you spent $15 on a 60-Watt equivalent LED bulb, the payback will be within a couple of years.

At the end of the day, the technology behind LEDs–the diodes themselves, heat sinking and so on–allows them to extensively outlast incandescent bulbs. Some LEDs can last two decades (or even longer) with average use before they begin to dim, as opposed to an approximate two year life for incandescents. LEDs also experience more of a gradual decline than the sudden burnout experienced with incandescents.

LEDs Use Up A Lot Less Energy

The big picture: LED lighting converts 95% of energy consumed into light, unlike incandescent bulbs, which convert only 10% of energy for light. The 90% of energy remaining is wasted as heat.

 

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO LED LIGHTING IN RESIDENTIAL APPLICATION

LED lighting solutions are on the rise. There are more LED products and alternatives available on the market already than there ever have been for traditional incandescent and compact fluorescent (CFL), energy efficient bulbs.

While some LED products might just look like any other light bulb or fluorescent tube, the variety of products, new terminology introduced by the lighting industry and the fact that LED’s are a different technology from what we have been used to for decades can make the switch to LED lighting quite challenging.

Why make the change to LED?

Besides being much more energy efficient than incandescent and CFL options, thus able to provide significant energy savings, they last much longer, don’t contain Mercury like CFL’s and provide a lot more options for brightness and light appearance (warm vs. cool).

Terminology

When buying traditional incandescent light bulbs, all we needed to pay attention to was the bulb shape, wattage which indicated the brightness of the bulb and the screw base size to make sure it fits into the lamp

Brightness:

First off, we have to let go of the misconception that wattage equals brightness. While for incandescent bulbs wattage and brightness had a direct correlation, this is not true for LED products and since LED’s consume much less power (Watts), it’s impossible to compare brightness of an incandescent and an LED bulb based on wattage.

 

How do I choose a quality LED lighting manufacturer?

Now a days selecting right LED Lighting manufacturer is getting increasingly complex because of ever increasing vendor base. I have been working as LED Light sourcing consultant for last 5 years and I would like to share few of the pointers out of my experience when you shortlist vendors

Manufacturing setup – This is the most basic criteria to evaluate. You can check for his set up in terms In-house component Mounting equipment, Aging equipment, Photometery and Electrical testing equipment, Packing and Printing equipment, Assembly line, Automation etc. Capacity, quality and maintenance of equipment is critical factor

Processes – Do they have documented and auditable processes for product development, manufacturing, testing, trouble shooting etc?

Manpower quality – What is the strength and quality of manpower in Design, Quality, Production, Administration ?

Sourcing – Do they source components from reputed and established vendors? Process of vendor selection etc

5 ELECTRICAL UPGRADES YOU’LL WANT FOR YOUR HOME

Updating your home can be fun, but you’ll also want to consider some electrical upgrades. Whether it’s the kitchen, bathroom, or basement you are planning to remodel, consider every electrical component of the house first. Do you need more outlets? Are the light switches and fixtures modern? Do you need a ceiling fan installed? Is it time to upgrade the breaker box panel?

Many homeowners don’t think about the electrical system until it doesn’t perform like it should. As they tackle remodeling, they find out later that they needed some electrical upgrades that they still want but didn’t consider. So before you make the first step in a home makeover, consider the electrical system first and plan for it in the budget. Here are some electrical upgrades you might be interested in.

Smart Home Features

If you would like to make your home life easier, installing different smart systems throughout the house is a great project. You can have everything automated and controlled remotely if you so prefer. Here are a few smart electrical upgrades you’ll want to consider:

• Remote controlled sprinkler system
• Remote controlled heating & cooling
• Remote security & video surveillance system
• Smart thermostats
• Smart alarms, sensors, and sirens
• Remote controlled lights
• Smart Hubs
• Smart smoke alarms
• Grocery ordering refrigerators
• Remote controlled drapes or blinds

Panel Upgrades

Today’s modern technology requires much more power than the older models. Although many manufacturers boast of energy efficiency, by comparison, they still utilize more energy. This is because of larger and more feature-packed washers and dryers, refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, and media-driven electronics and gadgets. Overall, the average household is using 30%-50% more energy than ever before. When remodeling any room in your home, consider how much energy it will utilize and whether or not your electrical system can handle it in a manner that is safe and efficient.

Outlet and Receptacle Considerations

Receptacles and are like any other part of your electrical system. When installed, they must be safe and efficient. You may love the way a certain receptacle looks on your wall. The real question, however, is will it perform the way it’s supposed to. You’ve noticed that high-energy appliances use different receptacles, such as a specialized model for your washer or dryer. The reason for this is that these appliances require large amounts of power and need a certain type of receptacle that can accommodate it. When remodeling, get advice from a professional electrician in order to get the right outlets and light switches for the electronics and appliances in your room. There are several options and many of them come with great decorative features that put the finishing touches on your room.

Modern Light Switch Features

When it comes to creating the right room atmosphere, lighting is everything. The right light can create energy or give you a soothing environment. Although the right type of light is important, light switches control them. So be sure you install a modern switch that makes controlling the lights easy. For instance, dimmer switches are very popular they allow just the right amount of light. There are many other options including 3-way, 4-way, sliders, different size switches, multi-locations, dimmers, and even remote control lighting. With all the options available, you never have to settle for boring light switches again!

Rewiring & Rerouting

Most room renovations include moving things around. For instance, you may re-conceptualize your entire kitchen and want the counter transferred to the other side of the room. While this may be a more aesthetically pleasing approach, your current electrical system may not be in a position to accommodate the move. Before you know it, you have to pull the counters back off the wall and make the adjustment. So make sure that there are actually wires behind the wall before you move your kitchen components, appliances, or electronics.

 

How to Update your Electrical System?

• The first step is to upgrade your panel by bringing more power from the utility to your home. You can replace the existing meter and circuit breakers to allow it to handle more power or replace an electrical panel or circuit breakers that are obsolete, damaged or dangerous. Doing this enables your electrical system to have more power to distribute without affecting the wiring inside the home.
• The second step includes adding extra circuits that can distribute the power to your rooms and appliances.
• Updating the system may also include adding new electrical outlets and replacing the used cable, old cable wires and receptacles.

What Risks does a Malfunctioning Electrical System Pose

There are a number of reasons why malfunctioning, old or faulty wiring represents a huge problem for a few reasons. Some of them include:

• An old electrical system creates a fire hazard, putting you and your loved ones at risk. One of the biggest causes of house fires is bad wiring. When the wiring becomes exposed or heated or when sparks are created, materials around it get ignited which eventually leads to a big fire.
• The risk of electrocution increases. If the wiring gets old and there are signs of wear and tear, then the electrical current won’t be transferred properly. The insulation may have holes in them. In both these cases, there will be a serious risk of electrocution.
• The lifespan of your electrical appliances will be cut down significantly as the faulty wiring won’t be able to manage the power in a safe manner, as it once did, and it may short your appliances. Further, the faulty wiring and electrical system may not have the capacity to support modern appliances which will cause your washing machines, dishwashers and microwaves to wear out quickly.

The overall efficiency of your home’s energy will be drastically reduced. This will also show up in your electric bills apart from the appliances getting ruined.

Signs that you Need to Update your Electrical Panel

If you observe any one of the following signs, then it is time to get your electric system updated:

• Breakers tripping frequently
• Fuses blowing repeatedly
• Constant flickering or dimming of lights
• A tingling sensation whenever you touch any electric appliance
• Warm, discolored or sparking outlets
• A persistent burning smell from a room or appliance
• Two-prong ungrounded outlets throughout the house
• No Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets in various rooms and areas exposed to moisture e.g. kitchens and baths.

 

 

Can Homeowners Legally Do Electrical Work on Their Own Houses?

Performing even minor electrical work on a home brings with it a series of risks, both to the worker and the people who’ll eventually inhabit the house, so states and local governments produce and enforce building codes that promote safety. In many cases homeowners can perform their own electrical work without the help of a trained professional, as long as the work complies with local codes.

Allowable Actions

Some forms of electrical work fall outside of any state or local regulation. In general, homeowners can perform only the most basic repairs on their own, without any form of license or permit. This includes tasks such as replacing a light switch, outlet cover or lighting fixture. It also includes replacing a fuse box, but only when the replacement box is the same type and size as the previous box. Most other electrical work requires a permit.

Permits

Electrical permits ensure that homeowners who perform their own electrical work–or hire contractors to perform it–comply with local building safety codes. Homeowners can apply for permits to perform their own electrical work. Some local governments–such as the city of Boise, for example–only issue electrical permits to homeowners who don’t plan to sell their homes within a year. Homeowners also must supply proof of ownership and identification to receive electrical permits that allow them to make repairs or expand a home’s electrical system.

Licenses

Electrician licenses allow trained professionals to perform electrical work and charge for their services. Homeowners who plan to sell their homes in the near future, or who perform work on homes other than their primary residence, must either hire licensed electricians or become licensed themselves. Licensed electricians still must apply for and receive the same permits as homeowners who do their own work.

Penalties

Homeowners who perform unauthorized electrical work on their homes without the appropriate permits, or who perform work on others’ homes without a license, face stiff criminal penalties. In New York, for example, false representation or violation of the state electrical work code is a misdemeanor. Fines range from $500 for a first offense to as much as $5,000 for a third offense, as of 2011. A third offense also carries the possibility of up to six months in jail, in addition to a fine.

 

 

Powerful Electrical Upgrades

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 and how much it will cost.

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!

 

Some New Ideas For Kitchen Electrical Upgrades

Whether you are building a house from scratch or remodeling your home, here are some ideas you can ask your Art Plumbing, AC & Electric qualified electrician to include in the kitchen. After a consultation with you, he will be able to provide you with an electrical wiring plan that considers appliances which will move from place to place or remain stationary, specialized flexible connections needed for stoves or built-in ovens, and light placement for optimum visibility.

Pop Up Electrical Outlets

If you don’t like clutter on your kitchen counter, then a pop-up electrical outlet is for you. This outlet with several plug-ins, pops up from under the counter and can be pushed down again when not in use. When placed with cabinets under the counter, it is totally hidden from sight when not in use.

Invisible Outlets

Electrical outlets recessed about half an inch into the wall, allow you to push the electrical appliance right up against the wall. This in turn not only gives you more counter space but the unsightly plugs and cords remain hidden.

Upgraded Lighting

There are many new and exciting kitchen lighting options. Under counter LED lighting can now be connected to a control unit that allows the light to change colors and create different moods. Accent lighting can be placed in different areas of the kitchen creating an illusion of space. Display cupboards with glass doors can also be fitted with spotlights to attractively display the contents inside. Consult your kitchen lighting expert to advise you on the various exciting options available.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Plugs

This upgrade was made compulsory in 2014 in all newly built or remodeled homes. This plug monitors the flow of electricity and trips the circuit, cutting electrical flow, if it senses any electrical fault. This has greatly assisted in the prevention of electrical fires and electrical shocks.

Designer Switches

You no longer only have the choice of black or white plastic switches. You now have many color and material options for your switches and switch plates ranging from stainless steel to stone. You can now customize your kitchen switches to your taste.

Data Ports

Data ports with USB wiring enable you to plug in and charge your phone and other devices in the kitchen. Once considered a luxury, most home owners are now requesting this electrical upgrade in their kitchen for obvious reasons.

Dimmers

Whether you have a headache and don’t like bright lights, or simply want to create a romantic atmosphere, a bulb parable with a dimmer switch is a nice addition to your kitchen lighting. Say goodbye to the harsh, often unattractive fluorescent light that used to come standard in all our kitchens and welcome the new, customized version you have chosen.

Induction Stoves

An upgrade from your normal gas or electric stove, induction stove plates precisely heat up only the bottom of the pot while the rest of the stove surface remains cool. Using electromagnetic technology these stoves not only heat faster and are safer but save you money as no heat is wasted.

Designer Cooker Hoods

Cooker hoods have evolved from an unsightly kitchen necessity to a custom designed kitchen appliance. You can now decide if you want your cooker hood to be a feature or to blend to its surroundings.

All electrical upgrades and installations must only be carried out by a qualified, certified electrician. Not only will we know and follow all the safety regulations, but we will also be able to professionally advise you on the correct placement of lighting, plugs and switches. A professional knows what’s new and exciting on the market and can assist you to customize your kitchen electric requirements to suit your family’s lifestyle and taste.