Category: Electricians

At-home electrical safety tips

Use electricity safely at home

Follow our simple electrical safety tips to keep yourself and your family safe at home

Electrical panels, fuses, and outlets

If a fuse blows, turn off all appliances and lights that are on the circuit before changing the fuse.

Use a flashlight. Don’t try to replace a fuse in the dark.

Replace a fuse with another that has an identical rating.

Loose fuses can overheat. If you have plug-type fuses, you should periodically check to make sure they’re snug.

Never replace a fuse with a coin or other metal object.

Use ground fault circuit interrupters on all outlets located outdoors.

Cords, extension cords, and plugs

Pull the plug, not the cord, when disconnecting an electrical device.

Never remove a plug when your hands are wet, or if you’re touching a metal object.

The third prong of a plug exists for safety reasons. Do not break it off or bypass it.

Use only three-pronged extension cords outdoors.

Keep cords away from sources of heat and water.

Cords and plugs that show signs of wear or damage need to be replaced. Stop using them immediately.

Do not place a cord under a carpet, through a doorway, or anywhere that it could be stepped on.

Always use extension cords that are properly rated for the amount of electricity you’ll be using.

Extension cords are intended for temporary use. If you need a permanent solution, call an electrician.

Coil up excess cord length and keep the coil intact with plastic ties or Velcro straps.

Use a certified power bar if you need to plug multiple items into an outlet.

Electrical devices, appliances, and power tools

Unplug the toaster before prying out that stuck toast.

Unplug your electrical gadgets when they’re not in use.

Keep your electrical devices away from sources of water.

If you use an electric lawnmower, only cut the grass when it’s dry and never when it’s raining.

Insist on appliances and tools that have been certified by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) seal or another accredited Standards Council of Canada association.

Electricity safety near gas supply

Always use qualified electricity and gas contractors to install your services and ask them to ensure the services are installed the right distance apart.

Make sure your services are inspected and maintained regularly. Don’t try any maintenance yourself, always use a qualified contractor.

 

Electrical Fires

Preventing a Home Electrical Fire

Electrical failure or malfunctions account for almost 34,000 home fires, on average, per year and result in roughly 440 deaths and $1.3 billion in direct property damage according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). This is a particular threat to homes built before the 1950s when electrical wiring standards were less stringent than today. However, even newer homes are at risk for an electrical fire. While older homes were built to handle 30 amps of power, most newer homes demand 100 to 200 amps. This demand places a significant strain on a home’s wiring and electrical system.

Understanding the common causes, warning signs and appropriate safety measures can help prevent an electrical fire in your home. The most common causes for electrical fires are:

Incorrectly installed wiring

Overloaded circuits and extension cords

Defective or improper plugs, switches and outlets

Misuse and poor maintenance of lighting

Warning Signs of Faulty Wiring or Electrical Systems

To prevent an electrical fire, learn to recognize the warning signs that indicate a possible wiring or electrical problem. Contact a licensed electrician immediately to examine and repair electrical problems if you experience any of the following issues in your home:

Flickering or dimming lights

Switches or outlets that are hot to touch and/or emit an acrid odor

Discolored cords, outlets and switch plates

Repeatedly blown fuses and tripped circuit breakers

Keep Home Wiring Systems Safe

Every homeowner should be acquainted with at least one licensed electrician who can help keep their home wiring system safe. Licensed electricians can help:

Ensure any electrical modifications meet existing codes

Inspect and repair outlets and switches

Inspect a home and make any necessary repairs before you purchase and move in

Replace outdated or malfunctioning fuses and circuit breakers and instruct you on proper usage.

 

Wiring Tips

WELL, HOW ABOUT THAT! Here you have completed the wiring of the aircraft’s alternator and battery circuits, installed the main bus and, at this point, have less than a dozen wires coming up to the instrument panel

That wasn’t so complicated, was it? The hardest part was probably getting organized and acquiring the right kind and size wires and the other necessary parts. After all, how many of us would just happen to have a battery, a voltage regulator, an over voltage relay, a split master switch and a couple of solenoids lying around the workshop. Or, for that matter, have the correct gauges of shielded wire and a sufficient quantity of insulated ring terminals?

You might have had a few insulated ring-terminals on hand . . . maybe enough of them to get the job started. But that would have been just about it. More likely, you probably had to order everything else from one of the homebuilt suppliers.

Other than that, you will have to admit that the basic wiring job was quite interesting, and not nearly as time consuming or as difficult as you had anticipated it would be.

QUICK DISCONNECTS . . . WHERE AND WHY

Keep this in mind. You will have to partially disassemble your airplane before you can haul it to the airport. That is, you undoubtedly will have to remove and reinstall the wings and tail surfaces at least one more time

 

Home electrical safety tips and rules to help prevent fires

According to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical cords and temporary wiring account for over 25% of the estimated 81,000 electrical system fires that occur each year. The risk of fires can be reduced by following these essential home electrical safety tips.

Extension cord safety rules

Don’t use extension cords as a substitute for repairing building wiring.

Inspect extension cords for broken connectors, damaged insulation and missing hardware before each use.

Do not run extension cords through walls, over beams, around corners or through doorways.

Only use extension cords approved for the environment and loads expected.

Equip extension cords with ground fault interruption (GFI) devices.

Dont use coiled extension cords.

Discard damaged extension cords; don’t try to repair them.

Use only surge protected power strips. Inspect the power strips regularly for damage or signs of overloading

Temporary wiring safety rules

Don’t substitute temporary and flexible wiring for repairing building wiring.

Use temporary wiring only when needed for maintenance, repair or demolition activities.

Limit temporary wiring for holiday or ornamental lighting to no more than 90 days.

In outdoor settings use only outdoor approved temporary wiring and extension cords.

Don’t route temporary wiring across floors, around doors or through walls.

Locate temporary wiring at least 7 feet above any walking or working surface.

Protect temporary wiring from sharp edges, heat and sunlight to avoid breakdown of the insulation

Equipment power cords safety rules

Inspect equipment cords for damage before each use.

Don’t operate equipment cords without a ground connection unless they are double insulated.

Don’t splice equipment cords to repair damage or to extend the original length.

Routinely inspect and perform maintenance on electrical equipment

Lock out or tag all electrical equipment or lines while they are being serviced, maintained or adjusted.

Inspect all electrical appliances, such as vacuum cleaners, to ensure they’re properly grounded. Cords that are frayed or damaged should be removed and replaced immediately, not spliced or taped. Shut down main power source when replacing fuses.

 

Electrical Safety Tips at Home

You power your home with energy, but do you know electrical safety? The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that 31,000 home electrical fires occur every year, and with over 180 cases involving electrocution or electricity-related incidents that could have been avoided, home electrical safety is too important to ignore. At Constellation, we care about the safety of our customers, and by following these electrical safety tips you can protect your home and your family

What causes electrical fires in homes?

The National Fire Protection Association notes that faulty or damaged wiring and related electrical equipment cause 69 percent of electrical fires, followed by lamps, light fixtures, cords, plugs, transformers and other power supplies. When looking for potential fire hazards in your home, always be sure to consult with a professional.

Check that you’re using the correct wattage in all your fixtures and appliances.

Using the right bulbs can prevent electrical problems, so check all lamps, fixtures and appliances to ensure you’re using the correct wattage. If a light fixture has no wattage listed, use 60-watt bulbs or less. For unmarked ceiling fixtures, choose 25-watt bulbs.

Watch out for overloaded outlets to protect your home.

Overloading an electrical outlet is a common cause of electrical problems. Check all outlets to ensure they are cool to the touch, have protective faceplates and are in proper working order

Replace or repair damaged electrical cords to keep your home safe.

Damaged power cords are a serious residential electrical safety risk, and they are capable of causing both fires and electrocution. All power and extension cords should be checked regularly for signs of fraying and cracking, and they should then be repaired or replaced as needed. Power cords should not be stapled into place or run under rugs and furniture. Cords under rugs pose a tripping hazard and can overheat, while furniture can crush cord insulation and damage wires.

Choosing an electrician

Choosing an electrician can be a difficult process and it can even be hard to know where to start. For your convenience, we’ve prepared a guide of tips on how to choose an electrician that will match well with your home or business and the particular project you’re looking to hire for.

Often times, asking your friends and family members is a great way to find a professional you need. Because you have a close relationship with those offering a referral, they will likely give you an honest perspective on the company or individual they’ve hired for electrical work in the past.

It is imperative to make sure the electrician you choose has the necessary legal documents assuring you that they are able to complete the job. Many companies will have this indicated on their website or you can ask them directly to see their credentials.

Online testimonials are a major influence on most people looking for a product or service in any industry. Visit their pages on Google, Facebook or other listing websites that will offer insight into how past customers feel about their experience with the company in question

Once you reach a point where you are have narrowed down your candidates, give them a call to get a better feel for the company and who you will be entrusting this work in. Often times, this step can be very telling and it will make reaching a decision an easy choice at this point!

 

How Do I Choose an Electrician?

“With great power comes great responsibility.” The thought behind this famous quote may not have been related to the dangers facing electricians. Nonetheless, it sums things up well. When it comes to electrics, don’t risk it.

You need a professional to get the job done safely. Selecting the right person for the job is crucial. We’re here to shed light on what you should look for so that you don’t get a nasty shock.

Check the License and Insurance

It’s vital that your electrician is licensed. This ensures they have had the required training to carry out the job safely and in the right way. All qualified electricians should be able to produce their current state license.

Competitive Quotes

It’s always wise to get about three different quotes. That gives you plenty of prices to compare. Be sure to explain exactly what work you need doing.

Check out Qualifications and Experience

As in any other profession, some electricians will have more experience and qualifications than others. Your electrician should be able to offer a year’s warranty on their workmanship.

 

What to Look for When Choosing an Electrician

Have been noticing that the lights in your home have been flickering lately? It may be time to call in a professional to check your electrical system. Older homes may still have outdated knob and tube or aluminum wiring, and replacing outdated wiring is a job that should be completed by a licensed electrician.

How long have you been working in this field? It’s important to find someone who knows the codebook, but also has practical experience. You also want to work with someone who understands the value of providing good customer service

Are you licensed, bonded and insured? The contractor should hold a valid electrician’s license. This means they’ve completed the required education and training. The contractor should also carry liability insurance in the event he/she or one of his/her employees is injured while working on your property. Ask for the contractor’s bond number and certificate to confirm proper bonding is in place

Who will be performing the work on my property? If the business owner will not be doing the work personally, ask about the credentials of whoever will be completing the project. Employees should be fully trained electricians, and apprentices are not allowed to work on jobs unless they are supervised by a trained electrician.

Do you offer a warranty on work performed? Discover whether the parts or labor are under warranty after the job has been completed. If so, how long is the warranty in effect? You’ll want to hire an electrician who’s prepared to stand behind the work.

 

A Few Things To Look For When Hiring An Electrician

If you are looking for an electrician, it is good to avoid choosing any electrician you come across. Even though doing extensive research when looking for an electrician can be time-consuming, as there are many electricians to choose from, it is worth doing it. This is because taking your time when looking for an electrician will help you find the right electrician who offers quality services. There are some factors you need to consider when looking for an electrician to make an informed decision.

The Electrician’s Level of Experience

Choose an electrician who has experience with the service you need. This will help you avoid being an electrician’s guinea pig. An experienced electrician knows how to do their job in the best way possible. This is because such an electrician knows the ins and outs of electrical work and fully understands the safety procedures. Ask all potential electricians the kind of electrical work they specialize to help you choose an electrician who can do your electrical work in the best way possible

Licensing

It is good to make sure that the electrician you are considering has the proper licensing for your state. An electrician who is not licensed is likely to offer low-quality services. A licensed electrician has undergone training and knows how to do electrical work properly.

Insurance

Make sure that the electrician you choose is insured to avoid being held financially responsible in case something goes wrong while an electrician is working on your property. Find out if the electrician you are considering is insured. Ask the electrician to show you paperwork showing that the electrician is insured.

Customer Reviews

Customer reviews can help you know what people who have hired a certain electrician before have to say about the experience of working with the electrician. A good electrician is well-reviewed for electrical work similar to yours.

 

Tips for Choosing the Right Electrician for Your New Home

Choosing the best electrician for your new home can be daunting. But it’s essential because you need your plans to be done the right way and run smoothly. You want to choose an electrician you can trust to carry out the job as required. He or she should be knowledgeable and a professional about the job otherwise  you will be discouraged. It’s essential to have sensible plans when searching for the best electrician to do the job. Read some of the tips you can use when selecting a qualified professional to do the job well for your new home.

When looking for an electrician, it’s good to obtain at least three quotes to know if you are being overcharged. Make sure that you communicate the job you need to be done and the kind of materials and fittings you would like to use. It’s easy to compare one quote to another, and you can also request for a quote together with a breakdown of all the prices. It’s not wise to choose a contractor on price alone because there are other crucial things you need to consider.

Licensed and Insured

Secondly, choose an electrician who is licensed and insured. Most electrician contractors are registered with the energy commission. However, do take into consideration that it is also possible for electrical contractors to not have licenses but have a high degree of skills, experience, and expertise to do required electricity jobs. A licensed electrician is well trained to do the job correctly and safely. Also, you can as well check as well if the licensed electrical contractor is insured. It’s essential to protect your property and yourself from any form of accident.

Guarantees

You can also check if your electrician will give you some form of guarantee on the job. It’s good since you don’t want to choose someone who might deny correcting a mistake that they made or someone who will refuse to fix a problem that occurs after a month or a week later. So knowing whether they provide guarantees will help you to see if you can rely on and trust the electrician when upgrades are needed.

Experience and Credibility

When choosing an electrician, don’t be afraid to ask for their references from former jobs and also about their qualifications. A lot of electricians have special accreditations. These added factors about your chosen electrician can make them the best for the work you want to be done.

The Voltage Range in Your Home

It’s easy to get confused when we talk about the voltage range that a home electrical system supplies to our devices. For a long time, most people called the power from your home outlet “110 volts.” Similarly, “220 volts” was used for larger household appliances like electric ranges and clothes dryers. These designations for home AC power are actually out-of-date. They don’t accurately describe the voltage range that comes into your home from the electric utility. So, why the confusion?

These days, almost every residential customer can get 120 volts from their wall outlet. However, power is typically delivered into your home at a nominal voltage of 240 volts. Inside the transformer on the utility pole, the power is divided into a split phase system, with each line having a nominal voltage of 120 volts. Nominal voltage is the voltage that the line is designed for; however, in the real-world, the tolerance for voltage fluctuations is −5% to +5%. This leads to an actual voltage range of anywhere from 114V to 126V from your outlet and a voltage range of 228V to 252V for your full-phase appliances. Now, you might look at these voltage ranges and think that a difference that large could potentially pose a hazard to you or your electric devices. However, I can assure you that this is completely normal and is taken into consideration when the circuits are designed.

We talked briefly about the 240 volts that is supplied to your home from the power company. At the transformer, the single phase power from the utility company is split into 3 wires: 2 line wires and a ground. This is known as a single-phase three-wire or split-phase system. Normally, your lamps and other 120V devices are connected between one line wire and the grounded center, while electric stoves, dryers, and other appliances are connected to both line wires and the ground. This way, each half can balance the other when electrical loads increase. Our Quick 220^® voltage converter combines these halves and produces a convenient outlet with a voltage range of 228V to 252V without the need to call an expensive electrical contractor.

 

Capacity of Main Disconnect

Most modern panels have a single main disconnect. Often times this disconnect is labeled as the “main”. The capacity of the disconnect is labeled directly on the disconnect. It will typically indicate “100A”, “150A”, or “200A”.

As you can see from the above, if you were to see that a panel is rated at 150 amperes maximum, and it is equipped with a 150 ampere main disconnect and it is fed by a 150 ampere cable, you can conclude that the service is of 150 amperes capacity.

There are instances when the three determining factors are not equal. For example, if a 100 ampere capacity cable is feeding a 150 ampere capacity panel with a 150 ampere capacity disconnect, the service would technically be considered a 100 ampere capacity service. The cable would be the limiting factor. In addition, this would be an unsafe condition since the cable would not be of great enough capacity to withstand the potential for 150 amperes of current that would be permitted by the panel and disconnect. The cable would be considered as undersized and replacement with an appropriately sized cable would be recommended for safety reasons. To the contrary, a 150 ampere cable feeding a 100 ampere capacity panel and disconnect would be considered a 100 ampere capacity service and it would also be considered safe (the cable can be oversized but it cannot be undersized).

 

HOW TO DETERMINE SIZE FOR A HOME ELECTRICAL SERVICE

When replacing an old electrical service entrance or designing an installation for a new home, one must be aware of current and future energy needs. Think about the myriad of kitchen appliances we take for granted today that hadn’t been imagined a few decades ago. Who would have thought spas and hot tubs would be common luxuries for many? Most RV’s require 50 amp 240 volt circuits to adequately power their needs. Where will you be plugging in your car in future years? Home electrical services must be sized to meet these demands. It is recommended that no residence be served with less than a 100 amp rated service entrance. This becomes a requirement when the load exceeds 10,000 watts or has 6 or more 2-wire branch circuits. Service size requirements vary according to area, so we recommend that a careful check be made before installing a minimum-sized service. Standard-sized services for residential applications are 100, 200, or 400 amps. The general rules of thumb for determining service sizes are:

• 100 amps will service a range, water heater, general lighting, and receptacle outlets. Usually recommended for workshops, vacation cabins and larger pump systems. This amount of ampacity is really too small for a residence unless gas heat and appliances are used.
• 200 amps will take care of range, dryer, water heater, general lighting and receptacles, and a considerable amount of electric heat, while the…
• 400 amp services are designed for use in larger homes that require over 20kW (20,000 watts) of electric heat plus all the aforementioned items.

We have drawn out a chart to help you determine your service requirements. It is based on Articles 220 of the 2005 National Electrical Code. The chart is very liberal in that it uses a 100% demand factor on all of the heat load as well as on some of the appliances that might otherwise be figured at a lesser amperage. Minimum service size can be found by adding up the total wattage that will be used, counting the first 10 kW at 100%, and using a 40% demand factor on all the rest. Once the calculated demand is determined in terms of wattage, divide that by 240 volts to convert it into amps. This would be your required service size. Pick from the standard services the one that is just above your amperage requirement.

 

Service Switch

A disconnecting means or “disconnect switch” must be provided in the service entrance to disconnect all the wiring in the building from the electrical power supply. This may be accomplished with a separate switch called a service switch or main disconnect. Many years ago it was common to install a separate switch next to the fuse box to shut the power off. In modern residences, the service switch is actually the main breaker housed inside the breaker box which shuts off power to all the other breakers in the box.

The size of the service switch or main breaker depends on the electrical load served. Service switches come in standard sizes of 30, 60, 100, 150, 200, 400 and larger. The National Electrical Code requires a minimum 100-amp service size for all residences, although many newer houses typically use a 150 amp or larger service.

 

Fuse Box vs. Circuit Breaker Panel

In most homes, the main service panel uses circuit breakers that control and protect the individual circuits. Circuit breakers are specially designed safety switches that prevent individual branch circuits from drawing more power than the circuit wires can safely handle. Virtually all homes built since the early 1960s use circuit breakers as the power distribution method. Older homes also have circuit breaker panels if their electrical service was updated after 1960.

Where an electrical service was installed before the early 1960s and has not been updated, it may use a different style of power distribution—a fuse panel, which protects individual circuits with screw-in or cartridge fuses.

The use of fuse panels and circuit breaker panels for residential wiring follows a historical pattern:

• 30-amp fuse panel: Installed before 1950, these service panels provide only 120-volt current. Such a service provides insufficient power for modern usage and generally needs to be updated.
• 60-amp fuse panel: Installed from 1950 to about 1965, 60-amp fuse panels provide 240-volts of power, but are still insufficient for most homes. An update is usually needed.
• Circuit breaker panel: Since the early 1960s, homes have generally been wired with circuit breaker panels that provide 240-volt current. Early services may provide 60-amps of power, while large houses built today may have 200 amps or more of power. Homes with 60-amp or 100-amp service often require an electrical service update during major remodeling or expansion projects.

Choosing the Right Electrical Contractor for Industrial Maintenance

Electrical maintenance is one of the major issues when it comes to your safety and security. For industrial sectors, electrical maintenance is the topmost priority concern from the productivity point of view. To resolve issues related to the maintenance of a colossal industrial project, you must always seek experts, who are well versed with the facts & terms of electricity.

Electrical systems need timely maintenance & constant attention, which is often a life saver & prevent occurrence of serious incidents. Neglecting timely maintenance will lead to frequent faults, downtime, and hazards, which can be very expensive in the long run.

Electrical maintenance contractor is the professional, who provides services & maintains the installation of the whole complex structure. They must have higher standards of analytical skills, so that they can easily handle the old/previously installed systems of every project. Duties & responsibilities of an Electrician may vary & depend upon the contract, which is discussed between him & his client. For complex industrial electrical services & maintenance, you must opt for the best electrical maintenance contractor, because industrial maintenance requires a very high level of professional standards & knowledge to comply with different kinds of complex circumstances that may come during work.

Selecting an electrical contractor :

The Best electrician is the one who you can handle the electrical maintenance issues properly. They are the only ones who have the proper knowledge base & experience to tackle the modern as well as the older electrical system. They help in improving productivity and eliminating downtime.

Choosing an electrician is never an easy task, so take time to find the best one. If you are looking for a reputed and fully insured electrical service provider for your industrial electrical maintenance.

 

Electrical Maintenance

It is essentially important to carry out electrical maintenance on a regular basis; maintaining all the electrical material fittings, appliances and devices in and around your home. Maintenance enhances the smooth running of all the electricity powered items in your home, while creating a safe environment that will be free from all sorts of hazards.

Home safety is obviously one of the most dearly held goals by most, if not all, homeowners everywhere. A home is designed to be a safe haven for its dwellers, and therefore anything and everything that favors home safety should always be accorded first priority. Electrical maintenance for the home is without question, one of the foremost and sure steps towards fostering a safe home.

Importance of Proper and Timely Electrical Maintenance

When regular electrical maintenance checks are carried out for a home, various unwelcomed mishaps associated with electricity get avoided in an opportune manner. When such mishaps are avoided, it makes it easy to escape unplanned and often very high expenses of repairing, or even replacing badly affected electrical devices due to small problems that would have otherwise been detected and dealt with earlier.

Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) In general, having your home’s HVAC system working well is a welcomed convenience. However, there are instances where the proper working of the HVAC could mean more than just a convenience. Take for instance, a home where there are senior citizens, small children or even a sick person; for such people, extreme heat variations, whether up or down on the thermometer, can result in life threatening complications.Such extreme heat variations would only happen in a malfunctioning HVAC system, and this is something that would have been avoided altogether through properly scheduled electrical maintenance of all its components in a timely manner like say, before the onset of winter or summer.

Outdoor Lighting The outdoor lighting in your home does a lot for your home safety. For one, it ensures that your porches and walkways are well lit and thus safe for both you and your guests at night. The other thing that they do for your home’s safety is deter thieves and burglars, who always prefer to operate in the dark. The light fixtures, bulbs and lines of your outdoor lighting require regular checks and replacements because of the nature of the outdoors. Having a contracted electrician carry out such checks on a regular basis will ensure that at no point will your outdoors be dark

 

Importance of Routine Elect

The electrical wiring of your home is largely out of sight, and this is one of the reasons why its maintenance is often set aside. Over time, the wires suffer wear and tear and it impacts on the equipment and appliances that operate on the circuit. Eventually, you will have to deal with electrical problems more frequently that you used to.

The best thing to do to avoid such complications is to hire a licensed electrician for regular electrical maintenance. Once you find a good electrician, it will be easier to perform an annual inspection of your property’s power system

Reduced Energy Cost

When appliances are working properly, they use less energy, which in turn will save you some money. Outdated electrical systems and faulty appliances may have to use more power to continue working, which can drive up your electric bill. By letting an electrician perform maintenance works regularly, your electrical system and items at home are kept in their best working condition. Plus, your electrician can recommend ways to further save energy with the use of today’s technological advancements.

Protection of Appliances

Whether you’re using a mini fridge or a four-door fridge at home, you’ve spent good amount of money to buy it, so of course you would want to make good use out of it. Not having regular maintenance by a licensed electrician services from Singapore is like waiting for an appliance to die before its lifetime. Each piece of equipment you have at home comes with a manual that states their recommended maintenance works and how often it should be done. Discuss this with your electrician in Singapore so he can schedule his visits accordingly.

Fire Safety

Electrical incidents and wirings usually spark home fires. Outdated electrical systems, wirings and fixtures are usually the root cause of these accidents. Having an annual check-up of your power system will ensure that the power source, electrical lines, wirings and outlets are up to date and are functioning properly.

 

How to Choose the Right Electrical Contractor for Your Business

In this industry, technology is constantly evolving. When you’re in the market to hire a new electrical contractor, it’s obviously crucial that who you hire is trustworthy and abreast of all the changing technology and stays up-to-date. When your electrical contractor is ahead of the curve, your business will not only become more efficient, but you’ll save money, too. Here’s what to look for when choosing the right electrical contractor for your business.

New Certifications

Certifications let you know that your electrical contractor has received and understands the latest developments in the field. But there are more than just certifications for installing and maintaining electrical equipment, there are also certifications for doing these things safely. You and your employees have probably undergone some form of basic OSHA safety training. The right electrical contractor company will undergo a more rigorous, specialized OSHA–30 certification, which means that the employees of that company have received 30 hours of training centered around things such as current common electrical hazards, personal protective equipment, hazardous locations, and proper wiring methods. Be sure to ask your prospective companies if their technicians have undergone OSHA-30 training. This will be a sign to you that the company is not only doing things to the highest standard, but they’re doing it safely as well.

They Recommend ARC Flash Studies

An ARC flash study is a complete examination of your electrical system. It helps assess the level of risk in your workplace. These studies ensure that your factory is completely compliant with local, national and even international standards by finding issues with your electrical system and bringing them to your attention, and allowing you to fix them. It also helps to ensure the safety of your employees and protects your equipment (as well as your building) by identifying maintenance needs such as poor connections, neglected equipment and contamination, all of which could lead to short circuits and fires.

They Provide Lift Training

Sometimes, electrical equipment and wires are located up out of safe reach, even with the use of a ladder. In these instances, lifts are often used. But not just anyone can use one. Lift equipment requires special training. The employees of your electrical contracting company have this training. You may not be able to, or need to, call the company every time you need something addressed. The right electrical contractor will provide lift training so that some of your employees can operate a lift properly and take care of smaller needs.

They Conduct Regular Safety Meetings

Sure, there’s a safety handbook. And everyone knows the basic rules. But, even so, someone might forget something, or do something they find easier, but is not necessarily safe. Not only that, but there are periodic updates to the safety regulations. It’s important that everyone is aware of these safety updates, and on the same page about proper safety procedures and protocols. In order to do this, your electrical contracting company should conduct regular safety meetings throughout the year. This helps to ensure that no matter who is sent out to your company, they will all adhere to the latest, proper regulations.

 

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGY

PROGRAM MISSION

The Electrical Installation & Maintenance Technology program’s mission is to serve the community as a learning-centered, open door program that provides technical training to meet the demands of the electrical industry and the needs of the individual. An open-exit option allows the students to identify their career objectives and participate in program exploration.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The curriculum is designed to prepare students with entry level knowledge and manipulative skills for employment in the electrical industry. The program combines theory with laboratory activities as an effective means of developing the skills essential to the electrical trade.

The student begins with the fundamentals of electricity and wiring of simple circuits, then progresses to residential interior wiring, three phase alternating current power, and wiring of more complex circuits and equipment. Safety is stressed as an integral part of each shop task. Emphasis is placed on wiring in accordance with the provisions contained in the National Electrical Code

How to Save on Commercial Electricity

Ways To Reduce Business Energy Costs

The fact is, depending on the size of your organization and facilities, you can lower your electric bill by thousands of dollars every month just by following a few easy steps to increase the energy efficiency of your offices. Here’s a rundown of the specific tips and simple changes you can make that can add up to short-term and long-term energy savings.

Get an energy audit
Nothing gets the heart racing like the word “audit.” While this might not sound like a good thing at first, when it comes to your business energy costs and usage, it really is. Most utility companies offer free business energy audits to their commercial customers. They can help you figure out where your money is going every month, how to increase energy efficiency and how to lower electric bills.

When not in use, turn off lights and equipment

Turning office machines and lighting off at night can reduce business energy costsThis step might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how much energy all those computers, monitors, printers and other devices consume while setting there unused but still left on. By making sure they’re in “sleep mode” or turned off completely overnight, you won’t be paying for electricity you’re not even using. Make it someone’s nightly routine to take a quick tour of the office and flip the OFF switch on idle equipment. The same goes for breakroom devices such as microwaves, coffeemakers, radios and TVs. One tip is to plug all these energy vampires into a single powerstrip, so you can turn them off at the same time on your way out the door.

 

Take advantage of natural sunlight as often as you can

Let the sunshine in! Open the blinds around your workspaces to make the best use of daylight—and take advantage of skylights or other natural light sources to reduce your lighting needs during daytime hours. It’s also worthwhile to see whether there are areas of your office that are overly lit and remove any lighting that might not be necessary.

Install long-lasting compact fluorescent light (CFL) or light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs

This is one step where saving a little bit in a lot of places can really add up. Replacing a single 60-watt bulb with an 18-watt energy-efficient bulb that’s on for 10 hours a day can easily save a business $1 or more each month. Multiply that out to an entire year—and by the hundreds (if not thousands) of bulbs in your business—and you’re talking about some serious savings. Energy-efficient bulbs aren’t just a smart answer about how to lower electric bills in the short term. Their extended service life will help you save in the long term, too. Energy Star LED light bulbs not only use at least 75% less energy, they can last 50 times longer than the average incandescent—up to 20 years.

Use motion detectors and automatic dimmers that adjust to your needs

Automatic dimmers, the overhead solution to how to lower your electric billBelieve it or not, lighting accounts for almost 20% of the electricity used in U.S. commercial buildings. So, being even just a little bit smarter about when, where and how you use the lighting in your building(s) can add up to big savings. Consider installing motion detectors in hallways, meeting spaces and other places where “always-on” isn’t always needed—along with automatic dimming controllers that measure and adjust to the light levels you actually need.

 

Reduce closing door delay

Automatic doors are a great way for manufacturing businesses, which require a cold room or refrigerated storage, to save on energy as they use sensors or a time delay to close the door.Energy savings can be made by reducing the close delay timeframe on automatic doors, and limiting the frequency of cool room access as far as its practical.

Air conditioning and heating

According to Siemens, heating and cooling uses around 20 to 40 per cent of a building’s energy.Newer heating and cooling systems will be far more efficient than old ones, so it may be worth getting systems more than 10 years old replaced. Both blow heaters and portable radiators use significant amounts of electricity and will chew through the power bills so discourage their use. Lastly ensure your air conditioning and heating are set to the optimum points during the seasons.

Shade windows and walls

Often, the primary source of heat entering a building is via unprotected windows. The sun’s radiant energy can generate the same local heat as a single bar radiator but Save energy by using fixed or adjustable shading, planting trees and vegetation or installing sun filters on the windows and walls of the workplace— especially industrial sheds— to protect it from radiant energy. This will reduce the impact of those extreme Australian summer temperatures, improve comfort and save energy.

 

Optimise appliances

Depending on the appliances used in the workplace, you can optimise their settings to increase energy savings. For example, you can increase the drinks fridge temperature in the kitchen by one or two degrees to save energy without impacting employees or business.

Make it collaborative, not top down

Any energy savings initiative should be collaborative and involve all employees. If you want your employees to change their behaviour they need to do it when you’re not in the room. So, communicate the real business costs. Let them know how it affects the bottom line, and regularly raise energy at toolbox meetings or monthly company meetups, to keep it top of mind. People will want to do their part if you let them.

 

Here are our top 5 free and easy ways to save energy in your home:

1. Turn off the fan when you leave a room.

Why? Fans don’t cool the air – they only cool people by blowing warm, still air across their skin. The motor on the fan actually adds heat to the room – another reason to turn it off when you leave.

How: Just like turning off the lights and electronics when you leave a room, turn off the fan. It sets a good example for the younger generation that waste is never a good thing.

2. Close your drapes or drop your window shades during the day.

Why? Keeping sunlight out during the heat of the day keeps the house cooler. In the winter, doing the opposite lets the warm sunlight in.

How: Consider moving your furniture around with the seasons to take advantage of or avoid the sun. Eating breakfast near a sunny window can start your chilly winter day off right.

3. Wash your clothes in cold water.

Why? Ninety percent of the energy used to wash your clothes is for heating the water.

How: Cold water is just as effective for getting clothes clean with today’s high-efficiency washers and cold water-formulated detergents.

4. Wrap or cover foods and drinks in the refrigerator.

Why? When foods release moisture they make the compressor work harder to keep the unit cold.

How: Take a few seconds to put on some plastic wrap to trap that moisture. Better yet, put that food in a reusable container with a lid to avoid having to throw away the plastic wrap.

5. Always use the cold water faucet, unless you really want hot water.

Why? Turning on the hot water faucet (or placing the faucet lever to hot or warm) requires energy to heat the water, even if it doesn’t reach the faucet before you turn it off.

How: Use cold water, especially for cooking. Hot water from the tap absorbs more lead and other contaminants from pipes.