Category: Electricians

ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS FOR OLDER HOMES

Electricity has become such a standard part of our daily lives that it is often taken for granted, but electrical failures are a leading cause of home fires every year. Homes with aging electrical systems are at increased risk for electrical fires. It’s important to note that all electrical work in your home should be performed by a licensed electrician in accordance with local and national codes. Follow these safety tips to identify and prevent electrical hazards.

Reasons to Get an Electrical Inspection

Your home is 40 years old or older

You purchase a previously owned home

Your home has undergone a major renovation

You have added major new appliances in the last 10 years

Warning Signs

Frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers;

A tingling feeling or slight shock when you touch an appliance

Outlets and/or switches that are warm or make crackling, sizzling, or buzzing noises

Flickering or dimming lights.

Circuit Breakers and Outlets

Consider having your circuit breakers replaced with arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs), which provide enhanced electrical fire protection by detecting dangerous arcing conditions.

Make sure all electrical panel circuits are properly labeled. Always replace fuses or circuit breakers with the correct size and amperage.

Use ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)-protected outlets in areas where electricity is near a water source, like in the kitchen and bathroom.

Every month use the TEST buttons to check that GFCIs, AFCIs, and smoke alarms are working properly.

Routinely check cords, outlets, switches, and appliances for signs of damage. Do not use damaged electrical devices.

Do not overload outlets with too many devices or appliances.

Cords, Plugs, and Lights

Do not use extension cords on a permanent basis, and never use them with major appliances.

Never run electrical cords under rugs or carpets.

Do not pinch cords under furniture or in windows/doors.

Always use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage on the lamp or fixture

ELECTRICAL INSPECTION

Anytime Electric will thoroughly inspect the electrical of your home or office to ensure that it is up to St. Louis electrical code compliance and to make sure it is safe to inhabit. Electrical inspection is must if you are buying or selling your home.

we want you to feel safe and trust the electrical in your home or office. Last thing you would want is an electrical fire or for the electrical to damage any electrical devices or appliances

Electrical Inspection Provides the Following Services

Electric Inspections

Electrical Repair

Electrical Troubleshooting

Electrical Safety Inspection

Home Electrical Inspection

Residential Electrical Inspection

House Electrical Wiring

Electrical Code Inspection

Home Wiring Troubleshooting

Wiring Inspection

Wiring Testing

Electrical Systems

ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS TO HELP PREVENT ELECTRICAL FIRES

Have all electrical work done by a qualified electrician.

Qualified electricians are trained to install all electrical outlets and wiring to meet building codes and standards. They will make sure all fixtures are installed properly, and a qualified electrician will be able to see a faulty outlet from a mile away.

When you are buying or remodeling a home, have it inspected by a qualified electrician.

Once again, a qualified electrician will be able to properly inspect all electrical outlets, installations, and fixtures. It is better to have your home inspected by a professional than by a third-party with a limited electrical installation education.

Only plug one heat-producing appliance into a receptacle outlet at a time.

Heat-producing appliances include coffee makers, toasters, space heaters, or any other appliances that produces heat. Reduce fire hazards by only plugging in one of these appliances into the outlet at a time, and be sure to unplug the appliance after use.

Major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet.

Major appliances could be refrigerators, dryers, washers, stoves, or air conditioners. Extension cords and plug strips should not be used because they are not meant to carry the large loads of these major appliances. If needed, avoid a fire hazard by having a qualified electrician install wall receptacle outlets closer to your major appliances.

Use Arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) that are designed to shut off electricity when a dangerous condition occurs.

Arc faults are unintended arcs created by a current flowing through an unplanned path. The arcs create high intensity heat that result in burning particles which could easily ignite any surrounding material, such as wood framing or insulation. Having an AFCI will definitely help prevent a house fire at the hand of an arc fault

Electrical safety tips every homeowner should know

Electricity is something we don’t think about much. In fact, we take  for granted that it is there for us when we need it. Most importantly, we rarely consider the “dark side” of electricity. If not respected, electricity can injure you severely, or even kill you.   Let’s take a look at ways we can keep our relationship with electricity safe and productive.

The best way to protect children from electrical injuries is by preventing them from being able to insert anything into outlets. There are several ways to do this, from little plastic plug caps to complete outlet covers.

However, the best way to keep little ones (and everyone else) safe is to install tamper resistant receptacles (TRRs). They look like normal receptacles, but they are equipped with spring-loaded shutters that block the slots and prevent objects from being inserted. When a real plug is inserted, the springs are released and the plug slides in smoothly. The trick is that an electrical plug compresses both springs at once. However, if a child inserts an object into one opening, the springs do their job and the object does not make contact with electricity.

Are TRRs expensive? Not at all! They cost just a bit more than regular plugs. This one’s a no-brainer! Replace all your outlets with TRRs. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, call a licensed electrician. It’s a small price to pay for the safety of your little ones. Click here to watch a video about how TRRs work.

Keeping Cool!

Electrical outlets and switches should be cool to the touch and tight. If they feel warm or loose, emit a burning smell, or make a crackling noise, go to your electrical panel and shut power to that breaker immediately. Replace the switch or outlet before a fire or injury happens.

Home Electrical Safety Tips

Homeowners always strive to keep their family and property safe from accidents. With so many different systems and appliances to consider, there are many things to be mindful of when securing your home. Electricity is one of those things. Check out some of our tips own electrical safety tips to keep your home and family safe!

Don’t Overload Outlets

Plugging too many items into outlets is the cause of many house fires. Outlets are designed to handle a certain amount of current. Power strips or extension cords are often used to allow several different electrical items to pull power from one outlet. If the outlet is overloaded, it can cause issues with the breaker box. In the worst cases, outlets can spark and start a fire. Keeping outlet load at a reasonable level is one of the electrical safety tips that can save lives.

Water and Electricity Don’t Mix

One of the primary electrical safety tips that everyone should know is that water will conduct electricity. Many unsuspecting people have been shocked by touching their appliances with wet hands, or when using electronic items too close to water. Having an outlet by the kitchen sink additionally increases this risk, so be careful.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI)

GFCI outlets are the safest and most recommended electrical outlets for any room that has running water. They’re also great when you want to make the room child-proof. If an outlet gets wet, has a foreign object inserted into it or if it is overloaded, a GFCI will cleverly detect the power surge and disable the outlet.

Electrical Cord Safety

Be mindful of both the power cords on appliances as well as of any extension cords. Here are a few things to consider when dealing with cables.

Best Electrical Installation & Replacement Price

What are Some of the Electrical Installation Services Love Plumbing, Air, & Electrical Provide?

Even when it all seems to be fine with your home’s electrical systems, problems can be present that could put you and your home’s safety at risk. Good news, Love Plumbing, Air, & Electrical knows what to look for & the solution to the problem.

If you notice any of the following, an electrical problem may be present then it’s time to call the professionals at Love Plumbing, Air, & Electrical for an electrical instillation:

Light Switches Not Working Properly?

Is your light switch not turning on or flickering when it does? Your South Carolina homes’ light switch issue may be stemming from an outlet, circit, or wiring problem.

Are Your Lights Too Bright or Dim?

If some lights around the house seem excessively bright or dim, there are two common causes. Different types of lights with different wattage levels can be an issue. But typically the problem stems from a bad or broken main neutral connection. This problem requires professional electrical replacement, so give Love Plumbing, Air, & Electrical a call before it’s too late.

Electical Lights & Appliance Systems in SC are Prone to Excess Electrical Usage & High Energy

If your house is over 5 years old there’s a possibility that you’re not using the most up-to-date and energy efficient lights, switches, and appliances. This could cause frequent circuit overloads & cost you extra $$$ every month.

Different Home Wiring Types Explained

An electrician apprenticeship starts as little as 100 hours in a trade school lab, all the way up to universities offering 4 year degrees. That’s how much training and knowledge goes into becoming a licensed electrician. But understanding the basics of your home electrical wiring doesn’t have to be so intensive.

If you’re doing a simple DIY project around the house, you should know about the types of electrical wire in a home. There are also common coding, sizing, and labeling you’ll need to understand.

Why You Need to Know About Your Home’s Electrical Wiring

If you’re doing any type of project around the house, understanding your home electrical wire can make the job easier.

You need to know about the types of electrical wire when you’re:

installing new wiring and need to know what type of wire to use

looking for electrical problems in your home (i.e. knowing the circuit that wiring belongs to can help you determine the cause of an issue)

doing any electrical repairs or remodeling

The Basics of Home Electrical Wire

Before we dive into the types of electrical wire, there are some basic terms, labeling, and coding you should know about. Understanding these can make your trip to the hardware store that much easier.

Planning makes all the difference

Whether it is a brand new building or a refurbishment, it‘s important to plan the electrical installations to the individual habits and requirements of the respective occupants. Asking some simple questions at the beginning avoids any overloading of circuits with multiple high-performance electrical appliances, or an increased use of connector strips.

Things to think about

Here are a few things to think about to allow architects, builders or electrical contractors to plan and implement the correct electrical infrastructure:

In which room do I use which electrical appliances?

Where should light sources be installed (both fixed and via sockets)?

Where are the TV, computer or telephone connections required?

Where should switches or control modules be installed for Smart Home functionalities?

Where are mobile devices usually charged and should special sockets with USB ports be installed?

How do I want to control the outdoor lighting?

You can then decide:

The number of circuits

The number of sockets

The number of lamp connections

The number of TV and communication connections

Preparation of electrical installations for Smart Home functions, such as multi-room audio systems, electric roller shutter control, alarm system

The planning is carried out on the basis of a construction plan or floor plan of the house or apartment that is as accurate as possible – either in the original or on the computer with corresponding group plan software.

Pay particular attention to doors and their opening direction, windows and stairs, and steps and fireplaces.

Planning your kitchen

The first room that is planned is usually the kitchen, due to the long delivery times for many of its features. For example with an open plan kitchen adjacent to the living room, place very specific requirements on lighting planning, and connections for ovens, microwave, extractor fans or freezer and refrigerator. Electrical planning is often carried out in a dimensioned plan when ordering a new kitchen, in order to ensure the correct implementation.

WHY IS COPPER USED SO MUCH IN MAKING ELECTRICAL WIRES?

Copper is a well-known chemical element with atomic symbol Cu and atomic number 29. It has a beautiful red-orange metallic luster. In the modern days, this reddish metal is used in various areas like in the construction line as a building material, in roofing and plumbing, in industries as a raw material, as a constituent of various metal alloys, and most importantly in the electrical industry for making electrical copper wires that run through your New Haven home

Excellent Conductor of Electricity: Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity; no other metal can compete with it in terms of electrical conductivity. The wires made of this reddish metal are capable of carrying comparatively more electric current per diameter of wire. In other words, these wires deplete less electrical charge in comparison to other wires when electric current passes through them.

Very Ductile Metal: Copper is a very ductile metal, which means that it could be stretched to a good length without breaking or weakening it. This property is crucial from the point of view of drawing wires out of any metal. The reddish metal stands well on this parameter

Favorable Chemical Properties: The chemical properties of this metal go a great deal in making it an ideal element for making electrical wires. Copper’s favorable chemical properties make it resistant to abrasion and other bad effects that shorten the life of a wire. These wires can safely withstand adverse climatic conditions and thus last longer.

High Temperature Tolerance: As we know that electrical wires take current from one place to another. In such a situation, when high voltage current passes through a wire its surface temperature becomes high. There is constant rise and fall in the temperature of high-tension electric lines. Not every wire could sustain such fluctuation in temperature, but copper wire can. This special property makes these wires long-lasting.

Get Electrical Installation

Does your home or commercial building need electrical installation? Whether you need an electrical panel, a switch, an outlet, or an entire electrical system. You should not choose just any residential electrician to work on this important part of your home or building. A faulty electrical installation or problems with the wiring can cause serious harm.

The Importance of Picking the Right Electrical Installation Service

Installing electrical components can be difficult and even dangerous if not done correctly. We are one of the top electrical installation companies in the area. With over two decades of experience, you can count on us to get the job done right. We know how to offer the best electrical installation service. When you choose to work with our company, you can have confidence knowing your installation will last for many years to come.

If you have any issues, we will be more than happy to help you. We offer free estimates for our customers so you can gain a better idea of what the electrical installation service at your home or building will involve. Whether you need a circuit installed at your home or an electrical system redo at your commercial facility, we can help you. Don’t try to do this job on your own – it can be more dangerous than not doing anything at all.

What Is the Electrical Installation Cost?

When you choose to work with Dynamic Electrical Service, you will find the electrical installation cost is well worthwhile. Working with reputable, licensed and insured electrical contractors such as us will ensure that your home or building remains safe from potential electrical issues. We will efficiently and safely install everything you need so you can spend your time on something else.

factors for finding the perfect switch for your application

The process of selecting switches does not always receive the time and attention it deserves. Given the relatively low cost and simple nature of most switches, often they are selected without full consideration of the features and functionality they offer. Depending on the application, there are certain parameters that will guide a designer to choose a particular switch, but amidst the myriad of options that are available it is all too easy to be led astray.

Driven by Data

The advent of the Internet of Things (IoT) is generating vast amounts of data across all sectors. This data needs to be stored or, more often, communicated. The necessity of accommodating the required antennas, transmitters and additional circuitry can have a drastic impact on the space available for operational, detection and data collection components, such as switches. Despite this, switches must still interface with the user, while also withstanding harsh environments and aggressive interaction. Manufacturers of medical equipment, for example, are increasingly focusing their investments on developing the systems and platforms to store, correlate and analyze this data. Designers must therefore carefully select switches that are capable of meeting demanding specifications, including miniaturization and low power consumption.

Meeting Physical Demands

With the growth of wearables, the demand for switches is growing. While wearable devices have been around for some time, there are different philosophies when it comes to designing devices for different industries. Components within medical wearable devices, for example, need to be resilient against rough treatment and environmental challenges, while also working the first time, every time. The challenge for designers is to ensure that every individual component is fit for purpose within the demanding environments in which these machines operate. Switches are a vital part of the interface between a user and a device, so when it comes to ensuring consistent performance, long life and quality of the switches, making the correct choice is crucial.

Form Factor

Within the industrial sector, for example, switches are used in a variety of applications including CNC machine controls, safety and position sensors, battery chargers, power supplies and gas detection equipment, to name but a few. One thing they all have in common is that space is limited on the PCB, both when it comes to height and footprint. This form factor is becoming increasingly important as the functionality of devices increases, making the real estate on the PCB even more valuable.

Electrical Rating

Another crucial consideration for switch choice is the required signal current. There is a great variety in electrical requirements depending on the product design, with some switches needing to handle low signal currents for PLCs and microprocessor inputs, while some need to handle higher currents in order to actuate relays.

Choosing Electrical Switches & Outlets

How to choose switches and outlets while avoiding pitfalls.

Choosing electrical switches and outlets for a remodeling project or new home addition can be daunting. There are so many features to consider including style, color, finish and usage. The last thing you want to do is to select the wrong devices and delay the completion of your project.

Make A List

In each room requiring devices sketch and list each device location and shape. Alternately, put a numbered sticker on each one and add to a list. Miscounting is a VERY common mistake so carefully review your totals and discuss it with your electrician. Make sure you haven’t forgotten a switch around a corner that would look odd if not coordinated with the rest of the devices in an adjoining room, or missed an outlet hidden behind a piece of furniture. You might not see it now, but that device may be visible in the future if you redecorate or move

Be Familiar With Device Descriptions

When choosing devices, have a clear understanding of what terms mean. Often people will select an outlet not realizing that these come in several variations. Do you need a Decora outlet (the large, block style rectangular opening for two receptacles) or a duplex outlet (for two slightly rounded plugs on one device)? Is your electrician installing Decora rockers or toggle switches? A “switch” could refer to either.

Consider Updating Your Current Devices

The trend in devices is to use “Decora style” decorator switches, outlets and dimmers. There are several benefits to selecting these. First, all devices fit into the same size opening, limiting the variety of plate shapes needed. A light switch, an outlet or a dimmer could easily be interchanged allowing more flexibility if last minute changes are required. Decora rocker switches are also easier to use for the elderly or mobility challenged. Visually, Decora devices give a more cohesive look because of the standardized shape.

Access and Usability

If it would be convenient to turn on a light from more than one location, then a 3-way or 4-way switch would be required. Devices that control a single location are referred to as single pole devices. A three way device allows a light to be controlled from two switch locations. A four-way device allows control from three separate switch locations. Be sure to confirm with your electrician whether multi-pole devices can be installed in the desired locations. Another popular option is to install dimmers that allow lighting to be adjusted according to mood. Many dimmer switches have preset buttons to easily retain desired settings.

things to consider before installing smart light switches

When turning your old, dumb house into a smart home, one of the best places to start is with lighting. For starters, you can test the waters with a single smart bulb or set of lights — letting you dip a toe in the smart light pool before diving in head-first.

Smart bulbs, switches or plugs?

First, make sure you’re getting the right kind of smart lighting for your home. Smart switches are one of the more common options when it comes to smart lighting. You can find them at pretty much every big box home improvement store

Smart bulbs, for instance, not only let you remotely control the lights or put them on a schedule, they often also let you change the color of the lighting on the fly. Smart plugs keep things simple while letting you turn an existing lamp with a regular light bulb into one you can turn off and on from anywhere. They sometimes let you track energy consumption, as well. Both of these options come with a plug-and-play installation. If you don’t like it or want to move it later on, you can with little to no effort.

Smart switches, on the other hand, are the modest midpoint between the other two and the most natural to use. You can still control the lights from the wall switch like you always have, but you’ll get some added benefits, like dimming or a pop-out remote that will still give you easier manual control of the lights. But they’ll also work with existing light fixtures that may not accommodate a smart bulb. That said, installation is much more hands-on and permanent.

Alexa, Google, Siri and more

When choosing which smart switch you should go with, consider what the switches are compatible with. If the smart switches you choose can communicate with Amazon Alexa, Google Home ($99 at Crutchfield), HomeKit or SmartThings, the possibilities for how you can control your lights or what you can do with them are virtually limitless.

Tips for Identifying Light Switches in Your Home

Being able to identify the designs and types of light switches around your house will help you choose the best replacements. Here’s a quick look at the most common light switches.

Single-Pole Switch. Single-pole switches are the most common. These switches use a simple on-off toggle to turn lights, devices, and receptacles on and off from a single location. Flipping the switch on single-pole models connects or disconnects the circuit. Most single-pole switches are marked with on and off settings. It’s important to wire your single-pole switch in the correct direction to ensure the markings match the position of the switch. A single-pole switch will have two brass screws on either side of the switch. These brass terminals house the incoming and outgoing hot wire. Some switches also come with a green ground terminal.

Double-Pole Switch. Double-pole switches also utilize an on-off toggle and can only control lights, devices, or receptacles from one location. But with four brass terminals, double-pole switches can house two hot wires, which means that double-pole models can switch to a 240-volt circuit. Double-pole models also utilize a green ground screw.

Three-Way Switch. Three-way switches come in pairs and allow you to turn lights on or off from two locations. This makes them ideal for controlling long hallways. Three-way designs are more complicated than single- and double-pole switches; the hot wire in three-way designs is connected to the common screw (COM). The remaining terminals are used to wire the leads for switches. Three-way switches also come with a green ground screw.

Four-Way Switch. Four-way designs are combined with three-way switches to control lights from three or more locations. You can identify a four-way switch by its four terminals.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing Enterprise Switches

Nowadays, to set up an enterprise network, network switches for enterprise are necessary, connecting the users in local geography such as an office, departments or buildings connected to each other and allowing data transferring to the assigned devices. It is an indisputable fact that Ethernet switches matters a lot in an enterprise network, no matter it is small or large-sized. Before you make your choice of buying enterprise switches, here are some criteria you need to consider.

Map out the Enterprise Network

The most critical thing you should make clear is your requirements including the network size, the purpose of the network, the devices which will be connected to the switches and the future network planning.

After identifying the network size and the future needs of your business, the switch function and features are what you should pay attention to. If you are running a small-sized enterprise where there are fewer than 200 users and no need for future expansion, the network model can be two-tier internetworking architecture. For mid-sized to large enterprises, the three-layer hierarchical network model is needed. Based on the three-layer hierarchical network model, the switches in the enterprise can be divided into access layer switches, distribution layer switches, and core layer switches. Choose enterprise switches according to the three layers can be a good way for each layer has its functions as well as characteristics

Evaluating Enterprise Switches

After deciding the enterprise network architecture, you should get some information about enterprise switches which will help you better choose the switches you will deploy. If you are aware of the switch specifications, you can skip this part and go directly to the next which will give your suggestions on evaluating switch suppliers.

Port Speeds and Cabling Connections

There is a wide range of network switches available in the market. 1 Gigabit Ethernet, 10 GE, 40GE and 100GE ports are all supported by the modern enterprise switches. These interfaces can be a combination of RJ45 ports for copper connectivity and SFP or SFP+ uplink ports with higher speeds for fiber connectivity. In terms of the cabling connections, Ethernet connections with standard RJ45 ports can be more economical. Sure the network switch interface selection is influenced by the installed cabling. If you have already installed Cat6 or Cat6a cabling, then choose switches with RJ45 ports; If multiple fiber cabling is installed, then choose switches with SFP, SFP+, or QSFP+ ports. Despite the fact that Cat6 cable running from the access closet may be less expensive, the distance it can reach will be limited.

Installation Environments

Based on the environment where you are going to install switches, the switch size, the operating temperature, relative humidity are all your considerations. In a place where space is limited, you must examine the switch dimensions and ensure the rack space is adequate for the switch deployment. If the temperature of the installation environment is either too hot or too cold, it is necessary to check and choose the switch which can operate in a harsh environment. Also, be careful about the moisture migration and penetration caused by high humidity which will impact the operation of the devices.

How to Choose the Right Circuit Breaker

Circuit breakers are a very important part of electrical safety. They control the amount of electricity that flows through a building’s electrical wiring system. If your home suffers an electric overload or a short circuit, a properly functioning circuit breaker will detect the issue and cut off the electrical supply. This will protect your wiring and appliances until you take care of the problem and restart the electricity. However, in order for a circuit breaker to do its job properly, you have to match the right circuit breaker with your exact needs. Read the following simple explanations and you’ll be ready to choose the appropriate circuit breaker for your home.

Capacities of Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers are available in 3 different voltage capacities. Each is made to accommodate a specific amount of electricity.

Low-voltage thermal magnetic circuit breakers are best suited for most single-family homes. They allow for electrical currents that measure only up to 1000 amps.

Medium voltage circuit breakers are used in larger buildings, such as apartment complexes and businesses, that use up to 72,000 volts on a regular basis

High-voltage circuit breakers are used alongside power lines and in other places that use more than 72,000 volts regularly.

Selecting the right circuit breaker for your application

Most designers have a pretty good idea of what a circuit breaker is and what it does; if you need a refresher, here’s a quick definition:

A circuit breaker is an automatically operated electrical switch designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by overload or short circuit. It detects a fault condition and interrupts current flow

Specifying the right breaker early in the design process can lead to a more robust design, avoid redesigns, decrease development costs, and add value to the end product. Seems pretty simple, right? But selecting the best circuit breaker for your application is a multi-step process. The basic functional parameters—voltage, current, and number of poles—are just the beginning. To refine your selection, you then have to consider mechanical and environmental factors, regulatory and safety issues, size and cost constraints, and more

Circuit Breakers 101

Let’s begin with a review of key circuit breaker parameters. A number of technology options are available to accomplish the circuit breaker function, each with slightly different performance characteristics. Table 1 gives an overview of five; depending on your precise requirements, several types may be suitable for your application. Circuit breakers using different technologies will exhibit subtly different performance characteristics under overload conditions. Figure 1 shows these variations. The horizontal axis (current) shows multiples of the continuous current rating for the breaker; the vertical axis (time) shows how long it will take the circuit breaker to trip at the given current. The widths of the curves indicate typical tolerances. It’s recommended that you consult a data sheet for more information.

Derating Factors

The specifications of a circuit breaker are only valid under the conditions quoted in the data sheet; a frequency of 60 Hz in an open-air environment at 40ºC ambient, for example. If the real-world conditions differ from those under which the specifications were derived, derating factors must be applied

Typical temperature-derating table

Similarly, operation at higher or lower frequencies than specified may also require modification of the specification. On the one hand, eddy currents and iron losses at the higher frequency cause greater heating within the thermal-trip components, requiring the breaker to be derated. At the low end, even DC operation can cause issues with extinguishing the arc that occurs when the contacts are separated in high-current applications.

Selecting the Right Circuit Breaker

A circuit breaker, to most design engineers, is thought of as a low-cost commodity component that usually doesn’t get much attention when designing a new piece of equipment or system. In fact, on many occasions I have heard someone say, “It doesn’t matter; I just need a circuit breaker.” Yet a circuit breaker is an extremely important system component, and should not be handled in such a cavalier fashion. They are used to protect valuable equipment or devices from damage or more importantly they are used to prevent a life-threatening system disaster such as fire. It is important to take the time and make sure that the circuit breaker you are selecting is not only the right type for your application but it is also of high quality.

Today, there are many circuit breaker choices to fit virtually any industrial DIN rail application. However, even with so many choices available, selecting the proper circuit breaker can be an easy task

DIN rail circuit breakers are available in different package configurations ranging from a high-density space-saving size of 13mm per pole to 26mm per pole for a high-current type. Over the last few years, the price of a high quality circuit breaker has dropped below $10.00 per pole. This transition has allowed many more DIN rail mount circuit breakers to be used in place of fuses and fuse holders. In addition to being a cost savings, the circuit breaker is much more convenient; when a fuse blows, it has to be replaced by a new one; when a circuit breaker trips, it simply has to be reset.

Supplementary Protection

Supplementary circuit breakers, often referred to as UL1077 circuit breakers, are protectors that are typically used to provide protection to a device. Usually a branch UL489 circuit breaker is already installed up stream of the supplementary circuit breakers to protect the circuit wiring. Most supplementary circuit breakers are available in one, two and three poles with the option of short (B), medium (C) and long (D) trip curves. They typically can handle a minimum rating of 1A and a maximum amp rating of 63A. For convenience and ease of use the circuit breakers selected should have a reliable wire connection and have an on/off indicator to minimize troubleshooting time.

DC Protection

The DC circuit breakers are used in applications to provide protection where direct current or DC voltage is used. DC circuit breakers are available in both UL1077 and UL489 versions. Generally the DC circuit breakers are available in one or two poles with the short (B) or medium (C) trip curves. They are available with current ratings ranging from 1 to 63 Amps

Circuit Breaker Selection Tips

Circuit breakers are used in the following:

In power plants and substations, they protect the main equipment from overloading, short circuit and thus, partial or total damage which costs very much.

In branch circuits, they protect mainly the cables from overloading and breakdown also they protect the load from overloading in some cases.

They protect you from leakage current in case of earth leakage circuit breakers. As in case you touched a live wire, the breaker senses the leakage current though your body to ground and then disconnects the circuit.

There are many types of CBs, here are some of them:

Miniature Circuit Breaker: for low power applications and low short circuit level.

Molded Case Circuit Breaker: can bear higher power up to 630 A and also can reach 100 kA as short circuit level.

Air Circuit Breakers: used in many application in low voltage systems and is called Air as the insulating medium is Air.

Vacuum Circuit Breaker: can bear higher voltages than the Air as it implements vacuum as the insulating medium and is used in medium voltage systems.

Oil Circuit Breaker: used in medium and high voltage as oil is very robust insulating medium and has good capabilities in arc quenching.

SF6 Circuit Breaker: the most common type and used in medium and high voltage due to the high dielectric strength of SF6, thermal stability and thermal conductivity.

As we briefly showed the common types of circuit breakers and where they are being used, now we will discuss how to select a circuit breaker on the scope of medium and low voltage. But to properly do such a thing you need to be aware of some aspects which are shown below.

Load Classification:

1. Dynamic Load: the unique aspect regarding this type is the electro-magnetic field to operate. So obviously we are talking about motors and transformers which draw higher current than rated at starting.

2. Static Load: normally it draws the rated current when operating at full power and never draws more than it. It’s mainly the resistive load, such as heaters.

How to Determine Amperage of Circuit Breaker

Each circuit breaker has a specific rated amperage, or amount of current. When that amperage is exceeded, the circuit breaker shuts down the flow of current in that circuit to prevent damage to the wiring and appliances. Learn how to calculate the actual amperage of devices on the circuit and compare it to the rated amperage, so you can avoid unnecessary power interruptions and fire hazards.

Examine the electric panel. Each circuit breaker should have its amperage marked on the handle. This is the maximum amperage that the circuit can take before the circuit breaker trips.

Multiply the amperage by 0.8. For everyday use, it’s a good idea to expose the breaker to a maximum of 80% of the rated amperage. It’s fine to exceed this for short periods of time, but continuous current above this amount could cause enough heat to trip the breaker

Understand double-pole breakers. Some high-voltage devices may be wired to a double-pole circuit breaker — two standard circuit breakers sharing a handle. Do not add together the amperage of the two breakers. Both circuits will be tripped simultaneously by the amperage displayed on one circuit breaker handle

Compare this to the current on the circuit. Now you know how much amperage your wiring and circuit breaker can handle. To find out whether your circuit exceeds this amperage, continue to the next method.

Light Bulb Guide: How to Choose LED Bulbs

Shopped for light bulbs lately? If you have, you may have noticed that most bulbs sold now are LED (light emitting diode) bulbs. Old-fashioned incandescents have all but vanished from store shelves, and the popularity of CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs is on the wane. That’s because, although they’re more energy efficient than incandescents, CFLs just can’t compete with the energy efficiency and light quality of LED bulbs. And, while you’re lucky to get two to five years of life from a CFL bulb, LED bulbs can last 20 years or more. But trying to figure out which LED bulbs to buy can lead to a lot of head scratching. Here’s what you need to know before you shop.

Read the Label

Most of the information you need to pick the right LED light bulb is right there on the packaging, but you won’t find it on the front. Look for the Lighting Facts label on the back or side of the packaging, and pay particular attention to two terms: ‘Brightness’ and ‘Light Appearance.’

Brightness: Forget Watts — Think Lumens

Gone are the days when the wattage on a light bulb package tells you how bright it is. When shopping for an LED bulb, look for the number of lumens directly across from ‘Brightness’ on the Lighting Facts label. Wattage equivalents, usually on the front of the package, are only meant to get you in the ballpark. If you’re replacing a 100-watt incandescent bulb, you’ll want an LED that produces about 1,600 lumens. A replacement for a 40-watt incandescent bulb should produce about 450 lumens.

Light Appearance: Choose Warm or Cool to Suit Your Use

‘Light Appearance’ on the Lighting Facts label refers to color temperature, which is measured as Kelvin (K). For table lamps or living room light fixtures, choose a bulb of about 2,700 to 3,000 K to get a warm light similar to the light from older incandescent light bulbs. For task lighting in places like workshops and laundry rooms, pick a bulb of about 5,000 K for cooler, bluish light that looks more like natural daylight.

Enclosed Fixtures Need Special Bulbs

Some LED light bulbs can last for decades, but only if the heat they generate has a way to dissipate. If it can’t, heat will damage the electronics inside the bulb and it will fail prematurely. If you need to buy a bulb for a fully enclosed fixture, read the packaging carefully to make sure it’s approved for that use. Bulbs made for enclosed fixtures have a more efficient thermal design and are manufactured using components that will withstand higher temperatures

Choosing the Best LED Light Bulb

LED lighting has hit the lighting market with a crash, leaving many wondering which lights or light bulbs to choose – find out what you need to know.

There is a huge range of lighting available for domestic homes these days. As incandescent lamps have given way to halogen bulbs and then compact fluorescent lights, CFLs and now with the transition to LEDs, there is a huge amount to understand. The choice is not as easy as it was a few years ago

Many light bulbs and lighting is now LED based, but these lights are more expensive, so the first question is whether it is worth buying LED lights, or whether some of the other technologies offer better value.

LED lights vs other types – choice of technology

LED lights and light bulbs are now being widely sold and prices are coming down. However they are still more expensive than other types.

Another advantage of LEDs is that they can tolerate being turned on and off far better than CFLs. One example os that of wanting to use a low energy bulb on lights that are triggered by a motion sensor, PIR for external lighting. In windy weather PIRs are triggered very easily and can be always turning on and off. CFLs may only last a very short while, but LEDs can last very much longer.

Everything about LEDs: Learn the basics of LED lighting and how to power!

LEDs are appropriate for many lighting applications, they are designed to produce a lot of light from a small form factor while maintaining fantastic efficiency. Here at LEDSupply there are a variety of LEDs for all kinds of different lighting applications, the trick is knowing how to use them. LED technology is a tad different than other lighting that most people are familiar with. This post is here to explain everything you need to know about LED lighting: how to power LEDs safely so you get the most light and the longest lifetime possible.

What Exactly is an LED?

An LED is a type of diode that turns electrical energy into light. For those that don’t know, a diode is an electrical component that only works in one direction. Basically an LED is an electrical component that emits light when electricity flows through in one direction, from the Anode (positive side) to the Cathode (negative side).

5mm LEDs

5mm LEDs are diodes inside a 5mm diameter lens with two thin metal legs on the bottom. They are used in applications where a lower amount of light is required. 5mm LEDs also run at much lower drive currents, maxing out at around 30mA, whereas Surface Mount LEDs require a minimum of 350mA. All our 5mm LEDs are from top manufacturers and are available in a variety of colors, intensities and illumination patterns. Through-hole LEDs are great for small flashlight applications, signage and anything where you are using a breadboard as they can be used easily with their leads. Check out our guide to setting up 5mm LEDs for more info on these tiny light sources.

Surface Mount LEDs (SMD)

urface Mount LEDs are diode(s) that can be placed on a substrate (circuit board) with a silicon dome over the diode to protect it (see Fig. 1). We carry high-power Surface Mount LEDs from industry leaders Cree and Luxeon. Both are excellent in our opinion, that is why we carry them after all. Some prefer one over the other but that comes with experience and knowing what to look for. Cree tends to have higher listed Lumen outputs and are a market leader in the High-Power LED sector. Luxeon, on the other hand, has excellent colors and thermal control.

High Power LEDs come as bare emitters (as seen in Fig. 1) or mounted to a Metal Core Printed Circuit Board (MCPCB). The boards are insulated and contain conductive tracks for easy circuit connections. Our 20mm 1-Up and 3-Up star board designs are the best sellers. We also offer QuadPod’s which can hold 4 high power LEDs on a board slightly larger than the 20mm stars (see Fig. 2). All our high power LED options can be built on a linear design as well. The LuxStrip can house 6 LEDs per foot and are easily connected up to 10 feet long.

Choosing LED light bulbs

Benefits of LEDs

Climate-friendly because they last so much longer than old-fashioned incandescent light bulbs (based on manufacturer’s claims).

Waste less energy – they are very efficient and very long life: use up to 85% less electricity than traditional incandescent light bulbs.

Most LED’s cost less than $10 per bulb, some as little as $3.

Each LED bulb you buy to replace an incandescent light bulb can save you between $100 and $300 over its life (depending on the wattage of the bulb you replace).

Good for all general lighting around the house.

Features

Available in many different types, including as standard lightbulbs, candles, spotlights and recessed downlights.

Instant full brightness.

‘Warm white’ and ‘cool white’ light colours to choose from. We recommend warm white as a more comfortable light suitable for homes.

For recessed downlights, replacing the whole fitting with a dedicated LED downlight is recommended.

Better quality of light than CFLs (the spiral shaped light bulbs).

Available as dimmable and non-dimmable bulbs that can change their light colour or brightness even without the need for a dimmer switch.

Where to buy

Most hardware stores, supermarkets and specialty lighting stores sell LEDs

Base: Make sure the base of the new bulb is the same as the one you’re replacing. For standard light bulbs, check if you need a bulb with bayonet or screw fitting. To replace halogen spotlights, check if you need a low-voltage (12 V) MR16 (also called GU5.3) bulb with two sharp pins at the bottom, or a mains-voltage (240 V) GU10 bulb with two studs at the bottom – they look very similar but are not interchangeable.

Brightness: If you want to replace an existing incandescent bulb with an LED, use the wattage of the old incandescent as a guide. The packaging of LEDs usually indicates the equivalent wattage of incandescent bulbs that produce a similar brightness. If you want to buy an LED to replace a standard incandescent bulb, chances are the LED will appear brighter than the equivalent incandescent. This is because the beam angle of LEDs is narrower, so the light comes out more focussed.

LED Lighting

The light-emitting diode (LED) is one of today’s most energy-efficient and rapidly-developing lighting technologies. Quality LED light bulbs last longer, are more durable, and offer comparable or better light quality than other types of lighting

Energy Savings

LED is a highly energy efficient lighting technology, and has the potential to fundamentally change the future of lighting in the United States.  Residential LEDs — especially ENERGY STAR rated products — use at least 75% less energy, and last 25 times longer, than incandescent lighting.

How LEDs are Different

LED lighting is very different from other lighting sources such as incandescent bulbs and CFLs

Key differences include the following:

Light Source: LEDs are the size of a fleck of pepper, and a mix of red, green, and blue LEDs is typically used to make white light.

Direction: LEDs emit light in a specific direction, reducing the need for reflectors and diffusers that can trap light. This feature makes LEDs more efficient for many uses such as recessed downlights and task lighting. With other types of lighting, the light must be reflected to the desired direction and more than half of the light may never leave the fixture.

Heat: LEDs emit very little heat. In comparison, incandescent bulbs release 90% of their energy as heat and CFLs release about 80% of their energy as heat.

LED Products

LED lighting is currently available in a wide variety of home and industrial products, and the list is growing every year. The rapid development of LED technology leads to more products and improved manufacturing efficiency, which also results in lower prices. Below are some of the most common types of LED products.