Archive for the ‘Electrical’ Category

Safety Tips For Using a Portable Generator

Friday, January 22nd, 2010

The last couple of years many portable electric generators are sold. Many of these generators are user as a backup for the household electricity. But these small generators are also used for outdoor activities like camping or hunting. And because of the electrical power they generate, safety is a very important issue. It is a fact that generators made by well known manufacturers, are built conform strict safety rules. But if not properly installed or operated even the safest generator can become a lethal hazard! In this article I will give you some tips to avoid the most common mistakes.

My first tip is: read the Instruction Manual that you received when buying your generator. It is important that you know the basics of operating the generator. If you have to read the manual during an emergency for the first time you will loose too much time that is needed elsewhere. So read the manual NOW. If you lost your manual, then you can always download a copy of it at the website of the manufacturer of your generator. Be sure to have the type or serial code of your generator at hand (in case of doubt check the identification data on your generator), so you can be sure to download the right manual.

The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) offer a checklist for portable generator owners. First of all they recommend that a qualified, licensed electrician should install portable electric generators to ensure that they meet local electrical codes. Because power from incorrectly installed generators can backfeed along power lines and electrocute anyone coming in contact with them, including line workers making repairs.

  • Make sure your generator is properly grounded.
  • Keep the generator dry.
  • Make sure extension cords used with generators are rated for the load, and are free of cuts and worn insulation and have three-pronged plugs.
  • Do not overload the generator. A portable generator should be used only when necessary and only to power essential equipment or appliances.
  • Never operate the generator in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. Use carbon monoxide detectors in nearby enclosed spaces to monitor levels. Generators can produce high levels of carbon monoxide very quickly, which can be deadly.
  • Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to help prevent electrocutions and electrical shock injuries. Portable GFCIs require no tools to install and are available at prices ranging from $12 to $30.
  • Make sure fuel for the generator is stored safely, away from living areas, in properly labeled containers and away from fuel-burning appliances. Before re-fueling, always turn the generator off and let it cool down.
  • Turn off all appliances powered by the generator before shutting down the generator.
  • Keep children away from portable generators at all times.

I hope you find these tips useful and help you use your generator in the most safe way.

David Marsden has written many articles for the internet. If you want to read more tips from him about portable generators, then visit his website about small diesel generators.

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How to Fix a Door Bell

Thursday, January 21st, 2010

How many times have you missed a knock on the door all because your door bell isn’t working? Many cases the door bell really does work but one a few very simple pieces of the puzzle fail or stop the whole process from happening.

The door bell system is really very simple. You have a transformer, typically located in the basement or maybe the garage. These look like a silver box with a couple of very small wires coming off the top of it. The transformer does exactly what it sounds like it does. It transforms a higher voltage power into a low voltage current that the bell needs to run.

The two wires that come from the transformer will run to the door bell it’s self…or the part that actually does the ringing. Usually the white wire gets tied to one of the screws on the door bell while the other will get tied to another wire that goes to the door bell button. The one single wire that you see running from one point to the other has two wires inside of the outer jacket. One wire will carry the current to the button and the other will carry it back. This means that at the door bell you will have to tie both wires one to each screw on the button.

So one screw has power the other does not. When the button is pressed the power flows through the button and onto the other wire. This will then be carried onto the bell it’s self and make it ring.
So if any of that made any since to you then you will understand that there really are only two parts that could go wrong with this equation. The assumption is that nothing has changed with the wiring…meaning you didn’t have any other work done recently. If you have then perhaps the wires might have been damaged at some point in the circuit.

If you have not had any work done check the button it’s self. Many times the screws where you connect the wires to will become tarnished because of being exposed to the weather. If this happens the power will not flow through the button. To fix this take the button off and run a bit of sand paper over the connection points to take the tarnish off. Replace the button and see if the bell is working. If it is not then most likely you will need to replace the transformer.

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Matthew Shields

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Small Diesel Generators Are an Affordable Power Solution

Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

Small diesel generators, contrary to what many people think, are an affordable source of power for those times when there are no other options. People tend to think that a small generator is something that only the rich buy. However, many models have now come to well within the average consumer’s price range. Furthermore, it’s a worthwhile investment since they will come in handy in case an emergency knocks out your power.

What’s more, many diesel electric generators are so inexpensive to operate that they are used as a primary energy source in smaller homes. Specifically, those who live in mobile homes, tiny cottages out in rural areas, etc., find these generators to be quite affordable, efficient and friendly to the environment. Especially when you start looking at portable models, you’ll find generators the perfect size to easily fit into small homes such as these, yet with the power needed to provide the light, heat and power needed.

Admittedly though, only a minority will use these small diesel generators as their primary power source. Most homes are too large, or have too many high-watt appliances to be powered effectively by these generators, especially for long periods of time. Still, the fact that some residents do manage to survive solely on enerator power should how you that they are not ridiculously expensive to operate. They are affordable and smart purchases.

Some of the benefits of buying a small diesel generator as a back-up energy source include the following:

1) You can stop relying on gasoline for back-up power. This is important since diesel traditionally is less expensive than gasoline. In fact, sometimes it’s cheaper than purchasing electricity from your local power company. Plus if you buy a water cooled model, you can run it even more affordably still.

2) A small diesel generator is usually quite sturdy. You’ll find that a good quality one will provide 2000 to 3000 hours of power before it needs any serious maintenance.

3) A small generator’s compact size allows you to easily transport it from one place to another, wherever you need short, temporary power.

Now that we’ve decided a small diesel generator is the right choice for you, here are some suggestions for shopping for one:

1) First, skip the local stores and shop around on the Internet instead. Local stores are great when the products are bought by so many people that there is a huge selection and a huge variety. However, local hardware stores will normally only stock a couple different kinds of generators, because so few people buy them. as a result, you’re likely to pay more money for the one you finally settle on. However, if you shop for a generator on the Internet, you’ll find a larger variety. This means more of a choice for you as well as a lower cost.

2) Don’t be afraid to invest in the best. If you’re planning to use your generator for an emergency situation, you want to be 100% sure it’s going to work if and when you need it. So be willing to spend a little bit more if it gets you a better generator–and more peace of mind.

An investment is exactly how you should think of small diesel generators. Maybe not so much an investment in your financial future, but a possible investment in your life, should a crisis situation ever arise.

After a succesful life in trading, importing and exports, Rupert now spends his time writing freelance articles for many well-known publications, as well as various educational institutions. For more of Rupert’s articles regarding small diesel generators, please visit http://www.power-generator-reviews.com/

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Three Important Reasons For Using a Surge Protector

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

If you want to protect your electronic equipment from sudden damage or failure, then you may want to consider using a surge protector. The three biggest reasons for this is one, power surges can slowly damage components of any device, two, in the event of a brown out dips in power will cause equipment failure which could cost you in lost data and three, a surge may even be the cause of a fire in your home. Let’s take a look at these and see exactly why you need a surge protector.

A power surge happens in two instances. It happens either by an internal high-energy device coming on in your home or from an external source such as lightning or a black out. When you turn on a power hog like an air conditioner or your computer it creates a power surge to “kick start” it. This can cause internal damage to the equipment. In the case of lightning, a power surge coming in through your power lines can overheat your equipment. Having a surge protector can protect you.

Brown outs aren’t as likely but they do happen and when they do you will want to be ready. This is when you have too many appliances running at once and your lines can’t support everything. Think of it as a power loss. Your computer could suddenly shut down without warning in the event of a brown out causing you to lose valuable data. Certain surge protectors have the ability to store energy and enable you to shut down your computer before you suffer any loss.

Then there’s the unfortunate chance of a fire from a power surge. Fires caused by power surges are often the result of faulty wiring. A surge that travels through your power cord can over heat the wires to the point that the plastic covering melts. If the wiring gets hot enough fire can erupt. A perfect situation in which this can happen is using a cheap power strip. A surge protector is built to redirect excess electricity to a grounding wire effectively disarming the threat of fire.

Now that you know why you need a surge protector for your electrical equipment you should take some inventory in your home and see where you need to use one. You know you want to use one on equipment with electronic components, such as your computer, in the event of a power surge, brown out or to prevent a fire. Protect your equipment, invest in a surge protector before it costs you more than you can replace.

What it comes down to is that a surge protector is just a first line of defense. A serious power surge, such as a lightning strike, can and will most likely disable your surge protector and damage your equipment. You can learn more about what type of protection you need at Surge Protector Reviews.

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How to Wire in Cabinet Lighting

Monday, October 19th, 2009

Cabinet lighting is a great addition to any kitchen. You can illuminate the dark corners inside of any cabinet plus add some great accent light in the form of under cabinet lighting. Wiring up a set of lights is an easy task if you have a few basic electrical skills. Here are a few tips on how to wire in cabinet lighting.

The first thing you need to do is plan the circuit layout. If you have cabinets on more than one wall then you might need to branch the circuits. Be sure not to add lighting to any high load circuit like the microwave or refrigerator. If you have a spare spot in your electrical box then it’s worth it to add in a 20-amp ground fault protected circuit.

Run a length of 12 gauge copper wire from your electrical box through the attic and then drop it down the wall that the lights will be on.

Use a drywall saw and cutout a new electrical outlet. Install a regular 2-way light switch and wire it up to the new circuit.

The next step is to install the lights. Place lights inside and under the cabinets. You can find recessed cabinet lighting kits in any hardware store. All you need are a few brad nails and you can staple them right into place.

For the under cabinet lights cut a small hole in the back bottom of a cabinet and run the electrical cable through it.

Drill a hole through the back of the inside of the cabinet and into the wall behind it. You’ll need a helper for the next part.

Have your helper drop a fish tape through the wall. Once you can reach the tape pull it through the hole and tie the electrical cable to it. Have the helper pull the entire cable bundle up through the hole.

Now it’s your turn to go fishing.

Use the fish tape at the electrical cut out you made earlier. Send it up through the wall so that your helper can tie the new cabinet lighting electric cables to the tape. Pull the tape back through the wall.

Cut out any excess wire and connect the cables to the load side of the light switch. You can now button up the fixture.

The last step is to wire the light switch back to your electrical panel. Be sure the power is off at the main disconnect before starting! Lethal voltages are present.

Run the cable into the electrical panel and wire it to the 20-amp break. All you need to do now is snap the break into place in the panel.

Turn the power back on and energize the new circuit. All that’s left to do is test out your new lights. How to wire in cabinet lighting isn’t that difficult. All it takes is a little time, a helper and some planning. Once you finish you’ll have a great new feature that will brighten up your kitchen and your life.

Author Jennifer Akre is an owner of a wide variety of online specialty shops including that offer both items and information on how you can easily furnish and decorate your space. Whether it is cabinet hardware for your bathroom or cabinet hardware for your kitchen there are many tips you can use to make those spots both functional and beautiful. Click today and indulge your senses.

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Size Matters When Choosing Your Home Generators

Sunday, October 18th, 2009

When buying a standby generator for your home, it is very important to choose the right sized generator. If you choose too small a generator, you will not be able to run your essential appliances during a power outage. Further, overloading the generator may lead to its breakdown as well as damage to all appliances that are using its power. On the other hand, if you choose too big a generator, you would be spending more on its purchase, installation, fuel, maintenance and repairs than required for your home. Choosing too big a standby generator may lead to a huge and unaffordable initial cost.

The size of your generator depends on the number of type of electrical appliances in your home. Heating and cooling appliances like water heaters, air conditioners, refrigerators etc consume a lot of power. You would need a big standby generator to power such appliances even during a power outage. On the other hand, if you want your house to remain lit even during a power outage, you can opt for a small sized generator. Further, appliances that have moving parts like fans and pumps consume a lot of electricity at startup but do not require a lot of power to continue functioning. Hence, it always pays to increase your estimated requirements by 20% to provide for such appliances before taking a final decision.

Along with the number of appliances, you will have to consider the space available for installation as well. Unlike portable generators, standby generators need to be permanently installed and properly serviced for efficient performance. Of course, the output of a standby generator is far better than that of a portable one. Hence, you should have the necessary space to install the right sized standby generator.

A standby generator is a big investment that shall serve you and your family for years to come. Hence, it is necessary to protect your investment from the elements of nature. You should install your generator in a well protected area that is well ventilated but yet not fully exposed to sunshine, rain, snow etc. If you do not have space around your house, you may have no choice but to opt for a smaller generator.

When determining the size of your generator, you should get one that will fit not just your current requirements but also your future requirements as well. It is very difficult to anticipate your long term energy requirements accurately. However, you can try estimating your future requirements about five years from today and get a generator which will serve you well even five years from today.

If your house is due for a major renovation, it is better if you defer choosing your generator until after the renovation or consider the planned changes when taking a decision. If you are planning to install a new air conditioner or other heavy duty electrical items in your house, then you should decide the size your generator accordingly. One of the options you could look at is installing a wind turbine to generate electricity. Wind power is becoming more affordable and a small home windmill could suit your needs.

Unlike generators installed in your work place, home generators become an intrinsic part of your life. Not choosing the right sized generator can leave you ruing your decision to actually go in for a generator in the first place.

Article by Dave Morrow of http://www.Threekingsglobal.com recommending Gary Pipia the wind power expert at http://www.windpowerspecialist.com

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