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Lightning Protection Systems

Fri, 24 May 2013 14:58:16 +0000

Well it's that time of year again for thunderstorms, tornadoes, rain, wind, thunder and lightning. Severe storms cause a lot of damage from flooding rains, to downed trees and power lines to lightning strikes. Lightning strikes cause many dollars of damage each year to homes, appliances, and electronic devices in your home. Surge protection only goes so far for protection, but lightning strikes are a far different evil to deal with.

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Memorial Day Weekend Camping...The Safe Way!

Thu, 23 May 2013 20:49:41 +0000

Memorial day weekend at last! The official holiday to kick off the camping season and the kids are ready to get out of school and stretch their legs. What better way is there than to get out into the great outdoors than camping? The fresh air, the birds chirping, the smell of grills cooking, MMM good!

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A Balanced Load

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:20:43 +0000

A balanced load. Why would that be important and how would it benefit me as a consumer to have a balanced load? Moreover, why should I even worry about that in the first place? These are all terrific questions and I'll try to explain how balancing the electrical load in your load center (electrical panel) can benefit you in the wallet! First of all, you need to know that there are two different power phases coming into your home. We'll call them phase "A" and phase "B" for simplification purposes. Now phase "A" to neutral has 120 volts. Phase "B" has 120 volts to neutral. The reading from phase "A" to phase "B" is 240 volts. You see, they are different phases and that's how we get 240-volt appliances to run, unlike the 120-volt things like lights, microwave ovens, refrigerators, etc... Let's take a deeper look at how the utility company charges you for their service.

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Introducing...The "What Is It?" Series...(hint...Shocking)

Tue, 14 May 2013 22:17:17 +0000

There are many dangers associated with electricity. The real danger with electrical shock is amperage, not voltage. Although people have been killed by as little as 120-volt AC and low voltage DC, the silent killer is the amount of amperage in milliampers that flow through a person's body. Any electrical device is capable of dealing a deadly blow, depending on the amount of current flowing through it. In fact, a deadly dose of current in the 100-200 milliamperes range is likely a fatal amount.

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Getting Ready For Summer with Swimming Pool, Hot Tub and Spa Safety

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 22:02:01 +0000

I know it's only spring, but in many areas people are already gearing up for summer by getting their swimming pools ordered and supplies ready to keep them crystal clear. However, with that thought, we cannot forget about getting them electrically ready also.

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Portable Generator Safety Checklist

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:22:59 +0000

With all the widespread flooding and more rain in the forecast, having a portable generator is a must when you need power to run things like sump pumps to drain flooded areas of your home. Portable generators are a God send when the power suddenly goes out in your home. It may be from an ice storm, tornado, hurricane, or even floods. If you are prepared for these severe storms, you'll likely have the lights back on in no time at all.

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Midwest Flooding Prompts Flood Safety Bulletin

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 21:29:16 +0000

Massive amounts of flooding rains have covered a large part of the Midwest. Areas west of Chicago actually were hit with rain amounts in excess of 8 - 9 inches of rain. Homes and businesses have been surrounded by water closing schools, roads, and businesses. Flood watches and warnings are posted as rivers and streams continue to rise. As the water starts approaching your home, it's best to get out of harms way and wait for the flood waters to recede. Staying too long could prove to be deadly and leave you with no way out but rescue by boat.

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Help Me Choose a Window Air Conditioner

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 05:59:24 +0000

As we move into the warmer spring weather, which means a more humid home, choosing the right size air conditioner is a must. I am often asked how to select a window air conditioner that will cool the room where it will be placed.

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Central Air Conditioner Preseason Cleaning

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 20:38:32 +0000

Now is the time of year to clean your central air conditioner for the upcoming spell of hot weather. Spring rains and warmer weather may tempt you to turn on old faithful, but before you do, take time to safely perform a good spring cleaning on the central air conditioner and be sure to oil the fan motor. Here are some great tips to get started.

SureTrace Circuit Tracers by Ideal

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 09:06:09 +0000

Ideal Industries, one of the world's largest electrical testing equipment manufacturers, has introduced a state-of-the-art electrical circuit tracer kit that is sure to be a big hit with electrical contractors and electricians. Imagine a circuit tracer that can detect short circuits and open circuit behind walls! Take a look at what at the new kits they offer and why this tracer kit may be an electricians dream.