Sunday, March 31, 2013
Experts say Federal Pacific electrical panels in homes may be a fire waiting to happen – Electrician Broward
Check Your GFCI
Source: http://blog.atselectricinc.com/2012/08/check-your-gfci-10/
electrician work electrical training electrician apprenticeship electrician contractors electrical testing
Freezers & Dedicated Circuits
Source: http://blog.atselectricinc.com/2012/08/freezers-dedicated-circuits-7/
Vogtle Nuclear Project: More Overruns, More Delay (Georgia Power reconfirms the perils of government-subsidized energy)
Late last month, Georgia Power (Southern Company) filed its eighth semi-annual report on the construction progress of its 2,240-MW two-unit Vogtle nuclear plant to the Georgia Public Service Commission (GPSC).
The already bad news got still worse–not surprising for a project that is all but financially insulated from its own failure. As I previously wrote at MasterResource:
With a pending $8.6 billion federal loan guarantee, a cap on liability, production tax credits and pre-collection of profits this makes Georgia Power the nation’s biggest welfare queen.
Georgia Power’s latest report to state regulators indulges in self-praise, shifts blame for growing problems, and employs misleading analysis. The Company asks the GPSC to approve an additional $737 million in cost and add 15 months to the project’s schedule. Since Georgia Power has 45.7% ownership, the entire $14 billion project has additional cost of over $1.6 billion.
Still, Georgia Power sports an A+ rating credit rating. Why? Because regulators are expected to approve this and future cost overruns for automatic recovery. This would include adverse litigation judgements (see below).
“Fitch expects that any adjustments to the overall project costs are deemed recoverable by the GPSC,” the A+ report explains. However: “Significant project cost overruns that cannot be recovered in rates or unexpected long deferral periods for project cost recovery would be adverse credit factors.”
The Winners (Them, not Us)
Throughout the report, Georgia Power repeatedly assures that the project is “safe, clean, reliable and affordable.” Presumably, this applies to the cost overruns as well.
The nuclear industry applauds the cost inflation, which means more jobs and longer work hours for workers. More ratebase also means more local tax collection. The Nuclear Energy Institute’s SVP of communications tweeted the good news.
But what about consumers, not to mention federal taxpayers who are involuntary underwriting of the project?
And what about opportunity cost given that resources spent in one direction are lost elsewhere? Scarce means to unlimited ends necessitates economy to do as much with our limited resources as possible. Less spent on generating and consuming electricity leaves money (resources) for other things, from education to family outings.
Cost maximization (read overruns) is hardly good news to anyone but the cronies.
Completion Still Expected
One of the excuses for delay is that there is slow approval by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for completed and changed designs. However, the independent monitor for the project says the NRC is being very cooperative and that slow approvals are a result of the contractor and Georgia Power not having their act together.
In each of these six-month reports, the Company has placed great emphasis on the cost-to-complete analysis. Here they compare the cost to finish the project to the cost for the same capacity using an alternate technology; namely natural gas-fired units.
Since this is comparing a half-built nuclear plant against the full cost of gas plants, the analysis unsurprisingly shows the better option is finishing the nuclear units.
Georgia Power concludes from the analysis that finishing the plant is a $4 billion benefit for customers. Yet utilities all over the country are saying gas beats nuclear. To determine if customers are better off, an analysis must be made comparing the two options at full cost for each–if for no other reason than Vogtle being the Never Again poster child for nuclear.
“Nuclear Renaissance”…
Georgia’s elected Commissioners have bragged in regulator meetings all across the country about their leadership in the “nuclear renaissance.” They can never cancel the project even if Georgia Power were not water-boarding the numbers into the appropriate confession.
When Georgia Power was seeking approval for the project, they demanded that they could collect all sunk cost, with profit, if the project were cancelled. In what must have been a mere oversight, this cost was left out of the analysis of customer benefits.
Still pending out there is the matter of about $900 million in contract disputes. Both Georgia Power and the contractor say these are real costs that were incurred. Despite whoever ends up paying for this, it is an addition to the total cost of the facility.
… Fading
Vogtle #3 and #4 started at $14 billion. There is $900 million in cost that may be paid by others and $1.6 billion in acknowledged over-runs (and counting).
That puts us at $16.5 billion and causes us to wonder if the project could have gotten the go-ahead if these numbers were known earlier. Georgia Power asserts the final rate impact on customers when the project is complete is the same or better. Smoke and mirrors: The project now has an additional 15 months of collections through a surcharge that recovers interest and profits.
Meanwhile, the Sanmen project in China, which is identical to the Vogtle project using the same contractor, is under budget at $5.9 billion and ahead on its 4-year schedule. The difference between the projects is the perverse incentives of the U.S. regulatory system that rewards failure and managerial incompetence.
The verdict is clear. Nuclear needs its own market test outside of public-utility regulation and without federal loan guarantees. That’s called market capitalism. Cronyism and rent-seeking are just too expensive to let this happen again.
—————
Jim Clarkson, president of Resource Supply Management, an energy procurement and management firm based in Sumter, South Carolina, is a director of the Institute for Energy Research and IER’s advocacy arm, the American Energy Alliance.
Source: http://www.masterresource.org/2013/03/vogtle-nuclear-more-overruns/
electrician jobs electrical installation contractors electric electric contractors electrical repair
2013 Energy-Saving Tax Credits: Part 2 of 3
Homeowners taking advantage of renewable energy can qualify for savings of up to 30 percent of equipment cost; rentals and second homes are not eligible for these Consumer Energy Efficiency Tax Credits.
Over next week, PGI will complete this series with part 3. To view part 1, click here.
Tax Credit #2: Solar Energy Systems
Solar power is the conversion of sunlight into electricity using photovoltaics (directly) or concentrated solar power (indirectly). Absorbing the sun’s heat, these systems benefit from direct sunlight and what better place to utilize solar power via these natural resource than in the Sunshine State? One popular residential system qualifying for a 2013 tax credit is the solar water heater. Using the sun’s thermal energy to heat water in your home, these heaters include a collector and storage tank, coming in a wide variety of designs and prices. To qualify, the system must be certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) or a similar corporation endorsed by the state government, with half of all energy generated coming from the sun. This tax credit includes installation costs.
Tax Credit #3: Geothermal Heat Pumps
Similar to ordinary heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps use the earth’s in-ground natural heat to provide heating, air conditioning and hot water in residential homes. All geothermal heat pump components certified by the manufacturer are covered in this tax credit, but some add-on components, such as back-up systems and ducts, may not be covered. To qualify, the geothermal heat pump must be certification by ENERGY STAR. This tax credit includes installation costs.
Source: http://powergenerationinc.com/2013-energy-saving-tax-credits-part-2-of-3/
424 Degree CurrentSAFE Find
Example CurrentSAFE Uncovered Hazard
During a CurrentSAFE Electrical Hazard Detection we uncovered a hidden hazard of 424 degrees Fahrenheit on the buss bar of a panel in a home in Montgomery.
Overheated electrical joints due to loose connection are often precursors of electrical fires, arc faults, and arc flash in electrical systems.
Connections that should have had the proper torque, as well as, being properly sized for the amplitude of current would not have overheated to the extent of 424 degrees Fahrenheit.
The issue is that with the fluctuation of current, results in thermal cycling, which eventually leads to the failing of the connection. In other words, the bad connection heats up and cools, heats up and cools, going from one extreme to another under load or no load. With a loose connection that is experiencing overheating, such as in the 424 degree range, this will lead to failure. Meaning either electrical fire, arc fault, or arc flash.
Here in the digital photo you can see the melted portions of the buss bar and the discoloration of the lug which were a result of the thermal cycling.
Cooper Electric's CurrentSAFE EHD is a preventive maintenance program for your home's electrical system. To learn more and have a free estimate call us at 513-271-5000.
Tags:
Del.icio.us | Facebook | TweetThis | Digg | StumbleUpon |
Copyright © Cooper Electric [424 Degree CurrentSAFE Find], All Right Reserved. 2013.
Source: http://cooper-electric.net/424-degree-currentsafe-find/
electrical parts home contractors electrician jobs electrical installation contractors electric
5 Home Tips from Palm Beach Electricians
Palm Beach Electicians
Keep your house safe from faulty wiring by hiring only the best Palm Beach electricians. Southern Coast Electrical Services provide expert 
electricians for your needs.
It is important that your house has a well-maintained electrical circuit from wires and sockets, to lighting to avoid problems like fire or short circuit. Here are some tips that are useful:
- Don’t use too much extension cords inside your house. Some of you might do this to accommodate all the wiring from appliances, gadgets and other electrical devices. To save yourself from too much bills and calling up an electrician in Broward, charge or make use of one or two electrical items at a time and not together.
- Avoid placing bottles with liquid near sockets or outlets, especially if these contain flammable chemicals. A single spark can cause a lot of destruction and fire so make sure you keep any flammable liquids in safe places like in the basement or locker.
- Have a routine check of your house’s wiring by an expert Boca Raton electrician. Doing so prevents any future problems and in case you do have an electrical problem, the electricians can easily and quickly fix them up.
Contact our West Palm beach electricians now by visiting us at www.sflaelectrician.com/choosing-the-best-electricians-in-fort-lauderdale.
Can I use twin breakers in my breaker panel?
Twin, or ‘two-for-one’, breakers allow the connection of two, separately-protected circuits in the space of one standard breaker. Two circuit overcurrent protective devices (COPDs) connect to a single leg of the phase bus bar in the breaker panel, effectively doubling the capacity of the breaker panel in terms of number of branch circuits connected. The total power capacity of the panel does not change with the addition of twin type breakers (and is largely unaffected by what breakers may be installed — a common misconception that can lead to the wrong conclusion that a panel is overloaded simply because the Ampere rating of all breakers adds to more than the main breaker Ampere rating).
How do I tell whether my breaker panel accepts twin breakers?
Most breaker panels are rated to accept at least a few twin breakers. Some accept twins throughout the panel, and some accept no twins at all. The diagram inside the panel cover should indicate which breaker positions accommodate twin breakers (see photos).
Source: http://www.phillylicensedelectrician.com/can-i-use-a-twin-in-my-breaker-panel/
master electricians electrical construction electrical works electrical repairs find a contractor
Saturday, March 30, 2013
How Long To Grow Tomatoes – Juicy Delicious Tomatoes
Ketchup is just one by product that you can get from tomatoes. And the fresher it gets better it is. To give you freshly picked tomatoes, you might want to learn how to start growing them. But instead of just learning how long to grow tomatoes, it is ideal to learn the essentials on how to care for them as well. There are only a few rules to follow so better start learning them for you to reap the rewards of fresh harvest in no time.
Click Here For Juicy Delicious Tomatoes Instant Access Now!
As have said earlier, there are only a few basic steps in trying to grow your own tomatoes. And depending on how well you take each aspect in consideration, it will pretty much determine how long to grow tomatoes. You can always ask your neighbors if you seem to lack such information or you can find yourself a guide that you can now find online these days.
One of the things you might want to have in order to produce the best tomatoes is the proper lighting. As a matter of fact, the more you expose your crops to sunlight, the better they are going to get. However, make sure not to place them in a place where wind is abundant.
Another thing to consider is the soil you are planning to plant your tomatoes in. The best thing to do is to sterilize your soil from time to time. It is recommended to do so twice every season. What is important is that your soil is free from various infections or diseases that could affect your plants.
It is also important to keep your soil moist at most times. These are just some of the things to consider. Why learn how long to grow tomatoes if you could only learn the best ways to care for them instead. Doing so will surely get you there – an unlimited supply of fresh tomatoes.
Click Here For Juicy Delicious Tomatoes Instant Access Now!
-
About the Author:
This author writes about Tomato Planting Tips at Juicy Delicious Tomatoes
Article Source
Source: http://reschelectrical.com/how-long-to-grow-tomatoes-juicy-delicious-tomatoes/
Advantages of Garage Organization Systems
Think about this: you are about to go to work, but suddenly, you realize you have to get through six inches of snow just to get to your car. This is because your garage is too messed up to have the slightest space just for your car.
If you think the mess in your garage is too much already, think about this: garage organization. A neat and clean garage is guaranteed to make you happy. Think of looking for something you might need in just a short while. To achieve a garage like this, you need garage organization systems. If you have a garage organization system, you could store everything you have in your garage easily. Just invest a little in organizing your garage to make things work for you. Here are just a few advantages of garage organization systems:
1. You will not get wet from walking through the snow to get to your car because your car is simply inside your garage now.
2. Your car gas consumption will be much lesser. The reason for this is that you will not have to run your car just to heat it up or cool it down because it has either been too cold or hot from being outside all day or night.
3. You could also save more money because you do not have to rent an extra storage space or unit just to store all of the stuff that you could store in your garage.
So save up just a little money and start finding the perfect system for you.
-
About the Author:
Devoting some time and effort to garage organization systems can save you headaches in the long run. Get more help for your garage at http://www.yourhomeisorganized.com/GarageOrganization.htm
Article Source
Source: http://reschelectrical.com/advantages-of-garage-organization-systems/
certified electrician construction electrician able electric auto electrical repair construction
Wind Generation is the Future Renewable Type of Energy
The future of power generation is going to be greatly influenced by the Wind.Wind is the Types of Renewable Energy that uses a wind turbine to generate the electricity. By the end of 2009 wind generation accounted for the generation of 159.2 gigawatts, which is about 2% of the worlds electricity required. Going forward wind generation has the technical potential to produce 40 times it current electricity generation.
There is a wide range of wind turbines available for many suppliers and they fall into two categories just like most other things around the world. There is a range of domestic wind generators ranging from 100 watts up to 1 Kilowatt and a much wider range of commercial units that range from 600 Kilowatts to 5 Megawatts however wind turbines with the rated output of 1.5 to 3 Megawatts are most commonly used in the commercial wind farms around the world.
Regardless of the rated output wind turbines use exactly the same method to generate an electricity supply. Basically they use they do exactly opposite to an electric motor. An electric motor uses a supply of electricity to energize a coil of wire (the armature) that is contained in a magnetic field this causes the armature to turn therefore supplies a source of mechanical energy. Now a wind turbine on the other hand takes it energy source from the wind and using the blades to mechanically turn the armature within the magnetic field. This movement within the magnetic field induces an electrical current in the windings, which can be used to feed into the main power grid or into a battery bank in the case of a stand-alone system.
The rate of electricity generated is proportional to the speed at which the turbine turns. Before installing a wind generator you need to do some research into whether or not the location that you live in is suitable. You need to have what as known as clean wind meaning that there is no interference to the flow of wind into the generator like trees mountains builds etc. It is also a good idea to install some wind monitoring equipment and study the amount of wind you can actually take advantage of. You may find that your location is not suitable for a wind generator and you may need to look at other types of renewable energy like Solar Panels.
The use of wind generators for the creation of electricity is growing across the globe by a staggering rate of 30% per year. The fact that people are using the power of the wind it is making Wind Turbines one of the forefront in the Types of Renewable Energy and as the need for more electricity and the need to reduce greenhouse gases there will be more research and development conducted to better the technology that we are already using to make wind turbines more efficient and cheaper to construct. As they find was to make them cheaper the more people will choose to use them making it a win win situation for use and the environment.
-
About the Author:
If you would like to learn more about renewable Energy and you are a bit of a DIY kind of a person Have a read about my experiences with different Types of Renewable Energy.
Article Source
Source: http://reschelectrical.com/wind-generation-is-the-future-renewable-type-of-energy/
Experts say Federal Pacific electrical panels in homes may be a fire waiting to happen – Electrician Broward
a electrical contractors contractors electrical electrical contractors in electrical contractors electric services
Palm Beach electricians can prevent Fire Accidents at Home
West Palm Beach Electrician
To avoid endangering your family and home, let the Palm Beach electricians take care of the repairs and installations of your wires, lights and plugs. We at Southern Coast Electrical Services West Palm Beach, Florida can help you with your electrical needs.
Before leaving the house, make sure you turn off all electrical appliances such as oven toasters, television sets and air conditioners. It is even better if you unplug them from the sockets. Apart from preventing fire accidents, it can also save electricity.
Overused electrical appliances may explode at any time. Let these items rest and cool down. You should also take preventative measures and have an done by a Miami electrician to see if there are any damages.
Don’t leave lighted scented candles, incense or cigarettes unattended. Curtains might blow towards it which can catch the flame or the ashes might drop on the couch or carpet.
Spray cans, bottled chemicals and other flammables should be kept away from heat-producing items such as oven, stove and candles. These can easily catch fire and burn down your house to ashes.
Faulty wiring can also be a cause of house fires. Have someone from an air conditioning service in West Palm Beach like Southern Coast Electrical Services do a regular maintenance check of your electrical wires and outlets. Having your home checked regularly can decrease the risk of fire incidences.
To know more about Southern Coast Electrical Services, you can visit us at http://www.sflaelectrician.com/south-florida-electricians-can-make-repairs-installations-inspections.
Measures to Save Electricity Quickly
Measures to Save Electricity Quickly
There are two ways to save electricity quickly. First, efficiency improvements can be made to the energy-using equipment such that consumers receive the same services but with less electricity consumed. (These are sometimes called “technical fixes”) In these situations the end user is barely (or not at all) aware that improvements have been made. In the second case, the
energy consumer takes deliberate measures to reduce energy use through changes in operations or procedure which may also cause inconvenience and result in a loss of service or amenity. These are typically called “behavioral” changes.
Technical Efficiency Measures
The technical measures to save electricity quickly are similar to those used to save electricity slowly except that they may be implemented with greater intensity by combining them with special subsidies or delivery schemes. Three examples are described below.
Retrofits—especially retrofits of large, energy-using facilities—are attractive targets during an electricity crisis. About 8% of industrial electricity is used to make compressed air, much of which is lost through leaks (Rosenberg 2003).
The compressed air systems therefore represent a source of major savings. California supported inspections and tune-ups of compressed air facilities in factories. Retrofits of eight factories yielded verified savings of 2 MW.
Lighting replacements have been the most frequently used retrofit strategy. Replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents (CFLs) was used in Brazil, California, and New Zealand. California consumers installed nearly eight million CFLs during the crisis period, resulting in almost 500 MW of demand reduction (Pang 2003).
California cities replaced millions of traffic lights with LED lamps, each saving about 80 watts. California aggressively encouraged consumers to replace older appliances with new units qualifying for the Energy Star endorsement of high efficiency Fuel switching offers large electricity savings.
Electricity is often used to heat air or water, especially in the residential sector and in sparsely populated areas.
There are numerous opportunities to burn wood, oil, or natural gas directly to obtain the desired heat. Homeowners in Norway and New Zealand, for example, reverted to existing wood stoves and boilers for space and water heating.
Fuel switching is an important electricity-savings measure because it removes the homes’ largest electricity-consuming end uses.
The greatest benefits from fuel switching will generally occur during shortages caused by cold weather but some measures can also save summer peak power. For example, Brazilians replaced in-line electric shower heaters with gas-fired units, thus saving about 3 kW electrical demand per unit.
Effectiveness of Technical Measures
Technological modifications require an existing infrastructure in order to deploy the products in a short time, stretching from the manufacturer capable of quickly expanding production to skilled personnel to install them.
In most cases, there will not be enough time, or the infrastructure is inadequate, to establish new efficiency improvement and retrofit programs large enough to reduce demand significantly.
Norway, for example, addressed its electricity shortage by establishing programs to install heat pumps, energy management systems, and wood pellet stoves.
Skilled personnel were overwhelmed and it is unlikely that these measures cut Norway’s electricity demand during the crisis. On the other hand, California already had an established network to deliver its “saving electricity slowly” programs.
This network, while still inadequate, was able to rapidly increase activities during the crisis and deliver significant electricity savings. Regions that are vulnerable to temporary electricity shortfalls should consider their programs to “save electricity slowly” as a kind of insurance policy that will also serve as the backbone of a team to save electricity during a crisis.
-
About the Author:
<p>RunGreenPower.com will teach you how to build solar & wind power systems foryour home within a weekend.</p><p>Check It Now: <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);” target=”_blank” href=”http://www.rungreenpower.com/2010/09/21/buy-diy-solar-power-kit/”>Why to Buy DIY solar power Kit?</a></p>
Article Source
Source: http://reschelectrical.com/measures-to-save-electricity-quickly/
electrician companies industrial electrician electric contracting electrican electrical contractors company
How To Choose The Best Laminate Flooring For A Great Effect
After deciding to replace the current flooring with laminate flooring it is a good idea to do research on the different types of laminate and their associated costs. The more flashy the design and the better the features, the higher the cost will become. With enough searching around though anyone can find a great price on the type of laminate flooring that is wanted, whether it be in a store or through a retail outlet.
Choosing the right type of laminate can be a tricky decision. There are many different types and each are categorized by the textures they replicate and how thick the flooring is. The higher end flooring also comes with non slip and non scratch surfaces. Though these are nice they do come with a higher price tag.
After the decision is made to replace the flooring, it is always good to ensure that the quantity you require is correct. This is to assure that the amount of cutting and returning of products is lessened. Whenever cutting is necessary though, creating a floor plan is a great idea as it can show just where specific cuts will need to be made. If cutting is necessary, it will benefit all involved to have the appropriate tools.
If trimming is necessary the right tools can be very useful. The most important tools are the coping saw and rubber mallets since they allow the laminate to be placed as it is needed. Another important instrument is the measuring tape as it allows whoever is installing the flooring to get the best fit possible.
After choosing the extra features that are wanted for the flooring the next step is to choose the finish of the laminate. There are many different types of finish including all of those that are made to resemble hardwoods such as mahogany, cedar and cherry. There are also specialty finishes but these may run higher on the pay scale than normally bought finishes.
The last major item that will affect the price is the durability of the product. The higher the quality of the laminate, the more money that will ultimately be paid for the product. The more money that is paid for the laminate will also ultimately show more durability over time than the lesser-priced flooring.
With the major topics of laminate flooring covered, it goes to show that placing laminate flooring is a very good choice. With its especially low price, it is a good all around substitute for hardwood floors. Laminate is not only good on its looks it is great for its durability and style choices that can brighten any room.
-
About the Author:
Installing laminate flooring is relatively easy. There are many choices including well-known brands such as Empire flooring and Mannington flooring. For free information about how to do it yourself visit, our website now.
Article Source
Source: http://reschelectrical.com/how-to-choose-the-best-laminate-flooring-for-a-great-effect/
What YOU Can Do to Reduce Pollution?
What YOU Can Do to Reduce Pollution?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has prepared this fact sheet to answer some of the most common questions about reducing emissions from private vehicles.
This is an important concern, as cars are a major source of air pollution in the United States. Vehicle emissions contribute to health and environmental problems such as urban smog, air toxics, and global warming. Yet individual driving habits make a big difference in the amount of pollution a car produces.
Three easy things you can do to help keep emissions as low as possible are:
• Avoid unnecessary driving
• Maintain your car properly
• Drive your car wisely
By combining these strategies, you can very effectively reduce the amount your car pollutes. And there are additional benefits — your car will last longer and you will save money.
Avoid Unnecessary Driving
The most effective way to reduce emissions from your vehicle is to use it less.
Vehicle travel in this country is doubling every 20 years. Traffic trends that see
more and more cars driving more and more miles will soon begin to outpace
technological progress in vehicle emission control.
Several options are available to help you reduce the amount you drive. These
include consolidating trips, telecommuting, carpooling, using public transit, and choosing clean transportation alternatives such as biking or walking.
By planning errands, you will get the most out of time you do spend behind the wheel. For example, call ahead to confirm that the product you need is in stock before you drive to the store. Plan to do several tasks when you go somewhere.
Drive to a central location and park. Then walk between nearby destinations.
Ridesharing can be an ideal way to reduce your personal contribution to pollution.
Every time you share a ride and eliminate a trip, you help the environment. Try pairing up for trips to work or to social events — even an occasional carpool or ride on public transportation will make a difference.
Biking or walking to your destination creates no pollution at all. And you’ll
increase your fitness level at the same time.
-
About the Author:
<p>RunGreenPower.com will teach you how to build solar & wind power systems foryour home within a weekend.</p><p>Check It Now: <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);” target=”_blank” href=”http://www.rungreenpower.com/2010/09/21/buy-diy-solar-power-kit/”>Why to Buy DIY solar power Kit?</a></p>
Article Source
Source: http://reschelectrical.com/what-you-can-do-to-reduce-pollution/
able electric auto electrical repair construction electrical electrical how to
Friday, March 29, 2013
What YOU Can Do to Reduce Pollution?
What YOU Can Do to Reduce Pollution?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has prepared this fact sheet to answer some of the most common questions about reducing emissions from private vehicles.
This is an important concern, as cars are a major source of air pollution in the United States. Vehicle emissions contribute to health and environmental problems such as urban smog, air toxics, and global warming. Yet individual driving habits make a big difference in the amount of pollution a car produces.
Three easy things you can do to help keep emissions as low as possible are:
• Avoid unnecessary driving
• Maintain your car properly
• Drive your car wisely
By combining these strategies, you can very effectively reduce the amount your car pollutes. And there are additional benefits — your car will last longer and you will save money.
Avoid Unnecessary Driving
The most effective way to reduce emissions from your vehicle is to use it less.
Vehicle travel in this country is doubling every 20 years. Traffic trends that see
more and more cars driving more and more miles will soon begin to outpace
technological progress in vehicle emission control.
Several options are available to help you reduce the amount you drive. These
include consolidating trips, telecommuting, carpooling, using public transit, and choosing clean transportation alternatives such as biking or walking.
By planning errands, you will get the most out of time you do spend behind the wheel. For example, call ahead to confirm that the product you need is in stock before you drive to the store. Plan to do several tasks when you go somewhere.
Drive to a central location and park. Then walk between nearby destinations.
Ridesharing can be an ideal way to reduce your personal contribution to pollution.
Every time you share a ride and eliminate a trip, you help the environment. Try pairing up for trips to work or to social events — even an occasional carpool or ride on public transportation will make a difference.
Biking or walking to your destination creates no pollution at all. And you’ll
increase your fitness level at the same time.
-
About the Author:
<p>RunGreenPower.com will teach you how to build solar & wind power systems foryour home within a weekend.</p><p>Check It Now: <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);” target=”_blank” href=”http://www.rungreenpower.com/2010/09/21/buy-diy-solar-power-kit/”>Why to Buy DIY solar power Kit?</a></p>
Article Source
Source: http://reschelectrical.com/what-you-can-do-to-reduce-pollution/
What YOU Can Do to Reduce Pollution?
What YOU Can Do to Reduce Pollution?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has prepared this fact sheet to answer some of the most common questions about reducing emissions from private vehicles.
This is an important concern, as cars are a major source of air pollution in the United States. Vehicle emissions contribute to health and environmental problems such as urban smog, air toxics, and global warming. Yet individual driving habits make a big difference in the amount of pollution a car produces.
Three easy things you can do to help keep emissions as low as possible are:
• Avoid unnecessary driving
• Maintain your car properly
• Drive your car wisely
By combining these strategies, you can very effectively reduce the amount your car pollutes. And there are additional benefits — your car will last longer and you will save money.
Avoid Unnecessary Driving
The most effective way to reduce emissions from your vehicle is to use it less.
Vehicle travel in this country is doubling every 20 years. Traffic trends that see
more and more cars driving more and more miles will soon begin to outpace
technological progress in vehicle emission control.
Several options are available to help you reduce the amount you drive. These
include consolidating trips, telecommuting, carpooling, using public transit, and choosing clean transportation alternatives such as biking or walking.
By planning errands, you will get the most out of time you do spend behind the wheel. For example, call ahead to confirm that the product you need is in stock before you drive to the store. Plan to do several tasks when you go somewhere.
Drive to a central location and park. Then walk between nearby destinations.
Ridesharing can be an ideal way to reduce your personal contribution to pollution.
Every time you share a ride and eliminate a trip, you help the environment. Try pairing up for trips to work or to social events — even an occasional carpool or ride on public transportation will make a difference.
Biking or walking to your destination creates no pollution at all. And you’ll
increase your fitness level at the same time.
-
About the Author:
<p>RunGreenPower.com will teach you how to build solar & wind power systems foryour home within a weekend.</p><p>Check It Now: <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);” target=”_blank” href=”http://www.rungreenpower.com/2010/09/21/buy-diy-solar-power-kit/”>Why to Buy DIY solar power Kit?</a></p>
Article Source
Source: http://reschelectrical.com/what-you-can-do-to-reduce-pollution/
commercial electric electric contractor contractor electric electrician job electricians jobs
What You Should Know About Home Renovations
You might have heard horrible stories from people about do it yourself home improvements. Had proper research been done, these problems may have never come up. You can pick up a lot of solid home improvement advice by reading the tips presented here.
Preparation is an important part of home improvement. Make sure all furniture is well covered or removed before you start any painting. Furniture can be ruined if paint gets on it. Use drop sheets to cover your furniture and floors to protect them from paint drips or smears.
Examine the contract for your home improvement project(s) very carefully. Though it can be a tedious task, every part of the contract must be examined for anything you don’t like. If you skip this step, your contractor may take advantage of you. Be sure to read the small print, regardless of how much faith you have in the contractor.
You need to consider what you are going to do with the waste materials after you are done with your project. When you demolish aspects of your home, you will have heaps of refuse that must be safely stored and then disposed of properly. At the beginning of any project, have a designated area for debris to be collected.
A “hurricane sock” can be a valuable investment for homes that are in flood or hurricane zones. This fabric can absorb upwards of a gallon or more of water. Place them inside all interior entryways.
Want an elegant touch for your home that doesn’t cost very much? There are many little changes you can make around the house, but the simple act of putting in a new doorbell assembly can add a huge change with little work. Completing this small project will give your front door an entirely new atmosphere.
Electrician
A new light fixture can brighten up a dim kitchen or bathroom without costing a lot. Although you’ll likely want to get an electrician to do the work, the cost of replacing outdated can fixtures in track lighting arrangements with more modern options is quite reasonable (often less than a thousand dollars). Pendant lighting is a stylish alternative that complements modern kitchen decor especially well.
Research can help you keep home repair nightmares to a minimum. Now, you should be ready to make home repairs the right way.
DIY: Doing electrical work on your own?
Source: http://www.blueskyelectric.net/blog/dyi-doing-electrical-work-on-your-own/
contractor electric electrician job electricians jobs electrician work electrical training
How Electrical Things Go Wrong?
When thinking about an electrical system that has been in place in your home since it was built, the first thing that comes to mind is, why is this happening now? What changed between when the builder put the electrical system in place, and now?
There are other things in life, like our vehicles, which the concept of use and life cycle are easier to understand. You get your oil changed every 3,000 miles. You put gas in your car weekly to keep it fueled up to be able to operate. You check the air in your tires. You change the wiper blades. These things are very apparent to maintain because most of us drive our vehicles every day. We understand that over the course of time, with owning a vehicle that maintenance issues will come up. Things wear out over time during the duration of their life cycles.
When thinking about electrical systems in your home, it's not as easily understood. The average person does not know OHMs law, nor understand the effects that take place when OHMs law is in place, in say... a loose connection in your electrical system.
Homeowners wonder, if this was installed when my home was built, what is causing it to malfunction now? There are 4 reasons for electrical hazards to pop up over the course of a life cycle of a home, and what precipitates the call to an electrician to fix the problem.
1. Workmanship. Unfortunately, the number one reason electrical components malfunction over time, is because the person who installed it originally might have made a mistake. Maybe they did not torque the screw down to specifications. Maybe the breaker wasn't sized properly for the load. Maybe the wire was undersized. Maybe they ran one circuit where the demand should have called for multiple circuits. The bottom line is that the workmanship of the installer, could have compromised the installation from the beginning. And over time, through improperly installed electrical work, problems show themselves because of electricity flowing through.
2. Corrosion/Water intrusion. A common problem that is completely bizarre to homeowners is water, literally spilling out of your electrical panel. People call in astonishment that water has infiltrated their electrical panel. And rightfully so. Water and electricity don't mix. How the water gets in? It travels along the Service Entrance cable, that is coming from the meter on the outside of the house. Herein, the workmanship discussed in number one, has a major role. How did the installer drill the hole? Did he caulk the opening? Is the cable's protective jacket cracked, and letting water in? This is actually a very common problem. Once the water is gone however, the damage left behind from corrosion, still persists, it will continue to worsen.
3. Load. Today's homes have more loads being pulled through them then ever before. Poor workmanship, plus corrosion on an aging electrical systems, will lead to more problems.
4. Wear and Tear. Your kid unplugging the vacuum cleaner from around the corner? Not good, over time it will disturb the wiring and screws on the inside of the box and device. How many times have you flipped that switch that's not working right? How often do you think the jiggling of a switch can take before it becomes bad? Before it loosen connections in the box the switch is in or on the screws? The wear and tear on these things adds up to problems.
Tags:
| Del.icio.us | Facebook | TweetThis | Digg | StumbleUpon |
Copyright © Cooper Electric [How Electrical Things Go Wrong?], All Right Reserved. 2013.
Source: http://cooper-electric.net/how-electrical-things-go-wrong/
Solar Manifes-two
Source: http://www.enlighten-electric.com/2012/03/solar-manifes-two/
electrician contractors electrical testing commercial electrical electrical commercial electrician contractor
Experts say Federal Pacific electrical panels in homes may be a fire waiting to happen – Electrician Broward
EV Charging Stations
Source: http://www.enlighten-electric.com/2012/03/ev-charging-stations/
electrical construction electrical works electrical repairs find a contractor electrical installations
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Contemporary Modern Lighting Illuminates Any Home
Decorating your home can be quite a challenge if you are not up to the task. You need to decide on the color that you want for your walls. You need to consider the tiles you will put on the floor. You also have to give some thought to the lighting fixtures you will have installed. Given that every decision you make is vital in giving you the design of your home that you desire, the number of contemporary modern lighting fixtures available is enough to confuse anyone in their quest to make the right decision.
Of course, you will find that your tastes and personal preferences will naturally come into play. Then there is also the issue of the current design or style of your home. In short, zeroing on the exact style that you want for your interiors is difficult enough. How much more could finding the right contemporary modern lighting fixture be? It sure does not help that today’s contemporary modern lighting fixtures comes in a wide variety of shapes and colors. Nevertheless, putting all that difficulty aside, you just need to read this article so that you can get a few ideas that will enlighten you (pun intended) regarding all the ways you can light up your home.
So, how do you pick the right contemporary modern lighting fixture for your home? the following are some helpful hints which you can use.
- Floor lamps
Modern homes can benefit from contemporary floor lamps. These floor lamps are made from different materials – wood, metal and combinations of both. If you want something interesting, you can go for those with unusual yet attractive designs. Just be sure to pick floor lamps that go well with the other pieces that are present in the room. Dare to be creative? Pick floor lamps with bold colors. They will surely provide illumination as well as liven up your room.
- Side lamps
For lamps to adorn side tables, you can opt for contemporary side lamps. These lighting solutions can give an otherwise drab room a dash of color. Of course, when you want some vibrancy in the room, you have to choose acrylic side lamps that come in different shades – blue, red, pink, orange, purple, and loads more! Then there are chrome side lamps that go well with chrome furniture. If you are not one to experiment, you can pick side lamps with wooden designs. These go well with wooden furnishings.
- Chandeliers and ceiling lights
There are now more options to choose from when it comes to chandeliers and ceiling lights. You can take your pick from different designs to complement the room you intend to install a chandelier in. Plus, your room can get a whole new look when you pick interesting ceiling lights to give you the illumination you need.
Who Needs a Commercial Electrician? Commercial Electrician Broward
contracting electrical emergency electrician licensed electrician electrical supply company electrical service contractor
Complete electrical outside service change- Electrician Broward
Big Wind & Avian Mortality (Part II: Hiding the Problem)
“The cold reality is that honest, scientific, accurate mortality studies in the Altamont Pass area would result in death tolls that would shock Americans. They would also raise serious questions about wind turbines throughout the United States, especially in major bird habitats like Oregon’s Shepherds Flat wind facility and the whooping cranes’ migratory corridor from Alberta, Canada, to Texas.”
Part I yesterday examined the sober findings and admissions of a 2004 study by the California Energy Commission (CEC) on bird carnage at the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area (APWRA).
Developing Methods to Reduce Bird Mortality in the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area also looked at the placement of carcasses in relation to turbine types. It documented that the distances carcasses were found from turbine towers increased significantly as turbine megawatt ratings and blade lengths increased. Based on a sample of about 800 carcasses, the report revealed that birds were found an average of 94 feet (28.5 meters) from 100Kw turbines on towers 81 feet (24.6 meters) high.
Obviously, taller turbines with longer blades and faster blade-tip speeds will catapult stricken birds much further. Figure 1 below shows how a turbine 2.5 times larger will result in an average carcass distance of 372 feet (113.5 meters) from the tower. The wind industry is acutely aware of this.
That is why it has restricted search areas to 165 feet (50 meters) around its bigger turbines. This ensures that far fewer bodies will be found – and turbine operators will not need to explain away as many carcasses.
Recent mortality studies like those conducted at the Wolfe Island wind project (2.3 MW turbines) and Criterion project in Maryland (2.5 MW turbines) should have used searches 655 feet (200 meters) from turbines, just to find the bulk (75-85%) of the fatalities. Of course, they did not do so. Instead, they restricted their searches to 165 feet – ensuring that they missed most raptor carcasses, and could issue statements claiming that their turbines were having minimal or “acceptable” effects on bird populations.
Later Altamont Pass Study: More Hiding
Other methods and biased formulas allow the industry to exclude or explain away carcasses.
ALTAMONT PASS WIND RESOURCE AREA BIRD
FATALITY STUDY, BIRD YEARS
2005–2010
The latest Altamont Pass studies found far more bird carcasses, but Altamont operators still claim mortality declines by using new adjustment formulas and other exclusionary factors as shown in Figure 2.
For example, industry analysts:
· Exclude certain carcasses. The 2005–2010 WRRS data show that 347 carcasses (primarily raptors) – plus 21 golden eagle carcasses – were excluded from mortality estimates, because industry personnel claimed they were found outside standard search procedures, said the “cause of death was unknown” (even when the birds’ heads had been sliced off), or removed carcasses ahead of a scheduled search.
· Exclude mortally wounded or crippled birds found during searches, even if they display turbine-related injuries. Even though many birds hit by turbine blades die within days, if they are still breathing when found, they are considered mobile – and thus not fatalities.
· Avoid searching near some of the most dangerous and lethal turbines. The industry justifies this exclusion by claiming that “the number of turbines monitored was reduced and spatially balanced for a randomized rolling panel design.” That this “reduction and balancing” excluded the most deadly portion of the Altamont facility was presented as coincidental or part of a proper scientific methodology.
The cold reality is that honest, scientific, accurate mortality studies in the Altamont Pass area would result in death tolls that would shock Americans. They would also raise serious questions about wind turbines throughout the United States, especially in major bird habitats like Oregon’s Shepherds Flat wind facility and the whooping cranes’ migratory corridor from Alberta, Canada, to Texas.
The techniques discussed here help ensure that “monitoring” studies match the facility operators’ desired conclusions, and mortality figures are kept at “acceptable” levels.
Time for Truth
Not only has the wind industry never solved its environmental problem. It has been hiding at least 90% of this slaughter for decades. In fact, the universal problem of hiding bird (and bat) mortality goes from bad to intolerable beyond the Altamont Pass boundaries, because studies in other areas across North America are far less rigorous, or even nonexistent, and many new turbines are sited in prime bird and bat habitats.
The real death toll, as reported by Paul Driessen and others, is thousands of raptors a year – and up to 39 million birds and bats of all species annually in the United States alone, year after year! This is intolerable, and unsustainable. It is leading to the inevitable extinction of many species, at least in many habitats, and perhaps in the entire Lower 48 States.
Meanwhile, assorted “experts” continue to insist that the greatest threats to golden eagles are other factors like hikers getting too close to their nests, even when most abandoned nests in Southern California are nowhere near any hiking trails and wind turbines continue to slaughter eagles.
It is essential that people realize that no energy source comes anywhere close to killing as many raptors as wind energy does. No other energy companies are allowed to pick up bodies of rare and protected species from around their production sites on a day-to-day basis, year-in and year-out. No other energy producer has a several thousand mile mortality foot print (the highly endangered whooping cranes’ migratory corridor) similar to what wind nergy has.
Once people understand all of this, they will rightfully demand that the wind industry obey the same environmental rules that all other industries must follow. This will require that wind turbines be sited only where the risk of bird deaths is minimal to zero; that turbines be replaced with new designs that birds recognize as obstacles and thus avoid; that fines be levied for every bird death, as is done with other industries; and that industrial wind facilities not be permitted where these requirements cannot be met.
America’s wildlife, and proper application of our environmental laws, require nothing less.
___________
Jim Wiegand is an independent wildlife expert with decades of field observations and analytical work. He is vice president of the US region of Save the Eagles International, an organization devoted to researching, protecting and preserving avian species threatened by human encroachment and development.
Source: http://www.masterresource.org/2013/03/wind-avian-mortality-ii/
contractor electric electrician job electricians jobs electrician work electrical training