GFCIs or ground fault circuit interrupters are safety devices that have been extremely effective in reducing the total number of home electrocutions by almost 50%, in Australia. Most new homes and businesses now have these devices installed in locations where water is present in and around the premises. It’s important that electrical installations in outdoor locations be protected from wind and rain; that’s the one way to prevent shock hazards.

Before we understand what a GFCI is, let’s understand what a ground fault is. It is the unintentional flow of electrical current between the source and any grounded surface. If the electrical installation isn’t properly protected, an individual that comes into contact with an energised part can suffer an electrical shock.

For instance, if the person is holding any deteriorated electrical cord attached to the hair dryer, and it happens to touch a plumbing fixture they are using, they can get electrocuted and will suffer a painful shock.

This small receptacle has “test” & “retest” buttons on it. It may sometimes be built into circuit breakers that are installed in the main electrical panels. When electricians are conducting an electrical audit, they also test whether the GFCIs are functioning properly. They might also recommend that you get GFCIs installed in the vicinity of plumbing fixtures.

These are extremely useful electrical safety devices which trip the electrical circuits in case they detect any leakage current or ground fault. An individual that’s become the pathway for a leaked current can get a severe shock or will get electrocuted. It is important to get GFCIs installed in any outdoor or indoor areas where you feel that water might come in contact with the electrical installations or fixtures you have on your property.

Ideally, the areas where GFCIs should be installed include:

It is important that these devices be checked with regularity. If you have opted for an electrical maintenance contract, the electricians will ensure that the GFCIs are checked along with all the other installations; this will help confirm they are working as they should and that they provide the necessary safety to those living or working on your premises. You can also test the GFCIs on your property, by following these basic steps:

If you aren’t too sure about whether you have GFCIs installed at the right points on your property, call in your local electrician. They will inspect all the fixtures and inform you if GFCIs have to be installed in any specific rooms or outdoor spaces. Aside from this, they will also audit the rest of the installations and tell you if any upgrades are required.

Wind power is electricity-generating technology that is very similar to hydroelectric power and burning fossil fuels. In all three cases, something is being used to spin a turbine, which then converts that energy into electricity. In the case of fossil fuels, the fuel is burned, which converts water to steam, which then spins the turbine. Hydroelectric power generators use the force of flowing or falling water to turn their turbines. Wind turbines are turned by the power of the wind, making them an ideal source of energy for places with high wind, such as the Great Plains. While the idea of wind power conjures up images of fields full of spinning turbines, it is not hard to find an electrician in Santa Monica who can help you to install one on your own land.

Wind Farms

The majority of all wind power is generated on huge wind farms. Each wind farm typically maintains and operates hundreds of wind turbines, which in turn connect to local electrical circuits that eventually funnel them into the main electricity pool. Your local utility company most often runs these energy operations as a secondary source of electricity. In fact, many companies give you the option to guarantee that some or all of the electricity that you use each month comes from their wind farm operations. In the event that you are unable to install your own wind turbine, this is a great way to contribute and further investment into wind power.

Residential Wind Turbines

As the call for more renewable electricity sources has grown more popular, so has the use of residential wind turbines. In conjunction with other small-scale energy sources such as geo-thermal and solar, wind turbines can be a great electrical upgrade to any home. One caveat is that you must have a small amount of land in order for it to be an ideal fit for you. Talk to a local electrician Santa Monica CA, The Electric Connection for example, to determine whether or not one will work for you.

Installing a Residential Wind Turbine

Although a wind turbine generates electricity for your home and community, its installation is not typically completed by a Santa Monica electrician alone. Because of the complexity of the installation, it is best to find a company that specializes in their application. In most cases, this company will complete the erection and initial setup of the turbine, and then turn it over to an electrician Santa Monica, such as The Electric Connection, to complete the tethering to your home and power grid. This ensures that both the turbine installation and the electrical work is done in the safest, most complete manner possible.

In addition to connecting your new turbine to your home, your electrician may also need to perform a panel upgrade, and small amount of home rewiring. While this is typically not extensive, it is slightly more involved than having electrical outlets replaced. For the best outcome, you should always have someone conduct his or her electrical estimates before the work is started so that you know what to expect.

In regards to small-scale renewable energy sources, wind and solar power are by far the most popular, approachable options. Although many see them as unsightly, most believe that the benefits outweigh the costs. After their initial installation, these electrical upgrades require very little maintenance, provide clean consistent energy and rely on a 100% renewable source. If you have any questions about whether or not you should look into wind power, or other alternative energy sources, don’t hesitate to call or visit our website at www.theelectricconnection.com.

“SOLID” was the word Ken used to describe himself.  He is a man of character who always finishes what he starts and keeps his word.  A true humanitarian and dedicated businessman, Lebersfeld accepts this award with humble gratitude.

He continues to work six days a week, providing a “solid” foundation for his employees, as well as his younger siblings and cousins who work at Capitol Lighting.  They know–if there is a problem, whether personal or business–Ken would be there wholeheartedly and in full force.  He does nothing half-way.  And, perhaps that is why he is at the helm and has become the strong-hold of a family lighting business that has strived to be the best for over 90 years.

Across the country this week students strapped on their backpacks and headed out for an exciting new year of school. But in the midst of that back-to-school glee, one word still strikes fear in both parents and students … Homework. What if there was a way to make the homework battle less stressful, dare I say enjoyable? Today I’m sharing five dread-busting homework stations with creative lighting that may actually make your student want to do homework.