Electricity exists everywhere, from high voltage power lines to phones and computers. Understanding the basics of how it works remains essential to using it safely and efficiently.

When electricity travels from a positive lead to a negative lead in a circuit powered by a battery, it is considered direct current. This type of current powers electronics, LED lights, and cars. Alternating current is generated from rotation, usually by a generator. The direction of the current and the voltage flips as the generator completes a rotation. The faster the generator spins, the faster the flipping of current direction occurs. In North America, the typical frequency of AC power is 60hz or 60 alternations per second. The advantage of AC power is that the voltage can be stepped up easily by use of a transformer, which allows high voltage transmission. AC power is also useful for electric motors.

Specifically, power is a measure of energy usage over time. The standard unit of power is the watt and calculated as P (watts) = V (volts) x I (amps). Utility companies sell electricity in units of kW*h (kilowatt hours), which is simply one kilowatt of power delivered continuously over one hour.

Typically electricity and water don’t play well together, but modern technology has given birth to lights that can not only get wet, but be fully submerged underwater.

Color-changing capability, energy efficiency and custom lighting effects ramp up the cool-factor even more. There’s no end to their creative applications, but I’ve found that some people are prime candidates for these innovative lights.

This is really important! Note that there can be vast distinctions between the different lights that are labeled “wet location lights.” A light fixture that can withstand rain may not be able to withstand full immersion. It all comes down to a vitally important specification called an Ingress Protection Rating (or IP Code). For the purposes of today’s post, we’ll be talking about lights that are IP-68 rated. (Read more about that via

Circuit breaker tripping might be something of an annoyance, especially when it happens at inconvenient times. Still, it is much better to have a circuit breaker that trips as opposed to one that doesn’t cut the power when it should.

Circuits can safely handle a certain amount of electricity, but we often don’t realize just how much of a load we’re putting on them. All too often we find ourselves plugging in one appliance too many, only to end up in the dark as the circuit trips! No one enjoys being in the dark, but your circuit breaker is doing the very important job of helping ensure the safety of everyone in your home. It’s important to understand what a breaker does and why it’s so crucial. It’s also vital to have an understanding of what it means when they keep tripping.

If your wires have more current flowing through them than they can safely handle, they could potentially overheat. This can lead to a few different outcomes. The wires could malfunction and lose their ability to work. This means repairs would be necessary before you’re able to utilize that particular circuit again.

Another possible result of excessive electricity is the melting of the protective insulation around the wiring, which leads to exposed metal wires. This exposure can cause fires, as well as an increased risk of electrocution. The circuit breaker should recognize when there is too much current present in the wiring. When the breaker detects excess electricity, it trips, cutting off power before the extra current can lead to any safety issues.