Lighting technology around the world has come a long way from what it was a decade ago and many residential and commercial property owners are now opting for CBUS/Smart Lighting. This is essentially a microprocessor-based wiring system that controls the lighting on your property and the electrical appliances or devices you have there.

These controls can be used to switch on or off lighting circuits; they can also be used to switch off and on analogue-type controls such as the dimming of electronic fluorescent ballasts. A smart lighting system is able to control & automate almost any kind of electrical load. The system has an in-built microprocessor which ensures the operation of the system will be reliable.

Each device can be programmed individually through a PC-based software (point & click) or even via the “learn mode” that doesn’t need a PC at all. The information this system holds, lies within individual units and not one central point. While regular CBUS operation doesn’t really require a computer, the PC-based system provides added flexibility to those who require this control and is suitable for a broad range of applications such as:

Regardless of whether you are a commercial or residential property owner, you want to ensure your property is secure and sound. When you choose to get this system installed and integrate your security system into it, it provides you a higher level of security.

No matter whether you are out on a holiday or at work, your smart home system will ensure you get all the security information about your property. You can also set the lighting settings in such a way that the lights can get periodically turned on & off; this gives the impression that there’s someone at home.

Since the electrical and lighting systems on your property are cleverly operated by the CBUS system, it helps reduce power consumption; it does this by preventing your air-conditioning and lighting systems from staying on for much longer than required. These features make your property energy-efficient and smart at the same time.

For more information, simply speak with the experts at Allround Electrical and take their advice on various aspects of CBUS installations. The number to call is – 1300 169 263. You can also write to us at this email address. You may also reach us through this online contact form.

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By: Sarah Trocolli

Father of electricity Nikola Tesla was known for being brilliant, quirky and driven in his pursuits to understand electricity, and after many experiments, Tesla eventually laid the ground work for the modern day Alternating Current electric supply system. As a tribute to Tesla and all the dads around the world, Mr. Electric® presents a few kid-friendly experiments exploring the basics of electricity for a fun Father’s Day activity. The kids can explore electrons, static electricity, voltaic batteries and other simple components of electricity – all under the safe supervision of their dads.

Level of difficulty: Easy

What you need: A dark room, fluorescent light bulb and a comb or woolen scarf.

What to do: Run the comb through your hair or through the wool scarf at least 20 times to let the electrons build on the comb. Then turn out the lights and hold the comb to the bottom of your florescent light bulb and watch the electrons charge the bulb. This is great for learning about electrons, and it can be a fun magic trick! For further explanation, click here.

Level of difficulty: Easy

What you need: Cornstarch, vegetable oil, mixing bowl, large spoon, balloon, and a measuring cup.

What to do: Blow up the balloon, tie it and then rub it on your hair. Mix a fourth cup of cornstarch and a fourth cup of vegetable oil into a mixing bowl, and then put the mixture on a spoon. Hold the spoon with the mixture on it near the balloon and watch the mixture gravitate towards the balloon. This experiment looks like a gooey monster stretching to touch the balloon, and it is a fun way to learn about static electricity! For further explanation, click here.  

Level of difficulty: Moderate

What you need: Distilled white vinegar, five pieces of copper wire, five galvanized nails, ice tray and one LED light

What to do: Wrap five nails with five pieces of copper wire and place them separately in the ice cube tray filled with vinegar. Create a circuit by placing the end of the copper wire not wrapped around the nail into the ice cube tray next to it until each section has one nail and one copper wire in it, and then place the LED light in the tray. You have just created a Voltaic battery! For further explanation, click here.

Level of difficulty: Challenging

What you need: Eight D-sized batteries, mason jar or other clear glass, electrical tape, pie pan, scissors, toilet paper tube, mechanical pencil refills and two sets of small alligator clips.

What to do: Connect the batteries positive to negative to create train of batteries. Place the toilet paper tube in the center of the pie pan and using electrical tape, attach the alligator clips and mechanical pencil refills to the tube. Place the mason jar/glass over the tube and connect the other end of the clips to the batteries. After the batteries have a few minutes to charge the circuit the mechanical refills will begin to glow and you will have a DIY light bulb. This is a great way to show that household items can be used in an innovative way. Exercise caution, as this experiment exerts heat and can cause the glass to become very warm. For further instruction, click here.

We hope these electrical experiments provide an enjoyable experience for dads and kids to spend quality time together while learning lots and having fun. Thank you to all the fathers who enlighten children and empower the thinkers of tomorrow. Happy Father’s Day from everyone at Mr. Electric!