Installing LED Lighting

LED lighting is the new way to supply light to various spaces in your home. They are often used under kitchen cabinets so that a new and interesting light source can be used in this area. LED lighting is actually more energy efficient then your traditional lighting, also it has a low profile and therefore sits flat in a cabinet rather then stick out.
 
Only install LED lighting if you are comfortable with electrics. To install LED lighting you will; need some basic tools those being the power drill, a voltage tester, wire cutters and a screwdriver.  
 
Before you even begin to install your LED lighting you need to decide exactly where you are going to place them. When you are choosing the place you need to make sure that they are in area where there is electrical wiring and that an electrical source is close by.  
 
You need to see the wiring where you are placing the LED lighting, so drill small holes into the underside of the cabinet or where you are going to place the lights. Also determine which of the circuits you are going to use on your home circuit board.
 
 Once you have found the circuit, please turn it off so that you are safe when you are doing electrics. You do not want to electrocute yourself.
 
Feed the wiring from the circuit and through the floor to the cabinet. You will need to then connect the wiring to the LED lighting. Read the manual that comes with your LED lighting so you know how to correctly wore them up.
 
Connect the ground wires from the electrical source so that the LED can be connected to the switch box.
 
Once you are happy with all the wiring, you can turn the circuit on so that you test if your LED lighting is working properly.
 
A nice idea would be to install a dimmer switch. This means that you will be able to control the amount of light that is being emitted by your LED lighting.
 
If you are uncomfortable with installing the LED lighting yourself then rather call in an electrician so that you can rest assure that you wont make a mistake in your wiring.
 
LED lighting can give a different kind of ambiance to your home. They can also be installed as spotlights, which can attract the eye to certain things. You can also get romantic with a dimmer creating the perfect setting for a wonderful meal.

How To Install Air Conditioners

 There are no hard and fast rules in installing an air conditioner, but VERY important is that the NO HARD RULES is highly dependent on the model of air conditioning one is installing.  
Window air coolers are easy to install, require no professional installation, and even better is that you can detach them from the wall or window when you no longer need them.  It’s important to first measure the area you want to cool and to also calculate how heavy the conditioner you will need is.  You have to know in which area you want to install your air conditioner, so that it does not defeat the purpose of installing it there.
 
You then have to install the mounting brackets that came in with the air conditioner.  
Roof air conditioners are installed by professionals because of the complexities involved in the installation.  One of the things the technician has to do is make sure that the wires are connected on the overheard of the air conditioner.   
 
Before you install an electrical air conditioning you will need some planning however.  You have to make sure that the main power supply supports the system that you about to install.  Please consult a qualified electrician before doing this.  Please note that not consulting the electrician is very dangerous because you will be connecting a system not supported by your power supply. You will then have to make sure that the ducts to connect that transport either the cold air or the hot air are installed in your air conditioning.  If they are not then you have to make sure that they are first before you physically hook the conditioner in.  
 
Please note that all electrical devices come with a manual attached to them, and one has to read the manual attached and follow all instructions carefully.  The same rule applies to air conditioners, if you do not follow installation instructions, then you will either break you air conditioner or worse hurt yourself and others.  NEVER touch the spinning blades of your air conditioner when it’s on.  

Electrical Installation Process

All buildings will need electricity in order to operate equipment and lighting, and the installation of the electric system in usually performed while the building is still under construction. This gives the electrician a good opportunity to do the wiring before the building is completed so that the wiring can be hidden in the walls or floors which are still to be finished.  Electrical inspections are required for compliance purposes, and only a qualified electrician can be used to install and electric system in any building.  

Constructions without electrical compliance certificates are considered unsafe for humans and are not allowed to be used or occupied until a compliance certificate has been obtained after prescribed changes have been made.
While the building was planned and the plans drawn up, normally an electrician will be contacted to design an electrical system for that building.

The design of an electrical system can be easy or complicated, and a suitable electrical design draughtsman is required to perform an effective design.  Multiple documents must be provided, such as the electrical specification documents and the electrical system layout plans and maps which specify what the system is supposed to do, and how it is connected.  It must also indicate where all the systems and subsystems are.
Once the electrician has arrived on site they start to lay the wiring and connections to the power sources.  There are a lot of factors to take into consideration here.  

These include:

  • Safety:  The appropriate safety clothing and electrical gear have to be used while performing any electrical construction. All wires must be earthed and adequate safety measures in terms of the current must be taken.  Safety is not also important on site, but also in the construction of the electrical system and the long term use of this system.  The wiring must be laid in such a way as to make it invisible and safe for the occupants of the building.   
  • Voltage issues:  The equipment such as switch gear and wiring must be installed according to the voltage required in the building. Protection against overflow must be built in and trip switches installed to cut the power supply once something goes wrong with the circuit.

Emergency Plan When There Is No Hot Water

So, it’s Monday morning and you’ve had a particularly refreshing weekend. You even managed to make time to put some final touches to the presentation you will make this morning at work and thankfully, you have woken up on time. You hit the shower and… no hot water. Still feeling upbeat, you turn the taps around a couple of times, still, no hot water. You get out of the shower, a little irritated and check the mains; the geyser switch is on. Now you are really anxious, you head back to the shower and stop to check the time on your way there. After playing with the taps a few more minutes, you realize, you do not have hot water this morning. You can still make it to work on time but how do you prepare without hot water. What now?
 
Well, you could go risk offensive natural odor and brave the day with only a quick face wash. Though this will save a bit of time, it is not really a solution. Your biggest pot is more like it, in fact; maybe a couple of big pots are the order of the day. While you are waiting for the water to boil, use this time to do things you would normally do after your shower. Pack your lunch and get your bags ready. Make sure your car keys are out. It is highly recommended that you also call your landlord or building maintenance manager and report the problem. If you own the property, then call a plumber or electrician to look at the problem. If it is before office hours, make a reminder on your phone to call and an appointment for when you are someone else will be at home.
 
Your microwave will also save you when the shower gives you a nasty, cold water surprise. You can quickly bring water to the boil using the microwave. With enough loads of water, you can still enjoy a relatively deep tub of water. Of course, it would be no use to bother with your hair so, just brush it neatly and you are good to go.

Backup Generators for Home

A backup generator is a movable device that may be used to supply home appliance with electrical power during power outages.

How should I choose a backup generator for my home?

Backup generator for domestic use may be portable or fixed. Fuel ranges from petrol, diesel, bio-diesel and LP gas. With the different generator you have advantages and disadvantages particular the fuel type.

When looking to smaller portable generator one has to consider that they have smaller fuel tanks, you will need to refuel them on a regular basis if run continuously. Keep in mind that fuel stations will also be affected by outages and that fuel may not be readily available therefore consider investing in backup generators. Backup generators are directly connected to your house via a transfer switch and may be started manually or automatically. In the case of an automatic system generators will switch themselves of when power is restored.

The startup time of backup generators is between 10-30 seconds. You will still need a UPS if you can’t lose power to your computers.

Backup generator produce more power that portable generator with ratings from 5kW up to 100’s of kW. In addition these generators add value to your home. Note that these generators are much more expensive and will require professional installation.

Choosing a backup generator will come down to run time, availability and if it will need to be moved.

What fuel option should I choose?

Your choice should include the availability of particular fuel in your area. Propane or LP Gas generators are not common, there fuel supply is stored in cylinders that may be delivered by some of the larger gas manufacturers.

Diesel generator is the most efficient means of generation. Unfortunately these generators are the most expensive. Petrol generators are the most common. Petrol has the disadvantage of being highly combustible and cannot be stored in containers. In both supply of fuel may be problem during an outage.

Where to install my backup generator?

Backup generators are usually mounted on cement floors. The area must be level and provide for water drainage. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and therefore generators should be located away from windows and doors. If stored in a small building make sure that the exhaust leads outside.

Keep in mind that generators produce noise and air pollution. Be considerate in placing your generator. In addition backup generator are heavy, you will need at least for people to move the generator.

Wiring the generator

Always use a certified electrician and make sure that a transfer switch is installed. It is required by law that the connection be approved by your local municipality.

From whom should I purchase?

Generators are available from some larger hardware stores, authorized dealer and online stores. Buying online has the advantage of a wider range and lower cost. Make sure that some form of guarantee and delivery is included.

Basics Of Under Floor Heating System Installations.



The luxury of walking freely inside your house and the excitement of feeling the warmth coming up through the floor to the sensual feeling of your feet might seem like a dream come true. This miraculous feeling is all due to the under floor heating systems. This heating system does more than accentuate the interior decoration of your house with modern touch and warmth; the downside is it does consume space in your wall.

The costs of installing an under floor heating system depends on which type of heating system you choose to install. Hydronic heating systems are expensive to install as they work with water supply both cold and hot water, however they are cheaper to maintain whereas electric heating system which works through electricity supply is cheaper to install and expensive to maintain. To install a hydronic heating system the entire floor must be removed in order to install the water pipes then afterwards lay top floor layer to cover the pipe work.

However, an electric heating system can be installed cheaper because it has less floor work. However it is important to always have an electrician around to regulate the wire connections.

Maintaining a hydronic system is cheaper depending on the quality of the pipes; they can last for many years without need for renewals or repairs. The under floor heating system is a healthier way of heating as it releases no gas like other heating system do, neither does it create any noise therefore it is comfortable, cosy, and efficient. The reason that the floor absorbs and captures more heat for a longer period means that this form of heating system is also environmentally friendly and it cuts down on economic costs. To install an under floor heating system requires an expert installer who has knowledge on the appliances and it will cost you because professionals charge based on levels of their capabilities, always choose someone or a company that has a good record and credibility.

New buildings normally makes it simpler to install the under floor heating system compared to old buildings. Technical designs of the building structures will be needed in order to draw out the installation plan and position of the heating system, preparation is important.

Under floor heating system installation and maintenance may be expensive but the pleasure it provides is worth the expenses.