Archives: Electrical

Nuisance Tripping of AFCI (Arc Fault) Circuit Breakers

By Todd Fratzel on Electrical

Arc Fault (AFCI) Circuit Breakers Tripping Often An arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) or arc-fault detection device (AFDD) is circuit breaker designed to detect electrical arcs that could cause a fire. Loose wire connections can cause electrical arcing and ultimately enough heat to start a fire. In the US these circuit breakers have been required since…

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Grid-Tied PV Solar Systems

By Todd Fratzel on Electrical, Energy Conservation

Grid-Tied Photovoltaic Solar Systems With the continued increase in electric costs and improved solar panel technology, residential solar systems are becoming very popular. Grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) systems consist of solar panels, an inverter (sometimes more than one), power conditioning equipment, and a connection to the utility system (grid). By tying the solar system to the…

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Installing an Air Switch

By Jeff Williams on Electrical, Kitchens

Installing an Air Switch Sometimes when building or remodeling a kitchen, a switch for turning on a garbage disposal may not fit in a convenient spot. This can be especially true if there is a sink in the island. Also, if you’re worried about flipping an electric switch with wet hands, an air switch is a…

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Surge Protection for Valuable Circuits

By Todd Fratzel on Electrical

Adding Surge Protection To Computer and Entertainment Circuits We live in an electronic gadget age that sees most of us spending significant money on the gadgets that make our lives more enjoyable. Many of us have a home computer network, home entertainment, and even home automation all powered by our homes electrical service. Most of…

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AFCI Breaker | How to add one to your panel

By Jeff Williams on Electrical, Home Improvement, Safety

AFCI Breaker | How to add one to your panel An Arc Fault Circuit Interrupt (AFCI) Breaker is a circuit breaker that detects unintentional arcs. In unintentional arc is an arc that occurs outside of the normal operation of electrical devices. Many electrical devices arc, switches, relays, motors, and plugging items into an outlet.  Beginning…

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Kohler Introduces Smaller-Sized Generator Units

By Todd Fratzel on Electrical

8, 10 and 12 kW Generators Make Standby Power More Accessible KOHLER, Wis. – September 23, 2014 – Kohler® Generators is rolling out a complete new line of standby generators designed for homeowners with fewer power requirements, and who are looking for the performance and reliability of a KOHLER unit at an entry-level price point.…

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Backup Generator Power – Be Prepared

By Todd Fratzel on Electrical, Safety

Using Backup Generators Each year hundreds of thousands of homeowners get left in the dark due to power outages caused by extreme weather. Whether it’s extreme wind, lightning, snow or ice the outages can last for days at times leaving no power for heat, water and refrigeration. One of the best solutions for power outages…

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A Beginners Guide to Home Automation

Guest article by David Glenn on Electrical

Four Steps to a Smarter House Guest Article by David Glenn Welcome to the future. As technology becomes smaller, easier to produce, and about as ubiquitous as oxygen, humanity is discovering that it can be put to good use controlling various systems around the home. Lighting, climate control, door locks, security, and entertainment can all…

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