Tips & Safety
- A surge protector is a device equipped with a circuit breaker that can absorb the shock of a power surge. The surge trips the breaker and prevents the power from reaching the device and doing damage.
- A standard 120-volt outlet such as the ones in the U.S. offers power that can fluctuate between 110 and 117 volts. A surge protector is needed when power surges above 120 volts. Electrical devices are sensitive to shifts in current, so a surge protector prolongs the life of equipment.
- We recommend getting a surge protector with an indicator light to show that it is working. The surge trapping device inside wears out with repeated power spikes. After it fails, heating can occur in the protector and a fire can result. Only use surge protectors that have an internal circuit breaker to prevent overload or shorting.
- Buy surge protectors that offer enough protection for the devices you are plugging in to them. If you are plugging devices that total 1,000 watts into a surge protector that is only rated for 800 watts, then you are not properly protecting your device.
- Install ceiling insulation.
- Keep curtains closed. This prevents heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.
- Close off unheated areas.
- Don't overheat the room. Increasing the thermostat by 1 degree can increase costs by 3 percent.
- Clean heating and air-conditioner filters regularly.
- Dress appropriately.
- Choose energy-efficient appliances. Compare energy rating labels before you buy.
- Turn off appliances when you aren't using them.
- Remove dust and fluff from the fan and reflective surfaces of heater to keep clean, efficient and safe.
- Electrical panels should be examined by an electrician at least once a year. Throughout the year the connections in the panel constantly heat up when the power that is being used is at a high, and cool off again when the power consumption goes back down to normal. The changes in temperatures cause the connections in the panel to expand and contract, thus, loosening them up and causing the connections and the wires to start burning. This very dangerous situation can be avoided by having your main and sub panels checked at least once a year (preventive maintenance) by a competent electrician.
- New studies show the quality of light affects people in many different ways. For example, office worker satisfaction and productivity can be positively affected by well-designed illumination.
- Building owners and managers have the potential to add value, reduce costs and enhance performance through the application of good lighting. It's no secret that people are attracted to well-lighted public facilities, commercial shopping districts and parks.
- Good lighting enhances the mood and desirability of these spaces. It contributes greatly to people's sense of well-being.
- "OK...so the most common technical question that people ask regarding ceiling fans is "What direction should my fan spin during the summer and winter" and "Why?"
- "During the summer you want the fan to blow air straight down, so your ceiling fan needs to run in a counter clockwise direction (as you look up at it). The warmer it is, the higher the speed should be. During the winter, your fan should run at a low speed in a clockwise direction.
- For more information check out this link: Ceiling Fan Direction
- All children, regardless of their age, need to be aware of
the dangers of electricity. While the following safety tips are
for all children, there are some tips that are more applicable
for older children.
At Home - Never stick your fingers or any object into an electrical outlet or light bulb socket.
- Keep fingers and other objects out of small appliances, such as toasters, even if the appliance is off.
- Never use an appliance near a sink, bathtub or other source of water.
- Keep electrical wires and appliance cords away from sources of heat.
- Keep electrical cords away from sinks, bathtubs and other sources of water.
- Never touch any electrical appliance or device, such as a light switch, hair dryer or toaster, if you are touching water.
- Never pull an electric plug out of the wall outlet by yanking on the electric cord.
- Unplug an electrical appliance before cleaning it.
- Never use any electrical appliance if you are wet.
- If you see a worn, frayed or damaged electrical cord, tell an adult immediately.
- We need surge protectors to keep all the little circuits inside our computers safe from excess voltage peaks. When these power peaks (surges / spikes) occur, it causes the electrical circuit to heat up—kind of like the filament in a light bulb. Although a big surge can cause the circuit to blow on the spot, lesser surges can peck away at it, eventually causing it to fail.
- Sometimes these failures are intermittent, causing your computer to do strange and unexpected things. You know, odd lockups, sudden reboots after it warms up, conjuring up lost spirits—that sort of thing.
- Most of the time these oddities are not predictable (since they’re intermittent and all), and show no type of pattern. That said, if your computer is acting weird, it’s not automatically a damaged circuit—don’t underestimate Microsoft’s ability to make strange things happen in Windows.
- Now, a lot of people think that most of the problems come from thunderstorms—you know, when lightening zaps a power line. Although a good hit can certainly ruin your computer’s day, there are other more common sources of surges you need to be aware of.
- Most of these sources are high powered appliances—refrigerators, air conditioners, furnaces, even hair dryers and vacuums. In addition to appliances, those big power transformers you see hanging off electrical poles can cause problems—especially on hot days when the local air conditioning is giving them a workout.
- Any one of the above can cause a disruption in the power flow of your house, creating a surge. It may not be as dramatic as lightening, but can cause damage over time.
- When you buy a surge protector, try to find something better than the $5 or $10 power strip things. Although they are slightly better than nothing, they are notoriously unreliable and most won’t tell you when they are no longer protecting your equipment. One good surge and your protection is gone—but they continue to function as a power strip. Very tricky…
- Also, when looking for a surge protector, look for one that features a phone line “pass through”. Telephone wires can deliver a potent surge into your computer. I’ve repaired (and seen) more than a few computers that were damaged due to telephone line power surges.
- In fact, phone line surges are more likely to cause damage than power line surges. Why? Your computer’s power supply acts as a built in surge protector (not a great one, mind you). Even if a surge sneaks through your regular surge protector, the power supply may prevent it from doing any damage
- A good quality surge suppressor will cost anywhere from $20.00 to $100.00 and be “UL” listed. It should also feature an indicator light that tells you when the surge protection circuit is no longer functioning.
- Now, when you start talking surge protection, you sometimes run across folks babbling about clamping voltages, response nanoseconds, and joule levels. Although that is a valid way to compare various surge protectors (and make the speaker look knowledgeable), not every protector gives you that info—and who’s to say it’s even accurate? Let’s look at the “down and dirty” method of finding a good surge protector.
- The easiest way to tell if you’re getting a quality surge protector is to look at the “connected equipment” warranty. I like the ones that cover connected equipment for up to $15,000 or more. I figure it they are willing to risk 15K +, they’re probably selling a good piece of equipment. If it doesn’t have a connected equipment warranty, set it back on the shelf and keep a-walkin’
- Sure, it’s not as geeky as going into a computer store reciting clamping voltage figures, but for most people it will be every bit as effective.
Surge Protectors:
Back to Top
Some Tips for Saving Electricity in the home:
Back to Top
Electrical Panels:
Back to Top
Benefits of good lighting:
Back to Top
What direction should my ceiling fan spin?
Back to Top
Electrical safety tips for children:
Back to Top
Why do I need a surge protector for my computers and what should I look for when buying one?
Back to Top
