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Everyone use electricity to power our homes, business, televisions , lights, etc. With AC or “Alternating Current” , the current alternates in direction on a regular basis.  This has shown to be a better way for providing electricity than “Direct Current” Electricity or DC Electricity.  This is because the voltages can be changed if needed. Using AC electricity in homes also allows for other devices to be used

While direct current (DC) electricity flows in one direction through a wire, AC electricity alternates its direction in a back-and-forth motion. The direction alternates between 50 and 60 times per second, depending on the electrical system of the country.  This change happens in a cycle.  Each cycle is also called a Hertz (Hz).

AC electricity is created by an AC electric generator, which determines the frequency. What is special about AC electricity is that the voltage can be readily changed, thus making it more suitable for long-distance transmission than DC electricity. But also, AC can employ capacitors and inductors in electronic circuitry, allowing for a wide range of applications.

We say AC electricity instead of simply saying AC, since that is also the abbreviation for air conditioning. You need to be specific to avoid confusioning issues and to avoid any misunderstandings while discussing a topic like this.

With an AC generator, a slightly different configuration alternates the push and pull of each generator terminal. Thus the electricity in the wire moves in one direction for a short while and then reverses its direction when the generator armature is in a different position.

The charge at the ends of the wire alternates between negative (−) and positive (+). If the charge is negative (−), that pushes the negatively charged electrons away from that terminal. If the charge is positive (+), the electrons are attracted in that direction.

AC electricity alternates back-and-forth in direction 50 or 60 times per second, according to the electrical system in the country. This is called the frequency and is designated as either 50 Hertz (50Hz) or 60 Hertz (60Hz).

The regular back-and-forth motion of the electrons in a wire when powered by AC electricity is periodic motion, similar to that of a pendulum. Because of this periodic motion of the electrons, the voltage and current follow a sine waveform, alternating between positive (+) and negative (−), as measured with a voltmeter or multimeter.

There are distinct advantages of AC over DC electricity. The ability to readily transform voltages is the main reason we use AC instead of DC in our homes.  The major advantage that AC electricity has over DC electricity is that AC voltages can be readily transformed to higher or lower voltage levels, while it is difficult to do that with DC voltages.  Since high voltages are more effecient for sending electricity great distances, AC electricity has an advantage over DC. This is because the high voltages from the power station can be easily reduced to a safer voltage for use in the house. Changing voltages is done by the use of a transformer. This device uses properties of AC electromagnets to change the voltages.

AC electricity also allows for the use of a capacitor and inductor within an electrical or electronic circuit. These devices can affect the way the alternating current passes through a circuit. They are only effective with AC electricity. A combination of a capacitor, inductor and resistor is used as a tuner in radios and televisions.

A voltage tester is equipped with two probes and a light bulb but has no power source.  The 120/240 voltage, or neon-light that shows that there is voltage, lights up when voltage is present.  This device is used to find the incoming hot wire when more than one black wire is in a box and to check for proper grounding.

If you attempt to work inside of a service panel, and this is not recommended for those that are not skilled in electrical work, it is necessary to look for any current leakage, for any electricity that is outside of its proper place.  This should only be attempted after all power to the panel has been turned off.  Once you are sure that there is no electricity coming in to the service panel, remove the panel cover.  Touch one of the voltage tester probes to the ground/neutral busbar (bus) (a busbar in an electrical power distribution refers to thick strips of wire that conduct electricity in, for one, a service panel.)  Touch the other probe to an open space first on one, then on the other hot bus.  If the tester lights up, call an electrician.

Once you have checked that the power is off, insert the probes into the slots of the outlet.  If the bulb does not light up, the power is off.  Test both openings of a duplex receptacle (double container.)  After this, remove the cover plate, and touch probes to bare ends of each pair of black and white wires attached to the receptacle.  Tester should not light.

It is necessary to check for grounding.  Grounding is the process of removing the extra electrical charge on an object by transferring electrons between it and some other item of substantial size. When a charged object is grounded, the excess charge is balanced by the transfer of electrons between the charged thing and a ground. A ground simply said is an object which serves as an outwardly substantial reservoir of electrons.  The ground is capable of transferring electrons to, or receiving electrons from, a charged object in order to neutralize that object.

To check for grounding in a receptacle with power on, put one of the probes in the short (hot) slot.  Then touch the second probe to the bare metal cover plate, or to the plate screw, or insert the second probe in the grounding slot, if there is one.  If tester shines weakly or not at all, the receptacle is not well grounded.  Then, with the power off, remove the cover plate and look for a loose grounding connection.

To test for the electric power at a switch, first turn off the electric power to the circuit and then remove the cover plate over the receptacle.  Place one of the probes on the metal box, or if the box is nonmetallic, place one of the probes on the bare grounding wire.  Touch each switch terminal with the second probe.  If the tester lights up, then there is power coming in to the receptacle.  If this is the case, go back to the electrical service panel and turn off the right circuit.

If you need to find the right incoming hot (electrified) wire in an electrical box, cut power to the circuit.  Remove switch, receptacle, or fixture from the electric box.  You need to bend the loose electric wires away from each other and the electric box because you need to keep these wires from touching each other and from touching the box.  After this has been accomplished, restore the electric power.  Cautiously, touch one of the probes to the metal box (or to the grounding wire if the electric box is made from plastic.)  Then touch the second probe to each black wire.  The voltage tester should light at the hot (electrified) wire.

The National Electrical Code says that no splices are allowed outside of junction boxes. However, it seems that older homes were not built with this in mind. They have lots of wires hanging out that are not in a protective box. A wire splice should always be placed in a protective box and covered with a box cover. Before correcting this problem, as with any other electrical fix, turn the power off to the circuit that you’ll be working on. This is the very first thing that you should do when attempting to work with electricity. This may involve turning off a circuit breaker or unscrewing a fuse. Safety should be your first concern. Use a tester to check the connection and see that it really is off before proceeding. Check for power between the hot wire and the neutral wire to see if there is any power present.

Once you know the power is off, take the wire splices apart so that junction box can be added.

To install a junction box, first pull the two wires back so that the box can be added. Remove two of the box’s knockouts to allow the wires access to the box. Install cable connectors in these holes and tighten the locknut with pliers. The wire will slide into the connector and can be tightened with a screwdriver. Now, install two screws through the small holes in the back of the box to secure the box to the wooden joist.

After the box is secure, use linesman pliers to twist the wires together. To do this, join like colors, black to black, white to white, bare copper to bare copper and twist them together evenly. Add a wire nut to cover the connection. In this case, I’m using red wire nuts to make the connections. You may want to use a green-colored wire nut on the ground (bare copper) connection to symbolize the ground connection.

Once the wires are covered, it is time to install a cover plate. The wires must now be formed into the box so that the cover will go on effortlessly and the mounting screws do not screw into the wire insulation. Tuck the wires into place and place the cover over the two mounting screws. Tighten the screws and you’re ready to turn the circuit back on. After restoring power, go to the device that the splice is feeding and make sure that the circuit is indeed on. If so, you have successfully installed a junction box and made your home safer in doing so.

Mercury filled thermostats served their purpose in the past.  However, times have changed and digital programmable thermostats are the way to go now. With electric and gas prices skyrocketing, a digital thermostat will save you money. It will turn the furnace and air conditioner on and off automatically. The best part is they can be set for different temperatures at different times of the day.

Before you begin, read the manufacturer’s instructions that were sent with the thermostat. These pages will guide you by step-by-step instructions on how to install the device before you begin.  You will also have to assemble the tools that you are going to use.  These include screwdrivers, wire Strippers scratch Awl (for making a hole in the drywall for the new plastic anchors), hammer and a level.

Before doing any electrical work, shut off the power. In this case, the circuit feeding the furnace controls the power to the thermostat. Go to the breaker or fuse panel and turn the breaker off or fuse out.

You have to remove the old thermostat first.  Begin by taking the face plate off of the old thermostat and remove the mounting screws. This will expose the thermostat base. Carefully remove the wires from the thermostat base. Mark down on a piece of paper which color wire goes to what terminal. It should be red to “R” for power, white to “C” for common, blue to “Y” for cool, and green to “G” for fan. Be sure to tie the wires together so that they don’t fall into the wall.

Remove the old base by removing the mounting screws. These may be screwed into plastic anchors. These mounts probably won’t work with the new thermostat.

In order to install the new base, you’ll need to install the new mounting hardware. Usually the manufacturer will send some plastic anchors. With a drill bit slightly smaller than the anchor, drill the holes for the new base. It’s a good idea to level the thermostat for looks.

Using the paper that you wrote the wire colors on, connect the wires accordingly to the new thermostat. Remember, each color goes on only one terminal screw.

Now attach the new thermostat to the base and install the cover. Depending on the model, this may be mounted with screws.

The final step is to turn the power back on and test the thermostat. Check to see if the thermostat is functioning properly.  Be sure to tie the thermostat wire back so it doesn’t fall down inside of the wall.  Take note of the wire colors and the marked terminals they are connected to. This is important for reconnecting.

A lower electric bill is something most of us are trying to do these days. There are some easy things you can do to lower your electricity consumption.You can turn all electric appliances off at night and not leave them on standby mode.When your cell phone is fully charged, unplug it. When considering changing your light bulbs, choose to change all of them to energy saving light bulbs. Not only do they use less electricity, they last longer. When you purchase new appliances, especially refrigerators and washing machines, make sure they sport the energy efficiency star. Even though turning off lights when not in use is a very obvious choice, many people do not.

Once you have made your home more energy efficient and reduced your energy consumption as much as possible, you need to decide if other modes of energy delivery are in the offing for you.If solar power will fulfill all your needs, so be it. Or a mixture of solar and wind power are for you, then go for it.

The truth is that people who assume that home solar panel costs are too expensive are actually wrong.I know if you go out and get your local solar panel dealer to install them then you are looking at prices ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 and the time it takes to get your money back is a very long time.Around the world the cost of energy is increasing regularly. Oil and gas are much higher than they use to be. This has resulted in a dramatic increase in the price of electricity.Due to this, people are looking for a lower electric bill and want to drive down their energy costs by producing their own energy.

I looked at my monthly expenses to see what was gobbling up most of my money.One look at my utilities bill and I knew I needed to do something.On TV and in the press I had read and heard about people setting up solar panels on their roof or in the garden.I took my time, did my homework and was amazed at what I found.

You will be amazed at how easy it is to make the switch to solar energy, and you are probably going to wonder why you didn’t do this before. There are lots of great reasons to install solar panels on your house. Top of the list is huge savings you will find on your utility bills. Another benefit is the freedom of not being tied to the national grid when you have enough solar panels (besides the possibility that if you have more than you need, you can re-sell your excess power to your utility company.)With solar panels fitted, power cuts and unexpectedly increased electric bills become a thing of the past.

You can build your own solar panels at nowhere near the cost of what your local dealer will charge. Like everything in life, the first time it will take some time and effort but with clear plans, written in a non-technical way, you will manage very well so that the second solar panel will go a lot quicker. When you are installing solar panels at home you must look into the government incentive programs. The government is very much an advocate for solar panels and in most cases will give you money to help you install them.

So all in all you can see that renewable energy by way of solar panels is the way forward to a lower electric bill.

Any time you remodel there are always some golden opportunities for improvement. You probably, at the beginning, are more interested in the surface quality of the renovation. All you can think about is that sparkling new kitchen, that fresh coat of paint, and replacing that worn out carpet. But beneath each visual enhancement there is a chance for efficiency advancement. As you complete a project it’s never a bad idea to consider energy conservation since it not only helps the environment, but also saves you money. And, no matter the project, it’s typically the small things that work best, tiny upgrades that won’t distract from the remodel but can detract from your electric bill.

Kitchens are the most popular room to renovate since it’s important to keep them up to date. And though surface features such as cabinets, counters, and floors are often the focus, as you remodel it may be time to think about replacing your appliances. ENERGY STAR products can instantly cut your electric energy bill by 40 percent since they use less power and water. They also come in many trendy styles and sizes to match your needs. Additionally, if you replace your gas or electric stove with an induction range that uses a small amount of concentrated heat, you’ll use less energy while you cook.

As you replace sinks, showerheads, and faucets, consider low-flow products. The pressure is just as strong as conventional items while still cutting down on water usage. Instead of draining three gallons per a flush, or pouring about four gallons per a minute from a faucet, low-flow fixtures utilize half the amount: enough to be comfortable without the waste. And since the mechanisms inside the fixtures do all the work, the exterior is still able to shine through since they’re available in any style, trend, or finish.

For the rest of the house (family rooms, offices, bedrooms), your focus on renovations most likely will abate. Unless you’re breaking through walls or adding additions, the remainder of the home will probably focus more on interior design issues: paint, furniture, and especially lighting. But as you improve lighting in a particular area, think about how to best utilize the source. Instead of using one overhead bulb, task lighting may be a more efficient enhancement. Remember, it looks chic and modern, but it also concentrates the glow. Plus, compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) last a lot longer and use less energy than traditional incandescent products.

When you remodel the exterior, you’re probably thinking about landscaping. But even when picking out plants, take a tip from the “xeroscaping” handbook. The “xeroscaping” philosophy recommends you plant vegetation that matches your environment. So make sure you select flowers and shrubs that can easily survive in your neck of the woods and won’t require constant watering or tending. Speaking of water, traditional sprinklers are often unable to control their water distribution, and tend to evaporate the moisture before it has a chance to hit the ground. Instead, buy a drip irrigation system that can concentrate smaller amounts of water onto your plant life. Or maybe invest in an underground sprinkler system that can run on a controlled timer. Plus, as you set up your exterior lighting, consider investing in some solar lights: they’re not as bright as electric bulbs, but they last all night and cost nothing to use or install.

Since most people want their houses to appear airy, windows are the best way to accomplish an open feel. Day lighting, or adding more windows in specific locations, is a great way to capture natural sun, thereby saving on electric and heating bills. However, as you install or replace your glass, make sure your windows are double-paned and glazed. Energy efficient low-e (low emissive) and spectrally-selective coatings block out UV rays while still allowing light and heat to pass through. Also, remember the trimmings: storm windows, solar shades, and window treatments can help to protect your home from solar heat gain.

The best way to conserve energy is to add insulation to your house. If you’re converting an attic or basement, lay down an extra layer of fiberglass or cellulose: It’ll increase your R-value without breaking your budget. Caulk windows and doors as you change them or even if you do not. Caulk and seal the old ones. But if you’re replacing an old HVAC system with a new model, you may want to think about a few more energy-efficient options, such as an ENERGY STAR boiler or furnace which use an electric igniter instead of a gas-powered pilot light. Or, invest in a programmable thermostat to help you control and stabilize the indoor temperature better.

Always, if in doubt as to how to do something in the best and most safest way, hire a professional electrician and/or other kind of contractor.

If you’re thinking of buying an electric shower, the first thing to consider are your expectations. Electric showers shouldn’t be confused with power showers. Many people associate a forceful invigorating water jet with power, and are then disappointed by the reality of the average electric shower. In the past, electric showers have been the ugly ducklings of the shower world compared to sleek shiny mixer showers. Recently some manufacturers have moved away from white or silver wall-mounted plastic boxes, and developed glass or slate-effect boxes with chrome controls.

An electric shower is essentially a water heater. It relies on heating mains-pressure cold water very fast as it flows towards the shower head. There is no pump involved, so the amount of water you get through will depend on your mains water pressure. Electric showers are economical as you heat only the water you need, and they’re the only type of shower that’s independent of the hot water system, so if your boiler fails you can still have a hot shower.

The other type of electric shower is a pumped ’power shower’. These connect to both your hot and cold water supplies and are essentially mixer showers, but use an electrical pump to increase the pressure coming out of the shower head, and therefore use much less electricity than an electrically heated shower. An electric shower requires plumbing only to a mains cold water supply, and connection to the electrical supply. The high power electrical element will require connection to a separate electrical supply circuit, which requires an electrician’s services..

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Difference-between-Electric-Shower-and-power-shower/980426

Whenever you are doing any wiring, even as much as replacing an outlet, make certain that all materials are approved by Underwriter’s Laboratories, Inc., an independent, nonprofit testing firm. The letters “UL” stamped within a circle are indicative of the article being approved by this independent underwriting laboratory.

When you undertake an electrical project in your home, be sure to do your work according to code. That might really sound simple, but a problem arises with overlapping codes. These include the National Electric Code (NEC), county codes, and local (city) codes.

Any manufacturer can send a product to Underwriter’s, which then runs a series a tests to make sure that the item is safe. If so, it then gets ’listed’ by the UL. A UL listing means that a product is known to be safe only for its intended purpose and use. A UL-listed lamp cord, for example, is safe on lamps. The lamp cord may not be used as permanent wiring in a house. Inspectors from the firm periodically visit the manufacturer’s plant to see that the product continues to meet UL standards. They may also buy the product at a later date and retest it to see that the safety standards have not slipped and are still up to, what is considered, ordinary and customary.

Electric equipment without UL listing may be somewhat cheaper, but you may also assume that it is of lower quality. With electrical equipment, this is something definitely to avoid. The slight additional cost of buying UL-listed merchandise is minuscule compared to what it will cost you later to replace cheap equipment when it breaks down and it most likely will.

So, besides the Underwriter’s Laboratories, Inc. (UL) approval of any and all items that you use to do your project, you must be certain that you use these items according to the proper codes that have been set forth through your county, city, state, area and the like.

Having these two necessary parts in mind, you must also be aware of the local and county codes for your immediate area in which the work will be done. This may not be the same codes that you employ in the area you live. So be sure to check out all codes that come into play with your project. As an example, the NEC approves of aluminum wiring, but some local codes now forbid it. To find out how codes apply to what you are doing in the area in which you are doing it, visit your local or county building inspector’s office.

 Since both the local and county codes are based on the NEC, you should know it. There is a guide that you can buy that comes in paperback that many professional electricians consider to be their ’bible’. It is called, “Wiring Simplified” by H.P. Richter. It is updated annually and includes practical interpretations of the Code, plus a great deal of information on wiring. You can find it in most large bookstores.

In the end, you must abide by the code that has authority and control over your residence or the place where you are performing the project. If you live or your project is being produced in the city, you must follow local codes. If you are in an unincorporated area, follow the county codes. Basically, you need a permit from your local building inspector’s office whenever you are to add on to your existing wiring. One is not needed if you were to only replace switches or receptacles but you do want one if you are to extend a circuit, which involves adding more wire to the existing wire when you replace your switch or receptacle.