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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.

As homeowners, we often overlook light fixtures in our home when it comes to maintenance. We walk in the room and flip on the light switch, assuming it will always light and be there for us. However, that isn’t always the case, as we all know. Sometimes common electrical problems can cause the problem, or it may just be that a bulb burned out. But how are we to know? Here is a list of common problems and some recommended repairs to keep the lights shining brightly in your home.

Let’s take the ceiling light fixture. You walk in and the bulb will not light. First, check the light bulb first. It may have burned out. Replace the bulb. Check to see if the bulb is tight in the socket; check the socket tab in the center of the socket. You may have to pull up on it in order for it to make contact with the bulb; check the connections at the switch and make sure that they are tight. Be sure that the power is off to the circuit that you are working on; the check the connections at the light and the breaker panel to be sure they are all connected tightly.

Another problem homeowners may encounter is flickering lights. If the bulb flickers on and off it usually means that the switch contacts are getting bad. Usually you’ll be able to hear a sizzling or crackling sound if the switch contacts are bad. In this case, replace the switch. It also could be that the connections are loose. This could be on the switch, at the panel, or in the junction box of the light. There also is the possibility that the connections to the light socket could be loose. Check all of these points and tighten if necessary. If the socket connection is loose, replace the light socket.

Recessed lights, or can lights can also pose electrical problems. Check the size of the bulb in the socket. Make sure the wattage of the bulb doesn’t exceed the recommended wattage rating for the fixture. The maximum wattage will be listed on a tag on the fixture or socket.

The limit switch turns the unit off when the temperature reaches an unsafe level. Over- sized bulbs will radiate an excessive amount of heat and could potentially cause a fire if the limit didn’t shut off the light. It is possible that the limit switch may need to be changed if the correct bulb is in place. You also may need to pull the can light out and make a space above the can light. If the insulation is packed to tightly on top of the light, proper ventilation cannot take place. This will trip the thermal.

You may have a fixture with built-in switches or even pull chains. First, check to see if the bulb is not working. If this is the case, change the bulb. If this is not the case and it is the switch that is not working, check the connections on the switch to make sure they are all tight. Remove the switch from the circuit and test between the wires with an ohmmeter. Toggle the switch and see if it changes values on the ohmmeter. If not, replace the switch. Check the wires to the socket. If they are loose or have a burnt appearance, replace the socket

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.

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.