Lighting Up Your World
The most frequently asked questions in the electrical field
FAQ
- All
- Circuits & Wiring
- Electrical Panels
- Emergency Electrical Service
- Generators Installations
- Lighting & Lighting Controls
- Main Distribution Installation
- Street Lighting
- Wiring Problems
Street lights can improve safety by increasing visibility and reducing the risk of accidents or incidents on roadways, sidewalks, and other public spaces. Street lights help to illuminate the surrounding area, making it easier for drivers to see other vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists, particularly in areas with heavy traffic or limited visibility.
Electricity is typically used to power street lighting. The electricity is sourced from the local power grid and is usually supplied at high voltage to a distribution transformer, which then reduces the voltage to the level required for street lighting. In some cases, renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power may also be used to power street lighting.
Lighting controls can be very effective in reducing energy consumption and saving money. By automatically turning lights off when they are not needed, dimming lights when full brightness is unnecessary, or otherwise controlling the lighting in and around a home, energy usage can be significantly reduced.
There are several methods of controlling lighting in buildings. Some common methods include local switching and dimming, presence detection, daylight-linked controls, and time-operated controls. Each of these control methods has its advantages and is best suited for specific applications.
The main panel is an electrical box that is installed at the point where the electrical service from the utility company enters a building or property. It is responsible for distributing power to various circuits throughout the building.
On the other hand, a subpanel is an additional electrical panel that is installed to provide a secondary distribution point for electrical circuits. It is connected to the main panel and serves as a middle ground for other circuits that are located in different areas of the building.
Faulty electrical wiring is a common cause of short circuits. A short circuit occurs when there is an unintended path for electrical current that results in excessive current flow through the wiring. This can cause the electrical system to shut down completely or even result in electrical fires.
Generators can be damaged by several factors, including:
- Faults – any unintended electrical current flow can cause damage.
- Overload – when the generator is required to supply more power than its capacity, it can be damaged.
- Overheating (Windings or Bearings) – high temperatures can damage the generator’s windings or bearings.
- Overspeed – running the generator at a higher speed than it’s designed for can lead to damage.
- Loss of Excitation – if the generator’s excitation system fails, it can cause damage to the equipment.
- Motoring – if the generator is driven by the system it’s connected to, it can cause damage to the equipment.
- Unbalanced Current Operation – if the current is unbalanced, it can cause damage to the generator’s windings.
During any electrical emergency, it is crucial to unplug all devices and switch off the power to prevent further damage or harm. This includes a short circuit. The first step should be to unplug all appliances and electronics from their power sources. Then, turn off the power at the circuit breaker or fuse box to ensure that no electricity is flowing to the affected area.
In case of an electrical injury, first turn off the source of electricity if it can be done safely. If not, use a dry, non-conductive object made of cardboard, plastic, or wood to move the source away from the person who is injured as well as yourself. If the injured person is not showing any signs of circulation like breathing, coughing, or movement, start performing CPR immediately.
The panel interior has limitations on the size of branch breakers that can be installed. The maximum size for a 3 pole breaker is 125 amps, and it can be an EDB, EGB, or EJB breaker. For a single pole breaker, the largest size allowed is 70 amps.
Electrical panels come in various sizes with different numbers of circuit spaces. A specialized panel, like the one used for an outbuilding or barn, might have only 12 circuit spaces. On the other hand, 200-amp panels commonly installed in modern homes can range from 20 to 60 circuit spaces. In general, a typical household panel has around 40 circuit spaces.
Manufacturers typically estimate that standby generators will remain reliable for 10,000 to 30,000 running hours, or roughly 25 to 40 years, depending on factors such as size, quality, and maintenance.
Common wiring problems in a circuit include loose or damaged connections, faulty or inadequate grounding, overloaded circuits, improperly installed wiring, and outdated electrical systems.
A short circuit happens when the electric current takes a route that offers little or no resistance, which causes it to bypass the intended path of an electrical appliance. This can occur when, for instance, a wire’s insulation is frayed, and it comes in contact with the appliance’s frame, allowing the current to flow directly to the ground.
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