Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Tips from SDG&E for your business
10 Easy Energy Savings Tips
What are the best and quickest ways for a business to save? Taking a few proactive steps to reduce energy usage can conserve natural resources, lower energy costs and save money:
Reduce lighting where possible and take advantage of natural daylight. Turning lights off or dimming them during the day allows for lower energy costs and a more comfortable environment. Also, remove excess lighting, and turn off signage and other lights not necessary for security and safety.
Install occupancy sensors. These inexpensive devices can reduce lighting costs by up to 40 percent by turning off lights in unoccupied areas.
Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), which can last up to ten times longer. CFLs provide the same amount of (light) lumens as standard incandescent bulbs, but use up to 75 percent less energy.
Replace incandescent lights in exit signs with LED fixtures, which can reduce costs of these signs by up to 95 percent.
Adjust the thermostat down in the winter and up in the summer and shut off when not in use. Even a few degrees can significantly reduce heating and air conditioning costs.
Install programmable thermostats or time clocks to automatically control temperature settings on heating and air conditioning equipment.
Turn off or set office equipment to power down when not in use. Turning off one computer and monitor nightly and on weekends can save up to $80 a year. And setting PCs, monitors and copiers to use sleep mode when not in use can help cut energy costs by up to 50 percent.
Lower the thermostat on your water heater. 120° F is sufficient for many common uses. A 10° F reduction can save up to 5 percent on water heating costs.
Invest in energy-efficient equipment. When upgrading or adding new equipment, look for the ENERGY STAR® symbol, which indicates the equipment meets federal standards for energy efficiency.
Call SDG&E about our energy efficiency services and rebates at (800) 644-6133.
What are the best and quickest ways for a business to save? Taking a few proactive steps to reduce energy usage can conserve natural resources, lower energy costs and save money:
Reduce lighting where possible and take advantage of natural daylight. Turning lights off or dimming them during the day allows for lower energy costs and a more comfortable environment. Also, remove excess lighting, and turn off signage and other lights not necessary for security and safety.
Install occupancy sensors. These inexpensive devices can reduce lighting costs by up to 40 percent by turning off lights in unoccupied areas.
Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), which can last up to ten times longer. CFLs provide the same amount of (light) lumens as standard incandescent bulbs, but use up to 75 percent less energy.
Replace incandescent lights in exit signs with LED fixtures, which can reduce costs of these signs by up to 95 percent.
Adjust the thermostat down in the winter and up in the summer and shut off when not in use. Even a few degrees can significantly reduce heating and air conditioning costs.
Install programmable thermostats or time clocks to automatically control temperature settings on heating and air conditioning equipment.
Turn off or set office equipment to power down when not in use. Turning off one computer and monitor nightly and on weekends can save up to $80 a year. And setting PCs, monitors and copiers to use sleep mode when not in use can help cut energy costs by up to 50 percent.
Lower the thermostat on your water heater. 120° F is sufficient for many common uses. A 10° F reduction can save up to 5 percent on water heating costs.
Invest in energy-efficient equipment. When upgrading or adding new equipment, look for the ENERGY STAR® symbol, which indicates the equipment meets federal standards for energy efficiency.
Call SDG&E about our energy efficiency services and rebates at (800) 644-6133.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Fire Prevention Week
October 5 - 11, 2008
Each year, the week surrounding the date of October 9th is celebrated as National Fire Prevention Week. Why October 9th? The date commemorates the infamous “Great Chicago Fire” of 1871 that killed 250 people and destroyed over 17,000 homes
More on Fire Prevention Week from Cal Fire
http://www.fire.ca.gov/communications/communications_firesafety_firepreventionweek.php
CAL FIRE responds to over 300,000 emergencies and calls for service each year. Over 5,000 of these emergencies are fires inside homes and other buildings. That’s why the theme of Fire Prevention Week 2008 is “Prevent Home Fires!”
From October 5-11, 2008, CAL FIRE and fire departments across the country will be encouraging their communities to check their homes for fire hazards. With a little extra caution, preventing the leading causes of home fires – cooking, heating, electrical and smoking-materials – is within their power.
3. Everyday Electrical Safety
Keep lamps, light fixtures, and light bulbs away from anything that can burn, such as lamp shades, bedding, curtains, and clothing.
Replace cracked and damaged electrical cords.
Never use extension cords for permanent wiring. Consider having additional circuits or receptacles added by a qualified electrician.
Homes with young children should have tamper-resistant electrical receptacles.
Each year, the week surrounding the date of October 9th is celebrated as National Fire Prevention Week. Why October 9th? The date commemorates the infamous “Great Chicago Fire” of 1871 that killed 250 people and destroyed over 17,000 homes
More on Fire Prevention Week from Cal Fire
http://www.fire.ca.gov/communications/communications_firesafety_firepreventionweek.php
CAL FIRE responds to over 300,000 emergencies and calls for service each year. Over 5,000 of these emergencies are fires inside homes and other buildings. That’s why the theme of Fire Prevention Week 2008 is “Prevent Home Fires!”
From October 5-11, 2008, CAL FIRE and fire departments across the country will be encouraging their communities to check their homes for fire hazards. With a little extra caution, preventing the leading causes of home fires – cooking, heating, electrical and smoking-materials – is within their power.
3. Everyday Electrical Safety
Keep lamps, light fixtures, and light bulbs away from anything that can burn, such as lamp shades, bedding, curtains, and clothing.
Replace cracked and damaged electrical cords.
Never use extension cords for permanent wiring. Consider having additional circuits or receptacles added by a qualified electrician.
Homes with young children should have tamper-resistant electrical receptacles.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
we'll help
If you have an electrical question and need an immediate answer give us a call. You can also contact us thru our website www.NorthCountyElectric.com and attached a picture or file to the contact form. We will gladly assist you and we are alway available to come to your site anywhere in San Diego County.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Get energy-saving light bulbs for your home. At no cost!
Saturday August 9, 2008 10am-2pm at Civic Center Plaza in front of Oceanside Public Library 330N. Coast Highway Oceanside, CA 92054
Come to the SDG&E lighting exchange and trade up to 5 incandescent light bulbs (75W or higher) for th esame number of new, energy efficient light bulbs (100W equivalent). Also, you can trade up to 2 halogen lamps for 2 new energy-efficient torchiere lamps-a combined value of over $100! Must bring bulbs, lamps, CA ID, SDG&E bill with you. To learn more call 1-800-411-7343
Come to the SDG&E lighting exchange and trade up to 5 incandescent light bulbs (75W or higher) for th esame number of new, energy efficient light bulbs (100W equivalent). Also, you can trade up to 2 halogen lamps for 2 new energy-efficient torchiere lamps-a combined value of over $100! Must bring bulbs, lamps, CA ID, SDG&E bill with you. To learn more call 1-800-411-7343
Saving Energy
Your lights
Lighting can account for about 12% of your monthly bill
(9% for all-electric homes). If each household in San Diego
replaced four 100-watt incandescent lights with equivalent
27-watt compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), 292,000 kilowatthours
would be saved each year. Enough to power over
60,000 homes for a year.
Saving energy in lighting costs can be as easy as replacing
incandescent light bulbs with CFLs, which use 75% less energy
and last up to ten times longer. Each year, the United States
throws away 1.741 billion incandescent bulbs—enough to fill
two Qualcomm Stadiums. With each CFL, you’ll throw away
nine fewer bulbs.
Dim the lights
Consider buying solid-state dimmer switches. They
can increase incandescent bulb life while reducing
electric consumption and cost.
Motion sensors make sense
Replace light switches with motion or occupancy sensors,
which make the lights go on or off when someone enters
or leaves a room. Motion sensors are perfect for the garage,
exterior or security lighting.
Let timers take on the task
If you sometimes forget to turn off the lights, think about
buying a timer to turn lights off and on automatically.
Try photocells
Photocells automatically turn on your lights when the sun
goes down. Then, when the sun rises, the photocell turns
the lights off. They’re great for outdoor or security lighting.
Lighting can account for about 12% of your monthly bill
(9% for all-electric homes). If each household in San Diego
replaced four 100-watt incandescent lights with equivalent
27-watt compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), 292,000 kilowatthours
would be saved each year. Enough to power over
60,000 homes for a year.
Saving energy in lighting costs can be as easy as replacing
incandescent light bulbs with CFLs, which use 75% less energy
and last up to ten times longer. Each year, the United States
throws away 1.741 billion incandescent bulbs—enough to fill
two Qualcomm Stadiums. With each CFL, you’ll throw away
nine fewer bulbs.
Dim the lights
Consider buying solid-state dimmer switches. They
can increase incandescent bulb life while reducing
electric consumption and cost.
Motion sensors make sense
Replace light switches with motion or occupancy sensors,
which make the lights go on or off when someone enters
or leaves a room. Motion sensors are perfect for the garage,
exterior or security lighting.
Let timers take on the task
If you sometimes forget to turn off the lights, think about
buying a timer to turn lights off and on automatically.
Try photocells
Photocells automatically turn on your lights when the sun
goes down. Then, when the sun rises, the photocell turns
the lights off. They’re great for outdoor or security lighting.
How to Shut Off Your Electricity
How to Shut Off Your Electricity
It is important to know where all your home’s electrical panels are located and how to turn the electricity off in case of emergency. (There may be more than one panel.)
Your home may be equipped with fuses or circuit breakers.
If your house has fuses, you will find a knife switch handle or pullout fuse that should be marked "MAIN."
If your home has circuit breakers, you may need to open the metal door of the breaker box to reveal the circuit breakers (never remove the metal cover). The main circuit breaker should be clearly marked showing “ON” and “OFF” positions.
Remove all the small fuses or turn off all the small breakers first, then shut off the “MAIN."
If you have any sub-electrical panels next to the main fuse box or breaker panel or in other parts of the home, in an emergency shut them off, too. Shorts can sometimes develop that cause a circuit to bypass the breaker or fuse.
It is important to know where all your home’s electrical panels are located and how to turn the electricity off in case of emergency. (There may be more than one panel.)
Your home may be equipped with fuses or circuit breakers.
If your house has fuses, you will find a knife switch handle or pullout fuse that should be marked "MAIN."
If your home has circuit breakers, you may need to open the metal door of the breaker box to reveal the circuit breakers (never remove the metal cover). The main circuit breaker should be clearly marked showing “ON” and “OFF” positions.
Remove all the small fuses or turn off all the small breakers first, then shut off the “MAIN."
If you have any sub-electrical panels next to the main fuse box or breaker panel or in other parts of the home, in an emergency shut them off, too. Shorts can sometimes develop that cause a circuit to bypass the breaker or fuse.
Electric Line Safety
Electric Line Safety
Overhead Electric Lines
Electrical energy constantly seeks a path to the ground. If you touch an uninsulated line with an object or your body, you become this path. The result can be severe injury or death. When you are working around electric overhead lines, follow these rules:
Watch where you are going.
Stay clear.
Don’t touch.
Keep all machinery, equipment, materials, scaffolding tools, boat masts, fruit-picking poles, antennas, satellite dishes, pool skimmers handles, metal ladders and people, etc. at least 10 feet away from the lines. If it looks like they’ll be in your way, call us at 1-800-411-SDGE (7343). Depending on the nature of your job, we may be able to turn off the electricity, cover the lines, or even move them while you complete your work.
Do not remove anything caught in electric lines -- not even an animal. Instead, call SDG&E immediately at 1-800-411 – SDGE (7343).
Underground Electric Lines
Hazards you don’t see, like underground electric lines, are easy to ignore or forget. Yet the danger is just as great. Digging, drilling or blasting can damage these underground lines and cause electrocution or fire.To avoid accident, simply call our Underground Alert Service at 1-800-227-2600. We’ll send someone to your site to show you exactly where our lines are buried. Best of all, this service is free.
Fallen Electric Lines
Fallen electric lines are extremely dangerous. Report any downed lines to SDG&E immediately by calling 1-800-411- SDGE (7343). Never touch a downed line or anyone in contact with the line. Always assume a downed line is live.
Beware of a downed electric line touching a vehicle. Stay clear of the vehicle and the electric line. If an electric line touches your vehicle while you are inside, remain calm and follow these directions:
If you can do so safely, stay inside the vehicle until emergency help arrives.
Warn others to stay away from the vehicle and direct them to call SDG&E.
If you must get out of the vehicle for safety reasons, jump clear. Do not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time.
Kite and Balloon Safety
Don’t fly kites or metallic or mylar balloons near electric lines. They can cause power outages and can injure you and others including SDG&E employees working on equipment. Follow the guidelines below to make kite and balloon flying safe for you and your family:
Never fly kites near electric lines. If your kite gets caught in an electric line, call SDG&E immediately at 1-800-411-SDGE (7343) to report the problem. NEVER try to remove anything caught in electric lines.
Never fly kites near TV and radio antennas.
Never cross a street or road while flying a kite.
Never fly kites in the rain or during an electric storm.
Make sure that kite string, wood, paper or other kite materials are completely dry.
Never use a kite made with wire or metallic materials, including mylar.
Overhead Electric Lines
Electrical energy constantly seeks a path to the ground. If you touch an uninsulated line with an object or your body, you become this path. The result can be severe injury or death. When you are working around electric overhead lines, follow these rules:
Watch where you are going.
Stay clear.
Don’t touch.
Keep all machinery, equipment, materials, scaffolding tools, boat masts, fruit-picking poles, antennas, satellite dishes, pool skimmers handles, metal ladders and people, etc. at least 10 feet away from the lines. If it looks like they’ll be in your way, call us at 1-800-411-SDGE (7343). Depending on the nature of your job, we may be able to turn off the electricity, cover the lines, or even move them while you complete your work.
Do not remove anything caught in electric lines -- not even an animal. Instead, call SDG&E immediately at 1-800-411 – SDGE (7343).
Underground Electric Lines
Hazards you don’t see, like underground electric lines, are easy to ignore or forget. Yet the danger is just as great. Digging, drilling or blasting can damage these underground lines and cause electrocution or fire.To avoid accident, simply call our Underground Alert Service at 1-800-227-2600. We’ll send someone to your site to show you exactly where our lines are buried. Best of all, this service is free.
Fallen Electric Lines
Fallen electric lines are extremely dangerous. Report any downed lines to SDG&E immediately by calling 1-800-411- SDGE (7343). Never touch a downed line or anyone in contact with the line. Always assume a downed line is live.
Beware of a downed electric line touching a vehicle. Stay clear of the vehicle and the electric line. If an electric line touches your vehicle while you are inside, remain calm and follow these directions:
If you can do so safely, stay inside the vehicle until emergency help arrives.
Warn others to stay away from the vehicle and direct them to call SDG&E.
If you must get out of the vehicle for safety reasons, jump clear. Do not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time.
Kite and Balloon Safety
Don’t fly kites or metallic or mylar balloons near electric lines. They can cause power outages and can injure you and others including SDG&E employees working on equipment. Follow the guidelines below to make kite and balloon flying safe for you and your family:
Never fly kites near electric lines. If your kite gets caught in an electric line, call SDG&E immediately at 1-800-411-SDGE (7343) to report the problem. NEVER try to remove anything caught in electric lines.
Never fly kites near TV and radio antennas.
Never cross a street or road while flying a kite.
Never fly kites in the rain or during an electric storm.
Make sure that kite string, wood, paper or other kite materials are completely dry.
Never use a kite made with wire or metallic materials, including mylar.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Zinsco Electrical Panel Advice
ADVICE FOR OWNERS - Zinsco Electrical Panel Advice for Homeowners and Home Buyers
These circuit breakers do not offer the level of overcurrent and fire protection provided by most other electrical panels and circuit breakers. This means homes with this equipment are at greater risk of fire or other electrical hazard. Where Zinsco and Zinsco-Sylvania electrical panels are discovered in buildings they should be replaced to reduce some very real fire and shock hazards. Building owners or electricians encountering problems with this equipment are asked to contact us to add that information to our electrical failure data base in an effort to develop accurate safety information which is then shared with appropriate federal and state agencies. Thanks to Mr. James Simmons, a licensed electrician with extensive field experience and the contributor of most of the photos and case reports at this web page.
Where Zinsco electrical panels and Zinsco circuit breakers are in use, arcing, contact-point burn, and even circuit breaker case blow-out have been observed in the field. A principal Zinsco circuit breaker (or Sylvania circuit breaker for those Sylvania panels using the Zinsco product) point of failure appears to be at the point of contact where the circuit breaker contacts clip onto the electrical panel bus, combined with the use of an aluminum electrical panel bus. In addition to advice on identifying Zinsco panels, inspecting Zinsco electrical panels, and repair/replacement advice, we provide field photographs of circuit breaker failures: overheating, burnups, failures to trip, overcurrent protection failure. This document includes field reports of failures and additional anecdotal evidence. As a not-for-profit activity, we have been collecting information and field failure reports for Zinsco/Sylvania electrical components since 1996 in an effort to develop credible failure-rate information which is then shared with the U.S. CPSC and with other electrical failure researchers and educators.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS - Zinsco Electrical Panel Safety Precautions for Homeowners and Home Buyers
The following comments are incomplete - other safety concerns and advice may apply, pending additional technical review by industry experts.
If you are having an emergency right now such as seeing smoke or fire you should get occupants out of the building and call the fire department. This is a general suggestion for any suspected building fire, and is not unique to Zinsco, Sylvania, or any electrical product manufacturer.
Do not touch the electrical panel if you are standing on a wet floor.
Warning of possible fatal electrical shock: If you have noticed any of the trouble signs listed in the next section below, or if you already know that you have problem electrical equipment such as the Zinsco components discussed here, have a qualified electrician inspect the electrical system. Where problems have been observed (such as flickering lights), the electrician can determine the cause of the problem and recommend the appropriate repair.
Do not disassemble electrical equipment nor try to make electrical repairs yourself: You could be electrocuted or you could make the electrical equipment more unsafe by disturbing it.
Although this website includes photographs of the interior of electrical panels, you should not try to see inside the electrical panel by removing screws to take off the cover yourself as this can be quite dangerous.
Determine whether or not you have Zinsco or Sylvania-Zinsco electrical equipment installed by simple visual inspection of the electrical panel exterior, any exposed labels or markings, and by observing the characteristic red and blue-colored circuit breaker toggle switches.
Pending replacement of unsafe electrical panels and circuit breakers of any brand, turn off any suspect circuits such as ones displaying flickering lights.
Be sure that you have working smoke detectors in your home.
Turn off unsafe or suspect electrical equipment. If there is evidence of or suspicion of overheating electrical devices turn off the offending electrical circuit or turn off all electrical power.
To inspect the panel, to confirm that you have unsafe electrical equipment, and to replace unsafe electrical equipment in a home, you should hire a licensed electrician who is familiar with Zinsco/Sylvania equipment and the hazards it poses.
These circuit breakers do not offer the level of overcurrent and fire protection provided by most other electrical panels and circuit breakers. This means homes with this equipment are at greater risk of fire or other electrical hazard. Where Zinsco and Zinsco-Sylvania electrical panels are discovered in buildings they should be replaced to reduce some very real fire and shock hazards. Building owners or electricians encountering problems with this equipment are asked to contact us to add that information to our electrical failure data base in an effort to develop accurate safety information which is then shared with appropriate federal and state agencies. Thanks to Mr. James Simmons, a licensed electrician with extensive field experience and the contributor of most of the photos and case reports at this web page.
Where Zinsco electrical panels and Zinsco circuit breakers are in use, arcing, contact-point burn, and even circuit breaker case blow-out have been observed in the field. A principal Zinsco circuit breaker (or Sylvania circuit breaker for those Sylvania panels using the Zinsco product) point of failure appears to be at the point of contact where the circuit breaker contacts clip onto the electrical panel bus, combined with the use of an aluminum electrical panel bus. In addition to advice on identifying Zinsco panels, inspecting Zinsco electrical panels, and repair/replacement advice, we provide field photographs of circuit breaker failures: overheating, burnups, failures to trip, overcurrent protection failure. This document includes field reports of failures and additional anecdotal evidence. As a not-for-profit activity, we have been collecting information and field failure reports for Zinsco/Sylvania electrical components since 1996 in an effort to develop credible failure-rate information which is then shared with the U.S. CPSC and with other electrical failure researchers and educators.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS - Zinsco Electrical Panel Safety Precautions for Homeowners and Home Buyers
The following comments are incomplete - other safety concerns and advice may apply, pending additional technical review by industry experts.
If you are having an emergency right now such as seeing smoke or fire you should get occupants out of the building and call the fire department. This is a general suggestion for any suspected building fire, and is not unique to Zinsco, Sylvania, or any electrical product manufacturer.
Do not touch the electrical panel if you are standing on a wet floor.
Warning of possible fatal electrical shock: If you have noticed any of the trouble signs listed in the next section below, or if you already know that you have problem electrical equipment such as the Zinsco components discussed here, have a qualified electrician inspect the electrical system. Where problems have been observed (such as flickering lights), the electrician can determine the cause of the problem and recommend the appropriate repair.
Do not disassemble electrical equipment nor try to make electrical repairs yourself: You could be electrocuted or you could make the electrical equipment more unsafe by disturbing it.
Although this website includes photographs of the interior of electrical panels, you should not try to see inside the electrical panel by removing screws to take off the cover yourself as this can be quite dangerous.
Determine whether or not you have Zinsco or Sylvania-Zinsco electrical equipment installed by simple visual inspection of the electrical panel exterior, any exposed labels or markings, and by observing the characteristic red and blue-colored circuit breaker toggle switches.
Pending replacement of unsafe electrical panels and circuit breakers of any brand, turn off any suspect circuits such as ones displaying flickering lights.
Be sure that you have working smoke detectors in your home.
Turn off unsafe or suspect electrical equipment. If there is evidence of or suspicion of overheating electrical devices turn off the offending electrical circuit or turn off all electrical power.
To inspect the panel, to confirm that you have unsafe electrical equipment, and to replace unsafe electrical equipment in a home, you should hire a licensed electrician who is familiar with Zinsco/Sylvania equipment and the hazards it poses.
Better Business Bureau Report
http://sandiego.bbb.org/WWWRoot/Report.aspx?site=26&bbb=1186&firm=171984111
We are proud members of the BBB and are electricians in good standing. We are courteous and prompt. Whether you need electrical repair, advice, or have a question-feel free to contact us. You will get either an immediate response or an answer within 24 hours. Our office is located in Oceanside, North San Diego County. We do electrical work in the entire county. And we will come to you on your schedule to look at your job. It's always free to get an estimate. Ask an electrician during the planning phase to save money on your remodel. We are knowledgable on all the electrical codes and Title 24 requirements.
We are proud members of the BBB and are electricians in good standing. We are courteous and prompt. Whether you need electrical repair, advice, or have a question-feel free to contact us. You will get either an immediate response or an answer within 24 hours. Our office is located in Oceanside, North San Diego County. We do electrical work in the entire county. And we will come to you on your schedule to look at your job. It's always free to get an estimate. Ask an electrician during the planning phase to save money on your remodel. We are knowledgable on all the electrical codes and Title 24 requirements.
Why are we here?
We are a licensed C-10 electrical contractor in North San Diego County, CA. But don't let our name fool you. We service ALL of San Diego county and surrounding communities. Including Oceanside, Carlsbad, Rancho Bernardo, Poway, Jamul, La Jolla, etc. We service residential and commercial clients. We started this blog to open up questions, help with troubleshooting problems and just so you would have a professional to ask a question to.
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