Almost everything these days in your home requires surge suppressor protection. This is not because surge suppressor companies or
Houston residential electrical contractors are trying to sell you their products and deck your home out with technology. It is simply a matter of simple reality that the way appliances and electronics are built today requires a special line of defense.
Think of how sensitive computers are for a moment and you will understand why. The sensitivity of a computer is due to the delicate nature of the printed circuit board. The invention of the printed circuit board revolutionized computers and took them from room-sized megaliths powered by vacuum tubes to desktop companions that are now indispensible to both our personal and professional lives. Yet these same printed circuit boards made computers very vulnerable to electrical overload and
transient voltage spikes. Miniaturizing a room full of equipment on a chip the size of a fingernail creates a great deal of vulnerability to even the slightest surge in voltage. This is why we began using surge suppressors almost as soon as we started using desktop computers back in the 1980s and 1990s.
With the desktop revolution, another revolution occurred that many people didn’t notice because they were so excited about new opportunities to balance their checkbooks that somehow quickly became new opportunities to play video games. Appliance manufacturers began to make everything from microwaves to toasters to coffee pots with printed circuit boards that were based on the same concept as computer circuit boards. Of course, these were far more primitive than computer microprocessors, but basic subroutines of functionality were embedded in these cards to the degree that the core functionality of the device now became reliant on the circuit board.
Of course, this makes an appliance far more vulnerable now to excess current. Today, everything from computers,
home theater systems, televisions,
audio video systems, phones, fax machines, and even coax cable lines requires the protection of commercial-grade surge suppressors to safeguard against the damage that can and often does result from voltage spikes. Of course, you can use retail surge suppressors for some of these devices and take your chances, but we do not recommend this.
This is because there simply is no way for retail surge suppressors to handle the force of many excess current spikes. There are two sources of excess current that we need to concern ourselves with: lighting, and transient power surge. People often think that the only danger that lighting poses is that of a direct strike. In reality, there is more danger from lighting striking a nearby transformer and creating transient power surge.
Surges of this nature can blow every appliance in the home. Retail
surge suppressor systems maynot withstand the force of this voltage. Other forms of transient power surge exist besides TPS caused by lightning. These can simply be fluctuations in the power grid. They can also be generated by mechanical devices in the home or garage. Motors draw energy from the grid, and if they draw too much, they can pull current into the home wiring system that will actually affect other devices.
This is what makes commercial grade surge suppressors such a necessity. The ability to detect these sudden spikes in voltage is called excess current detection, and it provides a first line of defense against high voltage that can damage home equipment. While this does not provide an absolute guarantee against catastrophic failure, it is certainly the best anyone can hope for in a thunderstorm or Texas tropical storm.
Labels: Home Remodeling Houston, Home Surge Protection, Houston Emergency Backup Generators, Houston Residential Specialty Contractors, Independant Electrical Contractor, Transient Surge Protection Systems
Residential electrical contractors are very different from a commercial electrician because of the enormous differences between homes and commercial environments. Homes are built very differently than office buildings, warehouses, and factories. Wiring in commercial structures always requires insulation in the form of armor coating and pipe conduits.
Homes do not require all of this. As a result, residential electrical contractors use different materials such as low voltage and romex wire for residential service installations. They face different structural challenges, too. In residential environments, you will find a blend of simple and complex challenges. Custom homes with over 5,000 square feet of floor space typically represent the most complex environments. Residential wiring specialists have to have a clear understanding of architecture and construction in order to know how to approach each house as its own unique work environment.
Each set of challenges is relative to the age of the home, its original wiring design, current appliances in use, and indoor and outdoor lighting equipment. All of these things tie into the central hub of the electrical service panel. This panel controls the distribution of power to every electrical system and component in the home. Very few older homes have dedicated circuits, so the first thing a residential electrical contractor will investigate is the age of the house. This will provide an understanding of what service panel upgrades will be required to create more efficient and safe home environment.
This is why we cross train our residential electrical contractors in architectural and construction theory. This helps them understand the many different evolutions that home electrical wiring has undergone over the past few decades. Our electrical service specialists can go to any home in Houston, find out when it was built, and know at a glance what needs to be done to make it fully compliant with current fire codes and energy efficiency standards. Older homes will no doubt need interior light fixture retrofits and dedicated circuits to curb excessive power consumption.
Newer homes are built to be more friendly to energy efficient appliances and lighting. Most are constructed with crawl spaces built into the attic so electricians can move around easier. They are also built with better insulation. New homes now use tankless solutions to generate hot water, and they are built in anticipation of new home wiring runs so there will be minimal cutting of walls and ceilings. Residential electrical contractors who are understand these new building styles can quickly spot the opportunities in non-invasive upgrades and can upgrade your wiring and lighting without making a mess or damaging your home in the process.
Many of the nicest homes in Houston, however, are not that new. Take a drive through River Oaks, Memorial, West University, or Bellaire and you will see many mansion-sized homes that were built in the 50s and 60s. These houses are masterpieces of architecture with wiring that is sorely outdated in many cases. Fortunately, though, our residential electrical contractors know just how to upgrade electrical services in these homes without damaging their structure and diminishing their value.
Typically they begin by getting rid of the old water heater (which is a power hog) and installing a tank less hot water solution. They then look at all important electronic components and systems in the home (such as stereos, computers, home theaters, and HVAC systems) and install dedicated circuits to provide more efficient and stable flow of power to the equipment. Our residential electrical remodeling contractors also install commercial grade surge suppressors to protect your investments against transient power surge, and they install natural gas home generators for permanent, whole-house emergency power backups.
We always offer our clients the options of better house lights and landscape lights to further beautify their homes and yards. These systems consist of primarily low voltage landscape lighting fixtures that do not cost that much to run. Security lights can be installed with to provide you with an extra line of home defense against potential burglars.
Regardless of the nature of the electrical upgrades or electric repairs recommended, we always work with the goal of saving you money on power cost and making your home a safer place to live.
Since 1980, Illuminations Lighting Deign has grown to include a team of over 50 talented and dedicated employees. Specialty divisions have been created to focus on such disciplines as lighting design, electrical contracting, landscape lighting and home automation. Having specialists in each of these disciplines, while remaining true to the mission of offering home owners the "complete picture" of lighting design, is key to continued success at Illuminations Lighting.
We invite you to contact us toll free at 800-863-1184 or locally at 713-863-1133. We are located in Houston Texas but provide lighting and house lighting plans in Austin TX, El Paso Texas, San Antonio TX, College Station Texas, Beaumont TX, Dallas Texas, Midland Tx and points beyond. Labels: Houston Electrical Contractors, Houston Electrical Panel Upgrades, Houston Electrical Repairs, Houston Emergency Backup Generators
Generators of all types use the same basic technology to generate electricity. A turbine turns within a magnetic field; displacing electrons in conductive material that create the flow of energy we call "electricity." While the huge generators that power the public power grid may seem a far cry from home electrical generators in both output capacity and engineering design, always remember that the basic technological principles remain the same for both. It is important to keep this in mind when purchasing a home electrical generator because its purpose is to safely and reliably replace the public power grid during an electrical outage. Illuminations Lighting and Design operates as an authorized dealer of home electrical generators and a source of information on choosing the right electrical generator for your home.
Generally speaking, home electrical generators fall into two categories: stationary, (or standby) and portable. To determine which best suits your needs; it is critical that you first determine if you require electricity for the entire home or for only essential appliances and communications equipment. If you live in an area that is prone to natural disasters, then err on the side of overestimating the time you will be without power. Hurricanes on the Gulf Coast and tornado's in Central Texas and The High Plains have destroyed power grids in the past, leaving entire urban areas blacked out for days. If you think you might face such a situation in the future, we recommend that you invest in a standby home electrical generator that requires minimal refueling and will supply power to the entire home. This assumes, of course, you are far enough from the immediate disaster area that you can safely remain at home without evacuating. Illuminations Lighting and Design will help you select between fuel options ranging from natural gas, propane, or diesel fuel (which burns much longer than gasoline), and we will help you install your home's new electrical generator in a safe, well-ventilated, secure location.
If you live in a part of Texas less prone to natural disasters than to occasional intermittent or rolling blackouts, then you can cost-effectively invest in a portable generator. While most portable home electrical generators will supply electricity to only the essential appliances and perhaps one or two rooms, this usually meets the immediate power needs of most temporary outages that pose no threat to life. However, please keep in mind the importance of safe usage if you choose to use a portable electrical generator fueled by gasoline. Pure carbon monoxide gives off no odor, and it can kill before it becomes evident. Call Illuminations Lighting and Design for expert advice on how to select and operate a gasoline-powered home electrical generator, and always err on the side of caution when using highly flammable fuels and toxic exhausts.
If you are planning to invest in a portable electrical generator for evacuation purposes, consult with one of our specialists first to make certain that the device you have in mind can meet your needs during travel, or in any emergency facilities to which you may relocate.
In any event, it always proves wise to consult with an expert first to ensure you have sufficiently considered all the factors required to safely generate home electrical power. The team at Illuminations Lighting and Design consists of a highly trained, professional, and customer-friendly staff that stands ready to help you make these decisions and ensure maximum protection and quality of life.
Contact us at 713-863-1133 and let us install a home emergency generator system designed specifically for you home.
Labels: Beaumont Texas Emergency Generators, Electrical home back up generators, Emergency Power Generator Installation, Houston Emergency Backup Generators, Independant Residential Electrical Contractor
Illuminations Lighting Design located in Houston, Texas specializes in residential emergency generators for any size home. Our experienced Journeyman electricians, under strict supervision from our Master Electrican, can install and maintain any size whole house emergency generator from Onan.
Extreme weather conditions, construction mishaps, and many other unforeseen complications can interrupt the electrical power you and your family depend on to continue your daily activities. When electricity is lost - day or night - you can be assured that your home will have all the comfort and convenience you depend on from
Illuminations Lighting Design.
Clean, efficient, quiet, and neighborhood friendly, all Onan emergency generators run on either natural gas or propane. Since most homes in Texas have natural gas, this is the most popular and sensible solution. Why, because even under the worst possible conditions, natural gas is available usually without interruption. We can arrange for a professional plumber to make the necessary provisions to connect your new generator for a
turn-key solution.
Onan offers many models ranging from 11kw to 45kw residential emergency generators:
RS12000
Power Ratings: 60 Hz/9-11 kW
Weight: 575 lbs (261 kg)
Length: 45 in (1143 mm)
Width: 34 in (864 mm)
Height: 39 in (986 mm)
Sound Ratings: Less than 70 dB(A) at 23 ft (7 m), average
RS15000
Power Ratings: 60 Hz/14-16 kW
Weight: 1,213 lbs (550 kg)
Length: 58 in (1473 mm)
Width: 28 in (711 mm)
Height: 37 in (940 mm)
Sound Ratings: Less than 71 dB(A) at 23 ft (7 m), average
RS20000
Power Ratings: 60 Hz/20 kW
Weight: 1,135 lbs (515 kg)
Length: 64 in (1626 mm)
Width: 28 in (711 mm)
Height: 50 in (1270 mm)
Sound Ratings: Less than 71 dB(A) at 23 ft (7 m), average
RS45000
Power Ratings: 60 Hz/42-47 kW
Weight: 2668 lb (1160 kg) Natural Gas2752 lb (1197 kg) LP
Length: 101.5 in (2578 mm)
Width: 41.3 in (1049 mm)Height: 71.8 in (1824 mm)
Sound Ratings: Less than 66.3 dB(A) at 23 ft (7 m), average
Nothing is more important to your family's emergency needs than an automatic transfer switch to insure a safe orderly transfer from the power company to stand by emergency power. Onan makes a automatic transfer switch for all there emergency generators.
RST Automatic Transfer Panel
Power Ratings: 60, 100 or 200 Amp120/240V, 1 phase
Weight: Varies by model and enclosure type; see spec sheet for details
Dimensions: Varies by model and enclosure type; see spec sheet for details
RSZ Automatic Transfer Switch
Power Ratings: 100 or 200 Amp120/240V, 1 phase
Weight: Varies by model and enclosure type; see spec sheet for details
Dimensions: Varies by model and enclosure type; see spec sheet for details
Onan provides the power that keeps you going - on the water, on the road, in your work, and at home. Whether you live in Houston, Austin, San Antonio Texas, you never know when a storm may blow in. Why not give yourself peace of mind with an emergency generator from Illuminations Lighting Design.
Onan is a registered trademark of Cummins, Inc.
Labels: Electrical home back up generators, Emergency Power Generator Installation, Emergency Power Generators, Houston Emergency Backup Generators, Houston Texas Contractors
