Home Improvement
House Electricity Tips
Handyman projects around your house absolutely require the right tools and appropriate electrical supplies. Safety is a huge
issue and you must have some knowledge about what you are working with.
The tools you require can be classified into three major categories.
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basic wiring tools
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installation tools
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testing equipment
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the basic tool kit of the electrician will likely include all types of screwdrivers,wire cutter, wire strippers, and multi-meter
A typical stripper removes the covering of the wire without scoring or damaging the wire
a fish wire is handy for pulling wires through hidden and un-exposed areas
The digital multi meter is now something that is handy in just about any home tool box. The most common uses are to test voltage levels and
circuit continuity
An additional group of equipment would include safety related equipment. Electrical work has a high potential of danger. Safety equipment is
a very important part of an electricians tools. You should include eye protection and rubber electricians gloves.
Electrical supplies for the average handyman can be found in special electrical contractor store, hardwares and the big stores such as Lowes
Home Improvement and Home depot. Those large stores also staffed with knowledgeable people to help in selecting the right product. The
seminars they conduct regularly can be invaluable.
The power usage of electrical appliances is of more interest today due to the rising cost of electrical power. The meter outside of your home
measures the watts being used. When you understand a bit about power consumption, it is possible to reduce your power usage considerably.
The watt rating is usually listed on an electrical appliance. A simple formula can convert amperage and voltage of an appliance to watts. The
formula is amps x volts = watts.
The watt rating of an appliance refers to its maximum capacity when operating. A 500 watt refrigerator will only use 500 watts when the
cooling unit is actually running. Normally it might be using closer to 50 watts.
Some appliances operate continually at the advertised rating such as clocks, radios and TV's.
Great new energy savers include the new fluorescent light bulb, frontload washers and dryers and also modern refidgerators and freezers. You
might be amazed by the dollars you can save with these new appliances.
Prudent use of electrical power usage would include:
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operating electrical products only when required
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new energy efficient appliances
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operating appliances off peak elecrtical system load hours when possible
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