circuit breaker
3 Phase vs. Single Phase Power
Single Phase power is a two wire Alternating Current (AC) power circuit. Most people use it every day because it’s the most common household power circuit and powers their lights, televisions and some appliances. Typically there is one power wire and one neutral wire, and power flows between the power wire (through the load)…
Read MoreElectrical Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting is a systematic search for the source of a problem in order to resolve it. Electrical Troubleshooting is problem solving used to repair failed electrical circuits on machinery or an electrical system. Depending on the type of equipment, troubleshooting can be a very challenging task. Troubleshooting includes identifying a probable cause for a problem,…
Read MoreElectrical Code Compliance
The National Electrical Code establishes requirements for electrical wiring and equipment. Electrical codes provide standards to ensure electrical wiring systems are safe. Electrical contractors use the NEC for estimating, designing and installing electrical systems. Professional, licensed electrical contractors stay current with the NEC requirements. Maintaining compliance with the requirements of the National Electrical Code provides…
Read MoreThe Electrical Transformer
An electrical transformer is an electro-magnetic device that works by converting electrical energy from one value to another. A transformer has no moving parts and is a completely static solid state device. The primary winding of a transformer is connected to the input voltage supply and transforms the electrical power into a magnetic field. The…
Read MoreElectrical Wire Gauge
Wire gauge is a measurement of wire diameter. This determines the amount of electric current a wire can safely carry, as well as its electrical resistance and weight. Wire is sized by the American Wire Gauge (AWG) system. Wire gauge refers the physical size of the wire. Whenever a circuit is extended or rewired, or…
Read MoreResidential and Commercial Electrical Circuits
Electricity is a flow of electrons. A complete circuit is needed for electricity to flow. From the main electric service panel, electricity is divided into circuits throughout a building. The maximum amount of load that can be placed on any single circuit is controlled by a circuit breaker. Building circuits are parallel circuits. A parallel…
Read MoreLow Voltage Wiring
Low voltage wiring is the wiring for audio, video, telephones, alarm systems, HVAC, and generally any wiring for things using less than 24 volts. Low voltage is often used only with small electrical systems as it is not suitable for large-scale electrical projects. There are very real safety risks associated with low-voltage systems. Low-voltage can…
Read MoreCircuit Breaker Failure
A circuit breaker’s job is to limit the amount of current flowing on a circuit so that it doesn’t exceed the rated level. The most common cause of circuit breaker failure is continually overloading it, causing it to trip out or open the circuit. Breakers are supposed to trip if too much current flows through…
Read More