Residential Wiring Diagrams – Who Needs Them?

Author: admin  /  Category: Electrical


You will benefit from using residential wiring diagrams if you plan on completing electrical wiring projects in your home. An electrical wiring diagram can be as simple as a diagram showing how to install a new switch in your hallway, or as complex as the complete electrical blueprint for your new home.

Although household electricity is nothing to play around with, in many ways, wiring is simpler than other repair and remodeling skills such as carpentry. Once you’ve learned some basic skills such as installing boxes, running cable, and splicing, you just need to determine which wire goes where. This is why a good wiring diagram is important for wiring your home safely. Keep your diagrams near-by. You’ll want to refer to them often as you work on your project.

Wire Colors:

Electrical wiring diagrams that are in color have an advantage over ones that are black and white only. The wires will be colored the same as the actual wires you will be using. Commonly, the green wire is ground, white or off-white is neutral, and black, red or other colors indicate the hot wire. In some instances, such as some switch legs, the function of the wires will be indicated by colored electrical tape.

Symbols:

When looking at any residential wiring diagram, start by familiarizing yourself with the symbols that are being used. The electrical symbols will not only show where something is to be installed, but what type of device is being installed. Make sure you understand the symbols on your diagram before beginning your project. There should be a chart on your diagram showing the different symbols being used, much like a legend on a map.

For example, a surface ceiling light will be shown by one symbol, a recessed ceiling light will have a different symbol, and a surface fluorescent light will have another symbol. Each type of switch will have a different symbol and so will the various outlets. You’ll even find symbols showing the location of smoke detectors, your doorbell chime, and the thermostat.

Switches:

When it comes to household electricity, there’s a lot more to consider than simply turning a switch On and Off. Some of the most common questions electricians receive involve switches. Once you understand the different types of switches and follow a good wiring diagram, you should be able to install a new switch in your home.

Here are some of the more common switching configurations:

A Single-Pole Switch provides switching from one location only. “Single-Pole” may sound simple, but there are different ways to wire a Single-Pole Switch and a set of electrical wiring diagrams will explain each of them to you clearly.

3-Way Switches are used to control one or more fixtures from two locations. This is a common configuration in hallways and staircases. There are many ways to wire a 3-Way Switch. The power can start at a fixture or either of the two switches. Without a wiring diagram it can be very easy to make a serious mistake.

A wiring diagram will even take the mystery out of wiring a 3-Way Dimmer Switch. What a great way to enjoy softer light and a reduced energy bill!

One of the most complicated wiring configurations is a 4-Way Switch. These switches enable you to control one or more fixtures from three or more locations. It would be almost impossible to write the instructions in a way that you could simply read them and complete your project. However, a good wiring diagram will make it possible for you to successfully and safely tackle wiring 4-Way Switches.

As important as electrical wiring diagrams are to the successful completion of your wiring project, safety and respect for electricity are essential. Never work on live circuits. Before you begin your project, identify the circuit you’re working on and then turn off power to that circuit at the main panel. Then confirm that the power is off with a voltage tester. If at any time you feel unsure about what you’re doing, please call a licensed electrical contractor.

“make Solar Panel Electrical” System © – Amazing Invention!

Author: admin  /  Category: Electrical




Can’t bear these soaring electricity-bills anymore? Well, “Make Solar Panel Electrical” System is definitely something you should seriously examine. Very quickly you’ll find out that this technique can be easily duplicated and used for virtually unlimited applications. Sounds interesting? keep reading and know more about how this innovative technology can change our lives.

Overview

To make a long story short – “Make Solar Panel Electrical” System is based on several ‘proven’ downloadable guides that reveal the ’secrets’ of creating Solar-Cells step-by-step. Choosing a guide is probably one of the most important actions you need to take; check what others say about it, does it provide clear information, videos, illustrations etc.? In any case, here are some key-advantages and tips to help you better understand this topic.

Main benefits

This solution undoubtedly provides several key-benefits:

* It is now amazingly affordable like never before.

* One-time investment that lasts for life.

* Can produce 1000 Watts +.

* Helps on reducing the amounts of carbon dioxide in the air.

* Very quick return on investment (ROI).

Quick advice

Pulling yourself “off the grid” all at once isn’t recommended – do it gradually and slowly, use your new sys. while keeping the ‘Main-Grid’ as backup for possible extreme electricity usage.

On the bottom line

There is no doubt – “Make Solar Panel Electrical” System is revolutionary! It enables us to significantly ‘cut’ on our elect. expenses by 80% at minimal cost/effort. It would be quite easy to find other benefits provided by this exceptional ‘machine’, simply because it brings a real change to this industry. The best advice would be to test it so you could instantly explore the wide range of benefits that it provides.

Training and Certification Requirements for Careers in Solar Panel Installation

Author: admin  /  Category: Electrical


Training And Certification Requirements For Careers In Solar Panel Installation

 

If you are looking to enter the field of solar panel installation, you would greatly benefit from being aware of the various training and certification requirements for the job. Obviously, extensive training is crucial if you are to have a certain degree of competency, however, certification is not necessarily an absolute requirement for solar panel installers in most states.

 

Obtaining certification from recognized solar energy regulatory organizations will likely have the effect of increasing your career opportunities and making your credentials more viable for a green job in the solar energy sector.

 

It is worth keeping in mind that different states may have different requirements with regard to licensing for solar panel installation professionals. These requirements typically fall under general contractor licenses or their equivalent, with some being more specifically categorized as electrical contractor licenses for PV, plumbing license for solar thermal systems, or solar contractor licenses.

 

You should also be aware that the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners or NABCEP specifically states that the certification which they offer is in no way intended to take the place of any licenses, credentials or certificates that may be required by local laws in the state wherein you plan to practice your trade. These solar certification and solar training courses are purely voluntary at present, although there is an increasing trend to support these and other similar solar certification programs by way of rebates and other incentives. Furthermore, the number of projects that require solar certification from the NABCEP certification is on the rise, and this will likely increase even further in the near future.

 

The solar certification program of the NABCEP specifies that solar PV installers should possess the skills and knowledge necessary to recommend solar electrical systems, configure and install these systems, inspect and maintain them in way that meets the customers’ satisfaction, and conform to current industry standards for the performance, safety and reliability of solar electrical systems.

 

To this end, the NABCEP has developed a system geared towards PV Task Analysis, which is comprised of several areas of discipline, including how to work safely with PV systems, conducting site assessment, the selection of proper solar design, how to adapt the mechanical and electrical design, installation of solar electrical subsystems and components on-site, system check and inspection, and solar electrical system troubleshooting and maintenance.

 

All of these are of course essential areas of knowledge for those who are seeking qualifications as solar energy industry practitioners. In a report published by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative in 2003 detailing training and certification requirements for the photovoltaic industry, it stated that the training required for solar industry professionals goes well beyond that which is typical for other areas in the building and construction industries. The report goes on to list some of the training requirements specific to the field of photovoltaic installations, some of which are outlined below:

 



On-site evaluation with regard to system performance. This would include determining the effects of obstructions, angles, and so on.

Characteristics of photovoltaic cells and modules, particularly how they relate to the design and performance of solar electrical systems

System characteristics calculation–which includes aspects such as wire size–as a means of minimizing power loss and optimizing energy production

Current wiring methods

Mounting technology

Solar electrical system maintenance, as well as diagnostics and troubleshooting methods

Customer education



 

Aside from these training requirements, aspiring solar panel installation professionals should also receive instruction in basic electrical skills, possess knowledge of the electrical grid, and be well versed in various roof and ceiling applications.

 

The installation of solar hot water or pool heating systems has its own requirements with regards to training and certification, for which the NABCEP has also developed a separate task analysis. This analysis is intended specifically for solar thermal applications, and details knowledge and skill sets that are required of professionals in this area of specialization. Among the areas covered by the Solar Thermal Task Analysis of the NABCEP are:

 



Safe installation of solar powered hot water and pool heating systems

Systems and component identification

System design adaptation

Effective site assessment methods

Solar collector installation

Water heater and storage tank installation

Piping, insulation and connector installation

Mechanical and plumbing system and component installation

Electrical control system installation

Operation and identification tag installation

System checkout

Solar thermal system maintenance and troubleshooting



 

This set of tasks assumes that the solar thermal system installer utilizes an industry approved solar system design, along with the required components, installation instructions, schematics, and instructions for system assembly and troubleshooting. While the system itself is not necessarily designed by the solar electrical system provider, he or she must possess thorough knowledge about all aspects of the system, and in some cases may be called upon to modify the design depending on the application or customer requirement.