Tag: electrics

Zinsco breakers – unique product features

Zinsco breakers - unique product features

Zinsco has been a long-standing manufacturer of electrical breakers and panels since its founding in the 1930s. Most circuit breakers are used for use with electric baseboard heaters, air conditioners and fan air heaters when they comply with local codes. Furthermore, each Zinsco breaker is custom-built using a thick design so it can be used in load centres from Zinsco specifically. Some will come along with grounded copper wire which is usually for 120/240-volt capacity drills.

Despite this, Zinsco circuit breakers come in various forms and many of them may not even be directly labelled with a specific Zinsco label. For non-experts, confusion can ensue without expert guidance. To keep any confusion to a minimum, here is how you can identify the breaker type by its unique features.

Zinsco breaker types

Zinsco breaker types are either single pole or 3-pole. Single pole circuit breakers have one grounding screw and one circuit breaker terminal. The third terminal is used to ground the line. 3-pole circuit breakers have three terminals: aground, a hotline, and a neutral line. These breakers are commonly used in heavy-duty applications where more than three circuits are being run at once.

The thickness of zinsco breakers is also an important factor to consider when looking for the right type of circuit breaker for your needs. Thick circuit breakers have thicker steel that can withstand higher temperatures from overloading and fires alike without letting go of its hold on the circuit.

Voltage rating

Another feature to watch out for is the voltage rating of the circuit breaker. There are different voltage ratings for each type of breaker. For example, a single-pole breaker may have a 15 amp rating while a 3-pole breaker may have a 30-amp rating.

Size of the circuit breaker

Another thing to consider is the size of the circuit breaker. The size of the circuit breaker is measured in inches and has to do with how far it can reach into the panel before it will not be able to fit any longer. The smaller circuit breakers are usually used in residential settings while larger ones can be used in industrial applications such as manufacturing facilities or any other heavy-duty locations that require large amounts of power due to usage or production needs.

Types of circuit breaker

Triple-pole circuit breaker

Triple-pole circuit breakers are the most common type of circuit breaker. Also known as GFCI circuit breakers, they are used on the most common circuit that is in a home and are rated at 15 amps. They can be used to switch two or more circuits together without tripping each time one of them is used. They also have built-in fuse protection that stops the power from flowing through if there is an overload or short in the line.

Single-pole circuit breaker

Single-pole circuit breakers are also commonly known as single-pole switches, and they can be found in residential settings such as homes and small offices where only one circuit needs to be switched on at a time. They are also used in large industrial and manufacturing facilities that require multiple circuits to be switched on at once. They are rated at 20 amps and can switch up to four circuits at the same time.

Solid-state circuit breaker

Solid-state circuit breakers are more advanced than the other types of circuit breakers, and they are only used in industrial or commercial settings where higher voltage lines are being switched on. Since solid-state circuit breakers don’t have a fuse, they don’t have to be reset when an overload occurs in the line. They can also be used on commercial buildings’ main power supply lines as well as large equipment such as transformers, motors, or pumps. This type of breaker will require a transformer that is built into it to work.

Circuit breakers are used in the electrical system to protect the power lines and equipment from overloads and short circuits by opening the circuit when there is an overload or a short in the line. Each type of circuit breaker is designed for a specific purpose, and they are rated at a certain number of amps to ensure that they can handle the amount of current that is being passed through them.

The main function of a circuit breaker is to protect the power lines and equipment from overloads or short circuits. They are used in the electrical system to protect the power lines and equipment from overloads or short circuits by opening the circuit when there is an overload or a short in the line.

[disclosure*]

Hiring a licensed electrician: a must-read guide

Hiring a licensed electrician: a must-read guide

From heating homes to powering businesses, electricity remains essential to everyday life. Hence, the role of an electrician becomes relevant. With tons of money invested in electrical appliances, many of which contribute to revenue generation, productivity and user satisfaction, it pays to hire a licensed electrician to maintain power and appliances in the home and office. This guide provides reasons for this claim and discusses steps to find the right certified electrician.

Illustration of electrician and electrical comopnents

Licensed, non-licensed – what difference does it make?

While many electrical works are handled by regular electricians, some require the expertise and experience of licensed experts. For example, most simple electrical operations demand the knowledge of basic wiring, electrical control repairs, troubleshooting and installation (appliances, switches, cables, circuit boards and more), and fixture replacement, which general electricians can handle.

In contrast, complex electrical projects would necessitate a thorough understanding of building codes and requirements, as well as the installation of transformers, breaker panels and generators, thorough testing and inspections in compliance with the national electric code, plus the laying of complex structured cables for high-rise structures, among other tasks.

Illustration of male & female electricians

Licensed electricians’ roles & responsibilities

Although not everyone has complex electrical projects at hand, and some would even prefer the DIY approach for installation and repairs, hiring a certified electrician comes with its perks. To begin with, they’re well-versed in electrical works and provide a wide array of services including:

  • Installing, repairing and maintaining electrical and electronic systems
  • Designing, building and installing electrical systems
  • Performing electrical safety inspections
  • Designing and installing communication, control and automation systems
  • Installing intricate and cutting-edge fire, electrical and security systems and equipment
  • Designing and installing high-voltage and low-voltage systems
  • Troubleshooting and repairing electrical components in industrial and commercial spaces
  • Providing safety-related consultation services to clients and contractors

Licensed electricians provide services for both residential and commercial properties. They work part-time, full-time, or on contract. What’s more? They follow up on electrical safety issues that may arise. This means that they can advise a client on how to avoid electrical hazards. Hiring them guarantees safety and prevents losses.

Illustration of an electrician and tools

What not to expect from an electrician

Electrical and electronic operations are the central objective of an electrician. Although some may have additional skills, they’re generally mandated to undertake other non-electrical projects. For instance, an electrician may need to repair defective wiring or re-align certain electric wires in the ceiling, which may necessitate the removal of asbestos ceiling tiles. If further carpentry work is needed to complete the ceiling layout, the customer must hire a carpenter.

Illustration of electrician with a toolbox

Licence requirements for electricians

Electrical work demands a high degree of knowledge and skill. Electricians must have a solid academic background, a four-year apprenticeship program, and one year of official training. Passing two location-specific tests is also required for licensure. In addition to this license, the electrician obtains a master electrician certificate. Finally, the person must have had hands-on experience working under the supervision of a journeyman electrician.

Electrical and electronic repairs, installations and maintenance are often very complex. Hence, property owners should enquire about their contractor’s credentials to ensure that they have the necessary experience to execute such tasks.

Illustration of an electrician with electrical wire and toolbox

When to hire a licensed electrician

Licensed commercial electricians are a good option for property-owners who want to lease, sell or renovate their buildings.. These electricians are up to speed on the latest electrical rules & regulations and can determine the best, most cost-effective solution for specific electrical requirements. They ensure that the property’s electrical layout and components are in excellent condition to serve the owner’s intent.

Additionally, apartment residents and owners shouldn’t wait until there’s a power emergency before hiring licensed electricians. Electrical failures are unavoidable and can hinder activities or create potential hazards. Having an electrical handyman on standby might assist in mitigating such occurrences. Electrical problems frequently come with warning indicators that shouldn’t be ignored. Once discovered, the individual shouldn’t hesitate to call a certified electrician.

Illustration of a red toolbox and yellow lightbulb

Benefits of hiring a certified electrician

Hiring a skilled electrical contractor is a great way to ensure that all electrical needs are met. There are many reasons why it’s important to hire an electrical contractor.

Safety

People hire licensed electricians for a variety of reasons, including safety. They need to be sure that all electrical components on their property are protected from electrical hazards. Aside from having the technical knowledge to work on electrical projects, licensed electricians also adhere to stringent safety protocols to avoid injuries while on the job.

Insurance

Many qualified electrical contractors are insured, which means that if something goes wrong on the project, the electrical contractor – and members of the public – will be covered by liability insurance. It guarantees that they’re protected in the event of an accident. Likewise, it shields the home-owner against unforeseen problems.

Warranty

Licensed electricians deliver high-quality, long-lasting services. They’re responsible for providing the customer with a genuine electrical warranty by confirming that the electrical components installed and the workmanship are up to standard. Should any problem arise after the project, they’re readily available to provide the customer with the necessary repairs or replacements.

Easier access

Licensed electrical contractors are often needed for projects that require permits. Most permits take time to obtain. However, having a certified electrician in charge of the project makes obtaining such permits easier and quicker. The reason is based on the fact that the professional is conversant with the industry and knows the ideal process to undertake.

Illustration of two electricians and a house

How to find a certified electrician

Individuals looking for a certified electrical contractor can seek referrals from friends and relatives. Online resources are incredibly helpful when looking for the finest electrician. Customers who are interested in a contractor can read reviews to see what others have to say about them. This will help them make an informed decision.

Illustration of a socket and plug

The bottom line

A licensed electrician overseeing an electrical project guarantees that it is completed correctly and safely. Among other things, the expert ensures the client’s safety. As a rule of thumb, conduct thorough research on selected electrical contractors, validate their qualifications and narrow the search down to an ideal candidate. This procedure is straightforward and will pay off in the long-term.

[disclosure*]

Cabling your new home for the future

Cabling your new home for the futurecredit

Home automation of today would have been considered magic just fifty years ago. Lights turning on and off as you move through your house, motorised blinds that adjust on their own, music of your choice being piped into the room you’re occupying and security, power and environmental controls being adjusted just as you arrive home after a hard day’s work. One system can take action based on the input or the status of another, all without any human intervention.

The mainstay of this magic is the wiring. If you take the right steps concerning your wiring when building your home, then you will be ready for most new technologies that will be available in the near and not-so-near future. With the proper cabling, upgrades to any of your systems won’t require you to uproot the existing cables from the walls to install new ones. You’ll just need to replace the equipment and devices on either end. Even if you don’t have the cash to create the systems of your dreams right now, you can install the appropriate cabling for it and take advantage of it when you have the funds. The most expensive part of any home automation system can easily be the labour costs involved with the installation of new wiring!

Before you begin laying down cable, it’s a good idea to develop a plan. It’s actually a good idea to develop a plan before doing anything in life, but that’s enough philosophy for now. It may also be a good idea to get the help of a professional at this point. Decide what you need and where. Electrical and mechanical automation, network communications, telephony, television, video, security and audio are systems that can be included in your plan, but this list is by no means exhaustive. Depending on the applications you’ll require, you must then choose the proper types of cables.

Any British cable supplier can provide the myriad of cable types for any and all home automation and smart home needs, so acquiring the cables should not be a problem.

You can begin your plan by making a list of all the rooms in the house and deciding what applications you want each to have. You can also make a list of functionalities that you want everywhere, such as audio and smart lighting. Think about the long term as well. How will your needs change over the years? How about when the kids grow up, or the guest room is converted to an office? Even if you install cable that you never use, it will still be worth it.

Future-proofing your house in this way will not only allow you to enjoy the benefits of home automation and smart home functionality, but just the very presence of the cabling in the walls will end up increasing its resale value.

[disclosure*]