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Lighting is essential in every commercial construction project. It is crucial not only for illumination but for safety as well. Several elements affect commercial lighting choices.

Determining your outdoor commercial lighting needs

There are different steps involved in determining your outdoor commercial lighting needs. First, walk the grounds of the commercial construction and determine the shadowy spots, dark corners, walkways, parking lots, or other places requiring lighting. Define the goal of illumination. Are you looking for quality, lower maintenance, creating the first impression, or simply needing a replacement? Safety is also a factor to consider while installing lighting. Similarly, plaza signs that need to be fixed will deter customers, a dimly lit area will discourage visitors, and a well-lit area will discourage intruders.

Things to consider when choosing outdoor commercial lighting include:

• Pick a lighting that gives your space a more appealing and welcoming appearance.
• Pick durable lighting that can withstand weather changes.
• Choose bright lights for safety and security.
• Use motion sensor lights to alert about intruders.
• In high-traffic areas, lighting should be installed in a way that there are no significant changes in illumination.
• The budget for large commercial buildings can affect the choice of lighting.

All about placement

The various areas that require illumination in public spaces include parking lots, entrances, loading docks, pathways, and walkways. It is also crucial to have appropriate underground parking and street illumination.

Types of lights that require power and professional installation include:

Architectural area lights are excellent for lighting up a large area and are frequently employed in parking lots and as streetlights.

High mast lights: These fixtures offer infrastructure savings, superior field visibility, and deployment flexibility. They can be used in sports fields, container yards, airports, and similar high-activity places.

Post-top lights: They can be mounted at the height of three to nine meters and are used for illuminating city parks, downtown streetscapes, bikeways, walkways, and residential neighborhoods.

Wall-mounted floodlights are asymmetrical and can illuminate an area up to six to eight times its mounting height. They are used in loading docks, parking lots, storefronts, and any other external space that needs lighting for visibility, security, or safety at night.

Canopy lights: They are ideal for structured areas in professional and commercial settings, including bus terminals, parking lots, and gas stations.

Dusk to Dawn Lights: Equipped with specialized photo sensors, these fixtures turn on or off automatically when the sun sets and rises. They guarantee that the outside lighting only turns on when necessary.

Is LED the way to go?

LED lighting can offer numerous benefits when fitted into commercial buildings:

Power saving

LED lighting has an energy efficiency of up to 80% higher than conventional lamps.

Cost-efficient

LED lighting conserves energy and requires low maintenance. This reduces energy bills and maintenance charges, making it cost-efficient.

Safe for environment

Mercury-vapor and fluorescent lamps need to be handled and disposed of carefully. LEDs are green technologies that emit nearly no UV radiation.

Minimal heat production

LEDs generate almost no heat. It doesn’t generate as much heat as other types of lighting since it uses the energy it has collected to illuminate the surroundings.

Easy control

The illumination in the commercial building can be easily controlled using LED lighting fixture settings like sensors, timers, dimming, and daylighting.

LED replacements and upgrades for a commercial building can save energy and money while improving security. The service upgrade and repairs are typically done by lighting professionals. LED retrofitting can also increase the value of a commercial property. Several important factors should be considered before deciding on LED retrofitting, like performance, budget, and maintenance. Many companies also offer many financing options for LED retrofitting.

Outdoor commercial lighting offers numerous benefits, including safety and aesthetic appeal. LED lighting is an excellent choice as it saves both energy and money. You can also easily upgrade existing lighting to LED. Considering installing outdoor commercial lighting? Contact Von Power today for more information.

Solar panels are an excellent investment for the future, but they can be confusing to understand. In fact, there are several myths regarding solar panel installs. These common misconceptions can lead to financial losses if you’re unaware of them before you purchase. Take the time to learn what you need to know and be prepared for any surprises when installing your new solar system.

In this article, we will go through certain myths about solar panels and what the truth is.

(Source: Forbes, Dispelling The Myths About Solar Panels Inefficiency In Colder Climate, Daniel Hadizadeh, January 10, 2022, https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2022/01/10/dispelling-the-myth-about-solar-panels-inefficiency-in-colder-climate/?sh=48afb59c26bc ).

Solar panels are expensive to install.

You probably already know that solar panels are an excellent investment, but did you know that they’re also one of the most affordable energy sources? In fact, costs have dropped significantly since their inception. The initial cost when it comes to installing solar panels can be anywhere from $3,500 to $35,000. The price can vary depending on the model, size, and type. However, this cost is only for the installation itself. Once your system is up and running, it will produce free electricity for years to come.

Solar panels will damage your roof.

You’ve probably heard this myth before: Solar panels will damage your roof. However, this cannot be further from the actual truth. That’s because solar panels are made from glass and plastic, both of which are light in weight. In fact, they’re so lightweight that they won’t even be noticeable on any roofing material (even if you have a metal or concrete roof).

You can install solar panels on the roofs of homes built before 1979 (and many older homes still have these types). However, if you do want to install them on an older home with wooden shingles instead of asphalt or tile—or if your home is built after 1979 but before 2015—you’ll need to use special adhesives that make sure they stay put while protecting against water damage as well as insects like termites which might eat away at the edges over time.

However, if you are still worried, you don’t have to install them on the roof. Solar panels can also be installed in ground-mounted systems. Solar panels should generally be placed facing south to maximize sunshine exposure.

Solar panels are not reliable.

You may have heard that solar panels are unreliable, but this isn’t true. While there are times when the sun isn’t shining or it’s cloudy outside, you can still get your power from a solar panel. Von Power shares, “Solar panels create energy from the sun’s radiation. Solar panels do create energy from the sun’s heat.” This means that solar panels can be used in all weather conditions, including winter. However, according to Forbes, “The orientation of the solar panels is the most significant aspect in terms of solar energy generation due to the power being maximized at a vertical orientation (facing south if you are in the northern hemisphere).” According to Von Power, this allows the panels to absorb as much light as possible during daylight hours.

With solar energy, you no longer have to worry about your electric bill. You can use it freely without paying for the costs of fuel or fossil fuels which means that it is an excellent alternative to traditional forms of energy.

Many things can go wrong in business, and power outages are one of them. A power outage can be inconvenient, but it could also be a disaster for your business if you don’t prepare for it. When the grid goes down, what happens? Here are some answers for you:

The 101 on power outages

Common causes of a power outage

Power outages are common, but they’re not always due to human error. View below some of the most common causes:

• Severe weather – An unexpected storm or high wind can cause power outages.
• Vehicle accident – If someone hits a pole or building while driving, some damage may lead directly back to the electrical system.
• Equipment failure – Sometimes, equipment issues in your facility or office can lead to a power outage.
• Fallen trees – During a storm, trees might fall on the power lines, disrupting the city’s electricity network.
• Planned outage – Power stations might temporarily shut down the electricity for routine maintenance or repairs.

Different types of power outages

There are many types of power outages. The following are some common ones:

• Power outage: This is the complete loss of electricity. It can happen suddenly or gradually and may be caused by accident such as a fire, storm damage, or other events. These accidents can interrupt the flow of electricity from your utility provider to you.
• Brownout occurs when the electrical power supply system has a voltage drop.
• Blackout: A blackout occurs when the power grid crashes because of an imbalance between the generation and consumption of power.
• Rolling blackouts occur when the electricity demand exceeds the network’s power supply capability.

What exactly happens when power grids go down?

When a power grid goes down, there are two main consequences: an outage and a blackout.

Outages occur when the electricity has been disconnected from the grid, and you don’t have access to it for some reason. This could happen because one of your neighbors’ electrical wires got cut off, but it could also be caused by equipment failure or other factors. Contact a professional if you’re having trouble with this problem (e.g., no lights on or dead appliances).

A blackout occurs when there’s no power—not just in one area but across an entire city or region of land outside its borders. This means that you won’t be able to use any electronic devices until repairs are made, and order is restored to society!

Electrical services you can count on

To make preparations for a power outage, having a generator installed is the best electrical service you can count on.

How do generators work

Generators convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. There are two ways that generators can do this:

• Internal combustion engines, which run on fuel and produce ignition
• Turbines, which turn the shaft of a rotating machine (such as an electric generator) to generate electricity

Generator installation

• First, determine where you want the new unit installed by measuring where all your electrical cables are currently connected in your home or business establishment.
• Then make sure there’s enough room for the unit itself!
• The next step is connecting everything properly and testing it to ensure everything works together, taking the necessary steps to prevent issues later down the road.

You must refrain from carrying out the generator installation process. You could electrocute yourself and potentially cause significant damage. You could also cause damage to the unit and pay for the repairs or replacement.

Professionals know what they’re doing! If you try to do it yourself, you can easily get hurt.

Maintenance consideration for a generator

Generators also require regular maintenance. The frequency of these checks depends on the type and age of your generator and how often you use it. A portable generator that operates on gasoline or diesel fuel should be checked every 30 days or at least once per season.

Generator owners should also take their units to an authorized service center for routine oil changes. This includes spark plug replacements and other preventative maintenance tasks such as cleaning filters and changing belts if needed.

Preparing for a power outage

Preparing at home

• Have a plan for heating your home in case of a power outage.
• Get a backup generator to keep you warm and prevent your food from spoiling.
• Prepare your car for cold weather. Check battery, oil, tires, and wipers regularly.
• If you can get to a store, stock up on water and canned food.
• Keep a first aid kit handy.

Preparing at office

• Ensure that all employees or staff members are aware of their roles in an emergency.
• Create a plan and determine how you will react to an interruption in service with each member of your staff listed beforehand.
• It is recommended to talk with your business insurance provider to see how your coverage protects you during a power outage.
• Store regular backups stored offsite.
• Invest in a generator
• Protect your computer from power spikes and surges using a surge protection device.

It is vital to know what to do if you are in a business that relies heavily on power. There are many ways to prepare for an outage and ensure that your business can function during a power outage. Set up a generator, keep backup power supplies handy, and make sure your computers have battery backups.

LEDs are a great lighting solution for commercial buildings. They use less energy, offer long-lasting benefits, and can be installed quickly and easily. The following article will discuss why you should consider converting to LEDs in your building.

Why should you convert?

Five signs that you need to convert to LED

Are your lights too bright or too dim?

Incandescent light bulbs are inefficient, so you’ll have to put up with a lot of wasted energy. If your incandescent lights are dimmer than what’s required in your space, this indicates that the bulb needs replacing or upgrading.

You’re not satisfied with the look of your lighting

It’s essential to assess the current state of your lighting system. Does it reflect what’s going on inside? Are there glaring spots that don’t complement the rest of the decor in your space? If so, it may be time for LED replacement and upgrades.

You find yourself constantly turning lights on and off

LED lights use less energy, so that you can leave them on longer. They last longer, meaning you won’t have to change them as often.

You’re losing money on energy bills

The average home in the US has 12 hours of use each day and spends about $120 on electricity per month. If an equivalent amount of energy were used with LED lights instead, it would cost only $65 in heating costs alone during those 12 hours!

You want to take part in helping the planet and save energy

You’re a conscious consumer and want to do your part to help the earth. LEDs are more energy efficient, last longer than other lights, and have a lower carbon footprint.

Benefits of converting to LED for commercial building

Efficiency

LED lights save up to 90% of energy compared to traditional lighting and use less than half the energy of other lighting technologies. LED bulbs have a lifespan of over 50,000 hours. In addition to being highly durable, LEDs offer great versatility.

Maintenance costs

LEDs also offer a lower energy consumption rate than other light sources, such as fluorescent tubes or incandescent bulbs. This is because they produce less heat when operating at full power levels (which allows them to operate cooler).

Visual improvement

LEDs offer illumination for visual improvement. They are more energy efficient than other lighting sources and have a longer lifespan. They also provide better colour rendering, light quality, and overall performance.

Reduced fatigue

In addition to being more durable and environmentally friendly, LEDs reduce eye fatigue by providing brighter light without the harsh glare of fluorescent lights or high-intensity discharge (HID) lights.

Cognition and concentration

One of the biggest reasons LEDs are better than conventional lighting is that they don’t create as much glare. Glares can be distracting and uncomfortable for some people. They can also cause eye strain and fatigue.

Safety/Security

LEDs offer safety and security advantages.

• They’re brighter than conventional lighting, which can help prevent accidents.
• They can also be dimmed remotely and turned off/on remotely.

Sustainability

LEDs are more efficient than other lighting technologies. They use less energy and produce less heat, which saves on cost. This means LED lights can be used instead of traditional incandescent or fluorescent bulbs.

Commercial Applications

Warehouses

LED lighting is ideal for warehouses because of its energy efficiency, high-quality illumination, and long life span. LEDs offer a wide variety of colors and color temperatures that can be used in commercial buildings to create an atmosphere that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Factories

LED lighting is a highly efficient and energy-saving alternative to incandescent or halogen lightbulbs in factories. LEDs offer many advantages over these traditional bulbs, including

• High contrast lighting, which makes it easier to see details in the product being manufactured
• Durability and longevity in harsh environments

Office spaces

LED task lights provide illumination near workstations and desks where employees need to see their screens or documents. They’re also excellent for highlighting areas where items are stored, such as shelves or drawers.

Healthcare facilities

One of the significant benefits of using LEDs in healthcare facilities is that they can help hospitals save money on their energy bills. In addition to lowering operational costs, LEDs also assist hospitals in reducing maintenance, service upgrade, and repair costs by reducing CO2 emissions from lighting systems.

Parking garages

LED lighting is a good choice for parking garages because it can help you reduce energy consumption and maintenance costs. They are more durable than traditional lighting, which makes them ideal for parking garages.

Large venues- stadiums, theaters, sports arenas

Large venues like stadiums, theaters, and sports arenas are ideal for LED lighting as they require high levels of illumination for performance or entertainment purposes. LEDs can be used to create a more dramatic effect in these settings.

Municipality lighting

LED streetlights are an excellent choice for municipal lighting. They are energy efficient, offer illumination for visual improvement, reduce maintenance costs and promote safety/security. LEDs can also be used in parking lots, parks, and recreational areas.

If you’re ready to make the switch, there are plenty of great options for LED lighting. LEDs are an excellent investment in your commercial building and can help reduce costs, improve productivity and increase safety. Contact Von power today for more information!

A well-conducted energy audit will help you reduce your energy consumption or reduce your operating costs and save some significant bucks. This article will walk you through everything related to energy audits and their importance.

The basics of an energy audit

Simply put, an energy audit is an inspection of energy flows in a building – both commercial and residential. Its main purpose is to help you conserve energy and reduce expenses.

The primary benefits and importance of an energy audit include the following:

• It helps in lowering your energy costs
• By helping you reduce energy consumption, it also reduces environmental damage.
• It helps you become less dependent on foreign sources of energy
• An energy audit can also help you with electrical maintenance and increase the life span of your electrical equipment

Generally, there are two types of energy audits:

• Preliminary audit: A simple data-gathering process gives you a preliminary analysis. The auditor will conduct a preliminary audit via a walk-through investigation.
• Detailed audit: It is a detailed process in which the auditor monitors, analyzes, and verifies your energy consumption and finds issues with it. They will then suggest ways to improve it through a technical report.

How is an energy audit conducted?

An energy audit is conducted by professionals in three major steps. They include the following:

1. Data collection: In the first step, the auditor will visit your building and collect data like your build’s surface area, the number, and types of electrical appliances, your energy bill, etc.
2. Analysis: The auditor will analyze the information through in-depth studies using special tools after data collection.
3. Documentation or audit report: The auditor then presents you with a detailed report containing your facility’s energy usage and ways to improve energy performance. This gives you the opportunity to make the necessary adjustments to maintain comfort and consistent energy flow.

Is it time to schedule an energy audit?

Figuring out the right time to schedule an energy audit can be confusing. Here are some ways that can help you out:

• Evaluate your facility for air leaks, ventilation, lighting, and insulation issues.
• Suppose your building has an uneven temperature between rooms, outdated home appliances, utility systems, or inefficient lighting. In that case, it’s time for an energy audit.
• Further, you must have an energy audit if you notice a significant price increase in your utility bills.

While energy audits can be performed throughout the year, it is best to schedule them during winter. This is because the colder temperature can help the auditor get clear insights about the heat escaping from your building.

Your next step

Once the energy audit is completed, your next steps should include the following:

• Carefully review the audit report and discuss it with your electrical technician.
• Implementing the changes suggested in the report to reduce energy consumption.
• Be aware of certain habits that can increase your energy consumption significantly. Such practices include leaving lights on unnecessarily, leaving electronics plugged in at all times, ignoring air leaks and drafts, etc.
• Service upgrades and repairs can help you move to more efficient energy systems. Common ways to do this include:

Retrofits: Retrofits is simply the process of replacing old, outdated equipment with new and more advanced ones. Retrofitting can help you save energy, increase your property’s value, and make your home environment more comfortable.

Lighting Automation: Lighting automation can save energy by dimming the light on its own. Its significant benefits include enhanced safety, security, convenience, and energy savings.

Installing solar panels: Solar panels harness the sun’s energy and power your appliances through it. This reduces your electricity consumption and helps the environment by lowering your carbon footprint.

Conducting a detailed energy audit at the right time is crucial for improving energy performance and electrical maintenance. Contact an experienced energy auditing company like Von Power and schedule an energy audit for your facility.

An automated lighting system is a fantastic way to improve the interior of your home and revamp your lifestyle. You can also incorporate automated lighting in a commercial setting. Today’s article will discuss the 101 on lighting automation and how it can improve your energy efforts.

All about lighting automation

Lighting automation can refer to anything from a system that controls the lighting in a single room to a system that controls the lights in the entire house. It can be a standalone system or be connected to security systems, or it could be a part of a full-fledged home automation technology. The components of an automated lighting system include:

• Basic controls for lighting, including LED bulbs and touchscreen panels or in-wall keypads, for lighting control. Tablet and smartphone apps can also be used for lighting control.
• Occupancy sensors will turn on lights automatically when someone enters a room and off once it is empty.
• Motion sensors activate when movement is detected. These sensors assist in energy conservation and reduce lighting costs.
• Dimmer switches adjust the illumination intensity, saving a significant amount of energy.
• Integrated automation and control allow you to customize every aspect of the home’s illumination, including light settings and automatically creating timers to switch on the lights at a predetermined time.

Top advantages of lighting automation

An automated lighting system has several advantages. Some of them include the following:

Safety and Security 

An automated lighting system will make your home and workspace safer and less prone to accidents. It provides a safer space for older people during the night and prevents crimes like theft. You will also be able to detect intruders with the help of smart lights. In offices, using lighting automation will assist you in reducing eye strain.

Control usage and energy saving

Lighting automation allows people to control the lights with numerous things other than switches. Motion-sensing lights will turn on and off upon detecting movement. This eliminates the need to use the switch every time one walks into a room. Having remote-controlled lights will allow people to control lights from their smartphones. You will also be able to adjust the lighting to suit your mood. An automated lighting system will also save a great deal of energy, especially in an office setting where people may forget to turn off lights in their cabins or conference rooms when leaving the office.

Convenience 

Automation lighting gives you the right amount of control to change the illumination in your rooms and provide a beautiful aesthetic appearance. With the different control features available, you will be able to control the lights without much effort.

The professionals

Installing an automated lighting system is the work of a professional with skill and expertise. Any error during installation can cause a malfunction of the entire system, and a considerable amount of money can be wasted. Installing an automated lighting system without proper skills increases the risk of fires and other electrical dangers. Always seek the help of professionals like electricians or electrical engineers while attempting to install a lighting automation system. These professionals will have better knowledge about superior products, components, and safe installation practices.

Automated lighting systems are a convenient and cost-effective upgrade you can give your home or commercial building. Contact Von Power today for more information!

Von Power weighs in on the top five reasons why you need electricians to maintain your solar panels. (Source: Electrical News, 5 Reasons Why You Need Electricians to Maintain Your Solar Panels,  https://electricalnews.com/5-reasons-why-you-need-electricians-to-maintain-your-solar-panels/ ).

In the article presented by Electrical News, the author talks about the importance of solar panels. The article mentions that by harnessing the sun’s energy, solar panels help homeowners and businesses in receiving energy without affecting the environment. Von Power agrees with the statement.

As per Von Power, “since solar panels don’t rely on fossil fuels, they help in protecting the environment. The best thing about efficient solar panel installation is that they can provide energy to both the sunniest regions and the places that don’t receive enough sunlight. Technology has come a long way in regards to maintaining sustainability.”

While solar panels are low-maintenance devices, they still need some maintenance by professionals to work efficiently, claims Electrical News.

Reasons to get solar panel maintained by an electrician

A professional electrician can detect problems early and resolve them.

Electrical News says that electricians are able to detect and diagnose issues with your solar panel early and will have the expertise to fix them before more damage is done.

Von Power seconds this claim, “since electricians are equipped with the right knowledge and tools, they can inspect your solar panel’s cables, wiring, isolators, etc. They can also perform important checks like the live Inverter test or the ISC check to ensure that your solar panels are in good condition.”

They can teach you to optimize your power consumption

Along with installing your solar panels, electricians can also conduct energy audits and suggest ways to reduce your power consumption. Von Power agrees and further adds, “if you are dealing with high electricity bills or want to optimize your power consumption, consulting with professional electricians can be a smart choice. They will measure your solar panel’s output and help you achieve environmental and financial goals.”

System repair after warranty

The article shares that electricians can help you take care of your solar panels and keep them in good condition even after their warranty expires.

“From replacing your malfunctioned invertor to helping maintain your solar panel, electricians can ensure that your device keeps working properly. Having your solar panels in good hands will also give you peace of mind,” says Von Power

Increased safety

“Hiring professional electricians for solar panel installation can prevent you from getting hurt or electrocuted,” says Von Power. The article also mentions that solar panels produce electricity, and any current higher than 75mA can cause significant harm. Thus, it is much safer to get your solar panels checked and maintained by professionals.

Complete the diagnostic test

According to the Electrical News article, you should only get your solar panels checked and maintained by qualified professionals. Von Power says, “a qualified professional will ask all the important questions. They will also bring various aspects to your attention and suggest the best course of action for your solar panels. This will save you time, effort, and expenses in the long run.”

The Electrical News article recommends regularly checking and maintaining your solar panels by a professional electrician. This will ensure that the solar panel run at full capacity and all problems are detected early on.

Von Power, “installing solar panels is not a small investment. They lower your utility bills and offer a cleaner and greener replacement for fossil fuel-generated electricity. So, it’s important to keep it in the best condition. Maintaining the overall integrity of the solar panels will ensure its longevity.”

Fire alarms are essential safety tools for commercial and residential places. One of the pertinent problems of fire alarms is false alarms. Let’s learn more about false alarms and what causes them.

Oops! False alarm!

False alarms are a reality of using fire alert systems. Sometimes false alarms are inevitable, and sometimes they can be prevented with proper fire alarm system maintenance. But before we get into false alarms, let’s first understand how fire alarm systems work.

There are three main components of a fire alarm system. These are:

• Initiating device
• Indicating device
• Fire alarm control panel

Initiating devices are smoke detectors of various types that trigger the fire alarm. Once the sensors notice a fire, the indicating devices come into play. These devices include everything from horns to bells to sirens. The fire alarm control panel shows the location and severity of the fire. It also notifies the emergency hotlines in some fire alarm systems.

A complete fire alarm system is generally used in commercial complexes. Smoke detectors act as initiating and indicating devices in homes and private spaces. Smoke detectors monitor the air for high amounts of particles that indicate a smoke/fire. Anyone who has used smoke alarms knows how annoying false alarms can be. A false alarm can go off at any time of the day for no apparent reason.

However, you must be aware of some common causes of false alarms. For example, steam or high humidity in the air can lead to a false alarm. This is particularly common when the smoke detectors are too near the bathroom or kitchen. Certain chemicals used for home renovations can also trigger false alarms. Low battery power also causes false alarms, especially in older smoke detectors. Other factors that can trigger a false alarm include dirt, dust, and insects.

Time to upgrade

How do you know when your fire alarm system needs an upgrade? The answer is easy. You have to evaluate the following factors to decide whether it’s time for an upgrade.

1. Too many false alarms: Some false alarms are common in smoke detectors, but if it’s going out of hand, you should consider upgrading your fire alarm system. Too many false alarms clearly indicate that your alarm needs an upgrade.
2. Your smoke detectors are old: If you’ve had the same smoke detectors for over ten years, it’s time to upgrade them. Smoke detectors deteriorate over time like any electrical appliance. Moreover, existing fire alarm systems in commercial spaces often need to follow the latest fire safety code. In that case, you are legally bound to install new fire alarm systems.
3. Renovations: If you plan to renovate a private or commercial space, you should upgrade your fire alarm system accordingly.
4. Fire alarm installation issues: The fire alarm installation is often the reason for false alarms. Additionally, several common electrical problems, like tripped circuit breakers, loss of connection, damaged wires, or power surges, can trigger false alarms.

How to maintain fire alarm systems

Apart from changing the batteries and keeping the smoke detectors clean, it would be best if you did not attempt to troubleshoot your fire alarm yourself. Call a fire alarm service provider for professional maintenance and repair of smoke detectors. Your electrician will also help you choose the perfect location for the smoke detectors. Here are three quick ways to test a fire detector:

• Use an aerosol spray near the smoke detector. Your smoke detector isn’t working if it doesn’t trigger an alarm.
• Light a few matchsticks near the smoke detector to test if it’s working.
• Many smoke detectors also come with a fire alarm button. You simply press this button to see if the alarm system is working.

Don’t ignore the safety of your living spaces or commercial property. Use a high-quality fire alarm system to stay protected from danger. Contact Von Power today to upgrade your fire alarm system.

Transformers are a critical part of the power system and help in transferring electricity from one place to another.

The basics

An electrical transformer is a static machine that transfers electric power from one electric circuit to another while maintaining a constant frequency. The transformer works on something known as the principle of mutual induction. It has two coils, namely the primary and secondary coil, wound on a core. An alternating magnetic flux is created when an AC source is connected to the transformer’s primary coil. According to Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction, this change in flux will result in an emf being induced in the secondary coil. The secondary winding will have a current flow if the circuitry is closed.

There are different types of transformers:

• Power transformers
• Autotransformers
• Generator Step-Up Transformers
• Auxiliary Transformers

The 101 on transformer failures

There are several important aspects related to transformer failures.

Cause and effect of a transformer failure

A transformer failure can occur for numerous reasons. Some of them include the following:

• Improper insulation type and capacity
• Poor artistry by the manufacturer
• Loose connections due to prolonged vibration.
• Excessive harmonics
• Inadequate maintenance
• Deterioration of insulation
• Unbalance due to load configuration changes
• Overloading
• Line surges
• Lighting surges
• Cooling issues causing overheating
• Natural wear and tear
• Natural disasters like floods and hurricanes
• Malicious mischief or sabotage

Some of the effects that can occur due to a transformer failure include the following:

• Shock: when a brief burst of electrical current passes through your body and causes only mild harm.
• Electrocution: when electricity travels through the body over a relatively long period. Therefore, causing involuntary muscle contractions, severe internal damage, and even death.
• Arc flash: exothermic reaction caused by an overload or faulty wire. It causes a substantial rise in temperature, producing sparks and causing the transformer to ignite and explode.

Failure sources 

The possible failure sources of transformers include:

• Bushings
• On-load tap changer
• Windings
• Core
• Oil

Classification of transformer failures

Transformer failures can be classified as:

Internal failures

These include:

• Twist and rupture of windings
• Grounding mistakes
• Dielectric interruption
• Insulating oil issues
• Tap changer connection issues

External failures

These include:

• Oil leaks in the weld cord, valve, or gasket
• Defects of Buchholz relay and cooling fan
• Defects of oil level gauges, thermometers, and breather bushings

In the event of a transformer failure

There are some critical steps to be followed when a transformer fails.

Safety precautions 

• Avoid approaching a failed transformer. Only a trained technician should handle failed transformers, as they can be quite dangerous. Power lines with high voltages frequently brought down by blown transformers might start fires or cause electrocution.
• Broken transformers frequently cause power outages. It is ideal to remain inside until electricity is restored to protect your family. Keep flashlights, extra batteries, non-perishable food, and water handy.
• Power surges may happen during transformer repairs, so disconnect all your devices and appliances.
• Call your electric company if a transformer blows nearby.

In the event of a transformer failure, call electrical service and maintenance or electrical civil construction services. The professionals specializing in electrical civil construction are trained to handle this degree of repair without adverse incidents. They possess safety equipment and are well-versed in repair and safety procedures.

Failure of transformers is a severe issue that needs to be solved by a skilled technician. Call electrical civil construction services in the case of transformer failures. Need more information, contact Von Power today!

Energy audits are a kind of electrical service provided by auditing companies to commercial or residential buildings.

What is an energy audit? Is it necessary?

Energy audits are used to assess the electricity usage and energy efficiency of a commercial or residential building. Your property size, the number of doors and windows in the building, and the appliances will determine the time taken for an energy audit.

Energy audits are essential because:

• It will assist you in better understanding how much energy you consume and how to use it better.
• It might find wiring, electrical, and ventilation safety issues, making your building safer.
• You may lower the amount of carbon monoxide produced on your property.
• The value of your property will increase.

The different types of energy audits include:

Preliminary audit

It includes gathering data and providing a preliminary assessment. It is carried out by a qualified energy auditor using easily accessible data and essential diagnostic tools.

Detailed audit

A qualified auditor will monitor, analyze, and verify energy consumption to identify potential issues and provide solutions for enhancing energy efficiency. Cutting-edge equipment is used for the audit, and a detailed report is given.

Targeted audits

These audits focus on detailed analyses of target systems like lighting systems and ways to reduce energy consumption in the system.

Benefits of an energy audit

Three crucial elements are affected by energy auditing:

• Profitability: by reducing energy costs
• Productivity: by optimizing processes and equipment
• Performance: by the smart utilization of energy

The numerous benefits of energy auditing commercial properties include:

• It lowers your facility’s energy bills.
• It can minimize environmental damage brought on by resource exploitation.
• Your organization will become more competitive as a result of lower production costs.
• You can improve the comfort and convenience of the facility’s occupants.

The numerous benefits of energy auditing residential properties include:

• It helps to reduce home energy bills.
• It increases the resale value of a property by around 10%.
• It improves the ventilation and insulation of a home.
• It enhances the safety and health of family members.

How is an energy audit conducted?

An energy audit involves different steps, including:

Data collection

This first stage in the audit of an existing building is to gather industrial energy audit information. Tools like light meters, thermal leak detectors, and energy usage meters are used in data collection. The auditor considers factors including the building surface area, the energy consumption by the users, and the electricity bills. This is then used to create an energy profile.

Data analysis

In the second step, the auditor comprehensively analyzes the data using specialized tools to provide a strategy for improving energy efficiency. Aspects like cost-benefit analysis, demand/load profile, and electrical demand control are considered in this stage.

Writing the report

The auditor will deliver a comprehensive report with the following:

• energy balance sheet
• cost-saving opportunities
• improvement areas that can reduce adverse effects on the environment

The energy audit checklist helps to identify the locations or systems to be audited. It has several aspects, including:

• Air leakage
• Cooling systems
• Electric motors
• Electronics
• Heating systems
• Insulation
• Lighting
• Water heating
• Windows and doors
• Habits

An energy audit is an essential electrical solution provided by an auditor or electrical technician to assess the energy efficiency of any building. It is recommended for individuals and companies to improve their energy consumption. Contact Von Power today and schedule your energy audit!