Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Photovoltaic, PV, Solar, its all great!

Welcome to Ask Doug The Electrician!

I was reading about photovoltaic systems today and found some interesting facts and information that you should be aware of.

Some Advantages of a Photovoltaic/Solar system:

No moving parts, minimal maintenance
Safe and simple operation
High dependability, durable and long life (30+ years)
Scalable in output, from micro-watts to millions of watts (megawatts)
Silent operation
Maximum output coincident with peak utility power loads (summer time)
No emissions, no pollution
Portable, easy and fast to install anywhere
Available everywhere there is sunlight.
Ability to integrate attractively into existing and new buildings

The U.S. electricity demand was almost 4 trillion at watts (4 Terawatts or TW) and is growing at approximately 1.7% per year. Current projections place demand somewhere between 11 TW and 18 TW by 2050.
Thanks again for checking out Ask Doug The Electrician!
Doug

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Surge Protectors

Hello again from Ask Doug The Electrician! I just worked on a project where we needed to install a dedicated circuit with an isolated ground for a home office. I though this info may help clear up a couple of grounding questions... Or, it could stir up a few more! No worries, let me know and I'll answer you with more info than you need!

A "proper" ground must measure 120 volts from power (hot) to ground, no less. Or, a ground impedance of less than one Ohm. 25 ohms or less is mandatory, otherwise a second ground rod should be installed at least 6' away. A "proper" ground must measure 120 volts from power (hot) to ground, no less. Or, a ground impedance of less than one Ohm. 25 ohms or less is mandatory, otherwise a second ground rod should be installed at least 6' away.
I hope this helps a bit.
Thanks again,
Ask Doug The Electrician
Doug