To recap 2017, we’ve compiled a list of the top blog posts that were visited this year. Many of them are from years past and are still get hundreds of views! It’s great to know our posts are helping and entertaining many of you. Enjoy.
- How does your electrical panel work? The electrical panel is a major component when it comes to understanding how your home operates, so knowing its anatomy is important. The panel is usually mounted in a garage, basement, or a laundry room.
- Yes, electrical wire colors do matter. Electrical wire colors probably don’t mean anything to the average homeowner, but those distinctions are actually very important and knowing the proper color coding is essential when performing electrical work. Each color serves a different purpose and you should be aware that all wires, no matter their function or color, can carry a current at some point so they should be handled carefully.
- Three-prong vs. two-prong outlet. Modern receptacles now have three slots for safety purposes. This wasn’t common practice many years ago so some older homes may have receptacles with only two slots, which calls for an upgrade. But why? What does that third slot do? Does it really improve safety?
- FAQs about electric fireplaces. Electric fireplaces are growing in popularity. They can make any room warm and inviting without the hassle of a traditional fireplace with a chimney, venting, and the upkeep. They can be decorative and provide a nice ambiance.
- What do electrical inspectors look for? Whether you’ve built a new home, are purchasing an older home, have done some do-it-yourself work, or you’re an electrician finishing up a job, an electrical inspection is necessary. Having a professional check for problems or defects could save your home or business from potential fires and could save you from shock or electrocution.
- What’s included in a typical electrical O&M manual. Nickle, along with other contractors, create an Operation & Maintenance Manual for each of its commercial projects and a number of its large service projects. An O&M manual is almost always required for commercial projects stated in the specifications sent out per the contract. Some are more detailed than others depending on what the general contractor/construction manager requests.
- Why do my lights flicker? There are few things more annoying than flickering lights. It’s an issue many homeowners experience at one time or another and it should be addressed quickly. There may be a simple fix, but if there’s a serious underlying issue it can cause devastating damage. So what could cause a light to flicker?
- Electrical safety statistics. Recent data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission shows that, on average, there are more than 400 electrocutions in the United States each year. Of these, about 180 are related to consumer products.
- ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator, predicting future work. In 2008 Associated Builders and Contractors initiated the Construction Backlog Indicator (CBI) to suggest the amount of work to be performed by commercial and industrial contractors in the months ahead. The indicator focuses on United States commercial, institutional, industrial, and infrastructure construction industries.
- The ABCs of common electrical terms. When an electrician comes to your home communicating a sea of terms you don’t quite get, it’s hard to understand what your electrical problem actually is. Life would be much easier if you knew the definition of some of the most common electrical terms. Here is a simple list for your reference.
