The controller keeps on monitoring the application requirement in a continuous control loop. It then commands the inverter to produce the required voltage and frequency to meet the application requirements. To do this, the controller, comprised of a microprocessor, takes the input signal from the sensor and compares this with a reference signal. It then generates the appropriate control signal for the inverter to vary its output power.

In a typical application, the controller will monitor process parameters such as pressure, flow rate, temperature or liquid level. For example, an oxygen sensor in a boiler provides a signal to adjust the speed of the fan and control the amount of oxygen in the boiler system.

Today’s drives, using microprocessors, semiconductor power switches, and SMDs are now smaller, compact, cheaper, more reliable and efficient. A typical drive will also include a filter to suppress harmonics generated when converting the DC to AC voltage.

One of the most frequent questions we hear is, “What’s the most energy-efficient light bulb I can use?” At Kolb Electric, we’re here to help you choose the best type of lighting for your Maryland, DC or Virginia home, and we want you to be well-informed about the energy efficient options that are out there. If you’re wanting to save even more, here’s everything you need to know about energy efficient lighting.

The two main choices for energy-efficient lighting in your home are light emitting diode (LED) and compact fluorescent lights (CFL). Both are a good choice, and both have unique benefits and drawbacks. Making the decision between the two requires a proper understanding of these benefits and drawbacks.

These two lighting options are so much more efficient and beneficial to the environment that incandescent bulbs have been gradually phased out in the United States. By 2020, all general-purpose bulbs must be able to produce at least 45 lumens per watt, which is a similar efficiency as that of CFL bulbs. It is becoming increasingly difficult to purchase traditional general-purpose incandescent bulbs in light of this phase out, though specialty bulbs are still available.

LED bulbs create light using a semiconductor to generate light energy. LED bulbs use about 1/30th of the energy used in incandescent bulbs and 1/3rd the energy in CFLs. They also last a long time—as much as 35 times the lifespan of an incandescent bulb—so you don’t have to worry about replacement regularly. With the energy savings and longer lifespan, estimates indicate you can lower your carbon footprint by as much as 85 percent simply by switching from incandescent technology to LED technology.

With an LED bulb, you can light your room with bright light and minimal energy use. Also, these bulbs generate very little heat energy, which means they are safe to touch. They are also quite durable and do not break easily, which means they are the preferred option for hard-to-reach places where a delicate glass bulb is in danger of shattering.

If that makes LED lights sound perfect, you need to know the one main drawback. LED lights are one of the most expensive options for lighting your home. While they lower your energy bills and have the longest lifespan of the available options, if your upfront budget is low, then this option may not work for you.

CFL bulbs bend a traditional fluorescent tube into a light bulb-shaped configuration. These are more affordable than LED bulbs and significantly more efficient than incandescent bulbs, but they don’t quite last as long or save as much energy as LED bulbs.

With CFLs, you are able to lower your energy use by 60 percent as compared to incandescent bulbs that provide the same amount of light. They last about 10 times as long as incandescent bulbs, so you have less frequent need of replacement. While not as cheap as incandescent bulbs, CFLs are priced around $4 to $15 a piece. This is a more moderate price point than LEDs.

So why would you overlook the CLF in favor of LEDs? CFLs are more efficient than incandescent lighting, but they are not as efficient as LEDs. If you’re looking to have the most efficient option on the market, CLFs are not that option.

The answer to which lighting option you should choose depends largely on your goals. Is your goal to have the most efficient lighting available? Then you want LED bulbs. Are you adding a light bulb to a place that is hard to reach or not accessed regularly? The longevity and durability of LEDs makes them the best choice for this. Is your goal to go efficient while on a tight budget? Then CFLS will work best.

Regardless of the choice you make, both CLFs and LED lighting help you save money, lower your carbon footprint and do your part to make the world a better place with less environmentally damaging waste. If you’re curious about which lighting option will best meet your family’s needs or have further questions about the differences between LEDs and CFLS, Kolb Electric is here to help. Contact us today to have all of your questions answered!

BRIGHTEN UP YOUR HOLIDAY SEASON WITH THE UTMOST IN HOME LIGHTING DESIGN

With Troy Lighting you will find an exciting mix of trend-setting designs and popular classics at incredible prices. Troy Lighting and Troy Landscape Lighting provide entire families of matching chandeliers and ceiling pendants, and outdoor lanterns and wall lights to create a unifying lighting theme.  With nearly 100 complete collections of bath lighting products, along with exterior and interior lighting, Troy Lighting offers excellence in illumination for home and office environments from traditional to modern.

Shop 1-800lighting.com to save on the season’s best light fixture designs and accessories, including exciting new pendant lights  and LED outdoor wall lighting from Troy.

Experience pure illumination with the latest energy conserving designs…

Troy Lighting is known for distinguished Hand-Forged Iron and Hand-Applied finishes.  A company that takes great pride in engineering and inspection to ensure top quality light fixtures for interior and exterior lighting applications.  LED outdoor wall lighting and landscape light fixtures are exceptionally beautiful and eco-friendly; Indoor wall lighting and exciting new pendant lights are available with Energy Smart compact fluorescent illumination and energy-efficient halogen.

Since 1963, Troy Lighting has been a trusted lighting leader. The company continues to maintain consumer confidence with outstanding service and impressive lighting designs.

A THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE OF PENDANTS….

Chianti

Medocino

Conduit

Uni

Fabulous wall lighting for indoors and outdoors…

Jensen

Relativity

Highland Park Energy Smart CFL outdoor wall lights

LED outdoor wall lighting designs include:

Hive

Troy Lighting goes above and beyond to provide outdoor and landscape light fixtures that are Dark-Sky friendly and in keeping with California’s Title 24 guidelines to help protect the nighttime sky view and save on energy costs.  Troy Landscape Lighting’s new “Environmental” series provides decorative outdoor lighting effects with the utmost in energy-efficiency and intelligent design.

View the latest hanging pendant lights, bath vanity wall lighting,  and LED outdoor wall light fixtures from Troy.  Everywhere you see the light, let it be “Troy to the World” this holiday season.

As part of the Littman Group, Troy Lighting and Troy Landscape Lighting join elite brands CSL (Creative Systems Lighting), Hudson Valley Lighting and Corbett Lighting, to bring the brightest new lighting designs of the season.  See all the best interior and exterior light fixture designs at 1800lighting.com.  Enjoy the best price guarantee and holiday specials throughout Capitol Lighting showrooms in New Jersey and Florida.

You walk into your home and see the same things every day. You may see some dirty dishes in the sink or maybe notice you could use a little dusting in the living room. You look at the things that are right in front of you. You probably don’t actively look for things in the home that are hidden, but dangerous. It is important you spend a few minutes looking for and identifying any potential fire hazards in your home that may have gone unnoticed in the past. Having the help of an experienced electrician in Beverly Hills is a good idea. You can rely on the team at The Electric Connection to help you identify and repair any potential danger.

This is a list of 3 of the most common hazards that are lurking in your home.

1-Asbestos use was popular in home construction up until the mid 1970s. There are homes that still have this dangerous substance working in the insulation of attics, basements and in the walls. If you don’t know what asbestos looks like, it is always best to hire a professional to complete an inspection.

2-Faulty smoke detectors are another common issue. Many people adopt an out of sight, out of mind habit and forget the smoke detectors are even there. A Beverly Hills electrician can help eliminate that issue by installing hard-wired smoke detectors that rely on your home’s main electric panel.

3-Electric panels are another area of concern that should be inspected by an electrician. Beverly Hills homeowners may not even be aware their existing electric panel is on a list of recalls. There were numerous panels produced and installed throughout the 1980s and 1990s that have been proven to be dangerous and should be replaced.

If you suspect your home may have one of these hazards, it is a good idea to have an inspection completed by an electrician or an asbestos abatement company. Give The Electric Connection a call today and make sure your home isn’t hiding an electrical hazard.