Have you ever wondered about the difference between single-phase and three-phase circuits? If you currently reside in North America then you are likely accustomed to single-phase circuit power throughout your home. Although single-phase circuits are popular among residential homes and smaller commercial business buildings, some businesses may consider switching to three-phase circuits in order to reduce long-term electricity costs and improve the efficiency of their building’s electrical power supply. In order to provide you with a better understanding of the difference between single-phase and three-phase circuits, Expert Electric breaks down the difference, advantages and disadvantages of each below:

Single-phase circuits are generally used to power residential homes and smaller business buildings whereas three-phase circuits are common in large industrial buildings that require a more significant amount of electrical power. Not only does a single-phase circuit require a larger electrical current than a three-phase circuit, it is less efficient with its transferal of power. This is because its current only alternates between two wires; therefore, there is a point in the process where the electrical power in a single-phase circuit drops to zero. Since a three-phase circuit transfers the current between three wires, it is more efficient with the transferal of its electrical power and therefore never allows the power to drop to zero. This allows a three-phase circuit to provide electrical power to systems that demand more electricity.

The advantage of implementing a three-phase circuit is cost-savings. Three-phase circuits are more efficient with their transferal of electrical power; therefore, they are capable of powering much more at a lower cost. Office buildings and manufacturing plants can still operate with single-phase circuits although they would be more efficient with their power supply if they made the switch to three-phase circuits. The real difference between single-phase and three-phase circuits can be seen in large data centers and manufacturing buildings. These large facilities require more power to run their operations and will therefore witness greater efficiency and savings by making the switch.

Considering making some changes regarding the electricity in your home? Before you buy a brand new electric panel for your Bethesda home, there are some important details you should know about sizing.

Ready for a heavy-up or electrical panel installation in your home or business? Trust the certified electricians at Kolb Electric to bring you the best in dependable quality and satisfaction!

First off, there are some terms and important points we should hash out before you start making electrical purchases. Generally speaking, when a homeowner is considering a heavy-up for their electric panel they’re either trying to improve home electrical safety or trying to do electrical updates to modernize a home.

If you’re looking to increase the safe capacity of current in your home, you’re looking for a panel upgrade, or heavy-up, which you’ll need to ask your trusted electricians about to ensure you get the right service for your needs.

And if we’re talking about improving safety, you’re probably looking for breakers to match new wiring, or GFCI outlet/breaker wiring to reduce risks of ground faults associated with sources of water near outlets. Breakers should always match the amperage of the wire they are servicing, by the way, though your electrician should be the one to handle this. But, having said all of this, if you’re looking for an electric panel…

When you’re talking about the “size” of an electrical panel installation, what you’re actually referring to is the amperage capacity of the panel. This is the measurement of electricity the panel can safely accommodate in your home. It is a common misconception that the panel actually determines the amount of electricity that comes into your home. To alter that, you need to seek a heavy up!

To determine the size of the panel you need, a comprehensive list of all appliances in use or planned to be used will need to be created. The capacity of your panel will directly correlate to the amount of power routinely used within your home. In all honesty, to do this accurately, your best bet is to work with a trusted electrician! We have all of the training, knowledge and skill needed to guide you to making the right choice for your home electrical needs.

Ready to beef up the safety and function of the electricity in your home? Contact the certified electricians at Kolb Electric today to get the electrical panel installation services you need!

If you’re longing for a bulb that’s going to save energy and that lasts, this LED bulb replacement guide is a great place to get a feel for the type you might need. Other than finding a bulb that fits the socket, has the correct voltage, and meets wattage requirements, there’s no list of rules as to what bulb you should use in a certain fixture. This guide shows that even the same type of fixtures can require or accept different bulb types. LED replacement bulbs are available in a variety of wattages, intensities, voltages, and with different base types; they can even emit different colors of light. You have the freedom to choose a bulb that fits your needs, and there are plenty of available options.

Clicking each picture below will direct you to a page of similar bulbs. Keep in mind, this post just touches the surface of available LED bulbs. If you don’t see what you need, use our site to see hundreds of lighting options.

Track light fixtures are found in many homes and allow for aimable illumination exactly where it’s needed. These fixtures almost always contain MR11 spotlight bulbs. In addition to track lights, these bulbs are often used in recessed, pendant, display case, and desk light fixtures. MR16 and MR11 LED replacement bulbs have GU10 or GX5.3 bi-pin bases and are available in a wide variety of styles with many LED configurations.

As a Richardson electrician, I am in the unique position of knowing how homeowners can save money on their power bill. In today’s economy, my customers expect that I will know how they can lower their power bill each month, and I am happy to share that information with them.

The benefits of having your Richardson electrician give you the inside scoop on moneysaving power alternatives extend well beyond the impact on your bank account. Electricians everywhere will agree that those very same things that you can do to save money on your electric bill can also help you take good care of your electrical system and even prevent costly and time-consuming repairs.

Your local electrician can help you create a plan of action to start saving on your bill, but you can also follow these simple tips to start doing what you can to lower your bill today.

1. The simplest thing you can do is turn it off if it’s not in use. That’s right! Being mindful of your power consumption while you’re trying to save money seems like a no-brainer, but many people overlook this very simple and very effective first step.Turn off the lights if you’re not in the room, turn off televisions and computers if they are not in use, and unplug small appliances that don’t get used often, like hair dryers or toaster ovens.

2. Install solar panels and/or wind turbines on your home to generate alternative sources of energy, ease strain on the power grid and lower your overall usage. Any top Richardson electrician will agree that using alternative energy sources can lower your electric bill to almost nothing while helping the environment.

3. Along the same lines, investing in an indoor generator can also help you become more independent when it comes to your power consumption and it can even help you turn your power bill into a power check from the power company, depending how much power you are able to generate and send back to the grid.

4. Schedule routine electrical maintenance once every one to two years, to check for any electrical problems, to make sure that fixtures are properly in place, and to check if any appliances are in need of repair or replacement. Call your Richardson electrician to schedule a visit to your home to inspect your electrical system.

5. Install a power conditioner to reduce wear and tear on the motors of your most power-hungry appliances and machinery at home, and to lower your power consumption as well.

As a top Richardson electrician working in North Texas for many years, I can tell you that there’s nothing more relieving than looking at your power bill and seeing the massive change in the numbers. Electric Man has been working for 27 years to ensure that their customers pay only what they have to, while helping customers cut down their bills. Learn more about Electric Man and our services by visiting our website, giving us a call at 972-792-7270, or connecting with us on any of our social sites!