Technology moves faster than the blink of an eye these days, with each recent product purchase becoming obsolete mere months after it hits the shelves. The result? An electronic waste crisis, created by millions of used computers and mobile devices improperly disposed of into landfills. Electronic waste, or e-waste, dumped by the nation’s consumers adds up to a staggering 300 - 400 million electronic items per year, according to EPA estimates. Less than 20 percent of all electronics are recycled, the rest ending up in landfills to the detriment of our environment and our bodies.

The vast majority of materials used in computers, cell phones, and smart devices can be recovered to make new products, particularly since most devices are retired due to psychological, not technological, obsolescence.

A gentleman named Houston sent me this. What do you think about it? Does it apply to electricians in Los Angeles and around the Untied States?

We are nearing a renaissance of electrical contracting. Software Advice, a website that reviewselectrical estimating software, thinks the electrician will soon transition into an “energy contractor” to meet demand of the growing green construction market. This growth is being fueled by increased adoption of green and renewable energy technologies among homeowners and corporations.

Who will be there to retrofit these buildings? Electrical contractors will play a major role in these upgrades. However, they’ll need to “green” their skill set in order to take advantage of opportunities.

To start, electricians should get versed on electric- and energy-related LEED credits. LEED stands for “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design,” a program developed by the U.S. Green Building Council to rate green buildings. LEED projects are growing just as fast as the rest of the green construction market, so this is one of the areas electricians will be able to “cash in.”

Additionally, electricians should consider becoming a LEED accredited professional (AP). A LEED AP is a certification given to individuals once they pass an AP exam. The credential signifies an advanced depth of knowledge in green building practices. LEED projects get an extra point for having an AP on the job, which could be a selling-point when bidding on jobs.

To read more, visit: The Coming Renaissance of Electrical Contracting

The proud owner of a generator, whether for general use or use in an emergency, can rest assured that they have access to the power they need. But what if your generator isn’t quite up to the task? This can leave you with no means to perform normal functions at best, and at worst could leave you powerless in the face of a storm or other catastrophe. The certified experts at Kolb Electric have a strong history of handling generators, and today we bring you one of the most common complaints among generator-owners: power surges.

When it comes to communicating signs of disrepair, generators are actually rather talkative. It’s all in understanding the signs, the most common of which coming in the form of surging.

Surging refers to a generator (or other electrical component, machine or device) displaying clear fluctuations in behavior at intervals. These intervals can follow a clear pattern, or can be completely random. What exactly does this mean? Let’s use some examples.

A surging generator often will leave lights burning much brighter, then much dimmer rapidly, causing a sort of flicker back and forth. In machinery, this can also come as drastic changes in pace as well; such as a fan running faster and then slower for no obvious reason.

There are actually numerous causes for generator surging, including:

Bottom line; if your generator is experiencing surging there is definitely something wrong. The causes are myriad, but the solution stays the same. Seek professional assistance for your generator repair to ensure it’s ready and available when you need it most!

At Kolb Electric, we’ve been handling generator installation, repair and replacement for years, and we always bring our very best to any project. if you’re experiencing generator surges, don’t hesitate to contact us right away!

Do you think much about the electric outlets in your home? Odds are, probably not. But did you know that outdated outlets can lead to serious electrical problems, even including property loss and personal harm? The certified master electricians at Kolb Electric come to you today, bringing the things you need to know about the electric outlets in your home!

It’s important to understand that while you may not be seeing it, there are tons of things going on in your walls at all times. And beyond that, technology is always growing (at an alarming rate, in fact!), demanding more and more from your home in the way of electricity, compatibility and staying up to date. Older outlets can create a lot of potential harm, including:

An outlet upgrade project may seem like an inconvenience, but really it’s no trouble at all for a practiced electrician. The process is simple, takes little time, and prevents possible problems (it may even fix a few problems you didn’t know you had!). When it comes to upgrading, there are a few options you might consider, depending on your needs. Consider:

Thinking it might be time for an outlet upgrade? We think so too! Contact Kolb today for a professional solution for all of your electrical needs. Our certified electricians boast some of the greatest skill and expertise in the industry, and we would be proud to handle your outlet project!