ballast-compatible LED T8 tube for office lighting, school lighting, hospital lighting, basement lighting, and more. The energy-efficient F32T8 tube light can be used in direct-wire fixtures or to replace T8 tubes in fluorescent fixtures without removing ballasts. Designed to last 50,000 hours—5 times longer than fluorescent tubes—the LED T8 tube reduces costly repairs, disposal fees, and the need for replacements. This energy-efficient LED light uses just 18 watts of power and is comparable to a 32-watt fluorescent tube light.

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.

The list of rules to be followed when installing new electrical systems into a building are related to the specific rules of the state, as well as certain minimum requirements laid down by Federal law. So in some senses the United States does not have a unified Electrical Building Code, because often there are variations between different states.

It was to address exactly this issue that the National Fire Protection Association, a panel of nineteen different bodies, began publishing the National Electrical Code (NEC) in 1897, and now every three years, in order to arrive at a single source of rules that should govern electrical installations. The current version was published in August 2010 and runs to over 1000 pages.

Whilst the NEC is not law as such, in practice it has been adopted by most states as their set of rules for electrical installations and wiring in buildings (with a few changes here and their depending on the state you are in), and so is now in practice the Electrical Building Code for the United States.

You can read the full 1000 pages plus version online for free here: Building Codes

This is the book that all Journeyman Electricians will consume when undertaking their training, as it is pretty much the standard version across the country.

Though there are some differences between the states, and you can see the individual requirements for your state here: State Regulations

Some of the key NEC rules that need to be followed when installing a new electrical system into a building are:

If you are planning on installing electrical wiring then you should refer to the NEC and your local Electrical Building Code for specifics and to the link above for any state specific requirements that you need to know.

Without proper lighting, the details in your furniture and artwork at first sight go unnoticed. Careful lighting design gives dimension and texture, revealing the articulacy of your home décor. Creating the proper lighting setup lies in finding the correct spacing, fixtures and functions for each room. Every lighting technique brings you closer to customization and works together to establish a healthy balance between posh and practicality.

Consider adding toe kick lighting under the counters of your kitchen or bathroom to balance light between the ceiling and floor. It’s subtle yet useful, and provides an extra cushion of safety. Toe kick lighting arrangements also bring depth to unlikely spaces.

Don’t neglect the nooks and crannies of your home; light them up. Take advantage of layering through the use of key, task and accent lighting. Key lighting will provide basic light function overhead. If used alone, it will provide flat, uninteresting light.

Reading lamps are the perfect approach to task lighting and can be placed on your bedside table or next to your favorite lounge chair. And, accent lighting gives the finishing touch. It highlights details that slip under the radar if left in the dark. Add accent lights to illuminate intricate artwork, plants, cabinet silhouettes and wall textures.