As the rest of the world is observing Discovery Channel®’s legendary Shark Week 2014, we at Mr. Electric® took it upon ourselves to set aside this time to celebrate what we have endearingly termed Spark Week. While the fascinating facts and featured film clips of the mystifying creatures are fun and interesting to watch, we believe the electric spark is just as deserving of our appreciation for a week as sharks are – especially taking into consideration that electricity wouldn’t exist without it.

As far back as 600 BC, a Greek philosopher by the name of Thales of Miletus discovered that when amber is rubbed with a cloth, it can be electrified and attract other objects and produce sparks. German mathematician and philosopher Gottfried Leibniz made the association of sparks with electrical phenomena in 1671. There were some more experiments performed in 1708 by Samuel Wall with amber rubbed with cloth to produce sparks. And finally, the story we are all familiar with, in 1972 Thomas-Francois Dalibard and Benjamin Franklin each independently demonstrated that lighting and electricity were the same thing. Ben even extracted sparks from a cloud during a thunderstorm with his famous kite experiment.

The discovery of the electric spark encouraged electrical research. Once scientists began to understand how electric sparks occurred in nature, the question became how that power could be harnessed and controlled. This was the beginning of electricity.

Spark plugs begin the combustion in your car’s engine, allowing you to start your car every morning. The discovery of the electric spark led to the development of spark-gap transmitters. While these transmitters are no longer used in radio communication today, they played a large part in the beginning of wireless communication. Without sparks, you would have a much harder time driving, listening to music, and even seeing in the dark. The discovery of sparks is one of the most important scientific advances in history, so don’t forget to celebrate Spark Week!

A Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) receives information from one or more inputs. This semiconductor control device processes the information based on a software program. Finally, it sends an output control signal. The microprocessor based control system performs functions such as timing, logic, sequencing and others. The PLC follows instructions from an operator-defined program.

These intelligent systems provide reliable, high-speed monitoring and control of processes in automated applications. In addition, they are easy to program and configure.

Once the program updates the output, the CPU starts over and the cycle repeats again. The cycle depends on the number of inputs, outputs, and size of the program, while the action will depend on the inputs coming from a variety of sensors.

The input sensors include components such as switches, proximity sensors, photoelectric sensors, pressure switches, level switches, encoders and temperature sensors, while the output devices include actuators, relays, switches, and many more.

PLCs rely on software programs that help them in making the necessary decisions. The PLCs are programmed through a variety of tools, which may differ in ease of use, appearance, and complexity. The most commonly used PLC programming language is Ladder Logic, a graphical software that uses common electrical symbols. Other languages include Function Block Diagram (FBD), Sequential Function Chart (SFC) and Structured Text (ST).

The programming is done on the device such as a computer or handheld device after which it is transferred to the PLC memory using a communication interface.

Selecting a suitable PLC that will address your current and future needs can be a challenge, especially with the large number of different PLCs on the market today. The available PLCs have varying capabilities, physical sizes, complexity, cost, power requirements, scalability and other parameters. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the correct programmable logic controller for your specific application. Special systems can be designed for use in harsh environments.

The Programmable Logic Controller has revolutionized and simplified controls in automation and industrial applications. PLCs are easy to install, wire, program and modify to suit changing application requirements. These control systems are usually available in a wide range of sizes that ensure finding exactly what you need for any application.

By: Jason Lee

Halloween is over which means the holidays are officially here. That means the relatives are on their way and you’ll be using your large appliances more often causing your electric bill to look scary long after Halloween has ended. Don’t let the increase in relative visits and vampire electric devices drive up the electric bill.

To keep the electric bill down, remember to only use the dishwasher when it is full. Running the dishwasher when it is only half full will amount to a lot more energy consumption.

Items like washers and dryers are guilty of consuming more energy during the holidays too. Washing clothes in cold water and setting the dryer on low heat will help in reducing the electric bill.

Knowing when to say goodbye to your old system is another way to save on energy. Older appliances run up the electric bill. If you have an appliance that is over 10 years old, consider replacing it with a newer, energy efficient model.      

It is also a good idea to have all large household appliances connected to their own dedicated circuit. To many of these large appliances operating at the same time on the same circuit can cause a blown fuse or a tripped breaker. A dedicated circuit for each large electrical household appliance will keep this from happening.

Lastly, don’t let your everyday electrical devices like laptops, cell phones or tablets get greedy and hog the power outlets. Only charge these items when they need it.                                                     

You’ll have enough to worry about as the holidays set in. Take the electric bill off the list by doing these simple energy savings tips from Mr. Electric.

Bring out the constitution in your house with top quality decorative lighting. Put your trust in the lighting experts at Capitol Lighting, and your American dream home will come to light.  With premier service and selection, Capitol Lighting is the place to find the most up-to-date home lighting strategies and applications, including expert foyer fixture installations.

Our three-step guide will help you custom-design a beautiful home entry zone with just the right illumination.

Expert Foyer Fixture Installation:

Visit a Capitol Lighting showroom for more excellent lighting ideas and view the latest collections from the world’s most distinguished vendors. Enjoy promotional pricing on select merchandise, including these unique finds from Savoy House:

For over 35 years, Troy Lee and his crew at Savoy House have been providing design inspiration to the most discriminating designers and homeowners throughout the nation. A breathtaking array of thrilling new finishes, styles, and accent pieces masterfully brought to life by skilled artisans, awards freedom to create a unique vision at home.

“A retail icon for over eight decades, Capitol Lighting is the choice of purveyors of fine lighting. Committed to bringing their clientele the best the world offers in fine decorative lighting, Capitol’s superb management and sales staff does it like no else can do it. Come and experience the reason we at Savoy House Lighting are proud to proclaim Capitol Lighting as our home.” — Troy Lee – Chairman & President, Savoy House.

When Your House Calls, Capitol Lighting listens! From our House to your house, Capitol Lighting delivers the light.

Energy Smart concepts in home lighting make for a brighter future for America.  Join Capitol Lighting’s efforts to keep America moving forward, planning wisely for future generations, and illuminating the world with thoughtfulness and in good taste.

Top 5 Reasons to Become an Energy Smart American:

You’ll never sacrifice style and artistry with these energy-saving innovations from Savoy House:

*Energy saving CFL (compact fluorescent) bulbs and uniquely crafted opaque glass are included with these fixtures to provide a pleasingly soft illumination.  NOTE:  If you use compact fluorescent bulbs on an incandescent fixture, the spiral glass of the bulb will be in plain sight if the glass of the fixture is clear.

Visit a Capitol Lighting showroom or call 1800lighting.com for even more ways to celebrate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.  Just in time for CitiZENship Day, these new arrivals from Savoy House will bring out the ZEN in your home: