Our electricians have been talking to homeowners in Los Angeles about installing chargers for their electric cars — that is, when their electric cars arrive. Mostly, we’ve been working out how the installations will go and setting up appointments because many homeowners are waiting for delivery. If you anticipate delivery of your electric car and want to beat the rush, now’s a good time to get your charger installed.

Nissan has delivered about 800 Leafs since December 2010, but that’s 800 for the entire U.S., not just Los Angeles. Greatly helping with that total, one ship with 600 Leafs sailed for the U.S. the day before the Japanese earthquake and tsunami struck. And then…nothing. As you know, tragically, things just weren’t the same in Japan the next day.

But recovery in Japan is moving along. Nissan has announced the good news that a shipload of electric cars (electric vehicles or “EVs“) will be landing in the U.S. today, April 27th. This is the first shipment of Leafs manufactured since the quake. Right now, demand is way outstripping supply. Over 340,000 people have registered on the Nissan Leaf website. But Nissan closed reservations for purchases of EVs at 20,000 in September 2010. They’re planning a speed-up of deliveries and will be taking new reservations starting May 1.

Of course, there are other electric cars available for middle-income families. The Chevy Volt is an electric hybrid — it can drive about 40 miles on a single charge of its battery and then turns to burning gasoline. By the end of March of this year, over 1,200 Chevy Volts had been delivered to waiting customers. Yes, Chevy has a waiting list, too, but, like Nissan, will be speeding up deliveries as the year goes on.

If you have ordered an electric vehicle and have not yet arranged for installation of an outlet in your garage for your Level 1 charger or installation of your Level 2 charger, find a licensed electrician familiar with the requirements of EV chargers. For more about my company, The Electric Connection — all the stuff you wanted to know but were afraid to ask — . If you’re interested coupons for electrical work, for example, $50 off installation of a Whole House Surge Protector in the L.A. area, click on our electrical work coupon page.

When the day comes for you to retire from work, you might find yourself with a lot more free time and a lot less money. Hopefully, you've planned your savings so you don't have to live your golden years on a shoestring budget, but in any scenario, it’s wise to rein in your spending once you're no longer receiving a regular paycheck. Read on for some advice on how to cut back on your energy usage after you retire and keep your monthly bills under control.

Combat Rising Utility Costs

Unfortunately, most people's energy bills actually go up after they retire. What's the difference? Now that you're home all day, you're paying to heat and cool the house and to power electronic devices during the hours you used to spend at the workplace. Essentially, you lost a little-recognized fringe benefit, since your employer used to pick up the tab for electricity and climate control eight hours a day.

To compound the issue, many retirees are recent empty-nesters as well. With the kids out of the house, you probably experienced a sharp downturn in your utility bills. Now, you'll be all the more likely to notice when they spike back up once you stop going to work.

You Have the Power to Save

You don't have to give in to sky-high utility bills, however. Check out these suggestions on how to save:

For a more thorough analysis of your individual circumstances, don't hesitate to contact an expert to conduct an energy audit on your house. You could see significant savings and enjoy your retirement all the more.

We offer photocontrol LED canopy lights for security lighting, parking garage lighting, gas station lighting, low-bay warehouse lighting, drive-thru lighting, and more. Using powerful LEDs, the light fixtures emit 9,000 lumens of bright natural white light.

The 100-watt LED canopy lights are equivalent replacements for 400-watt metal-halide (MH) fixtures but are designed to last three times longer. A photocontrol option is available to lengthen LED life span even further. The tork light-detecting sensors are designed to save energy by turning the light fixtures off during daytime hours. Shoppers can choose either a 120V AC or 208-277V AC tork sensor for the photocontrol fixtures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These weatherproof LED lights are constructed of dark bronze die cast aluminum housings and shatterproof polycarbonate lenses. The LED canopy lights operate within a wide 90-277V AC range. Each surface-mount LED canopy light is equipped with a Mean Well constant-current driver as well as side and rear knock-outs that allow for various wiring options. A hassle-free five-year warranty fully protects against factory defects and malfunctions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you have questions, don’t hesitate to call us toll free at 866-590-3533. Our customer service and technical support teams are available from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. CDT Monday-Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. CDT on Friday.

 

One of the biggest hazards of your home electrical system is the possibility of an electric shock. Whether there is an accident during an electrician’s work or there is exposed wiring that could shock someone inadvertently, this is a hazard that can cause serious injury and even death. Fortunately, by installing a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), you can help limit the exposure to shock and minimize the danger. Read on to learn more about GFCIs and how they work.

Limit the Danger of Electrocution

Electricity is always trying to find its way to the ground any way it can. Unfortunately, sometimes the most convenient path is through a human body. That's why if you touch a live wire, the current will likely run through you on its path downward. The consequences of electric shocks can include burns, heart arrhythmia, nervous system damage and death. That's why it's essential to protect yourself from shocks around your home, especially if you are using electrical equipment that is likely to contact water.

Ground fault circuit interrupters work by constantly monitoring the amount of current running through a circuit. The instant that the current level returning from the circuit drops below the level going out – which could indicate that the electricity is escaping to the ground, possibly through a human – the GFCI trips and cuts off the power. The device should kick in in as little as 1/40 of a second, potentially saving  you, your family member or your electrician from electrocution.

Where to Install Your GFCI

There are three types of GFCIs available. One is the receptacle type, usually in the form of electric outlets with small black and red switches built in. You can also purchase portable GFCIs to plug into any outlet, and some electricians actually build the GFCI into the home circuit breaker. Any GFCI should have a test button so you can make sure it is working properly before using it – a well-functioning GFCI should trip as soon as you plug in a malfunctioning tool, saving you from even a minor shock.

Ground fault circuit interrupters aren't ideal for every circumstance – very long circuits, permanent motors and fluorescent lights are all prone to tripping the GFCI even when there is no danger. On the other hand, GFCIs can provide crucial protection in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room and other areas where water could compromise a circuit, and are also useful when using power tools around water.

Protect Your Family from Electric Hazards

It's relatively easy to install outlets that have GFCI protection, and it could end up saving your life. If you are interested in installing ground fault circuit interrupters in your house, contact an expert electrician today.