Mechatronics, or mechatronic engineering combines mechanical and electrical engineering to design innovative products and systems. These systems must rely on mechanical and electrical components working together in harmony.

The list includes DVD disc drives, anti-lock braking systems, manufacturing, electric motors and clothes dryers, among others. These devices require electronic controls and feedback systems to interact seamlessly with their mechanical design.

Motor control systems operate by using a programmable logic controller or PLC. This system allows advanced programming and algorithms to dictate a motor’s behavior. Therefore, they can be programmed to control multiple motors or VFDs. A robotic arm or a large factory machine is a good example of this.

In addition, PLCs can accept inputs from a wide range of sensors and switches. This allows precise feedback from the machine it controls. Furthermore, it executes built-in software.

The smallest high-precision motors, DC motors, found in computer hard drives and DVD readers. Due to their miniaturization, they can be easily controlled by computer software to perform nearly any imaginable task. A battery powered quad-rotor drone offers us a prime example of DC motor control. Accelerometers and gyroscopes feeding data into a computer controller adjust the speed of each motor independently to keep the drone flying level.

A simple technology that combines electric motors with feedback control, known as servomechanisms, provides valuable information. They utilize a small electric motor, gearboxes, and a potentiometer to produce accurate position feedback to the motor itself. This ensures that the motor has moved to the correct position. Thus, precise movement control of a motor is possible. Applications of servos include RC car steering, fly-by-wire systems in aircraft, robotics, and industrial control valves.

Servos communicate with computer systems, allowing them to be part of larger mechatronic systems, so they can be controlled by PLCs and computer algorithms.

The field of mechatronics constantly evolves. Therefore, as it does, it incorporates cutting edge computer software and mechanical design, bringing to life new inventions. These breakthroughs make modern-day living much easier and more fun.

Summer is just around the corner and the weather has already been nice enough to drive folks outdoors. The hot summer weather means you will driven to the cool water and spend lots of time outdoors cooking, relaxing and having a good time with family and friends. Before you head outside, it is important you know know and practice some electrical safety tips this summer. An electrician in Beverly Hills has a few easy rules to remember that will help you and your family stay safe this summer. The team at The Electric Connection is here to answer any questions you may have.

1-After a storm has rolled through, check to make sure there are no downed power lines around you. If there are, stay away from them. Do not go near the power lines or touch anything. Stay in your house and call for help.

2-If you are having a yard sale, don’t post your flier or signs on a utility pole. This can damage the pole and cause serious problems. Post your fliers on stakes in the ground or on a bulletin board.

3-Keep all corded appliances at least 20 feet from your swimming pool or hot tub. If your above-ground pool has an electric filter, have a Beverly Hills electrician install an outdoor outlet that is safe for use with your pool and far enough away. Using extension cords is far too dangerous.

4-Teach kids not to throw any shoes or clothing on power lines. Do not ever try and get something off a power line either.

5-Avoid flying kites or remote control planes or helicopters around power lines.

6-Remind kids not to climb trees that are close to a power line. They could inadvertently touch the power line while climbing.

If you have any concerns, talk with your electrician. Beverly Hills residents can enjoy the beautiful summer weather, while staying safe. Give The Electric Connection a call today to learn more electric safety.

A common lighting technology in the commercial space is metal halide, at least in the past it was. At an ever increasing rate, businesses are actively searching for a more efficient lighting system that will allow them to cut energy consumption and in turn; reduce overhead expenses.

When companies or facility managers start their search, they often search for the wrong answer. Here are some common questions that we are asked:

“How many watts does it take to replace a 1000w metal halide light?”

“How can I replace my metal halide light?”

“Is it even possible to replace my metal halide fixture with another technology?”

This post specifically will be covering the first question, as for the other two: be sure to subscribe to our email list to know when new posts go live, we are always pushing out informational content to answer your questions just like these ones!

So.. How many watts does it take to replace a 1000 watt metal halide fixture?

It’s simple a simple concept, yet not at the same time. In short, it’s impossible to know just from that question alone. The reason for this is simple too: you can’t base your decisions off of watts alone. Instead, you need to be basing your decisions off of lumens.

What is a LED equivalent to a 1000w metal halide you can easily find fixtures that output at over 100+ lumens / watt. Especially when you go with quality products from reputable companies, you can reach higher than a 150 l/w output. This will allow you to cut your wattage usage per fixture by 2-3 and sometimes 4 times which will prove to save substantial amounts of energy when you start talking about replacing multiple fixtures.

So we’ve explained what it takes to replace your 1000w metal halide fixture, but what does “replacing” consist of?

Replacing can consist of two things: write in to one of our professionals with your questions.

You have probably heard about standby generators for homes. The generators are meant to keep a home powered during a power outage and have become quite popular over the years. More and more homeowners are making the investment to have a backup source of power as it becomes more obvious the power grid is not able to keep up with the demands. A generator installed by a Glendale electrician is an ideal option for those who rely on electricity and are not okay going without. Is your business any different? The team at The Electric Connection can help you add a safety net to your business operations with the installation of a standby generator.

When the power goes out, your business instantly starts losing money. If you can’t sell your wares or use computers to access accounts and meet deadlines, your business cannot function. There is no reason your business has to be vulnerable to power outages whether they are brief or extended. An electrician in Glendale can help you determine what your electric needs are and what size of generator you would need to stay up and running. You may need to scale back your operation, but you would still be able to have your doors open.

Having a generator for your business keeps your employees working and you are able to continue to serve your customers and clients. There is no need to be completely dependent on a shaky power grid. With a hot summer being predicted, there is a strong chance there will be rolling blackouts. Call an electrician. Glendale business owners need to start thinking about how they will keep their doors open this summer no matter how many power outages they are faced with. Give The Electric Connection a call today and talk with one of our professionals about a generator for your business.

Our dependence on electricity is truly astonishing. In every room of your home you’ll find multiple ways electricity is used that we often take for granted. If not handled with care, electricity can pose serious threats of electric shock and burn. One way that these types of accidents can occur is when babies and children are able to roam freely and get their hands on electrical devices. Consider ways of childproofing your house from potential electrical hazards before a serious accident occurs. Our well-trained team at Expert Electric has compiled a list of measures so that you can get started.

To identify any electrical hazards in your home, start by going room by room. For a more thorough approach, get down on your hands and knees to view the potential hazards from a child’s perspective. At this lower vantage point you are looking at all the electrical outlets, power strip bars and power cords. Be sure to look behind furniture and up on any side tables, dressers or counter tops. Make a list of electrical hazards that you have identified and get to work addressing those issues.

Childproofing your electrical outlets will be one of the most basic and simplest solutions. There are usually multiple outlets in each room and they seem to be attracted to them. Outlets are very tempting little spots on the wall for children to stick random objects into. To prevent this dangerous behavior from happening, install electrical outlet caps or safety plates over the top of unused outlets. This will block children from sticking their fingers and other items into the holes, which can cause the electrical current from flowing to the child. All unused outlets that are accessible to children should be covered.

Power bars are commonly used around the home to power numerous electrical devices located in the same room, such as a television system or computer setup. In these areas, multiple cords are often found tangled up in a pile and are all plugged into one power strip on the floor or in a cabinet. Childproofing a power strip can easily be done to protect your child from dangerous electrical shock or burn. Purchase and install power strip covers on child-accessible power bars. These covers wrap around the power bar and have a hole for the cords to exit. This helps to prevent children from tampering with and pulling out cords. At times gaps may occur in the covers hole, duct tape these areas to prevent little fingers from entering into the cover.

Securing electrical cords will be an important safety measure. If a child can pull on an electrical cord to dislodge the prongs it can create an opportunity for electrical shock. Alternatively, the connected electrical device could fall down due to the tugging and cause an injury to the child’s head. Secure these types of hazards by tucking electrical cables safely out of reach or plugging them in different areas of the room not accessible to children. If the cords are too long, shorten them by rolling up the cord into your hand and tying with a zip tie. Any cords that run along the floor can be a tripping hazard and should be secured with strong tape or a rubber cord cover that can be purchased in any length.

We want to help you have piece of mind about your home and rest easy knowing you’re safe from electrical accidents. For more ideas or questions that you have regarding childproofing your home for electrical hazards, contact our trained and courteous technicians at Expert Electric. Call us today at 604-681-8338.