Automation lies at the core of much of our modern lives. However, it evolves at radical speeds. The simple concept, to build a machine to perform a task without human intervention, was the engine of the industrial revolution. Now that concept is the driving force behind robotics, self-driving vehicles, and a wide range of advanced technologies.

Most automated tasks are part of a closed-loop system. This system is designed so that the outputs are monitored and fed back to the controller. The controller changes its operation as needed. An example of a closed-loop system is a home thermostat, which monitors the air temperature. When the low set-point is reached, a contact closes in the thermostat, beginning a furnace lighting cycle. As the furnace runs, the room air temperature increases until the high set-point is reached. The contact opens and ends the furnace burn cycle. This is automation.

With electrical relays, it is possible to achieve a variety of automatic functions. A motor starter uses a relay to close a contact that sends electrical power to a motor. In addition, it closes a set of auxiliary contacts that keep the main relay closed. A control mechanism, such as a temperature input or a stop button, can be wired in series with the auxiliary contact. This allows for control of the motor. An expansion of relay logic is the programmable logic controller or PLC. Instead of mechanical relays, a PLC uses a set of input and output contacts connected to a computer controller. Software in the controller then dictates how the inputs and outputs interact. They additionally execute specific patterns of operations, based on programmed ladder logic.

You aren’t blinking without realizing it; you aren’t sleepy or imagining things. Your eyes aren’t tricking you—your lights are flickering. There are a few different reasons the lights in your home might be flickering, so read on to figure out what your problem is, as well as whether it’s a simple fix, or cause to contact a professional here at Hoffman Electrical!

Our team has been providing top-class electrical services to Tampa and the surrounding areas for nearly three decades. Our team has the skill and experience needed to suss out your flickering light problems, guaranteed.

One of the most exciting innovations in lighting in recent years has been the light emitting diode (LED) bulb, which promises to usher in a new era of energy efficiency. These bulbs use considerably less power than a traditional incandescent light and even a compact fluorescent (CFL) bulb while providing the same amount of illumination. They can also last many years longer.

But one of the most important features of LED lights is that they can be connected to a network, and with the power of the internet, your lighting can become "smart," anticipating when the house is occupied and when it is vacant, as well as adjusting brightness to better accommodate your lifestyle.

The term “light box” can mean a few different things, but from a lighting perspective it typically refers to a backlit display panel. Light boxes are most commonly used for advertisements or other commercial displays. You’ve probably seen them in trade show booths, restaurants, airports, nightclubs, offices, hotels, museum exhibits, and retail shops. That’s right, light boxes are everywhere.

One of the most common uses for light boxes is the commercial advertisement. You see these in large spaces like terminals or outdoors at bus stops. They capture the attention of passers-by and create lasting impressions. The light box pictured below is one of the biggest I’ve ever seen.

One of the most obvious places you’ll see light boxes are along the walls inside and outside of movie theaters. Sometimes lines of light boxes stretch incredible distances, advertising all the movies being shown in large theaters.

In fact, light boxes can be a fun addition to any home and can be used for as many purposes as you can imagine. Sure, you could illuminate a movie poster of your daughter’s favorite movie. But you could also make a custom sign saying whatever you want. I really like the light box below, created at home for home.