Electric wires and cables are the lifeline of most if not all industrial applications. If your cables fail, your entire system comes to a halt leaving you with costly downtime and loss of profit.

As a busy manager or department head in any industrial plant, you always have a lot to worry about every day. Implementing and following some basic guidelines will extend the lifespan of your cables, reduce downtime, decrease safety and non-conformance issues and increase the overall efficiency of the plant.

Here are some common practices for proper wire and cable care:

1. Choose an Effective Approach

Study the various electrical wires and cables in their respective departments.

Are you thinking that it might be a good time to install solar panels for your home? More correctly, there has never been a better time to invest in solar panels. Why is it such a good time to install solar panels?

For starters, there are incredible federal tax rebates currently in place that allow you to detect a portion of the expense of installing the panels from your taxes. About a third of that cost, no matter the cost, can be subtracted from your taxes.

The California Solar Initiative was put in place a few years back to encourage residents to take advantage of one of our most abundant resources: sunshine. Now, you may be eligible for a variety of monetary incentives to install a home solar array. The policies are extremely varied across the state, and many of them have expired. Some areas still have potential for Solar Incentives, so acting now could save you additional money.

There is already a favorable picture of the solar installation scene right now, but it gets even better when you consider solar leasing. Solar leasing isn’t the right choice for everybody, but it has tremendous allure, too. Basically, solar leasing is a partnership between you and a solar installation contractor. They install the system and you pay back the cost of the materials over time. Even as they pay down their solar lease, many residents enjoy savings on their power bills, too. You might even be eligible for free installation, making the proposition an investment of zero dollars for a lifetime of savings.

If you’re interested in the potential of solar panels and solar leasing, call us to discuss your options. We can get you started with a quote over the phone today and soon have a solar array up at your house. It’s never too late to start saving, so start today!

Is it time to replace your old dryer? Great news: The federal Energy Star program has started certifying clothes dryers, making it easy to pick out the most cost-effective and efficient models. Read on to find out what the change means and how to pick out the best model for your home.

Moisture and Heat Settings

The upside is clear: “ENERGY STAR certified dryers use 20 percent less energy than conventional models without sacrificing features or performance,” the program promises. So what took so long for dryers to get the federal efficiency stamp of approval?

“With dryers there are fewer major variables to manipulate — mostly it’s drying time and the amount of heat provided,” said Emilio Gonzalez, a Consumer Reports test engineer, so it was harder to find adjustments to meet the standard.

How did manufacturers finally find the extra energy savings?

The savings are not trivial. Energy Star claims that if every household in America switched over, consumers would save a total of $1.5 billion annually in utilities. The reduction in pollution would be the same as taking 2 million cars off the road.

Upgrade the Laundry Room

The first certified models are already available -- find a list of them on the Energy Star directory, which allows you to compare size, fuel type, energy use and other factors.

If you have a gas hookup in your laundry room, consider purchasing a gas-powered dryer. These models have a higher price tag but are more efficient across the board than their electric cousins. No matter what kind of dryer you buy, make sure you adhere to the following tips so you get the most for your money:

By: Maddie Ogletree

Your spring renovation isn’t complete without a functionality update for your electrical outlets. Standard outlets just won’t cut it anymore when it comes to powering your home and electronics. You’ll be surprised at how much a few simple upgrades can make your life more convenient.

USB outlets are becoming a necessity for charging your phone, tablet and other electronic devices. It’s always an inconvenience to lose that little white iPhone adapter. But if your outlets are equipped for USBs, your life is a little bit easier. USB outlets are becoming the standard for homes. You can easily plug in your device while you’re in the kitchen, home office or bedroom with a USB upgrade.

Bulky, inconvenient nightlights aren’t your only option. New outlets like the SnapPower outlet feature a nightlight as part of their design. When you turn the lights out, the nightlight comes on, illuminating the outlet from below. No longer do you need to unplug the light to charge your computer. It’s a simple idea to add to your spring remodel!

If you’re undertaking a bathroom renovation, adding an outlet inside of a drawer or cabinet is a way to conveniently power electric razors, hairdryers and more styling tools. If you add in a USB plug as well, you’ll keep your phone charging while you get ready to take on the day.

This idea can also carry over to creating a charging station in your bedroom or living room. Install a couple of plugs in the back of a drawer and let your devices charge without the unsightly wires sprawling everywhere.

Recessed outlets in the kitchen are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason! Keep your kitchen surfaces free from wires until you need them by conveniently hiding those not-so-pretty plugs. There are a variety of pop out outlets that let you stylishly hide your outlets when you don’t need them.

If you’re in need of a little help updating your outlets, we’d love to give you a hand with your spring renovations! Call Mr. Electric today to find out more.