Surge Protectors

I was sent a question about surge protectors and whether they protect computer components, especially lap top batteries. The most important part of an electrical outlet in terms of computers is the ground. Even a surge protector uses the grounded wire of an outlet to divert spikes or surges in electrical current. Plugging a surge protector into an ungrounded outlet will not fully protect your computer system.

Certified!

I am officially certified as a California Residential electrician. Crammed all night monday night, took the test wednesday morning, and it is done. I passed. Woohoo!

Banana Plugs

I just got a call about soldering banana plugs to speaker wire. I had never even heard of banana plugs, so of course I looked them up on you tube. This video shows how to solder banana plugs to speaker wire.

Painting and Remodel Team Available!

My good friend Naomi and her partner are now available for remodels and general painting gigs.
Naomi has ten years of project management experience and she can help homeowners navigate the design, permitting and construction phases of any project. She can also make 3-d models of additions or new construction. If you are interested please email her at naomikamiya@comcast.net.

Screen Printing

I've been really into screen printing, working on a design for 'wirerunner' and also making shirts for our music collective, 'TripKnight'. Here is the best video that I found on screen printing.

Rain Tight Electrical Wiring

This shed had open inner walls and the roof was not completely enclosed. I used UF cable and all rain tight electrical devices with outdoor covers. The junction box is a replacement of the original indoor box with indoor devices. Luckily the previous electrician had already used UF cable for all of the wiring that existed.

Outdoor Wiring

Here is a great example of what happens when outdoor wiring is done with indoor devices, boxes, wire etc. Here it is easy to see water damage, as well as lots of corrosion and insects. It is important to use U.F. cable when wiring anything that may be exposed to rain or sun. Liquid tight flexible conduit may also be used, as well as E.M.T. As for the devices, they must be installed within an outdoor cover, and it is a good idea to use GFCI receptacles. The boxes must be liquid tight. There is no doubt that over time anything will corrode and get infested with bugs, but this will quickly if indoor products are used outside.