FPE Electrical Panels Present Danger to the Home
Electrical panels literally fade into the wallpaper in many homes. They are rarely noticed until there is an electrical problem, such as a tripped breaker, or when an inspector or electrician needs to visit the home. An electrical panel is basically the point where all of the wiring for homes or businesses comes together at one single point. This allows for the electricity coming from the outside to be discontinued, via breakers, to one room or the entire dwelling. Also, the electrical panel holds the breakers that will ‘trip’ in the case of an overload, automatically cutting off the areas that caused the overload. An example of this is like not being able to use your microwave and hair dryer at the same time, because they will cause a breaker to trip. This means that somewhere in the electrical lines there is a problem. The breaker tripping is in effect an effort to stop an overload of electricity, and possible fire.
Federal Pacific Electrical Company was the top manufacturer of electrical panels for 30 years, starting in the 1950s.
Panels they produced were installed in homes and businesses all over the States, and no one knew the sleeping dragon they had introduced into their home or place of business. Even electricians did not understand the full dangers of the FPE panels until problems started cropping up in spectacularly dangerous ways. Malfunctions in FPE breakers were extremely common, and lucky home owners would catch this problem just as it was occurring at the panel.
Rumors About FPE Panels Spread
Many rumors laced with a large grain of truth started to circulate in the inspecting and electrician community. Some inspectors were told not to touch an FPE panel because they were notorious for arcing, causing electrocution that many were lucky enough to walk away from. On the downside, the arcing also caused painful injuries, and even death, as well. The panels would smoke, and in some cases, catch fire. This was another deadly, frightening aspect. Home owners would go to sleep, blissfully unaware that they may or may not wake up with their home burning down around their ears. For home owners aware of the dangers, but not quite willing to believe them fully, these panels often became no touch zones, better for their electrician to tinker with. A point of fact is that it is always safer to allow an electrician to work on a panel box of any brand or type.
FPE Panel Dangers Still Exist in Many Older Homes
FPE dangers still exist for the homes they remain installed in. An FPE panel may work well for years with no complications whatsoever, but when they malfunction, the results can be terrifying. Unchecked, with FPE breakers not doing their job, a massive surge of electricity could infiltrate a home, until electrical wires short or melt, generally in the walls or at the panel. What is the response time for your fire department?
If You Have One of These Panels Have it Inspected
As stated before, while many FPE Panels continue to work with no problem for years, it may be a good idea to talk with an electrician about possibly changing this panel out to one that is safer, or about inspecting its current safety. It is never wrong to overestimate the safety of loved ones and possessions where electricity is a concern. The dangers associated with the panels are not an event isolated to one or two cases. Replacing an FPE Panel or having it thoroughly inspected should be a real priority on your list. Get an opinion on yours from a professional, licensed electrician and listen to what he or she has to say. Do not underestimate the dangers of these panels. It may just save your home, your possessions, and your life.
ProLectric provides customers with fully licensed and qualified, drug-free and carefully background-checked electricians. We will be happy to come to your home or business to look over your electrical panel to ensure that you have the safest system possible. There is no charge for this service. We will not pressure you into any services that you do not need, and our staff is fast, friendly and courteous. You can depend on the best electrical service in Harris and Galveston Counties to offer the most knowledgeable, reliable service you could ask for. Call Today at 866-371-3804 or schedule an appointment on-line at: Schedule Electrician
Home Builder Timber Grove
Custom Builder Houston Excels in Combining Classic with Modern
How do you combine classic architectural style such as authentic antebellum gas lamps, hardwood floors and stained glass windows with modern amenities such as spa baths, stainless steel and surround sound? One Custom Builder in Houston knows.
Houston TX, July 2010 - Some people want everything modern, while others want to capture the timelessness of classical architecture and style. They are nostalgic for the Southern homes with huge front porches, wrought iron gates and private rear property garage entrances that won't spoil the curb appeal. One look at Whitestone Builders' website at http://www.whitestonebuilders.com will confirm both types would be perfectly at home in one of their custom builder Houston houses.
Touches such as large family rooms, with ample electrical outlet plugs located in the baseboards so they are less obtrusive, which open to a gourmet kitchen with granite, stainless steel and custom built cabinetry is just one of the features that make potential homeowners grin with delight. But first, they are awed as they walk up the brick paths onto the covered front porch large enough for rocking and sipping lemonade on cool summer evenings. Once inside, they see how spa-like baths are decorated with a flair for the nostalgia, libraries are donned with authentic antique doors and parlors show off elegantly winding staircases Scarlet O'Hara might be proud to descend.
Principals David Gordon and Graham Gamble explain. "If you can imagine a home that encompasses your individuality, your dream and your history, then you have imagined a Whitestone home."
Whitestone Builders has houses available in the Inner Loop Houston neighborhoods such as the Heights. Each house is custom crafted and unique, yet the theme of classic excellence is evident in each offering. For a truly Custom Home Builder Houston style, log onto http://www.whitestonebuilders.com to schedule a private tour.
Author: Julie B. Cosgrove, freelance writer for Examiner.com
Whitestone Builders
David Gordon, Graham Gamble
5818 Dove Ridge, #200, Houston TX 77041
Phone Number: (832) 274-3848
Website: http://www.whitestonebuilders.com
Company email: dgordon@whitestonebuilders.com or ggamble@whitestonebuilders.com
Electrician Galveston
Looking for an electrician in the Galveston area? Contact ProLectric today! We are a full service electrical contractor serving Galveston and the mainland. ProLectric is a licensed electrical contractor state license TECL25741. We are also licensed by the City of Galveston.
Electrical Contractor Services Include:
|
|
Call today at 409-440-9320-Same day service or visit us on-line at: Galveston Electrician
Expert Electrical Contractor-ProLectric
Need an expert master electrician call the electrical contractor ProLectric for a free estimate 866-371-3804. Same day service is available.
Journeyman Electrician Job-Houston-Galveston
Electrician Job Houston-Galveston Service Area
ProLectric is now hiring qualified journeyman electricians.
Journeyman Electrician Job Requirements:
If you cannot meet the following requirements - DO NOT APPLY
- Must hold a Texas Journeyman's Electrical License
- Must be able to pass a background screen - Felons need not apply
- Must be able to pass a drug screen test
- Must have a clean driving record - DWI or DUI on the record -do not apply
- Must be clean cut - NO VISABLE TATTOOS, piercing's, or long hair
- Must be technically competent and able to troubleshoot electrical circuits independently
- Must be friendly and customer oriented
- Must be willing and able to work 40+ hours per week
- Must be willing to rotate in weekend hour and on call shifts
- Must be serious about growing with a company for the long term
Yes, that's quite a list. But we are serious about having the right people join our team. If you can meet those requirements we would love to hear from you. This is an excellent opportunity to have a true career with an up and coming electrical contractor that is poised to make strong growth in the Houston to Galveston area.
Journeyman Electrician Benefits Include:
- Competitive Salary
- Incentive Pay
- Paid Vacation
- Company Supplied Vehicle
- Company Supplied Uniforms
- Opportunity for Advancement
Journeyman----How to Apply:
Email your resume to: kathy@ProLectricLLC.com or fax to 409-440-7951. Upon receipt of your resume we will contact you for an interview so be sure to include a contact phone number and the best time to reach you.
Electrician City of Jacinto
ProLectric is proud to announce that it is now a registered electrical contractor for the city of Jacinto City in Houston. Our master electrician Jimmy Bankston is currently working on a large commercial electrical project in Jacinto City.
If you live in the Jacinto City please feel free to give us a call for a free estimate - call 866-371-3804.
Prolectric in Hitchcock, TX – Electrical Contractors: Yellow Pages Directory Inc.
via Prolectric in Hitchcock, TX - Electrical Contractors: Yellow Pages Directory Inc..
Copper Gutters – Perfect For Any Home
When it comes to making certain that your rainwater systems operate their best, it isn’t something which is tough to accomplish. Copper gutters are really effortless to care for and most homeowners find that they don't often need to care for their guttering system more than a couple of times per year. This is naturally a large advantage for property owners who might not have the time to continually take care of their copper gutters.
Generally, the only real outlay of energy when it concerns protecting copper gutters is just keeping them devoid of clutter and the accumulation of leaves and other plant life that is going to trigger a blockage because, it goes without saying, if guttering becomes clogged it can't carry out its feature correctly.
Copper Gutters – Great For Any Structure
The appearance, versatility and efficiency of copper gutters make them the best option for any sort of building from terraced streets to old country homes. For those customers looking for an extremely high level of efficiency and value for money from their rainwater systems, it is clear that they need look no further than copper gutters and numerous benefits which occur from using this variety of guttering around the home.
Copper gutters are something that are not only highly well-designed but which are also hugely visually attractive and it is for this reason that countless homes across the UK can be witnessed to make use of this sort of rainwater system. Anyone who has come across this type of guttering will have found it hard not to have been amazed by the visual presence it offers and its capacity for enhancing the appeal of the exterior of a property.
Maintaining your copper gutters is something that will take no time at all and is only necessary at a few intervals throughout the year – especially during the autumn months when the leaves drop from the trees. Clearly, a build up of leaves in your copper gutters will have a detrimental influence on their performance because they will become clogged and incapable of removing the build up of water away from the brickwork and roof of a home.
Journeyman Electrician Requirements in Texas
So what does it take to become a journeyman electrician in Texas. It mostly boils down to hands on experience under the supervision of a master electrician. Here are the exact numbers:
- 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a master electrician
- Passing score on the journeyman electrician examination
8,000 hours. That equals about 4 years. The electricians in the field may feel like that is forever, but the time provides much needed experience. It gives them plenty of opportunity to see most all of the problems that present themselves. In this four years an apprentice electrician will grow and become an expert.
The journeyman's test is not difficult if you head into it well prepared. There are several preparation courses in the Houston area. I would highly recommend that you take one of these. If at the very least they will put you in the testing mode!
Yours for electrician info,
Jimmy Bankston
Master Electrician-ProLectric
Tips On The Best Way To Grow An Herb Garden
Some people just seem to have a green thumb and a real knack for growing fresh herbs to make gourmet meals. Using herbs grown in a kitchen window can enhance any meal. Most people think that methods to grow an herb garden are complicated but in truth, they are quite easy. The great thing is that herbs don't require special soil, they can be grown throughout the year, and the garden could be grown in a window sill, this makes a great project for anyone, even apartment dwellers.
The best time to grow an herb garden starts in early spring with tiny seeds. As the weather becomes warmer, the young plants could be transplanted outdoors. For the seeds, these would be grown in four inch pots and then placed in a location with lots of sunlight. Keep in mind that while standard containers work well, any type of container could be used as long as the seeds have room to grow. Most important, if you choose anything other than a new container, use a mixture of three teaspoons bleach to a gallon of water to wash it out carefully, rinse, and then dry to kill any organisms.
If you choose a larger container, then several herbs of the same kind or different herbs could be grown together. For the best flavor from fresh herbs, flower heads need to be removed. When choosing herbs, there are annuals, which grow only one year, and perrinials, which return each year. Some of the favorite choices include basil, oregano, and parsley. If you want to grow a herb garden outside, you could choose larger plants that include lavender and rosemary, among others. Then, for perennials, you might think of herbs such as chives, mint, sage, etc. Along with pinching off flower heads, if herb plants get leggy, the stems would also need to be clipped back.
If you have poor soil such as heavy clay you may want to consider growing an herb garden in a raised bed. Raised bed planter boxes can be made easily and filled with a rich soil mixture. These boxes provide great drainage that most all herb garden plants require. Place the planter boxes in an area that receives plenty of sun, possibly even a spot near the kitchen for easy access. These planters are also great for planting and growing summer veggies or spring and
summer flowers for cutting.
Organic herb gardening is really easier than you think. You can begin today to grow your own herbs such as basil, chives, tarragon, lavender, mint, oregano, parsley, marjoram, thyme, rosemary, and sage today. Freshly cut herbs add so much more flavor to any recipe.