Electric Dimmers
Dimmer is type of lighting control that is used for varying the brightness of a light. This device works by increasing or decreasing the RMS voltage for varying the intensity of light output. Electric dimmers are available in a range of sizes, right from small units used for domestic lighting to high power units used in large theatre or architectural lighting installations.
While small electric dimmers are directly controlled, remote control systems are also available. The large professional electric dimmers are generally controlled by a digital control system.
In the earlier years, electric dimmers were directly controlled by means of a manual manipulation of large dimmer panels. This implied that all power had to come through the lighting control location that could be potentially dangerous.
Types of Electric Dimmers
Dimmers are available in two types:
* Manual Electric Dimmers: These dimmers are used manually for adjusting light.
* Automatic Electric Dimmers: These dimmers are controlled automatically with the help of a programmable device such as timers and photo sensors.
The earlier dimmers were often based on rheostats. These devices were inefficient and when set to the middle brightness levels, they could dissipate a significant portion of the power rating of the load.
Variacs or variable auto transformers were introduced at a later date. These were highly efficient devices and the dimming effect was independent of the load applied, enabling easier designing of lighting that would be attached to each autotransformer channel. Variacs are not used much in residence, but are still used in other applications such as under/over voltage testing of equipment.
Applications
Dimmers are used in numerous applications including:
* Theatre
* Restaurants
* Museums
* Residence
* Offices
* Stores
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Electrical Conduit
Electrical Conduit
An electrical conduit is a tube used for carrying electrical wire for power or communications. These are lengths of solid tubing used for housing, protecting, and covering electrical wiring and cables in power distribution systems.
Types of Electrical Conduit
There are different types of electrical conduits manufactured in the global market depending on their end application. The different types are:
* PVC conduit: PVC conduits are a popular type of electrical conduit used for above ground and underground applications. These conduits are made of high quality PVC and are flexible in nature. The pipes have high electrical strength, impact resistance, tensile strength. These conduits are available in different sizes with diameters ranging from 1/2" to 6". More
* Rigid Steel conduit: This heavy duty pipe has threaded ends. The size can be determined by the inside diameter measurement. The conduit is available in different sizes including 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1 1/2, 2, 2 1/2, 3, 3 1/2, 4, 5, and 6.
* Electrical metallic tubing (EMT): These conduits are relatively easy to bend, cut and form. This light-gauge pipe is also known as a thin wall conduit. These conduits are available from ½ inch to 4 inch diameter.
* Non-metallic conduit or PVC conduit: These conduits are circular in shape and generally corrugated. These conduits are used in under ground installations. These conduits are popular because they provide high strength, have a low absorption rate, watertight joints, and have low installation costs.
* Galvanized rigid conduit (GRC): These metallic conduits are coated with zinc for increasing resistance to corrosion and abrasion.
* Intermediate metal conduit (IMC): These have circular raceways that are rigid and also have thinner walls as compared to rigid metal conduits.
Materials of Construction
Electrical conduits are made of a variety of materials depending on the end use. These are :
* Stainless steel
* Lighter steel
* PVC or plastic
* Aluminum
* Nylon
* Polyester
* Polyethylene
Electrical Conduit Size
Electrical conduits for electrical use range from 3/8" to 6" in size. They vary in terms of shape and function also.
Electrical Conduit and fittings Selection Guide
There are certain important parameters that a buyer must consider while selecting electrical conduits and fittings. These are:
* Size analysis
* Schedules analysis
* Fitting ends analysis
* Features analysis
An electrical conduit is a tube used for carrying electrical wire for power or communications. These are lengths of solid tubing used for housing, protecting, and covering electrical wiring and cables in power distribution systems.
Types of Electrical Conduit
There are different types of electrical conduits manufactured in the global market depending on their end application. The different types are:
* PVC conduit: PVC conduits are a popular type of electrical conduit used for above ground and underground applications. These conduits are made of high quality PVC and are flexible in nature. The pipes have high electrical strength, impact resistance, tensile strength. These conduits are available in different sizes with diameters ranging from 1/2" to 6". More
* Rigid Steel conduit: This heavy duty pipe has threaded ends. The size can be determined by the inside diameter measurement. The conduit is available in different sizes including 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1 1/2, 2, 2 1/2, 3, 3 1/2, 4, 5, and 6.
* Electrical metallic tubing (EMT): These conduits are relatively easy to bend, cut and form. This light-gauge pipe is also known as a thin wall conduit. These conduits are available from ½ inch to 4 inch diameter.
* Non-metallic conduit or PVC conduit: These conduits are circular in shape and generally corrugated. These conduits are used in under ground installations. These conduits are popular because they provide high strength, have a low absorption rate, watertight joints, and have low installation costs.
* Galvanized rigid conduit (GRC): These metallic conduits are coated with zinc for increasing resistance to corrosion and abrasion.
* Intermediate metal conduit (IMC): These have circular raceways that are rigid and also have thinner walls as compared to rigid metal conduits.
Materials of Construction
Electrical conduits are made of a variety of materials depending on the end use. These are :
* Stainless steel
* Lighter steel
* PVC or plastic
* Aluminum
* Nylon
* Polyester
* Polyethylene
Electrical Conduit Size
Electrical conduits for electrical use range from 3/8" to 6" in size. They vary in terms of shape and function also.
Electrical Conduit and fittings Selection Guide
There are certain important parameters that a buyer must consider while selecting electrical conduits and fittings. These are:
* Size analysis
* Schedules analysis
* Fitting ends analysis
* Features analysis
Electric Meters
Electric Meters
An electric meter or electricity meter is a device used for measuring the amount of electrical energy supplied to a residence or company.
There are different types of electric meters available in the market, the most common of them being the (kilo) watt-hour meter or a joule meter. These meters generate invoice of the electricity after recording the measured values. The meter also records the time period for which the electricity was used.
Electric Meter
Unit of Measurement
These meters measure electricity in kilowatt-hour. A kilo watt hour can be explained as the amount of energy used by a load of one kilowatt over a period of one hour, or in other words 3,600,000 joules.
Types of Electric Meters
There are two types of prevalent electric meters being used all over the world. These meters operate by continuously measuring the instantaneous voltage (volts) and current (amperes) and multiplying the two for giving instantaneous electrical power (watts). The two types of electric meters are:
Solid State Meters
Solid state meters are modern electricity meters that display the power used on an LCD, and can be read automatically. These meters are gaining popularity the world over. These meters record useful information like:
* Maximum demand
* Power factor
* Reactive power used etc.
They meters can also have an electronic clock mechanism for computing a value, rather than an amount of electricity consumed. The pricing also varies according to the time of day, day of week, and seasonally.
Most of these meters use a current transformer for measuring current. This essentially means that the main current-carrying conductors need not pass through the meter itself. It can thus be located remotely from the main current-carrying conductors.
Electromechanical Meters
The most commonly used electricity meter is the electromechanical induction meter. This meter operates by counting the number of revolutions of an aluminium disc. This disc rotates at a speed proportional to the power. Thus the number of revolutions is proportional to the energy usage. The meter consumes a small amount of power, around 2 watts. An electromechanical induction meter's performance and accuracy can be affected by creep phenomenon. This occurs when the meter disc rotates continuously with potential applied and the load terminals open circuited.
DC Power Cords
DC Power Cords
Also known as DC power cables, DC power cords are a kind of electrical cables used for connecting two DC devices or a DC device and a DC power source.
Types of DC Products
There are different types of DC products manufactured and available in the market. These include:
* DC power supply cords: This is used for connecting a DC power supply to a device that uses DC power. These power supply cords are available in varying lengths and can have either two or three prongs.
* DC power extension cords: This is used for extending the length of a standard DC power cable. These power extension cords have a plug on one end and one or more sockets on the other.
* DC power adapter cords: This cord has a different type of plug or receptacle on each end.
DC Power Cords Specifications
There are certain important specifications that must be considered while selecting DC power cords. These are:
* Cord length: It is the measure of the cord in meters or feet and includes both connectors.
* Wire shape: The shape of the wire can either be round or flat.
* Jacket material: This will include polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and rubber. While PVC is mostly used indoors, rubber jackets are used for dry and damp areas.
* Maximum cable temperature: This is measured in degrees Fahrenheit or degrees Celsius.
* Rated current
* Rated voltage
Approvals and Certifications
DC power cord manufacturers can take approvals like the UL Mark and the CSA Mark. Underwriters Laboratories (UL): It is a non-profit organization that undertakes various tests of components, systems, and materials according to its published standards for safety. Products receiving the approval of this organization bear a UL Mark.
Canadian Standards Association or CSA is an organization that tests these products on various parameters. Products that get the approval from this organization after meeting specific safety and performance levels bear the mark of the organization.
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is another organization that provides certifications and approvals to manufacturers.
Also known as DC power cables, DC power cords are a kind of electrical cables used for connecting two DC devices or a DC device and a DC power source.
Types of DC Products
There are different types of DC products manufactured and available in the market. These include:
* DC power supply cords: This is used for connecting a DC power supply to a device that uses DC power. These power supply cords are available in varying lengths and can have either two or three prongs.
* DC power extension cords: This is used for extending the length of a standard DC power cable. These power extension cords have a plug on one end and one or more sockets on the other.
* DC power adapter cords: This cord has a different type of plug or receptacle on each end.
DC Power Cords Specifications
There are certain important specifications that must be considered while selecting DC power cords. These are:
* Cord length: It is the measure of the cord in meters or feet and includes both connectors.
* Wire shape: The shape of the wire can either be round or flat.
* Jacket material: This will include polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and rubber. While PVC is mostly used indoors, rubber jackets are used for dry and damp areas.
* Maximum cable temperature: This is measured in degrees Fahrenheit or degrees Celsius.
* Rated current
* Rated voltage
Approvals and Certifications
DC power cord manufacturers can take approvals like the UL Mark and the CSA Mark. Underwriters Laboratories (UL): It is a non-profit organization that undertakes various tests of components, systems, and materials according to its published standards for safety. Products receiving the approval of this organization bear a UL Mark.
Canadian Standards Association or CSA is an organization that tests these products on various parameters. Products that get the approval from this organization after meeting specific safety and performance levels bear the mark of the organization.
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is another organization that provides certifications and approvals to manufacturers.
Extension Cords
Extension Cords
Also known as an extension lead or a power extending cord, an extension cord, is a flexible power cable with one or more sockets on one end and a plug on the other end. It is commonly used in households and other areas. If a cord has different types of plugs and receptacles, it is also known as an adapter cord.
Extension Coard
Extension Cords Types
There are two types of extension cords available in the market depending on the end use. These are:
* Indoor extension cords
* Outdoor extension cords
Both the above types of extension cords are marked with their suitable use. One should never use an inside cord in outside applications and vice versa.
These cords are available in different lengths and thickness for use in different applications. These cords should be chosen depending on the power needed by the appliance, with which the cord will be used. This means higher the power, thicker the cord.
There are specialty cords available for use in the outdoors, wet areas, and in situation where there is exposure to sunlight for a long period of time.
Extension Cords Features
Different extensions cord are provided with safety features. These include:
* Fusible link
* Grounded terminals
* Polarized plug and receptacle
* 'Power-on' indicator
* Residual-current device or GFCI
Extension Cord Variants
There are certain variants of extension cords available in the market for use in different fields. These include:
Multi outlet extension cords: This is a common type of extension cord consisting of a main cable, having a plug connected at one end and a socket connected at the other end. The extension cord is used for conducting electricity to electricity consuming devices that are connected to the sockets. These extension cords have different outlets that are evenly spaced along the length of the cord.
Generator extension cords: These cords are used with a generator for safely redistributing power and also preventing damage to the appliance. The cords are available in varying lengths and amperage ratings for meeting different requirements.
Heavy Duty extension cords: These extension cords are used for high wattage appliances like air conditioners, portable electric heaters, and freezers etc. The cords are used for both outdoor and indoor extensions.
Coiled extension cords: These are simple cords having a very long length and can be easily extended to long distances. These cords are manufactured according to the specifications laid by different industries.
Extension Cords Applications
These cords used in:
* Generators
* Hand tools
* Portable appliances
Buyers Advisory
The following section contains certain important information for buyers in different countries. This information will help them choose the right product according to their requirements.
Most manufacturers provide valuable information on the packing for the help of the buyers. These include:
These cords are labeled with valuable information as to the
* Use of the cord
* Size or gauge of the cord: In the American wire gauge system, larger the wire, smaller the AWG number.
* Length of the cord.
* Wattage rating of the cord.
Manufacturers also ensure that the product has safety enclosures, rating information about electrical current and warning labels for the protection of users and children.
Electrical Sockets
Electrical Sockets
Electrical sockets are the small devices which are used to connect electric appliances to the commercial power supply so that current can flow into them and they can operate. Electrical sockets are paired with electrical plugs and combinedly both of them are responsible for the proper running of the domestic as well as the industrial electrical system.
Electrical sockets also called power sockets are female electrical connectors which have holes or slots inside them. Pins or blades of power plugs are inserted in those slots and then electricity is supplied to the appliances.
Electrical Socket
Holes Inside Electrical Sockets
Usually there are two or three slots or holes in electrical sockets. The two hole sockets are used for two pin plugs and three hole sockets for three pin plugs.
* Two hole sockets: These sockets carry two wires one of which is the live or hot wire carrying alternating current from main AC supply to the appliances. The other wire is the neutral wire which backs the current from the equipment to the mains supply.
* Three hole sockets: In these sockets the function of two wires (live and neutral) are same as in two hole sockets but the additional or the third one is earth or ground wire. In case any fault occurs in the system, the ground wire ensures that the exposed conductive surfaces should be at the same electrical potential equal to the earth. It minimizes the risk of electrical shock in case any person touches the device.
Electrical Socket Materials
Electrical sockets generally have either plastic or metal body.
* Plastic Body: Sockets with a plastic body usually have a separate ground wire to complete the lighting circuit.
* Metal Body: Sockets with a metal body often use the body of the socket itself as the ground connection.
Safety Issues Related to Installing Electrical Sockets
It looks simple to use electrical sockets but it can create potential danger to the users if the wires are not connected properly. Some of the main points to be taken care of are as follows:
* The Connection of live wire to the ground contact is very dangerous. The appliances conductive case is made live and it may cause death.
* If the appliance isn't earthed and a fault is occurred between the live wire and conductive case, then it becomes very dangerous.
* If the system has only a single pole switch and then live and neutral wires are swapped then it creates danger. It does not have any immediate danger but has the possibility of enhancing the risk of shock if anybody tries to work on the appliance without disconnecting it or if there is another fault.
Multi Standard Electrical Sockets
Multi standard sockets have many incompatible plug types. These type of plugs are mainly used in developing countries due to lack of electrical standards. They are able to accept both 120 V and 240 V plugs. Due to a significant difference in the input voltage, the devices are more prone to damage by the wrong voltage. They have one or more earth holes to allow the use of 3 pin plugs. While using such sockets, care should be taken to avoid the use of incompatible voltage and grounding connections.
Certain devices which are best fit for use in these sockets are:
* Those devices or appliances which are designed to auto-adapt to different voltage and frequency standards.
* Those appliances or devices which do not require a ground contact.
Industrial and Multiphase Power(Electrical) Sockets
Industrial and multiphase sockets are used to provide connections to the electrical mains. The electricity used in these fields or industries is rated at higher voltages and currents than domestic plugs and sockets. These sockets are mostly used when there is a requirement of:
* More than two current carrying conductors.
* Polyphase power supply.
* High currents.
* Protection from environmental hazards especially from water.
Power Socket
Types of Electrical Sockets
* Electrical Floor Socket: The floor sockets provide a stiff unit capable of withstanding most office and domestic traffic. These sockets are suitable to provide convenient power and data sockets in large sized open plan offices where wall space is limited. Lids in all sockets have spring mechanism which ensures that the lid remains closed when the unit is not in use.
The floor sockets also provide an operative and exquisite suitable design that is able to improve both domestic and commercial environments. These sockets can be joined to underfloor trunking systems in domestic and commercial applications. They can be used in order to carry power, data and telecom services to different work stations.
* Electrical Extension Sockets: Generally the extension sockets are helpful to the needs of most customers. They can solve the problem occurred due to the too short cords of some electrical equipment. Extension sockets are used to provide power to the electrical devices and appliances. Almost all conventional extension sockets are equipped with a number of sockets for various plugs of different electrical devices. The sockets are two hole as well as three holes.
The extension sockets are made from two conducting strips that connect them with extension cord. They are positioned on the conducting strip holders in the lower shell and then covered and fixed by an upper shell. Then it has two rows of parallel plug holes.
* Electrical Switch Socket: Switch sockets are a type of extension socket that are used to provide power to different electrical appliances. These sockets are provided with several holders to assist more than one device at a time. The special feature in these sockets are the added switches with each of the separate sockets. User can use each socket separately and switch of its power supply individually. There is no need of putting out the plugs out of the sockets.
Switch Socket
* Electrical PLCC Sockets: PLCC sockets, Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier sockets, are used in electronic fields and applications. A PLCC socket is appropriate for use in surface-mount applications. These sockets may be surface mounted or it may use thru-hole technology. The surface-mount PLCC socket would be working with appliances that aren't able to withstand the heat involved during the re-flow process. They are generally used in the electronic-market and are not suitable for the high temperatures.
PLCC Sockets
* Electrical Round Pin Socket: Round pin sockets are simple electrical sockets used to provide electrical power to the different electrical devices and appliances. The most peculiar thing about these sockets is that the holes in these sockets are round. So the plugs to be used in them must be rounded. These sockets are very popular and common in use. Generally there are three holes in these sockets but two hole sockets are also used.
Winding Wires
Winding Wires
Winding wires are among one of the most important types of wire used in electrical industries. They are used in the production of various types of electromagnetic devices like generators, transformers, pumps, control devices and motors. Though a lot of materials are available and suitable for constructing winding wires but copper is the most widely accepted metal for it. Winding wires are either enameled or coated with various types of varnish and other insulating materials.
Copper is the most common conductor used in winding wires. It may be either solid or stranded. It offers very low resistance. The insulation used in these winding wires are made of special and tough grade polymer compounds. These materials make the wire impervious to water, oil, grease, and chemicals.
Applications of Winding Wires
Winding wires are applied in several industries. They are used as very fine wires in electronics and telecommunications applications. Winding wires are used as large insulated and covered wires for large motor and power transformation industries. The use and demand of winding wires are increasing rapidly as the economy of developing countries as well as the developed countries are recovering and surging. So the demand for electricity as well as winding wires is rapidly increasing in these nations. Some of the most important industries where winding wires are used are:
* Automotive
* Domestic appliances
* Electrical rotating machinery
* Transformers
* Other electrical equipment
Varnishing of Winding Wires
Varnishing of winding wires provide a layer of insulation on these wires. The varnishes must have the capability to resist high temperatures. The winding wires are generally composed of a conductive material which is usually copper. This conductor is covered with one or more layers of varnish. Varnishes are comprised of a copolymer which is obtained from a thermoplastic or thermosetting resin. These layers can withstand temperatures up to 200°C. The resin is made of any of the followings materials like
* Polyamide imide (PAI)
* Polyester imide (PEI)
* Polyimide (PI)
* Polyester (PE)
* Polyurethane (PU)
* Polyvinyl acetal (PVA).
Need of varnishing
Varnishes add an extra stability and strength to the winding wires. They improve their ability to withstand partial discharges and voltage peaks at very high temperatures. These insulated varnished winding wires are used in the manufacturing of coils for variable frequency controllers and converters.
Winding Wire Industry
Winding wire is used as semi finished material for generating electromagnetic fields and transforming electrical energy. The industry of winding wire is a mature industry and its market is on the rise. Its use in making different types of electromagnetic devices make them one of the important wires in the electrical industry. The motors, transformers, and generators are the building block of any type of industries, plant or systems. So their use in diverse areas are spreading its market by leaps and bounds.
Double Insulated Submersible Pump Motors Winding Wires
The double insulated winding wires are used for the purpose of winding & re-winding of submersible pumps motors. The especially double insulation of wires is to operate the submersible pumps motor under water over long periods.
Winding wires are among one of the most important types of wire used in electrical industries. They are used in the production of various types of electromagnetic devices like generators, transformers, pumps, control devices and motors. Though a lot of materials are available and suitable for constructing winding wires but copper is the most widely accepted metal for it. Winding wires are either enameled or coated with various types of varnish and other insulating materials.
Copper is the most common conductor used in winding wires. It may be either solid or stranded. It offers very low resistance. The insulation used in these winding wires are made of special and tough grade polymer compounds. These materials make the wire impervious to water, oil, grease, and chemicals.
Applications of Winding Wires
Winding wires are applied in several industries. They are used as very fine wires in electronics and telecommunications applications. Winding wires are used as large insulated and covered wires for large motor and power transformation industries. The use and demand of winding wires are increasing rapidly as the economy of developing countries as well as the developed countries are recovering and surging. So the demand for electricity as well as winding wires is rapidly increasing in these nations. Some of the most important industries where winding wires are used are:
* Automotive
* Domestic appliances
* Electrical rotating machinery
* Transformers
* Other electrical equipment
Varnishing of Winding Wires
Varnishing of winding wires provide a layer of insulation on these wires. The varnishes must have the capability to resist high temperatures. The winding wires are generally composed of a conductive material which is usually copper. This conductor is covered with one or more layers of varnish. Varnishes are comprised of a copolymer which is obtained from a thermoplastic or thermosetting resin. These layers can withstand temperatures up to 200°C. The resin is made of any of the followings materials like
* Polyamide imide (PAI)
* Polyester imide (PEI)
* Polyimide (PI)
* Polyester (PE)
* Polyurethane (PU)
* Polyvinyl acetal (PVA).
Need of varnishing
Varnishes add an extra stability and strength to the winding wires. They improve their ability to withstand partial discharges and voltage peaks at very high temperatures. These insulated varnished winding wires are used in the manufacturing of coils for variable frequency controllers and converters.
Winding Wire Industry
Winding wire is used as semi finished material for generating electromagnetic fields and transforming electrical energy. The industry of winding wire is a mature industry and its market is on the rise. Its use in making different types of electromagnetic devices make them one of the important wires in the electrical industry. The motors, transformers, and generators are the building block of any type of industries, plant or systems. So their use in diverse areas are spreading its market by leaps and bounds.
Double Insulated Submersible Pump Motors Winding Wires
The double insulated winding wires are used for the purpose of winding & re-winding of submersible pumps motors. The especially double insulation of wires is to operate the submersible pumps motor under water over long periods.
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