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LED BULB AND DIMMER COMPATIBILITY

Friday, May 1st, 2020

Not all LED bulbs are dimmable.  Not all LED bulbs and dimmers are compatible with each other.  Some signs of incompatibility are flickering bulbs, bulbs may not turn on, humming/buzzing noises.  An on line search for the lamp or dimmer can help you determine compatibility.  LED technology changes very rapidly, so be sure you are looking at the most current information.

PIMA COUNTY LIGHTING ORDINANCE

Friday, May 1st, 2020

In 2012 the City of Tucson/Pima County adopted an outdoor lighting code (ordinance) for protection of access to the dark night sky.  This ordinance is in place to accommodate the observatories in the area, such as Kitt Peak.  Less light pollution allows for better viewing.  The ordinance requires exterior light fixtures to have full cutoff so that “no light can occur at or above an angle of 90 degrees”, and “the rated color temperature of light sources shall not exceed 3500K”.  The ordinance allows for class 2 misdemeanor fines for entities that do not comply.  Most fixtures that can be purchased on line do not comply with the ordinance.

Whole home/office surge suppression systems

Thursday, June 19th, 2014

Spikes in electricity can destroy electronic equipment in your home or office. These surges, many times caused by lightning storms, can destroy your computers, office equipment, heating & cooling systems. televisions, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, stereos, gaming and home theater equipment beyond repair. Virtually anything that contains electronic components and that you have connected to your building wiring is in danger. Small power strip surge protectors are not your best choice. Whole house surge suppressors installed by a licensed professional electrician can save you from costly replacements or repairs.

What is whole home/office surge suppression? Surge suppression equipment keeps all of your electrical devices safe from sudden surges and spikes in the electrical power supplied to your home or business. Power surges can damage any type of electrical equipment, particularly if it contains electronic components. What has become known as a whole home or office surge suppression system, this type of protection is generally attached at the main service panel usually located adjacent to the electric meter. These devices are intended to stop voltage surges from entering a buildings wiring via the conductors extending from the service equipment, thereby protecting all of your equipment attached to your electric service.

While surge protector strips can protect just a few 120 volt electronic devices (computers, monitors, TV’s, etc.), a surge suppressor installed at your service panel can diffuse a power surge from ever entering the building and will provide protection for 120 volt as well as your 240 volt equipment. Many home and office owners have a false assumption that surge protection is simply a matter of plugging their devices into a low-cost, multi-outlet surge suppressor. These devices often fail, while a surge suppressor is much more reliable and provides greater protection.

About Duffy Electric

Duffy Electrical Contractors, Inc. is a full service electrical contractor. We are licensed, bonded, and insured. From the simplest of jobs to the most complex, we do them all.

What Are Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters? Answers from Duffy Electric

Monday, December 3rd, 2012

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters…what you should know from Duffy Electric in Tucson, Arizona

GFCI functions by electronically sensing current flow differential between two current carrying conductors (hot/neutral).  Should a difference of five milliamps be detected (5/1000 of an ampere, .6 watts) the device will be tripped out.  It de-energizes itself and all receptacles being protected by it downstream.  This serves to provide personal protection from electrical shock.  This is its proper function.

Rather than blame the GFCI, look for a problem with connected loads.

1.) Unplug all appliances, lights, cords, tools, etc.

2.) Reset the tripped GFCI receptacle.

3.)Plug-in all items disconnected in #1 , one at a time.  Operate the device.  If no tripping occurs, plug in another item.  Follow the same procedure one item at a time.  When the GFCI trips, the last item plugged in is the source of the problem.

4.) Leave the item unplugged until it is repaired or replaced with a properly functioning item.  Reset your GFCI.

Duffy Electrical Contractors has been serving Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana, Vail, Green Valley, Sahuarita, SaddleBrooke and Southern Arizona with complete electrician services since 1969. Our services include work in residential, commercial, industrial and institutional buildings.

No matter the size of the job, we stand ready to provide you the very best value for your electrical dollar by providing exceptional knowledge, expertise, and experience in electrical construction, additions, and repairs. Please call us today at 520-624-8617 for your complimentary consultation.

 

Duffy Electric Launches New Web Site

Monday, June 4th, 2012

Our main website at www.duffyelectric.com has been redesigned with a fresh new look, new information and new navigation, bringing you all the latest news, products and services from Duffy Electrical Contractors Inc.

Take a moment to browse around, and don’t hesitate to contact us.