The need for surge protection products has increased dramatically and is expected to grow in the years ahead. Today’s businesses rely on computers and computer systems to support transaction activities essential to the success of the business. If the computer is down, most activities stop. The business comes to a grinding halt. Power irregularities such as surges and spikes create performance problems for the systems handling essential transactions and sensitive information.
How often is a house directly hit by lightning? Not very often, but strikes in the proximity of a home can cause surges in the electrical, telephone or cable television lines that can cause severe damage to electronics. A nearby lightning strike isn’t the only risk. Downed power lines, the cycling on and off of equipment at a nearby factory and even the cycling on and off of appliances in the house can cause damaging surges.
Electric Vehicle Charging Systems: The SEC has established provisions for the future installation of electric vehicle charging equipment. Article 625.27 has been added to establish requirements for physical space in the service equipment to install a future disconnect for electric vehicle charging. The article also requires pre-planning where the panels and charging outlets would be installed. Consideration should also be given to routing raceways to the required parking areas. Article 220.57 identifies the additional electric vehicle load calculations to be added to the service demand loads. It is anticipated at this time that electric vehicles will be available in the Seattle area as early as the fall of 2010.
Water and electricity are a deadly combination. Never use an electric appliance in or around your bathtub, shower or any other wet surface.