Now encroaching into Post-Graduate territory, the 20+ year-old student has a more refined set of needs. Cool isn’t a requirement as much as function. The grad student is faced with the problem of desperately wanting to be a sophisticated adult, but is hindered by full schedules and mounting education costs. Be a hero by giving your favorite 20-something student a gift that acknowledges this new phase of their life:

Electricity exists everywhere, from high voltage power lines to phones and computers. Understanding the basics of how it works remains essential to using it safely and efficiently.

When electricity travels from a positive lead to a negative lead in a circuit powered by a battery, it is considered direct current. This type of current powers electronics, LED lights, and cars. Alternating current is generated from rotation, usually by a generator. The direction of the current and the voltage flips as the generator completes a rotation. The faster the generator spins, the faster the flipping of current direction occurs. In North America, the typical frequency of AC power is 60hz or 60 alternations per second. The advantage of AC power is that the voltage can be stepped up easily by use of a transformer, which allows high voltage transmission. AC power is also useful for electric motors.

Specifically, power is a measure of energy usage over time. The standard unit of power is the watt and calculated as P (watts) = V (volts) x I (amps). Utility companies sell electricity in units of kW*h (kilowatt hours), which is simply one kilowatt of power delivered continuously over one hour.

Breaker panel wiring is perhaps one of the most important parts of your home’s wiring system. If there is a problem here, it could lead to a fire as well as the risk of your electrical system failing extensively. The only way to know for sure that your electrical system is working properly and that your breaker panel wiring is safe is to have an experienced, licensed electrician take a closer look at it.

The breaker panel wiring in your home is the hub of your electricity. This panel helps to direct where and how electricity flows through your home, and it can play a very important role in keeping your electricity functioning well. It also has a lot of electricity running through it. If you are unsure of whether or not it is working, it is always best to call an electrician. Troubleshooting this panel on your own can be risky.

Just by looking at your breaker panel’s wiring, you may be able to pinpoint specific areas of concern. There are a few key things to look for and to take action against if you do spot them. This includes: