Demand for the electric cars has been on upward trend over the last few years. However, manufacturers and car owners still face a challenge due to the limited battery capacity which necessitates the need to keep on recharging after traveling a certain distance.

Despite the benefits of charging the electric cars at home, most residential installations, especially the older ones, may not support the systems. But the consumers can upgrade these to accommodate the additional load. The upgrade depends on the existing wiring, panel, capacity and charging station power requirements.

electrical wiring and capacity, and the charger voltage and level. The electric car owner must first decide on the preferred type of charger and time, and then compare its power requirements with the existing capacity at home.

Some chargers require 120V while others work on 240V and each takes different times to fully charge the batteries.  Higher voltages will require dedicated circuits and upgraded wiring, breakers, panel and service entrance.

Other upgrades include the price plan, metering, and compatible outlets or provision for hard-wiring. If you are installing a DC charging is very fast; it uses about 400-volt direct current and is capable of reaching full charge in about 15 minutes. This is a complicated method and may require significant upgrades in the home electrical system. It is also very expensive and rarely used for home charging.

upgrade your wiring or install the product if you system capacity can support it.

It is essential to ensure that the electrical panel and dedicated circuit have the capacity to handle the system. The installation of the charging station is similar to other high power equipment, such as clothes dryer, and should comply with all the electrical codes and requirements.

Each charging station should be on its own dedicated circuit with adequate capacity and protection. However, the it can still be connected to an existing 40 Amp circuit, such as the one for the kitchen, provided that there is a locking mechanism to ensure that only one load is connected at a time.

Charge stations may be hardwired or plug-equipped to connect to the electrical outlet. For the plug type charger, you will need to have an electrician to wire the compatible electrical receptacle according to the codes.

You may add ventilation to improve the cooling of the charge station if it is in a location with poor air circulation.

Charging electric cars at home is the desire of the majority of EV owners. It cuts down on the cost and time to drive and wait at a public charge station. In addition, it does not interfere with the daily activities of the electric car owners since they can charge at night.

Unfortunately, there are several homes without the provision or capacity to support the charging stations. However, the EV owners can consult the car dealers, and then engage qualified electricians in upgrading the existing electrical wiring. This will enable them to conveniently charge at home.

We consider light pretty important over here at Pegasus. For hours, we could talk your ear off about LED innovations and fluorescent installations. Although choosing the right under cabinet light is important, and knowing how to place your recessed cans is essential, there is no light as vital to the human body as a little sunshine.

Like most people, you probably use some form of automation already in different aspects of your life. From checking your email at work to opening the garage door when you arrive home in the evening. This type of automation allows people to remotely access various devices in their homes using a mobile phone or similar device.

Once they’ve made the switch, most homeowners say that it’s improved their lives considerably. In fact, there are several ways that home automation can improve your home – and your lifestyle.

Home automation is incredibly convenient. With the touch of a button on your smartphone, you can access different devices in your home. You can turn on lights, change the temperature, and even water your lawn from any location in the world. You’ll never need to ask a neighbor to check on your house because you can do it yourself, no matter where you are.

A smart thermostat is one of the most popular automated home devices. It’s similar to a programmable thermostat, but you can change the temperature setting remotely. If you decide to come home early from work, for example, you can change the temperature so your home is comfortable by the time you arrive.

Automated homes are also safe because you always have access to your electronics, even when you’re away. If you forget to turn the oven off before you leave for the evening, you can use your mobile device to do the job for you.

Most people see a significant decrease in energy bills when they automate their homes. You aren’t wasting electricity, even if you accidentally leave the lights on. After all, you can easily turn them off from your smartphone.

Because these devices are automated, they’re also energy efficient. You can set the lights and the thermostat so they’re only using power when you’re home.

An automated home also gives you peace of mind. By having remote access to your lights, electronics, HVAC system, sprinkler system, and other devices, you’ll ensure that small problems don’t become larger ones. You can handle minor issues from anywhere in the world, keeping them from becoming major issues.

Contact Bryant Electric Service today and find out more about how you can improve your home with automation.

We have 168 hours in the week, and most of us spend 40 of those hours at our office. If we are spending this much time in one place, we want to make it a comfortable atmosphere for ourselves and others who are visiting. The appearance of your business can be influenced heavily by its lighting. Here are some business lighting solutions to keep in mind to help yourself and your business.

The last thing you want is to be sitting in a dark space day after day. Getting the proper lighting in your office will help lift your energy and make your space more enjoyable. When you look at your office space, can you identify dark spaces or dimly lit areas? If so, you are most likely in need of a lighting redesign. Using pot lights and spot lights can help to brighten up even the darkest corners without adding large fixtures to your space and reducing the height of the room. In rooms where you have no natural light at all, it is especially important that you have substantial lighting. Having only light from your monitor can create stress on your eyes.  Let an expert review your space and get your ceiling connected correctly with the right lighting.

For those businesses that are looking for foot traffic even at the late hours of the day or night, this is a big one to consider. The outside of your building should be well lit for potential customers to see. Not only does it make your business more appealing, but it also adds safety for both your customers and employees. Adding outdoor spot lights and overhead lighting can make all routes to your business visible and safer for everyone.

At this point most of us are tethered to our computers. Without them, little work can be done. So, if a power outage occurs, you could be looking at hours of downtime. Installing a backup generator can help to protect you from the unproductive hours. If a power outage occurs, the backup generator will engage to keep your electronics up and running. Computers, printers, registers, and tills can be continually used. An investment like this can pay for itself over the years.

Making your work a more enjoyable place can start with simple steps, like upgrading your lighting. Have one of our expert electricians visit your business and we can help you not only make it enjoyable for you and your customers, but more productive and safe.