Mr Sparky Electrical and solar installer

15/08/2023

Mr sparky electrical web page is only available for customers questions and information. We do not do any electrical work in Thailand. Thank you.

08/04/2023

https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/cables-current-rating-a1-a2-b1-b2-d_1875.html

Amps vs. cable size for fixed installations in buildings.

06/04/2023

Circuit Breakers: A Handy Guide for Homeowners.

The switches on your circuit breaker board have the main function of offering a safe way to turn your electrical power ON and OFF in specific areas of the house so that maintenance or repair work can be carried out safely by qualified electricians. It also serves the important secondary purpose of triggering the circuit breakers that cut the power when an electrical issue such as a short circuit or a ground fault occurs. When these issues occur, they force too much electricity to flow through a single circuit than it is designed to handle. A lightning strike, although unlikely, also has the potential to supply your household wiring with too much voltage which can also trigger a circuit breaker in your home. However, many electrical faults that take place are due to internal factors such as an overloaded circuit or simply a blown lightbulb.

Circuit breaker

If you find yourself in a situation where your home or commercial building appears powerless, or if certain appliances and/or sections of lighting suddenly cut out and leave you in the dark, then it is most likely that the primary safety feature on your circuit breaker board has triggered and has interrupted the flow of electrical current running through your wiring, appliances and electrical feeds. Without the breaker’s built-in defence mechanism working effectively, powerful currents can overheat, cause electrical damage and can even catch fire. Of course, this would not only result in the need to replace the ruined circuitry and home appliances (at high cost), but in a worst-case scenario can also pose a risk to life. Therefore, discovering the cause of a tripped circuit breaker in your home or commercial property is important to minimise risk must but be done in a safe manner.
What Might Have Triggered the Circuit Breakers?

There are typically 3 main causes of why a circuit breaker will trip and cut the power:

Example of an overloaded circuit

An Overloaded Circuit – a circuit overload simply means that the electrical current running through a single circuit in your home or office is too high in voltage for what the circuit was designed to carry. For example; overloading a single plug socket with a number of extension leads and multiple electrical appliances at the same time. The issue is also more likely to occur if the appliances plugged in collectively require a lot of power. If your circuit breaker has kicked in then this is a good sign, it’s doing its job of preventing electrical hazards from causing risk. You can resolve this type of issue by separating your electrical appliances across various plug sockets rather than running multiple appliances on one circuit. This will reduce the level of voltage to a safer and more manageable quantity for your wiring and electrical outputs.

Short circuit

A Short Circuit – short-circuiting comes as a result of incorrect wiring or faulty appliances, switches, plugs, receptacles or cords in your home or office that much like an overloaded circuit, will result in too strong of an electrical current for one single circuit to handle. It takes place due to the active (hot) wire coming into contact with either the neutral wire and/or another hot wire. When this happens, the electrical charge of each wire combines and causes an unsafe level of voltage that exceeds the circuits load capabilities. A sign of short-circuiting occurring is if the circuit breakers kick in continuously in the same area of the property. Also, if you notice a faint burning smell deriving from any electrical output then it is important to get in touch with a certified electrician immediately and definitely not to attempt to do anything about it yourself. In doing so they can then solve your electrical issue safely and can prevent a potentially harmful electrical hazard from taking place.

Ground fault inspection

A Ground Fault – ground faults are similar to short circuits although differ as they occur when the active (hot) wire comes into contact with the walls of the protective metal box or a ground wire. This electrical hazard is particularly dangerous in areas of moisture such as bathrooms, kitchens or external outputs and so it is stated by the National Authority that homes should be fitted with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) and should be used in conjunction with safety switches and outlets. If you discover a ground fault in your home then it is crucially important to have a certified electrician to come and assess this type of issue as it can easily cause electric shocks, electrocution (especially in damp areas), and can even start fires. Ground faults aren’t the easiest electrical fault to find symptoms for, but if you experience things such as; a small electric shock when you touch a metal surface, if your TV/computer screen displays strobing lines, if you hear a humming/buzzing noise from your TV or stereo set, or if your GFCI trips frequently, then these are all signs that you need to call for professional help to resolve the issue properly as soon as possible.

Important Safety Note:

If you suspect that a blown light bulb or an overloaded circuit is the cause of your circuit breaker tripping the power, then you should be able to resolve this issue yourself. However, you should follow the steps listed below to make sure that you do so safely. For a more serious electrical issue such as a short circuit or ground fault then you should not investigate yourself. It is crucial that if you experience any unexplained electrical faults in your property or notice any of the symptoms listed in this article or similar, then you should shut off power to that area of the house using the circuit breaker board/box ONLY and then contact a certified electrician immediately

06/04/2023

Just like I’ve said a thousand times!

PEA only control things up to the meter, from the meter onward you are in charge - especially on your property. Any issues inside your property is down to the electrician/ electrical contractor, these are the installers.

05/04/2023

Maximum demand: understanding the requirements for any new electrical installation

Find out more here - https://professional-electrician.com/technical/understanding-the-requirements-for-any-new-electrical-installation-napit/

NAPIT

05/04/2023

BORROWED NEUTRALS

The danger from a borrowed/shared neutral is the potential for over-current in the neutral and which is not detected by a MCB. For example, if two water heaters on separate MCBs but sharing a neutral return are both operating and drawing say 25 amps each, both of the 32 amp MCB would not complain but that would put 50 amps on the neutral and most likely well over it's rated capacity. If a lighting circuits borrow a neutral, it's not good but also not especially dangerous due to the low current draw. Heaters and outlets that share a neutral can be very dangerous.

Finding a borrowed neutral is really just a matter of knowing how to use an ohmmeter and the tedious process of elimination by checking every wire and connection in every suspect circuit.

05/04/2023

Understanding of becoming a qualified Professional Electrician.

Dealing with electrics can be a tricky job, you have to have a great understanding of practical installation skills, electrical diagrams and health and safety. You need to be able to think quickly to provide solutions for problems. An Electrician doesn’t only run cables from A-B and hey presto alls good, there’s the safety aspect, testing of circuits, cable calculations, the list goes on and on. You also need to have a good understanding of mathematics.

Math, physics, and algebra are critical to everything an electrician does, whether taking measurements or calculating voltages and power. Anyone looking to become an electrician needs a background in basic mathematics. That forms the core math used in routine measurements and calculations at work. Let’s look at a few below!

TRIGONOMETRY & GEOMETRY
Electricians use trigonometry and basic geometry principles during installations, repair, and maintenance. Trigonometry is a math branch dealing with the sides and angles of triangles. Electricians can apply tangent functions to determine the ideal angles to bend conduit sections along the proper wiring route.

Trigonometry has various other operations taught during electrician training.
Students can figure out the different equations and functions and apply them comfortably when wiring a building in real-life situations. Simple geometry concepts like Pythagorean Theorem are also vital in helping electricians grasp the basics of AC power. Most training programs feature trigonometry focusing on functions and aspects used in an electrician’s day-to-day work.

ALGEBRA & CALCULUS
Algebra allows electricians to work comfortably with unknown variables when calculating the known. There are many situations when electricians and electrical engineers call on their algebraic skills to solve complex problems. Introductory algebra learned in high school is the starting point. Electricians have more robust equations and variables to factor, featuring Boolean algebra and numbers with real and imaginary roots.

Calculus is another essential math used in electrical careers. It’s the math of change and part of many electrician calculations. Calculus can determine the number of amps and bulbs needed for the project. It’s also essential in calculating power and voltages.

OHM’S LAW
It’s normal to encounter OHM’s Law during physics classes, but physics involves lots of math, and the two often overlap. Anyone looking to become an electrician should master OHM’s Law as it is an equation synonymous with electrical circuits. The basic equation (E = I x R) or (voltage = current x resistance) expresses why OHM’s Law is vital in studying electrical circuits and calculating current, resistance, and voltage.

Electricians need accurate numbers when figuring out the current, voltage, and resistance requirements and limitations. Mastering OHM’s Law makes it easier to determine power loss, voltage drops, the current passing through a circuit, conductor resistance, and more. The law allows electricians to apply logical thinking, practical math, and problem-solving skills during wiring, installation, and repairs.

You need thorough understanding of different kinds of math to become an electrician. Logarithms, calculus, statistics, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry are essential for advanced electrical calculations. This career also requires various other skills, including problem-solving, time management, working with others, communication skills, until you have all these you are NOT A PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN.

03/04/2023

So, the first question you should always ask before undertaking any electrical job is, is it safe?

29/03/2023

You power your home with energy, but do you know electrical safety? Electrical fires occur every year, and with many cases involving electrocution or electricity-related incidents that could have been avoided, home electrical safety is too important to ignore. At Mr Sparky Electrical , we care about the safety of our customers, and by following these electrical safety tips you can protect your home and your family.

Electricity safety tips
What causes electrical fires in homes?
Faulty or damaged wiring and related electrical equipment cause 69 percent of electrical fires, followed by lamps, light fixtures, cords, plugs, transformers and other power supplies. When looking for potential fire hazards in your home, always be sure to consult with a professional.


Below are 10 household electricity safety precautions every homeowner should know and follow. Always remember to ask a professional if you’re uncertain about the safety of an electrical outlet or appliance.



1. Check that you’re using the correct wattage in all your fixtures and appliances.
Using the right bulbs can prevent electrical problems, so check all lamps, fixtures and appliances to ensure you’re using the correct wattage. If a light fixture has no wattage listed, use 60-watt bulbs or less. For unmarked ceiling fixtures, choose 25-watt bulbs.

Pro tip: LED bulbs consume less power and reduce the risk of fixtures overheating. Learn more about LED light benefits.


2. Watch out for overloaded outlets to protect your home.
Overloading an electrical outlet is a common cause of electrical problems. Check all outlets to ensure they are cool to the touch, have protective faceplates and are in proper working order.

Do not use extension cords or multi-outlet converters for appliances.
Only plug one heat-producing appliance into an outlet at a time.
Hot outlets should be checked by qualified electricians.
Remember that power strips only add outlets—they do not change the amount of power the outlet receives.
Smart plugs can be used to monitor outlet power loads and even shut off appliances should an outlet begin to overheat.

3. Replace or repair damaged electrical cords to keep your home safe.
Damaged power cords are a serious residential electrical safety risk, and they are capable of causing both fires and electrocution. All power and extension cords should be checked regularly for signs of fraying and cracking, and they should then be repaired or replaced as needed. Power cords should not be stapled into place or run under rugs and furniture. Cords under rugs pose a tripping hazard and can overheat, while furniture can crush cord insulation and damage wires.

The use of extension cords on a regular basis may mean that you don’t have enough outlets to fit your needs. Have a qualified electrician who understands electrical safety rules install additional outlets in rooms where you often use extension cords. When purchasing a power cord, consider the electrical load it will carry.

4. Keep your used and unused cords tidy and secure to prevent damage.
Electrical safety rules don’t just apply to power cords when they’re in use—cords also need to be stored safely to prevent damage. Keep stored cords away from children and pets (who may chew on or play with the cords). Try to avoid wrapping cords tightly around objects; this can stretch the cord or cause overheating. Never rest a cord on a hot surface in order to prevent damage to the cord’s insulation and wires.


5. Unplug all your unused appliances to reduce potential risks.
One of the simplest electrical safety tips is also one of the easiest to forget: when an appliance is not in use, unplug it. Not only does this save you power by reducing any phantom drain (the amount of energy the device consumes even when not actively in use), but unplugging unused appliances also protects them from overheating or power surges.

It’s often difficult to remember to unplug unused appliances, but the new generation of smart plugs offers a solution, allowing you to set power schedules for each outlet.


6. Keep electrical devices and outlets away from water to prevent shock.
Water and electricity don’t mix well. To follow electrical safety rules, keep electrical equipment dry and away from water prevents damage to appliances and can protect against personal injury and electrocution. When working with electrical appliances, it’s important to have dry hands. Keeping electrical equipment away from plant pots, aquariums, sinks, showers and bathtubs lowers the risk of water and electricity coming into contact.


7. Give your appliances proper space for air circulation to avoid overheating.
Without proper air circulation, electrical equipment can overheat and short out, and can become an electrical fire hazard. Make sure your appliances have proper air circulation, and avoid running electrical equipment in enclosed cabinets. For best electrical safety, it’s also important to store flammable objects well away from all appliances and electronics. Pay especially close attention to your gas or electric dryer, as these need to be situated at least a foot from the wall to function safely.


8. Ensure that all your exhaust fans are clean to prevent fire hazards.
Some appliances have exhaust fans, which can get dirty or clogged with debris and make the appliance work harder. This can shorten the life of the appliance and can cause a risk to the home due to overheating, or even cause a buildup of dangerous gases that can lead to an electrical fire hazard. Cleaning exhaust fans regularly helps prevent such hazards.


9. Always follow appliance instructions for improved electrical safety.
“Read the instructions” should top the list of electrical safety tips at home. Understanding how to safely operate appliances improves both the performance of your device and your personal safety. Should any appliance give you even a slight electrical shock, stop using it until a qualified electrician checks it for problems.


10. Be aware of heaters and water heaters to prevent potential accidents.
Combustible items should be kept away from portable heaters. Portable heaters should not be operated close to drapes, and to prevent tipping, they should only ever be placed on a stable surface.

Contact us today for your home electrical safety check.

27/07/2022

The cost of electricity is likely to rise to an all-time high rate of 4.72 baht per unit in the last four months of this year.

03/07/2022

New 12 way consumer unit with surge protection all ready for customer installation tomorrow

20/06/2022

Electricity prices going up from 4 to 5 baht per unit. Now is a good time to invest in solar. Pm today for more information