Monday, February 20, 2012

What is INSTEON?

INSTEON is a wireless home control networking technology that is more reliable and flexible than many other home management systems. INSTEON technology relies on its dual-mesh network to send signals both through the air (RF of radio frequency) and over the existing electrical wires (power line) in the home.

With every INSTEON device being a repeater, the signal gets stronger with every INSTEON device you add to the network. Additionally,each INSTEON message contains error detection, so it is very unlikely that a device turns on of off accidentally.

If you have a previous installed X10 home control network, most INSTEON products are backward compatible with X10 devices.

Common applications for INSTEON are: Scene and remote control lighting; Security and alarm; sensors )water, humidity, temperature); Access control; HVAC; Audio-Video; Appliance management; Energy savings.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

What is the difference between a conventional breaker and an AFCI breaker?

Conventional circuit breakers respond only to overloads and short circuit conditions; so they do not protect against arcing conditions that produce erratic current flow. AFCI breakers perform the task of conventional circuit breakers AND monitor and protect against ark faults. In addition the COMBINATION TYPE AFCI protects also against GROUND FAULTS. The National Electric Code requires the installation of the combination type Ark Fault Circuit Interrupters.