Electric trains are popular toys and models that run on electric current. The H0 gauge is the most standard size, with more models available, while the 0 scale is recommended for children. Larger scales are used for displays. Clubs and societies exist worldwide for enthusiasts to share tips and work together. An electric train generally […]
Electric hoists are smaller, more environmentally friendly, and quieter than traditional cranes. The jib crane is mounted to a wall or floor, while the overhead crane moves along metal beams. Both are used for precise lifting in factories, warehouses, and construction sites. Cranes have been a useful construction and manufacturing tool for centuries. This simple […]
An electric trailer winch is used to pull objects onto a trailer, such as vehicles or boats. It consists of an electric motor powering a steel drum or reel, with a cable or rope attached to a hook. It is not intended to be used as a primary tie down, and other methods should be […]
Electric winches are used to pull vehicles, boats, and equipment from problem areas. They come in different sizes and can handle loads from 500 pounds to two tons. They have a standard cable length of 100 feet and come with an automatic brake and handheld remote control. The world’s largest electric winch is mounted on […]
Electrical steel, also known as transformer steel, is an alloy of iron and silicon used to build transformer cores, stators of generators and motors. It retains heat and prevents magnetic eddy currents. Grain-oriented silicon steel produces a stable magnetic field, while non-oriented silicon steel is used in motors or generators. Grades of electrical steel are […]
Electric generators use electromagnetic induction to convert mechanical energy into electricity. They were first invented by Anyos Jedlik in Hungary in the 1820s and became suitable for industrial use after Nikola Tesla’s work in the 1880s. Today, generators come in all sizes and are used to power everything from bicycle lights to hydroelectric dams. The […]
The electrical connection is a safety measure that connects metal components in a building to prevent electric shock. Grounding systems are required in most countries for homes, commercial buildings, and industrial complexes. The grounding system provides a path for high voltage to flow into the ground and protects against short circuits. Without proper grounding, metal […]
Electricity demand fluctuates throughout the day due to various factors, and managing it is crucial for utilities. The outdated infrastructure of power grids is a potential threat to economic welfare. Electricity storage is inefficient, making it difficult to store energy during sudden demand. Utilities can match supply and demand by turning generators on and off […]
Electrical properties vary between solids, liquids, and gases. Solids like metals are good conductors, while insulators like glass and plastics protect from electrical charges. Saltwater is a good conductor, while potable and distilled water are insulators. Gases like oxygen and nitrogen are non-conductive, but can become conductive under certain conditions. Electrical properties are the physical […]
Electric current is the flow of electrons through conductors, measured in amperes. It can be useful but also dangerous, as it can cause injury or fire. Voltage measures the energy carried by electric charge and is measured in volts. Lightning rods can protect buildings from lightning damage. Electric current is the name of the flow […]
Electronic instrument clusters, originally designed for spacecraft, are now found in many vehicles. They allow drivers to monitor engine function and vehicle speed without taking their eyes off the road, but can be costly to repair. An electronic instrument cluster uses digital gauges and is found on a vehicle’s dashboard. A standard instrument cluster is […]
An electric motor dynamometer measures power, torque, and rotational speed of a main motor, using adjustable speed drives. It can replace the load side during testing on the prime mover, and torque is a key concept in its measurement. RPM and torque are measured in newton-meters. An electric motor dynamometer is a specialized dynamometer that […]
Electric cookers use electric heating elements to cook food and come in various models, including ranges, slow cookers, electric grills, and toaster ovens. They offer ease of installation, simple cleaning, and low operating costs, but can have issues with creating constant heat and slow cool-down time. An electric cooker can be any device that primarily […]
An electrical ground is a reference point in a circuit that diverts excess electricity away from equipment and into the ground to prevent damage or danger. It is essential for safety and is built into most electrical devices, including plugs and outlets. An electrical ground is a reference point built into an electrical circuit, used […]
The terms electronic and electrical are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference. Electricity refers to the general concept of electricity, while electronic describes devices powered by electricity. The gray area comes when a device is both the medium for receiving electricity and the origin of the completed function. There are also cultural […]
An electrical circuit is a closed loop that uses electricity to power devices. There are three types of circuits: series, parallel, and series-parallel. Ohm’s law and source voltage affect the efficiency of circuits. An electrical circuit is a device that uses electricity to perform a task, such as running a vacuum cleaner or powering a […]
An electric winch uses an electric motor to wind a steel cable or flat nylon strap to pull an object towards the winch. It typically uses a 12-volt battery, and a crank can be used in case of a dead battery. It should not be used as a primary tie-down device. An electric winch is […]
An electrical room houses a building’s electrical equipment and is usually located in an industrial or residential building. The size of the room depends on the size of the building and it must meet safety codes. The room contains circuit breaker or fuse boxes controlled by switches and should be well-lit. Breaker boxes have different […]
Electrical inspections ensure that wiring and systems meet safety standards. There are three types of inspections: rough, service, and final. Inspections are required for new buildings, additions, and after prolonged power outages. Local governments typically conduct inspections, but private inspectors can be hired. Licensed electricians must perform the work in most cases. An electrical inspection […]
Electrical outlets are openings connected to a power source for powering devices. Different countries have different standards and voltages, making some sockets incompatible. International adapters can help, but voltage converters may also be necessary to prevent equipment damage. An electrical outlet is an opening or series of openings connected to a wired power source intended […]
